Ultra Light Backpacking Gear Provides A Better Backpacking Trip

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:00:06 +0000

One of the biggest hassles associated with backpacking is having gear which is too heavy. Heavy gear might slow you down and even cause difficulties with your back or joints. One of the best methods to battle heavy gear and carry ultra light backpacking gear is to group items that have a multiple use. By making use of backpacking essentials that may be employed for a few several items you not just reduce the amount of things you need to pack, but you are furthermore lightening your weight which could make your backpacking trip less difficult and more enjoyable.

Parachute Cord

You might not be parachuting on your backpacking trip however this beneficial bit of gear is simple to carry along plus provides a few several uses. It may be employed being a clothesline or even to be able to tie the food bag whenever camping out overnight. To pack it you freely wind up and then connect it on the exterior of the back pack.

Candles

You might have brought them along simply for a little extra illumination, however candles do more than offer light source. A candle may be employed to help start a stubborn fire and works being a good waterproofing agent.

Duct Tape

This product is usually recognized around the house as the supreme ‘do-it-all’ tool. Duct tape is resilient and strong. It may be utilized to insulate, being a cover for a bandage as well as mending tents, backpacks and nearly anything else. Duct tape should constantly be a part of the backpacking supplies.

Safety Pins

Another light and simple to pack piece of gear. Safety pins are helpful to secure bandages, behave as clothespins or hooks to hang items on and as a stand in fish hook.

Plastic Place-mats

This item can also be lightweight and simple to pack. Most machines has a lot more than one use. You might discover that you are able to cut your supplies down by several pieces by simply making use of multifunctional ultra light backpacking gear.

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Lightweight Hiking to Better Enjoy Nature

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:46:56 +0000

Hiking with a light backpack is steadily increasing in popularity over the years. They put less stress on your body and results in a more comfortable and enjoyable hike. With lighter modern gear, it's so much easier to do than before.

1. Look at your current gear
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. This will help you get the big picture of how much gear selection impact the weight of your backpack.

2. Take no more than what you need
Luxuries are allowed but don't carry unnecessary stuff that you will never use which are not related to safety. Books, sleeping pads, fishing poles, binoculars and folding camping chairs are some of the popular luxury items backpackers frequently carry. Always be on a lookout for lighter alternatives and decide if you can really go without these luxuries.

3. Plan you gear according to the weather
A zero degree sleeping bag won't be suitable in the summer. Your other backpacking should be right for the season as well.

4. Select the lightest equipment
If you can afford it, replace heavier gear with lighter ones. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your backpacking pack, sleeping bag 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 backpacking equipment should be treated as a system of components that can work together. 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. One common approach is to use a poncho as both raingear and shelter.

6. Use down.
Down is still the best insulation for sleeping bags and clothing because they're warmer and lighter than the best synthetics. However, carrying down assumes that you possess the necessary skills and attentiveness to care for it in inclement weather - down provides precious little insulating value if it gets very wet. You can save as much as 2.5 pounds if you use down sleeping bags instead of synthetics.

7. Use a windbreaker
Wind shirts from GoLite, Montane, Marmot, and Ibex now 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. A windbreaker increases the comfort range of your clothing system.

8. Sharing your camping gear
If you're hiking with a friend, there are a lot of things you can share, for example, your camp stove and tent can be carried by one person. Be creative and find other things you can share within your group.

9. Develop your outdoor skills
Reducing the amount of camping gear becomes easy when you an expert in backcountry hiking and camping. Acquiring outdoor skills can help you to comfortably reduce the weight of your safety kit, food, clothing and other gear. Attending backpacking clinics, survival programs and first aid courses helps.

10. Travel Size
Use smaller packaging whenever possible. Get an insect repellent in smaller bottles, use travel-sized soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Bring the amount you need and not much more.

Gradually Reducing Your Pack Weight

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. Once you have your pack weight down, you'll be enjoying your hike a lot better.