Articles Tagged with: backpacking

History Ultralight backpacking was popularized by rock climber Ray Jardine, whose 1992 book PCT Hiker’s Handbook, later retitled as Beyond Backpacking in 1999, laid the foundations for many techniques that ultralight backpackers use today.

Jardine claimed his first Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike was with a base pack weight of 25 pounds (11 kg), and by his third PCT thru-hike it was below 9 pounds (4.1 kg). Yet the concept of ultralight camping gear is certainly not new. The outdoors writer Horace Kephart, in his 1917 book Camping and Woodcraft, listed in detail several camping kits manufactured in England that weighed 67 pounds (2.73.2 kg), and included silk tent, rubber sleeping mat, down sleeping bag or quilt, alcohol stove and cooking equipment: it was Kephart’s view that these kits were insufficiently durable. His own base pack weight for light trips was 18 pounds (8.2 kg), including the 2.75 pounds (1.25 kg) of his preferred Duluth-style backpack.[citation needed] Another early pioneer was Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1955 with only a duffel bag containing an army blanket, a plastic sheet, and other very simple gear much lighter than the heavy equipment common among thru-hikers in those days.

Philosophy By carrying lighter and more multi-purpose equipment, ultralight backpackers are frequently able to cover longer distances per day with less wear and tear on the body. This is particularly useful when thru-hiking a long-distance trail. The first way to reduce weight is by leaving items that are unnecessary at home. This often includes camping luxuries such as camp chairs, coffee makers, electronic gadgets, multiple items of clothing, etc. This is the initial step taken by any backpacker seeking less weight on their back. The next method is reducing item weight. Modifying items to reduce superfluous weight, such as removing the handle from a toothbrush or cutting tags off of clothing is one example of reducing an item’s weight. Replacing heavy items all together is another means by which to reduce an item’s weight. Replacing items manufactured using heavy materials with items made from lighter ones will help as well. For instance, Ripstop nylon can make a much lighter pack than canvas material. The fabrics Silnylon, spinnaker sailcloths and spectra-woven Cuben Fiber (UHMWPE) are regularly used in ultralight applications for their low ratio of weight to surface area . Exchanging fully-featured items for minimalist (and therefore lighter) items will save weight as well. For instance an inflatable sleeping pad is more feature-rich and weighs more than a closed-cell foam pad, yet both serve the same intrinsic purpose. There are many options, so reducing item weight has innumerable choices. Field-expedient poncho shelter. The final method is to utilize multi-purpose gear – one piece of gear which serves the purpose of two, thereby theoretically cutting the weight of the item in half. For example, a lightweight rain poncho which is modified with tie-outs (or tied out with sheet bends) also serves as a tarp shelter. According to Jordan: “The poncho-tarp is probably the lightest possible combination of shelter and raingear…” Another example is an insulated sweater or jacket used in conjunction with a lightweight sleeping bag which boosts the efficiency of the lightweight sleeping bag as well as remaining a useful clothing item. By using an insulated sweater in conjunction with a lightweight sleeping bag a warmer rated sleeping bag may be made appropriate for the current weather. Warmer weather sleeping bags tend to be lighter and more compressible than colder weather sleeping bags. Base Pack The “Three Heavies” or “Big Three” The rain shelter, sleeping system, and backpack are considered to be the three major items carried by backpackers. Consequently, reducing the weight of these will reduce overall pack weight. Using the methods described above the weight of the big three will be reduced.

A bivouac (using a bivy sack) in winter at Benediktenwand, Germany The most common rain shelter in use is the tent, but these are relatively heavy due to a number of reasons. They are often designed from two layers of fabric (to address the internal condensation problem), often require the use of metal poles, stakes, and sometimes include a separate ground cloth to protect the tent bottom. Replacing a double-wall tent with a simple tarp and bivy combination will reduce not only weight but also volume carried in a backpack. Other methods to reduce shelter weight include single layer tarp tent hybrids, hammocks, poncho-tarps, or the use of a bivy sack (Alpine style) as the sole-shelter. Reduction in weight of the second of the big three, the sleeping system, is achieved through reduction of the quantity of fabric used in its manufacture or through use of lighterweight materials in its construction. The use of down as an insulation material which is lighter by volume than currently available synthetic fibers will decrease bag weight but alternately suffer from its susceptibility to loft loss caused by moisture. Reducing the overall weight of a sleeping bag by eliminating superfluous material will reduce its weight. An example of this is the use of a sleeping quilt or top bag. A sleeping quilt is a bottom-less insulated blanket which has no insulation on its bottom side, relying on the user’s sleeping pad to guard against conductive heat loss into the ground. A top bag is more like a conventional sleeping bag in that it wraps around the user’s entire body but the bottom fabric contains no insulation. The philosophy behind these two alternatives is that insulation crushed under a person’s weight is devoid of air and therefore useless. Some modern down sleeping bags are through-baffled and under-filled such that the user can shift all the insulation to the top of their body thereby maximizing its potential to retain heat.

