Ultralight to lightwieght backpacking gear part 1

If you have ever hiked over 20 miles in a day with a backpack on your back you’ll probably be aware of how weight soon becomes a very significant factor. Experienced backpackers know that to reduce weight you need to concentrate on the three main items: the shelter, sleeping bag and the backpack itself.

So you will want to leave your huge 10 pound tent and snug 5 pound sleeping bag at home and get yourself the lightest backpack you can find.

You may find it hard to believe but there are some really good lightweight backpacks that weigh less than four ounces. This is no exaggeration. The typical capacity for a bag like this will be between about 1500 and 2000 cubic inches which is more than enough space for about 15 pounds of equipment. This capacity should be enough for your lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin for shelter and a few vital necessities including a first aid kit and some energy bars. And some water of course.

When packing your kit for a lightweight trek you’ll probably find that the water you need is the heaviest item in your backpack. You can reduce the amount of water that you need to carry with you by planning your route to take you via locations where you can refill.

One key benefit of going ultra lightweight is that much of the equipment is so much less expensive than the more robust, heavier duty items. You can even find some perfectly adequate lightweight backpacks, often sold as day sacks, in various bargain disount store costing only a few dollars. They can be a very simple in desgn with only a few, if any, external pockets. But they can be excellent for lightweight trekking.

If you are going lightweight it’s also worth considering your clothing. Forget your all weather outdoor clothing and instead go for an ultra lightweight rain and wind proof fold-up cagoule and some light weight sports shoes rather than heavy walking boots.

If you lighten your load by reducing your clothing weight, equipment and using a lightweight backpack you should find that a 20 mile hike is suddenly much easier to complete.