How to Cut Backpack Weight
Adventure awaits you as you prepare for that special trip. You’ve invited all your favorite backpacking buddies, you’ve purchased all the food, all that’s left is to pack up and go.
The only problem is you have to carry everything on your back; first aid gear, food and cooking utensils, clothing, tents, etc… Not only do you have to carry it, but how are you going to fit it all into your backpack?
The recommended weight for a beginner’s backpack is 25% of their bodyweight and for some people that’s even pushing it. So how can we lighten your load?
Let’s look at the 6 fundamentals to cutting pack weight:
Fundamental #1 – Heaviest things first. Get rid of your tent and use a tarp. You can save 8 pounds right off the bat by using a 1 pound trap. Use dehydrated food. Food is one of the heaviest items you’ll carry and with new technology the flavors are getting better all the time, so do some taste testing and find out what you like.
Fundamental #2 – Multi-use Items. The practice of using one piece of equipment for more than one purpose will allow you to leave gear behind. Your imagination is the only limit, you can use your stuff sack for a pillow, your T-shirt for a toothbrush, and duct tape makes a great bandage. Really there’s just about no limit to how many ways you can use duct tape (but that’s a whole other article).
Fundamental #3 – Buy lightweight gear. With new technology you can find lighter versions of just about anything.
Fundamental #4 – Buy a smaller backpack. If you don’t have the room you won’t pack it. Have you ever move into a smaller house before, it’s amazing how much you can get rid of. The same principle applies here.
Fundamental #5 – Just don’t bring it. If you don’t pack it you cut the weight for that item by 100%.
Fundamental #6 – Asses gear. Keep lists every time you pack and asses what you used and didn’t use at the end of every trip. Obviously, if you didn’t use the first aid kit, you’ll still need to bring it, but other items might not be needed. In time, you will see patterns and ways to cut weight, just be patient.
That reminds me of a backpacking buddy I had that would bring every thing and the kitchen sink. He was a nice guy and would always share if someone didn’t have something, so I started not bringing things and just borrowed his.
He always had an extra spoon, etc It almost got to the point where I thought of just putting a pillow in my pack and then borrowing the rest of his stuff, but by then he had caught on and decide to start going lightweight (all good things must come to an end).
Hopefully these tips can help take the burden off your back.
Filed Under Travel | Leave a Comment
Tagged With backpacking, backpacking tips, camping, hiking, lightweight backpacking, outdoor, recreation, sports, Travel
Comments
Leave a Reply