Ultralight hikers also tend to carry bags rated for warmer temperatures than traditional-weight backpackers – making up the difference on cold nights by wearing insulated clothing to bed such as a balaclava) or insulated jacket. Proper camping site selection that avoids colder hollows (low points where cold air tends to collect) or that makes use of natural wind barriers such as thick vegetation or cliffs makes up the difference in heat lost by lighter gear. With a lighter shelter and sleeping system, the backpack can consist of lighter material and a less bulky frame or no frame at all. The common ultralight alternative to an internal frame pack is a frameless pack made of ripstop nylon, silnylon, or Dyneema, with a carrying limit of 25 pounds (11 kg). An internal-frame pack can weigh upwards of 6 pounds (2.7 kg) with features such as hip belt stabilizers, lifter straps, sternum straps, and compression straps; ultralight frameless packs are commercially available in weights ranging from eight to fourteen ounces (200-400 g) and can consist of not much more than a sack with shoulder straps, a return to the simplicity of the rucksack. Jardine’s book includes directions to make your own “ultralight pack”. Grandma Gatewood used a lightweight duffel bag slung across her shoulder and stated that “Most people are pantywaists”. Some backpackers make their own gear. Possible advantages include individually customizing the items, as well as potential cost savings. An added advantage is that if a homemade item were to break down, the hiker would be in a better position to repair it. Materials used to make commercially available gear are normally not as lightweight as they could be; one reason is in order to minimize returns of damaged gear. Homemade lightweight gear can last as long as needed if cared for properly. Referenced examples Jardine: Backpack: homemade “ultralight pack” (13.5 ounces (380 g)) Sleeping system: homemade polarguard 2-inch (5.1 cm) thick quilt (33 ounces (940 g)); stowbag (1.75 ounces (50 g)); trimmed 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) thick, 36-inch (91 cm) long, closed cell polyethylene pad (4.8 ounces (140 g)); space blanket ground sheet (1.25 ounces (35 g)) Rain shelter: homemade 9-foot (2.7 m) by 7-foot (2.1 m) silnylon tarp (12 ounces (340 g)); 8 aluminum tent stakes and stowbag (2.6 ounces (74 g)); guyline cord (0.5 ounces (14 g)) Total: 69.4 ounces (1.97 kg; 4.34 lb) Jordan: Backpack: commercial “ultralight pack” (3.7 ounces (100 g)) Sleeping system: commercial 2.25-inch (5.7 cm) loft down sleeping bag (15.2 ounces (430 g)); spinnaker cloth stuff sack (.5 ounces (14 g)); torso sized, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) thick, sleeping pad (1.9 ounces (54 g)); Rain shelter: commercial poncho-tarp made of spinnaker cloth 5-foot (1.5 m) by 8-foot (2.4 m) (6.3 ounces (180 g)); silnylon bivy sack (6.2 ounces (180 g)); 6 titanium tent stakes (1.3 ounces (37 g)); 24 feet (7.3 m) UHMWP guyline (0.2 ounces (5.7 g)) Total: 35.3 ounces (1.00 kg; 2.21 lb) Other Gear The remaining gear (see ten essentials and survival kit for some of the other items) carried by an ultralight backpacker follows a similar philosophy of replacing traditional backpacking gear with lighter options. Below is a short list of replacements that some Ultralight hikers choose instead of traditional backpacking gear: Making a fire instead of carrying a stove. Light weight alcohol such as a beverage can stove or solid fuel stoves instead of heavier gas stoves and a single cook pot (“billycan”) with a single spoon instead of a traditional mess kit (some ultralight hikers opt to not carry a stove and its associated paraphernalia at all, relying on no-cook meals for food, see also Raw foodism). Trail running or running shoes (Grandma Gatewood used Keds sneakers) instead of hiking boots and lightweight nylon socks instead of heavy wool socks. The minimal amount of extra clothing safely possible. At 40 F (4 C), an uncovered head accounts for half of lost body heat, making a balaclava particularly vital. An ultralight hiker’s first-aid kit and repair kit are often stored in plastic or silnylon bags instead of the conventional (and heavier) packaging that a traditional backpacker might carry. The contents can also be optimized, for example Jordan proposes a 5-ounce (140 g) kit. A 