Good morning, everyone. Apparently, this stay-at-home due to the virus is causing people to think more and more about hitting the trail and doing some extended backpacking treks. Last week I had several people DM me and ask if I had suggestions for lightweight backpacking. Good guestion.
You know, when I think about it, I've never really worried about the weight of my pack because I learned early on to seriously look at what I actually needed and not what I thought I needed. That philosophy has always worked for me.
There are many who really dig deep into the subject and strip down to the very basics while still remaining comfortable on the trail. I've hiked with some who boast about how light their pack is by putting tags on every item they are carrying showing its weight. Doesn't that defeat the purpose?
Anyway, maybe some of you who are really into lightweight packing could "weigh" in on the subject drop a few suggestions here.
In the meantime, here is an interesting list to get you started compiled by
GreenBelly.Com:
1. Trash compactor bag for backpack liner.
Pack covers are bulky, heavy and, sometimes, ineffective. Instead of covering the outside of your pack, line the inside of it with a trash compactor bag and keep all gear inside. Trash compactor bags are super waterproof, replaceable, affordable and weigh a fraction as much as a pack cover.
2. Rocks vs stakes.
Tie your shelter down to some nearby rocks. If necessary, make a pile to keep it more stable. Rocks can also be used on hard surfaces where stakes are unable to penetrate the ground.
3. Get a scale.
A digital scale is a worthwhile tool to invest in - it can reveal what each item actually “costs” in weight. Knowing the exact weight of your gear and supplies helps you pack more strategically.
4. Cut excess straps.
Compression straps, excess hip belt straps, sternum straps, shoulder straps, manufacturer's logo, anything. You can trim all of these to shed a couple ounces. If you pack your gear right, you won't even need compression straps.
5. Share the load.
Got company on your trip? Consolidate your resources. Chances are you probably don't need two stoves, two shelters, etc. Take some extra time to distribute and share your gear weight evenly between the members of your group.
6. Drink up at the water source.
Remember that your water supply is also one of the heaviest items you will have to carry. Drink as much as you can at the water source, plan how far your next source is and carry only what you need to get there.
7. Dry out your gear.
Morning dew can cover the entire surface area of your shelter and, subsequently, add a few ounces if packed up in your bag. Be sure to dry out tents, tarps, clothes, and any other gear before packing it away. You can always hang them on your pack to dry as you hike or lay them out in a sunny spot as you pack up and eat breakfast.
8. No duplicate anything.
Except for 2 pairs of socks, you don't need a spare of anything. Even your clothes have a strategic time and place to be worn (see 42).
9. No cotton.
When packing your clothes, choose lightweight synthetic materials over heavier clothing like cotton and denim. Not only do synthetics weigh less, they’re also more water resistant than their traditional counterparts.
10. Ditch the boots.
Trail runners are lighter weight, dry faster and are more comfortable.
11. Use a one-liter plastic water bottle.
Water bladders with chords have too many excess parts. A plastic water bottle is lightweight, cheap and durable. Smart Water bottles are particularly great for their liter size and because their threads match well with Sawyer water filters.
12. Dental floss to stitch and tie.
Stronger than thread for stitching clothes and mending gear. Floss can also be used as a dry line or for tying items to your pack.
13. Duct tape saves.
Wrap it around your water bottle or roll it into itself to prevent bulk and the extra cardboard weight. Duct tape can be a great barrier to prevent blisters as well as helping mend the obvious gear repairs.
14. Ultralight stove.
Consider an ultralight alcohol fueled stove. You can make one out of a soda can.
15. Shave off your toothbrush.
Cut off the handle. Or get a travel toothbrush that comes in two pieces and discard the extension half.
16. Analyze everything.
Do you really need it? Is there a lighter version of it? Can it be shaved or cut down? I spent months preparing my Appalachian Trail gear to keep it as light as possible. Even five months into the hike, I was still cutting off things that I was not using.
17. Go primitive (or electronic-less).
Goodbye cellphones, watches, iPods, kindles, GPS, chargers, etc. This is the trail. Enjoy the solitude. If you're worried about safety - tell someone ahead of time where exactly you are going and when to expect your return.
18. Razor blade for knife.
Very rarely do I ever miss my knife and I certainly have never needed my knife. A razor blade can be great an ultralight alternative.
19. Ultralight pillow.
Inflate one of your Ziploc bags and wrap it in your extra clothes and stuff sacks. The Ziploc bag will give it some loft and the clothes, some cushion. See more ultralight pillow ideas.
20. Multi-use bandana.
A bandana (yes, cotton) can be used for:
o Head wear or sun blocking neck tie.
o Hanging food or other delicate items off your pack.
o A slow drip coffee filter.
o Dish cleaner and sponge.
o Hot hand for your pot.
21. Multi-use Vaseline.
Other than the obvious lip moisturizer, Vaseline is essentially petroleum jelly which can be used for a variety of things.
o Got blisters? Rub a little Vaseline in between your toes or on your heel before you get going in the morning to reduce friction.
o Vaseline is a great slow burning fuel that can be used as a fire starter.
o If you have a fresh, uninfected wound, Vaseline (plus some duct tape) can help shield the sore from outside infection.
22. Ultralight fire starter.
Cotton balls (or lent from your dryer) plus the aforementioned Vaseline make an easy-to-light fire starter. It will burn slowly and can be stuck to anything. The slow burn can be crucial to getting wet sticks to catch.
23. Tarp, not a tent.
Tents can weigh twice as much as a tarp shelter. A tent provides two walls - an outer one for shelter and inner mesh one for a bug-free enclosure. You only need the outer one for shelter (a tarp). What about the creepy crawlies though? Use a mosquito net for your face, everything else will be covered by your sleeping bag.
