2008 Beijing Summer Olympics

lightweight backpacking

Backpacking can be a very enjoyable activity, full of fun experiences that can leave an individual with many wonderful memories, but not if all they remember is traveling with a heavy, overstuffed backpack. For traditional backpackers, toting around 30 to 50 pounds of backpacking equipment is the norm. Yet not all individuals can or would want to be burdened with all of that weight. This is why many are taking to lightweight backpacking. Lightweight backpackers travel with a considerably less amount of gear, bringing backpacking equipment down to between 12 to 20 pounds. This can alleviate a lot of stress from the body and cause a more enjoyable trip.

Heavier backpacks can cause serious problems for many people. If a person is consistently packing 30 to 50 pounds of gear, then over a period of time they may experience exhaustion, increased chances of injuries, the chance of falling by making poor foot placement and of course being tired and cranky. The elimination of some of the weight can allow individuals to have more fun on their trip and have more fun to do the exciting things that have been planned, instead of being tired from carrying all of the heavy backpacking equipment. Lightweight backpacking is being practiced by more and more individuals who are far less worried about the amount of backpacking equipment that they bring and more interested in what they gain from the experience itself.

When backpacking hiking with less gear, simply do not take more than what you know you will need. Many people tend to pack duplicate equipment just in case, but many people never need the duplicate gear. Believe it or not, packing your everyday 12 ounce tube of toothpaste or your ultra mega bottle of sunscreen can add to the weight content of your backpack very quickly, yet you will never need those amounts of products for a weekend or even a week long trip.

Instead, try packing trial size bottles of products so that you are more comfortable when traveling. Another item that can significantly add to your backpacking weight is packing unnecessary food. This is where deliberate food planning comes in. Many lightweight backpackers have found that packing food consistent with a 2,000 calorie a day diet relieves them of a lot of weight.

This averages out to about 1.5 pounds of daily food and can actually reduce the average backpacker’s weight by over 5 pounds, in food alone. While there are other items that can be deleted from your backpack to drop weight, starting with items like these can get you off and running.

Many individuals enjoy backpacking, but many find they are tired and exhausted by the end of the trip. Lightweight backpacking allows individuals to hike with more ease, while not having to carry heavy backpacking equipment. This type of backpacking puts less stress on the body and gives you much more ease of movement. Packing and traveling light is very possible and can lessen the load, allowing for a less stressful trip.

backpacking hiking

When you get stuck in a bad situation, whether during a backpacking hiking trip or a simple day hike, it is important to have the right backpacking gear. When shopping around for equipment, make sure you bring your trip plans with you so the store clerks can assist you better in finding quality gear for your expedition. It may mean spending more money than you had planned, but in the end that expensive gear could be your saving grace when you find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere.

For short hikes you don’t need as much equipment as you would for a long hiking trip, such as traveling to and backpacking across Europe. The chance of getting lost during any hike anywhere does exist though, so you should go out prepared no matter what. Of course, you will want a sturdy backpack to carry all the other backpacking equipment in. Gear that is a must includes a compass, extra clothing and food, matches, a water bottle, sunscreen, first-aid supplies, a flashlight and a knife. These are the essentials for any short hike.

When taking a trip that requires more than a days traveling time, it is important not only to bring the essential backpacking gear, but to add some other essential items to the list. You have to eat and therefore you have to bring fire starter material and items to help you prepare meals. Be sure you have a tent and sleeping bag suitable for the nighttime climate. A map and a GPS (Global Positioning System) device are things you shouldn’t leave home without.

One last backpacking gear item that may come in useful is a survival guide. It doesn’t need to be a huge book, but even a pocket guide to help you when you’re in a sticky situation. If you have a cell phone, then it’s always a good idea to bring it with you even if you aren’t sure they’ll be adequate service available in the area you plan on hiking through. Many people have been rescued due to the signal given off by their cell phone. Before you head out make sure you head into an outdoors supply store and get good quality essentials for your trip. Remember to always bring good quality backpacking equipment whenever you head out for the great unknown.