1 ounce (28 g) mini pocket knife instead of a heavier Leatherman style multi-tool or Bowie knife or machete. Chemical disinfectant water treatment (iodine tablets, aquamira) instead of heavier water filters. Plastic Soft drink bottles instead of heavier nalgene or lexan bottles or Hydration packs. A 0.25-ounce (7.1 g) LED light instead of a heavy flashlight or headlamp. Consumables In addition to carrying equipment, hikers must also carry consumables such as water and food and in some cases fuel. Some ultralight backpackers save weight by resupplying these items more frequently. On long-distance trails with multiple access points, some ultralight hikers choose to place food caches or stop at stores to resupply consumables at frequent intervals, allowing just two or three days worth of food to be carried in place of a larger load. Water See also: Drinking water A 1.5-litre (1.6 US qt) bottle of water. The water itself weighs 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lb). 1 litre (1.1 US qt) of water weighs 1 kilogram (2.2 lb), thus it is a significant contributor to pack weight. Moderate activity in a moderate climate requires 2 litres (2.1 US qt) of drinking water per day , and in many regions hikers must carry their water from oasis to oasis. When traveling through an area with many springs and streams, some ultralight hikers can carry as little as 350 millilitres (12 US fl oz) of water or none at all, provided the hiker is confident on how far away the next reliable water source is and the expected weather conditions (or is smart enough to double back before becoming dehydrated). Water from many sources should be purified to prevent Waterborne diseases such as Giardiasis, Cryptosporidiosis and Dysentery. Some ultralight hikers reduce the weight of water purifying devices by carrying lighter disinfectants as opposed to heavier filters. Some ultralight hikers even forgo treatment in regions where water purification may not be essential or are particularly careful about choosing sources, see also Potability of backcountry water. Neither boiling, disinfectants or ordinary filters are effective against chemical pollution. Food See also: Nutrition Once the Big 3 (see above) and water are resolved, food becomes the biggest contributor to pack weight and an area where substantial gains over traditional backpacking can be gained. The Basal metabolic rate requirement of food calories (one food calorie is 1000 heat calories, thus sometimes labelled kcal) is approximately 1000 per day per 100 pounds of body weight. However exertion in the form of hiking consumes additional calories; for example the standard US Army field ration is 4500 calories per day for strenuous work. Thus depending upon type of food an average hiker carries, a hiker requires approximately 2 kilograms (4.4 lb) of food per day.[dubious discuss][citation needed] Ultralight techniques can substantially reduce this weight, Jardine suggests 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg) per day for thru-hiking, Jordan suggests 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg) per day (at 125 calories per ounce, 4.4 calories per gram) for a 3-season 3-day backpack. Many foods can be dried or dehydrated to reduce water weight. Dehydrated meals can be purchased or dehydrated at home. On the trail, rehydration can typically be performed by cooking in hot water. Some ultralight hikers reduce weight by not carrying a stove and rehydrating food in a container with water (although this method requires more time to rehydrate than the traditional cooking method). For example Ramen noodles, dehydrated refried beans (in powdered form), or dehydrated hummus can be put in a ziploc bag or lightweight microwave disposable plastic container with water to rehydrate. Gaba rice (or GBR, germinated brown rice) can be made with brown rice, body heat and water and eaten uncooked.