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6 Fundamentals to Cutting Backpack Weight |
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Written by G. Rouse
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Monday, 18 May 2009 14:45 |
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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.
by G.Rouse
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 problem is where are you going to put all that food? Not to mention the other gear.
Experts recommended beginner's only carry about 25% of their bodyweight and for ultra-light backpackers that would be punishable by death. So how can we lighten your load?
Well, heres the 6 fundamentals to cutting backpack weight:
Fundamental #1 - Big things first. If you replace a 3 pound sleeping bag with a 1 pound bag you save 2 pounds! if you get rid of your 9 pound tent and use a 1 pound you save 8 pounds! That's 10 pounds and we've only just begun.
Fundamental #2 - Find multiple uses for one item. The more uses you can find for one item the less items you'll have to take.
Fundamental #3 - Smaller and lighter. Manufacturers are making new gear in smaller packages everday. They still have all the same features, just in a smaller and lighter size. Little saving do add up.
Fundamental #4 - Get rid of that big backpack. With a big backpack you have a tendancy to fill it, but with a smaller backpack, you just don't have the room. Hence, you'll usually be a little more picky about what you bring.
Fundamental #5 - Forget it at home. Everyone has forgotten something before, it's always amazing how you were able to get along without it. So ask yourself, do you really need those extras?
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.
I used to have a buddy that I backpacked with that would be bring everything and some spares. His backpack weighed a ton, but he always had extras. Then it hit me, why not just forget more at home and borrow all those extras, he's bringing them anyways.
I remember I was almost to the point of just bringing my pillow in my pack, when he figured it out and decided to go lightweight. Well, all good things must come to an end.
In closing, I hope this article helps you lighten your load!
About the Author:
Using modern technology here's a website that uses the Internet to photo-document all kinds of trails from camping spots, hiking trails and backpacking trails to sea kayaking routes and whitewater rivers. You really need to look over this website to explore all the trails they have documented. |
