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.