[citation needed] Oats (groats or rolled, granola or muesli) and barley also become soft enough with soaking to eat uncooked. A common variety of trail mix made out of peanuts, raisins, and candy coated chocolate, around 4.8 kcal/gram. Weight in the form of food can also be reduced by choosing foods that have the highest ratio of calories per weight. Proteins and carbohydrates have approximately 4 food calories per gram whereas fat has 9 food calories per gram, thus carrying foods high in fat content can reduce weight, such as the following examples: Peanut Butter (5.89 kcal/gram) Nuts (Pecans are 6.87 kcal/gram, toasted coconut is 5.92 kcal/gram) Pemican (5.7 kcal/gram) Dried whole egg (5.92 kcal/gram) Clarified butter (anhydrous), which stores well unrefrigerated, is almost pure fat (8.76 kcal/gram), thus about 4,000 food calories per pound, however it is also a potent bear attractant. Alternatively, so-called “energy bars” on average contain more protein and carbohydrates than fat, similar to a fig newton (3.68 kcal/gram), lowering their calorie to weight ratio relative to other choices Food protection A captive bear tests a food canister In many areas, unprotected food has the potential of being eaten by wild animals. One common method (where the technique is legal) is to hang the food. In many areas, food is hung in trees to keep it away from ground animals, but this is ineffective where animals have become accustomed to humans. In the U.S.A.’s Yosemite National Park where there are numerous black bears, hanging food is ineffective, and an approved bear-resistant food storage container is required . The conflict with the ultralight hiker philosophy is that approved, bear-proof containers weigh several pounds empty. References ^ a b c d George Cole; Ryan Jordan; Alan Dixon (2006), Lightweight Backpacking and Camping, Bozeman, MT: Beartooth Mountain Press, ISBN 0974818828  ^ Ray Jardine (1992), The PCT Hiker’s Handbook, LaPine, OR: AdventureLore Press, ISBN 0963235907  ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Ray Jardine (1999), Beyond Backpacking: Ray Jardines Guide to Lightweight Hiking, LaPine, OR: AventureLore Press, ISBN 0963235931  ^ Freeling, Elisa (Nov-Dec, 2002), “When Grandma Gatewood hiked the Appalachian Trail”, Sierra, http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200211/good.asp  ^ “Fabric Mojo – Descriptions of common lightweight fabric materials”. Mountainlaureldesigns.com. http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/fabric.php. Retrieved 2009-09-23.  ^ Jordan, Ryan Lightweight Backpacking and Camping, page 135 ^ “Where To Start”. Ultralightbackpacker.com. http://www.ultralightbackpacker.com/where-to-start.html. Retrieved 2009-09-23.  ^ a b c Colin Fletcher; Chip Rawlins (2002), The Complete Walker IV, New York: Knopf, ISBN 0375703233  ^ a b c d e f g Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills ^ “USDA food database: Snacks, trail mix”. Nal.usda.gov. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/. Retrieved 2009-09-23.  ^ “Online Merck Manual: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats”. Merck.com. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch152/ch152b.html. Retrieved 2009-09-23.  ^ “USDA food database: Nuts, coconut meat, dried (desiccated), toasted”. Nal.usda.gov. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/. Retrieved 2009-09-23.  ^ “Methods of meat preservation without refrigeration”. FAO. http://www.fao.org/docrep/t0562e/T0562E04.htm. Retrieved 2009-09-23.  ^ “USDA food database: Butter oil, anhydrous”. Nal.usda.gov. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/. Retrieved 2009-09-23.  ^ , 2001, http://www.healthcentral.com/fitorfat/408/34334.html  ^ Food Storage in Yosemite National Park, 2008, http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm  External links Joe’s Ultralight Backpacking — introductory page including an example gear list v  d  e Adventure travel Types Accessible tourism  Adventure recreation  Adventure travel  Agritourism  Backpacking (travel)  Backpacking (wilderness)  Bicycle touring  Camping  Disaster tourism  Ecotourism  Extreme tourism  Flashpacking  Ghetto tourism  Hang Gliding  Hiking  Hitch-hiking  Jungle tourism  Mountain biking  Mountaineering  Naked hiking  Paragliding  Rafting  River trekking  Safaris  Sustainable tourism  Ultralight backpacking  Urban exploration  Volunteer travel Miscellaneous Backpack  Bottled water  Campsite  Free Independent Traveler  Geocaching  Overlanding  Social photography  Zip-line Categories: Adventure travel | Backpacking | Camping | Hiking equipmentHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from May 2008 | All accuracy disputes | Articles with disputed statements from February 2010 | Articles with unsourced statements from June 2008

