When it comes to backpacking, how light you want your pack to be can depend on how long you plan to stay out, the terrain, and how much gear you need. You’ll find that there are many different opinions about how light is best.
Some people say 20 pounds is the perfect weight for a 3-day trip, while others recommend 30 pounds or more for longer trips. However, one thing that every backpacker agrees with is that lighter packs are better than heavier ones. This article aims to provide some guidelines on how to go about doing just that!
Overpacking: The first and most obvious way to lighten your load is by not overpacking. You should always be able to go without something you don’t need, such as a heavy fleece jacket on the Appalachian Trail in summer or extra shoes.
Clothes Hangers: A lot of times, people neglect how much their clothes weigh. It is crucial to think about how much you’re wearing and how heavy it is because having multiple layers in the summer heat can add up!
Water: The weight of the water alone can be enough to make or break your trip. A good rule of thumb for how many liters you need per day (in hot weather) is to take your body weight in pounds, divide by two, and drink that many liters of water.
Food: One pound of food per day will give you enough energy for a short trip or long journey. It’s best to go with freeze-dried meals because they are the lightest option available.
Tools, Games, and Everything Else
Hiking Shoes: The weight of your shoes can make a huge difference in how far you’ll get and how packed out the trails will be. Some people like to wear running or cross country shoes when backpacking. Still, hiking boots are usually better because they provide more ankle support and cushioning (they also keep rocks from getting inside).
Solar Charger: A solar charger can be a great way to give your phone and other devices juice without the heavyweight of batteries.
Hiking Poles: Some people swear by poles while others don’t think they do much except add more weight. However, it is crucial to consider how much energy you’ll save by taking advantage of the three points of contact they provide.
First Aid Kit: It is essential to bring a first aid kit on any backpacking trip, but how much weight it saves depends on how you pack it. Instead of loading each item individually in its container, try putting all your supplies together into one bag for an easier time finding what you need when the time comes.
The Right Pack: Picking out how much your backpack weighs can be difficult, but it is essential to pay attention to how heavy yours is before taking off on a trip! If possible, try borrowing one from someone who has already gone backpacking so that you know how light your pack should be.
Headlamp: A headlamp or flashlight is a great tool to bring on backpacking trips because it gives you the freedom of hands without sacrificing any light at all!
Toothpaste and Soap: Dropping these two things from your bag can save up to three pounds, so think about how often you’ll use them.
Toilet Paper: This lightweight item can save you up to three pounds, but how much weight it saves depends on how often you’ll want or need to use it throughout your trip.
How to Lighten Your Load
– To lighten your load, it is essential to think about how much you need when packing for a trip. The more necessities that are left at home, the better off you’ll be!
– It’s also vital to consider how heavy each item in your pack is. This way, you’ll know how much weight you’re adding to your pack so that you can decide how important each thing is!
– Finally, try not to bring anything extra along with you. The more items in your bag, the heavier it will be. That means that everything should have a purpose and provide some benefit when you’re packing for your trip.
Tips
1. Cut out the unnecessary – remove anything that you don’t need
2. Use a backpack that has a waist belt to distribute weight more evenly
3. Pack lighter clothes and fewer shoes, so you have room for other items
4. Try packing your bag in reverse order of what you are going to wear
5. Put things like toiletries, snacks, and water on the bottom instead of at the top where they will be harder to reach
6. Avoid bringing any valuables with you if possible – leave them home or put them in your locker at school/work
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