You might be surprised how much, and how fast you can pack in the weight in your backpack. There are 3 “big ticket” essentials as I call them, that are not only important, but how much they weigh. Keep in mind, though, it is a process. A long-term commitment and challenge. You will, undoubtedly, think of something new practically every trip. Here is a compilation of Backpack Weight Reducing Tips.
3 lb Pack, 2 lb Sleeping Bag, 3 lb tent: These are my “big ticket” items. These 3 very important pack items are going to be half your weight. Choose wisely. Your gonna carry it. Seek out a good 3 lb pack that is relatively comfortable with 35 to 40 pounds in it. Since, most of the time, you will be carrying less than that, the suspension of that 3 lb pack should be adequate for you. Get a good 2 lb, 20 degree, goose-down (or comparable synthetic) sleeping bag and a good 3 lb 3 or 4-season tent. Let’s see, 7 lbs minus 3 lbs (pack), 3.5 lbs minus 2 lbs (bag), 5 lbs minus 3 lbs (tent)–that’s a weight reduction of 7.5 pounds. SEVEN AND A HALF POUNDS !!!
Seek out TITANIUM products:Pots, stoves, backpack stays, tent pegs, anything metal, if made of titanium, will be significantly lighter than any other metal. It ALL counts
Water Is Heavy: (1) If you know the area you’re in and can be sure there are watering holes up ahead, pack only enough to get to the next water hole. Also, (2) if you drink as much as your innards can hold before you hit the trail and at each water fill-up, thereafter, you won’t need to carry as much, after you get going. This is a crucial step before any hike anyway. On my last hike, I drank 2 liters of water early in the morning. Saved alot of water weight later. However, there are some places where there is NO WATER available. Make sure you plan accordingly.
About Stuff Sacks:I carry much of my gear in color-coded stuff sacs and zip-loc freezer baggies. Where I use stuff sacs, I adhere to the following. Use the right size sack–wasted space means unnecessary weight. Compresson, compression, compression.
Mete-Out Appropriate Portions:Sunscreen, bug-juice, toothpowder/paste, condiments, prescription medicine, antacid, vitamin I (ibuprofen), toilet paper, and anything else for which you can measure usage according to time (weeks, days, hours). Mete out portions of these items that will be appropriate for the time you’ll be in the backcountry. In other words, know the environment your in? Are you in the woods where there are tons of Mosquitos? or in alpine country where blistex might be better.
WANT VS NEEDS:This is the decision I make every trip. What do I want to carry and suffer with, or what can I leave home. All the little stuff they sell at your local camp store, like little battery operated fans to keep you cool, and the solar shower, is going to be left at home. About the only extras I carry are emergency blanket, compass, whistle, and special needs, like asprin.
Just remember this article when your hiking up hill for a few hours. See you on the trail
I’d recommend seeking out a 1 lb. pack, 1.5 lb. sleeping bag and .5 lb. tarp.
[...] Essential Tips for Reducing Weight [...]
[...] can also read; Essential Tips for Reducing Weight Avoid Mistakes in the [...]