 

Nothing can ruin a hike or backpacking trip as quickly as foot blisters. The pain can be intense, and walking further on blistered feet can cause them to get worse, or to break and get infected. So how do you just avoid them altogether? Here are ten things that have worked for others.

1. Wear running shoes instead of hiking boots. Not everyone will agree with this, nor can everyone forgo the extra support that a boot offers, but this is a big part of what stopped me from getting blisters. I also enjoy hiking much more without heavy weights on my feet.

2. Try different socks. Wearing light nylon dress socks was another of the best changes I made. Blisters are caused in part by heat, so heavy boots and socks add to the problem. Try a couple different kinds, to see what works best for you.

3. Be sure your shoes or hiking boots fit properly, with no spots that will be rubbing on your toes, the back of your heel or the side of your foot. Not sure how to fit your shoes? Go to a footwear store where serious runners go.

4. Treat “hot spots” early. If you feel an irritation or hot spot on your foot, stop and apply some moleskin before it becomes a blister. Duct tape may work as well, if that is all you have (but it can be messy to remove later, and if a blister develops it may tear it open when you try to remove the tape). Small bandages can be used too.

5. Lace up your shoes well. When shoes are loose your foot can slide around inside, and the resulting friction can lead to foot blisters, so lace up well. Tighten the laces evenly along the shoe, not just at the top.

6. Keep your shoes clean and comfortable. Shake them out before putting them on. Stop to remove sticks, stones or other objects promptly. Adjust your socks if there are wrinkles or seams against the bottom of your feet.

7. Try insoles. Some people swear by their “gel” insoles. Even cheap foam ones may help keep your feet more comfortable. Also, if foot movement inside the shoes is causing blisters, an insole may make your foot more snug, preventing this. Experiment.

8. Bring extra socks, and change them often. If you use light socks as suggested above, this is easy to do, even on a lightweight backpacking trip (my socks are one-ounce per pair). Changing into clean cool socks is a pleasure, and it also helps prevent foot blisters. You can rinse out the dirty socks in a stream and hang them on your pack to dry, so you will be ready for the next switch.

9. Take care of your feet at home. Prior to any hike, deal with athlete’s foot or other skin conditions that can soften or weaken the skin. Healthy feet are less likely to develop blisters on the trail.

10. Remove shoes and socks during breaks. When I reach the top of a mountain, I try to go barefoot for a while. I recommend taking your shoes and socks off several times during a day of hiking. This allows your feet to cool, and your socks and shoes to air out and dry. Keeping your feet cool and dry is a sure way to prevent foot blisters.

Follow the tips here for healthier, happier feet. But if you do get foot blisters, here is the treatment routine: Apply a piece of moleskin with a hole cut out for the blister to rest in. This keeps pressure off the spot, so it won’t get worse. You generally shouldn’t pop blisters, but if you do, sterilize a pin with alcohol or a flame and insert it from the skin along the bottom of one edge. Push out the fluid gently, cover the blister and keep it clean.

Backpacking remains one of the most popular choices for gap-year students and wannabe travellers alike. Many choose to head to exotic destinations to work hard and explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia are among some of the most popular destinations for backpackers and budding travellers alike. However, there are those who prefer to visit other countries a little nearer to home – whether it’s a tour around Europe or a road trip across the United States.

If you’re thinking about heading off to far and away places in search of adventure, there are a few aspects to bear in mind before you travel:

Research is key when planning a backpacking excursion, from your travel route to travel insurance comparison. Be sure to do plenty of reading up on the countries you are planning on visiting, including laws as well as tourist destinations and travel information.

Work out a route that you want to take in the country of your choice and the best mode of transport to get you there. Whilst many will be content with using public transport to get from A to B, there are those who prefer to hire or buy a vehicle for the duration of their trip. This can allow you the freedom to explore more of your country of visitation, and can be particularly handy if you want to visit attractions that are off the beaten path.

When preparing the paperwork for your trip, it is important to ensure that your paperwork is up to date and valid in the countries that you plan on visiting. This can include your passport, birth certificate and any insurance policies you have taken out in preparation for your excursion.

