Light Backpacking
“Pack light” has always been a mantra for travelers, but while complimentary shampoo in a hotel is a globetrotter’s best friend, it’s a totally different story for outdoor adventurers.
In the wilderness where there are no convenient stores and buffet breakfast, it is imperative to have everything you need in your backpack. The challenge is putting them all in your pack and carrying it for long hours. How will you do that? Here are a few helpful tips to get all the right things in and maintain the light pack weight:
- Pack only what you need. Though it is tempting to bring along camping chairs, self-inflating pads, and books, they could just be added, unnecessary weight. If you’re not exactly going to use your PDA, then why bring it along?
- Look for dual purpose or multi-purpose gear. Have an eye for equipment and other tools that could have more than one use in order to save space and weight on your pack. A poncho-tarp, for example, could double as a tent and rain gear.
- Always choose the lighter equipment. Start with your three most important things to bring - the Sleeping Bag, the Hiking Tent, and the Hiking Backpack, then with the rest of your things. Several ounces off each item you bring could amount to a kilo off your back.
When buying equipment, what’s heavy on the pocket could mean light on the back. Lightweight pieces of gear which are available in the market are a bit costly but can really help in keeping your pack light.
- Go for down fill insulation. For big things like your jacket and Sleeping Bag, choose those with down fill insulation instead of their synthetic alternatives as the former are lighter by one and half to two and a half pounds.
- Bring group equipment. Friends do come in handy when packing light for a Hiking trip. Think of all the pieces of equipment that you can share in twos or threes like Hiking Tents to have your friend literally share the load. It also works to bring communal equipment that can be used by the entire group like cooking essentials, ground sheets, camera, and maps.
Lastly, learn from the best teacher. Charge to experience all the extra pack weight you had in the past. Learn from one Hiking trip what you should bring along and what you can do without in the next. With your own innovative solutions, you can hack some weight off your Hiking Backpack.
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