Hike More Miles Using a Lightweight Backpack
Free Ultralight Backpacking Gear
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. Experiences hikers, trekkers and backpackers know that to reduce the weight of your gear you need to concentrate on the three main items: your sleeping bag, shelter and the backpack itself.
So if 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.
Believe it or not you can find some exceptionally high quality backpacks that weigh in at less than five ounces. That’s 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 should be more than enough for a lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin and a few vital necessities like some food and a first aid kit. And you mustn’t overlook the need to carry some water with you.
When packing your kit for a lightweight trek you’ll probably find that the water you need is the heaviest item in your backpack. This makes it worthwhile planning your route so that you can refill your water bottle and reduce the amount of water that you need to carry with you.
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 may be simple designs with only one or two external pockets, but easily adequate for most lightweight backpacking expeditions. They may be cheap but they can be excellent for lightweight hiking trips.
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.
When kitted out with only light weight clothing and equipment you’ll find that 20 miles over hills and through valleys will seem like no distance at all.
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