It can be worth taking some time to compare travel insurance policies before you travel and take out a policy that’s best for your budget. However, be sure to check potential policies carefully, as some may not cover some of the activities that you may wish to participate in – such as winter sports and scuba diving.

By taking the time to thoroughly plan your backpacking trip – from finances to immunisations – you can help ensure that you get the most out of your experience abroad. Make sure you have enough money to last you, taking an emergency credit card with you just in case, and be sure to stay safe during your backpacking excursion.

The capital of California, Sacramento, is situated in the flatlands within the Central Valley, and was originally founded by John Sutter in the year 1839. For ten long years, John Sutter worked hard to turn this city into a center of bustling trade and cattle ranches, only to be overcome by the discovery of gold in a sawmill in the year 1848. All his workers quit their jobs to go gold hunting, and thousands of visitors flocked here, without paying any attention to the claims of Sutter to the land. Sacramento thus became the prime area for miners, and has remained the main western headquarters of the transcontinental railroad since then. Smart office towers and glitzy hotel complexes have sprung up from Sacramento rather plebeian background, reviving the flat network of canopied, tree-lined avenues, and going a long way in transforming the otherwise boisterous, free-spirited past of the citys Gold Rush era.
Previously, Sacramento was not particularly conspicuous on most backpackers itineraries. There was not a great deal to see, although the historic warehouses, stores, wharves and saloons of Old Sacramento that lie along the riverside have been renovated and turned into restaurants and shops for tourists. But over the years, more and more backpackers have been drawn towards this charming city of California. Sacramento has now become one of the hottest backpacking destinations that California has to offer. What with its gilded history of the Gold Rush, and its charming museums and elegant architectural monuments!
If you are planning on going backpacking in Sacramento, there are many areas for you to visit, and places for you to stay in at very affordable rates! Cheap lodging and accommodation is widely available in Sacramento, so it should not prove to be a problem to find one to suit your needs. As for the places to visit, on the northern side of the old town lies the California State Railroad Museum, which has a wide range of luxuriantly restored 19th century locomotives, with their bulbous smokestacks and their cow catcher front grilles. The old freight depot and passenger station that lie a block south of Front Street is now the summer depot for a renovated Central Pacific Railroad steam train, which makes a 7-mile, 45-minute trip around the river.
If you go further east, the State Capitol Dome stands proudly in a green park, a few blocks south of K Street Mall. Freshly restored to its former glory, it is still the seat of the state government. The opulent building brims over with elaborately crafted details. Although you can walk around freely, you will get to see a lot more if you sign up for a free hourly tour. The Sutter Fort State Historic Park, which is on the eastern side of the town, is a perfect illustration of the original settlements in Sacramento, dating back to the early 19th century. There is an adobe house that showcases relics from the days of the Gold Rush, and on weekends in the summers, volunteers get dressed and act out scenes from this period.
With its Giant Ponderosa Pine trees that alternate with charming patches of wildflowers along the shorelines of Catfish and Pinecrest lakes, Sacramento will surely be worth your backpacking experience. For all those new-age backpacking aficionados, the city has an infusion of high-end, popular nightclubs, breweries and restaurants. With its eclectic blend of old world and new world charm, who would not want to go backpacking in lovely Sacramento?

