The Secret of Lightweight Backpacks
October 29th, 2009 Posted in Camping
If you like to hike or trek over 20 miles in a day you will know how the weight of the gear you carry with you is a very significant factor. Most experienced backpackers will know that you can reduce your weight by concentrating on the three most important items: your backpack, your sleeping bag and your shelter.
So 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.
You may find it hard to believe but there are some really good lightweight backpacks that weigh less than four 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 capacity should be enough for your lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin for shelter and a few vital necessities including a first aid kit and some energy bars. And some water of course.
When packing your kit for a lightweight trek you’ll probably find that the water you need is the heaviest item in your backpack. It is worthwhile planning your route so that you can refill your water bottle and reduce the amount of water that you need to carry.
Another big benefit of going ultra light weight is that the equipment tends to be much cheaper than the heavier, tougher alternatives. 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. But they can be excellent for lightweight trekking.
If you are lightening your load it’s really worth paying some attention to your clothes and footwear. 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 you’ve lightened your load with some lightweight clothing and less gear in a lightweight backpack you will find that a 20 mile trek will seem like nothing at all.