Ultralight Backpacking
Whether you are just starting to hike or you are an avid fan of Hiking, you would know the importance of pack weight and minimizing it without sacrificing comfort and safety. While one of the established rules in Hiking is to take only what you need, the combined weight of the essential things can still be heavy, especially if you plan to go on a multi-day hike.
If you want your Hiking trip to be a lot more fun and enjoyable without getting frustrated about the heavy pack on your shoulders, you can do some simple things to make your pack a lot lighter. This is the principle behind Ultralight Backpacking.
In a nutshell, Ultralight Backpacking focuses on keeping your pack as light as possible so you can enjoy Hiking at its best. However, this does not mean that you will leave some of your Hiking and Camping essentials. Keep comfort and safety in mind when preparing for an Ultralight Backpacking trip. Here are some simple guidelines and ideas to keep your pack ultralight, no matter how long you will be outdoors:
- Go for lighter alternatives of the heavy things you need. For instance, choose the lightest tent you can find, but make sure that it is still durable. Aside from a tent, you can use a tarp. This is a lighter, cheaper and more versatile option, and will work just as well as a tent. As for your sleeping gear, down Sleeping Bags are lighter than those made of synthetic materials.
When it comes to clothing, following the Three Layer System is definitely a must. While you may think that this will account to more ounces added to your pack weight, there are several clothes which are very lightweight but still promise to give the comfort and warmth you need. A wind shirt is one great example of a lightweight piece of clothing that is designed to keep you warm and protected from harmful elements.
- Set your priorities. What may be a luxury for others can be a necessity for you. Think about what you cannot go Hiking without. If music is one of the things that can keep you going then by all means, bring your iPod or mp3 player. Keep in mind, though, that every ounce counts, so you really need to think about what to bring and what to leave behind.
- Opt for multi-purpose gear and equipment. The constant demand for lighter pack loads has sparked some very high tech solutions that are able to combine multiple hiking functions in lightweight gear.
These are only some of the things you can do to minimize your pack weight without turning your hike into a miserable one. Determine what you really need, pack light, and enjoy the outdoors!
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