The days of packing 60+ pounds in your 6000 cubic inch pack for a 5 day getaway are gone (or at least they should be). The days of lightening up your pack are here. So what is “going light”? There are varying opinions of lightweight backpacking. To some, a 35 lb pack is going light because they previously had a pack that weighed 70 lbs! To others, 35 lbs would be like hauling gold bars in your pack. For some, going light means sacrificing comfort and spending a month’s paycheck on ultra light gear. We don’t want to define what is or is not ultra light backpacking. Our 10 tips are basic ideas to help anyone lose extra weight in their pack regardless if you have a 60 lb pack or a 20 lb pack. These helpful tips and hints can be used for long 14 day trips or short day trips.
Here are 10 tips to help you start your journey to the light pack.
1.Start with the 3 heaviest items you’ll carry. Tent, sleeping bag and pack. If your tent, sleeping bag or pack are more than 5 years old, there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to shave 2-5 pounds off each one without sacrificing comfort or function. If you need to upgrade all 3, plan on saving up to 15 lbs.
Healthy target weights for your 3 heaviest items while backpacking from May to September.
a.1 person tent: sub 3 lbs.
b.2 person tent: sub 5 lbs.
c.30 degree down sleeping bag: 1.5 to 2.5 lbs.
d.3000 to 4000 cubic inch pack: 2 to 4 lbs.
2. When you come back from your trip, look at what you did and didn’t use. If you didn’t use the item, consider taking it out. After a few trips, you’ll realize what you keep taking and don’t use. The next time you go out, leave the item out of your pack. It may take awhile before you’re comfortable leaving certain items at home.
3. I learned some very bad packing tips from my Scout Master. Scout Masters are the worst packers. Iron Griddles, 32 oz. can of syrup, firewood, you name it and the Scoutmaster will pack it. They misunderstand the scout motto “Be Prepared”. If I wanted to always be prepared, I would be packing a defibrillator. Being prepared for every possible situation while backpacking is impossible. We’ll leave this up to you to decide what your “prepared” comfort level is. If you need to take a defibrillator because it makes you feel prepared, then I suggest just car camping and you can take whatever you want.
4. Planning your trip ahead of time helps you determine which items you need to bring or leave at home. Is there food, water, shelter or fuel where you’re headed? If so, consider leaving items you know you can buy or get along the way. Case in point. We went on an overnighter back in May up Logan Canyon in Utah’s Cache Wilderness. We left at 6:00 pm on Thursday and we were back at work by 9:00am the next day. My pack base weight, that is the weight of my pack without food and water, was about 13 lbs. My overall weight after food and water was 20 lbs. Six pounds of this weight was about 3 liters of water. Water is 2.2lbs per liter. The hike wasn’t too bad, only about 2 hrs. When we reached our camp, there was a stream about 100 yards away. I looked at my Nalgene bladder and it had about 2.5liters of water left out of 3. Why did I just haul 5 extra pounds of water up the trail when there was a water source 1 minute away and we followed a stream the whole way? If I would have looked at the map, or asked the area expert hiking with us if there was water on the way or at the camp, my pack would have been almost 30% lighter. Bringing along an Aquamira (1oz), MSR SweetWater Filter (11 oz) or some other type of filter/purifier would have made my hike that much more enjoyable.
5. Dry camp vs. wet camp. A dry camp is when no water is available. A wet camp is when a water source is available. If your camp is dry, you might actually save weight by not using dehydrated food. If you’re just going to add water you carried from the bottom to your dehydrated food, you might as well bring whole foods. Plus, the food will taste better and it won’t give you gas.
6. Backpack with your brain. Before I started backpacking with my brain, a friend of mine invited me on a 4 day trip into Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. I have no idea how much my pack weighed, but I do remember it being pretty heavy. I also remember eating a can of peaches and warming up a can of prepared chicken noodle soup. Food and water can turn a 20lb pack into a 40lb pack. Water weighs 2.2 lbs per liter and food can weight just as much. Dehydrated food is a great way to save weight if you have a water source to boil water. Some meals don’t even require boiled water which means you can leave the stove and fuel at home. The meals taste great too. Mountainhouse, Backpacker’s Pantry, Richmoor, Natural High, and Alpine Aire have done a great job perfecting the science that goes behind dehydrated food. The only time I get to eat Thai Satay with beef is when I’m at 8000 feet.
7. Multi-use gear. Have you ever considered using your bandana as a pot lifter or first aid sling? How about that down jacket as a pillow? Your trekking poles as tent poles? Underwear as a prefilter? You get the idea. Many items in your gear arsenal can be multipurpose in function.
8. Share the load. How many tents does it take to sleep 3 people? Three if you’re camping with 2 other men. One if your camping with 2 other women (make that one sleeping bag also). If you’re backpacking in groups, which is much more fun, you can share almost everything! Items to share: water filters, stoves, tents, matches, toothpaste, camp soap, fuel, sunscreen, first aid kits. If one person is taking an item that everyone can use, leave yours at home.
9. Entertainment. Leave your ipod, ibook, and iEspresso at home. You are hiking at 10,000 ft to get away from all that. Buy the compact binoculars if you must bring them. Bring a small digital camera and leave the Cannon Digital Rebel at home.
10. Buy a pack with less volume, then you’re forced to leave items out.