|
|
10 Ways to Reduce Your Pack Weight
Lightweight hiking is one of the biggest backpacking trend in recent years. Less weight doesn't mean that you leave essential equipment behind and that you have to sacrifice comfort. Even with less equipment or lighter equipment you can be in much greater comfort than the average backpacker. It's so much easier to do now than it used to because of lighter and multifunctional backpacking equipment.
1. What backpacking equipment do you currently have?
Write down what you have and the corresponding weight. You need to weigh your gear to find the actual weight. You may find that the actual weight is not the same as what the manufacturer states. Knowing the weight of each item will help you see the impact of gear selection on your overall pack weight.
2. The minimalist approach
If you think something is necessary then take it with you but you don't have to take everything with you every time. Among the popular luxury items carried by backpackers are binoculars, camping mats, camp chairs, cameras and books. Carefully select a few key items for a particular trip. Some luxuries never get used at all because they're not applicable or you just don't have the time.
3. Base your gear on the season and weather
A zero degree sleeping bag won't be suitable in the summer. Carefully choose clothing, shelter, and sleeping bag that are appropriate for the season.
4. Use lightweight alternatives
If you can find lighter alternatives, replace your heavier gear. The first place to look is in the "big three" - sleeping bag, pack, and shelter. When choosing an ultralight backpack, make sure it can handle the whole weight of your gear.
5. Look for items that have multiple uses.
Your gear should be compatible to each other. One of the key skills in reducing your pack weight is to recognize the functional relationship between your gear or to select gear that has multiple functionalities. You can, for example, use a poncho as a shelter as well as raingear.
6. Select lightweight insulation.
For the same amount of warmth, down is far lighter than the best synthetics. You need to be careful with down though because if it gets wet, it provides you with zero insulation. Using down sleeping bags can save you up to 2.5 pounds compared to synthetic alternatives.
7. Wear a windbreaker
Windbreakers from brands like Marmot and GoLite today weigh less than 3 ounces. The three layer system has been shown to be effective in cold weather and a windbreaker makes a good outer layer because they are lightweight and you can apply a good amount of layering underneath. This bottom line is that a windbreaker extends the comfort range of your clothing system.
8. Sharing your camping gear
Hiking with a friend allows you to share some gear like a tent or cooking gear for example. There are also other things you can share in a group that can keep the groups overall pack weight down.
9. Improve your outdoor skills
If you have good outdoor skills you can get by easily with minimal camping gear. Acquiring outdoor skills can help you to comfortably reduce the weight of your safety kit, food, clothing and other gear. Attending backpacking clinics, wilderness medicine courses, wilderness survival programs, and of course, actually getting out there and logging some trail miles provides the best foundation for reducing your pack weight.
10. Minimize packaging and use travel-sized versions
Travel-sized versions of soap, toothpaste, etc are light than standard versions. Whenever possible transfer any camping supply into smaller packages to save both weight and space.
Reduce Your Pack Weight Gradually
Don't cut down to the bare minimum in one go but gradually reduce your pack weight over a number of hikes. Find out on a hiking trip which gear you can live without. Going light is more of a process than a one-time task.
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 33 | |
|
| More Articles from Outdoors | | |
| Top Articles in Outdoors | | |
|
