No other trend has seen such an increase in following in recent years than lightweight hiking. Lightweight weight hiking is much more comfortable and it puts less weight on your knees, neck, shoulders, and back muscles, hence reducing the risk of injury. The availability of lighter and multifunctional equipment can make your hiking backpack so much lighter than was possible ten years ago.
1. Analyze your current equipment kit
Write down what you have and the corresponding weight. You need to weigh your gear to find the actual weight. You may find that the actual weight is not the same as what the manufacturer states. This will help you calculate the weight cost of your gear selection.
2. Take no more than what you need
It’s ok to carry luxury items but don’t take everything with you. Books, camping mattresses, fishing poles, binoculars and folding camp chairs are some of the popular luxury items backpackers frequently carry. Use lighter alternatives if you can or go without them.
3. Base your gear on the season and weather
A really warm down sleeping bag is not suitable in summer. Carefully choose clothing, shelter, and sleeping bag that are appropriate for the season.
4. Choose lightweight gear
If you can find lighter alternatives, replace your heavier gear. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your hiking pack, sleeping bag and shelter. When choosing an ultralight backpack, make sure it can handle the whole weight of your gear.
5. Find items that have multiple uses.
Treat your backpacking equipment as a system of components that work together. The key to reducing your backpack weight is to recognize synergistic relationships between your gear and using multi-functional items whenever possible. The classic example of ultralight multi-use gear: the poncho-tarp, which serves as both shelter and raingear.
6. Choose jackets and sleeping bags with down fill insulation.
Down is still the best insulation for sleeping bags and clothing because they’re warmer and lighter than the best synthetics. You need to be careful with down though because if it gets wet, it provides you with zero insulation. You can save as much as 2.5 pounds if you use down sleeping bags instead of synthetics.
7. Wear a windbreaker
Wind shirts from GoLite, Montane, Marmot, and Ibex now weigh less than 3 ounces. The three layer system has been shown to be effective in cold weather and a windbreaker makes a good outer layer because they are lightweight and you can apply a good amount of layering underneath. The bottom line: a wind shirt extends the comfort range of your clothing system.
8. Share your backpacking gear
If you’re hiking with a friend, there are a lot of things you can share, for example, your camp stove and tent can be carried by one person. If you’re creative enough there are many things you can share to keep the pack weight low.
9. Improve your outdoor skills
The better you are at backcountry hiking and camping, the better you are able to make do without modern camping equipment. Developing these skills may take years and the more experience you gain, the better you get. There are backpacking clinics and survival programs that can help you.
10. Go Small
Travel sized versions of everything are lighter and smaller. Get an insect repellent in smaller bottles, use travel-sized soap, shampoo and toothpaste. MInimize all packaging.
Reduce Your Pack Weight Gradually
Gradually reduce your pack weight over a number of hikes rather than in one go. It takes experience for you to take note of the things you can leave behind and only carry what you need. It also depends on the weather and trail conditions. Once you have your pack weight down, you’ll be enjoying your hike a lot better.
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