Backpacking and camping are parts of the walking lifestyle for many, or rare treats for those who go on an adventure vacation. The temptation is to bring along all of the comforts of a hotel, but doing that once you are never tempted to do it again. Every ounce counts when it is all loaded on your back. Our guest writer Ryan Jordan of BackpackingLight.com explains how to lighten up.
By Ryan Jordan, BackpackingLight.com
Carrying a light pack is easy. Carrying a lighter pack is harder. In Lightweight Backpacking 101, we extol the virtues of lightweight backpacking. More important, we offer practical advice for lightening your pack. Following is our "Top 10" list that includes some of the most effective techniques en route to enlightenment.
1. Analyze your current equipment kit
A computer spreadsheet and a postal scale provide one cornerstone to the foundation for lightening your load. The ability to visualize every item in your kit - and their weights - allows you to see the impact of gear selection on the big picture.
2. Select the lightest equipment
Next (financial resources permitting), begin to replace your heavier gear with lighter items. The first place to look is in the "big three" - sleeping bag, pack, and shelter. But don't go too light with your pack until reducing the weight of the rest of your load - or your musculature will pay the price for an overloaded "ultralight" pack.
3. Plan according to season and weather
It doesn't make sense to carry a zero degree sleeping bag and a four season tent on the Appalachian Trail in July. Carefully look at your clothing, shelter, and sleeping bag, to make sure that it's appropriate for the season.
4. Only take what you need
I don't advocate leaving luxuries behind; just don't take all of them. Camp chairs, binoculars, self-inflating pads, books, personal digital assistants, and fishing waders are among the more popular luxuries carried by backpackers. Look for lighter alternatives, go without, or carefully select one or two key items for any particular trip.
5. Choose jackets and sleeping bags with down fill insulation.
Down insulation in sleeping bags and insulating clothing has always been, still is, and will always be (at least in the foreseeable near future) lighter than synthetic alternatives for the same amount of insulating value. However, carrying down assumes that you possess the necessary skills and attentiveness to care for it in inclement weather - down provides precious little insulating value if it gets very wet. Replacing a Polarguard 3D sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees and a 1" thick Polarguard 3D jacket with down counterparts that are equally as warm can save as much as 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.
Next Five Tips on Packing Light
