The Secret of Lightweight Backpacks
ultralight backpacking gear- free ideas
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 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. This may seem unbelievable but modern materials make this entirely feasible. 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 enough for your lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin for some shelter, a basic first aid kit and some energy food. And of course an adequate amount of water.
In fact the water that you need to carry when trekking can become the heaviest item. 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. For example, you can find some perfectly usable lightweight backpacks sold in bargain discount stores for only a few dollars. These are often very simple with only a few external pockets. But they can be excellent for lightweight trekking.
If you are trying to go lightweight it’s worth paying some attention to your choice of clothing and hiking boots. 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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