The practice of “lightweight” backpacking is where one goes on trips (varying from days to weeks) with very little or nothing at all. This is an extremely fun and challenging experience, which gives one a large feeling of self-accomplishment when finished. However, you must be well prepared when lightweight backpacking however, for it can be dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. A few things to take into consideration when backpacking are, food/water, clothing, sleeping, and temperature, and total pack weight. There are multiple techniques for cutting down the weight of your pack also, such as sizing down items and finding “multi-use” items, which I will explain later.
First off is the consideration of food. When going anywhere, it would be wise to observe where water sources are, and what is edible, just in case you get stranded or lost. If you decide to be an “extreme” backpacker, (go without food and find it while hiking) this is really important, but I’m sure you could figure that one out on your own. If you are to bring food, make sure it doesn’t way you down too much. Foods such as dehydrated meat, fruits, vegetables, and if you feel like it, whole meals, are ideal, and reasonably light. With water, it would be best to carry a small water purifier that screws onto the top of a bottle, or bring water purifying pills. These are not the only way to clean your water; it is possible to bring the water to a boil over a fire for ten minutes. This is not very ideal compared to pills or a purifier, because you would have to boil enough water for the whole day, and then tote it around with you all day which could be quite strenuous. Remember, when considering food, think light!
Clothing is also important. You must consider the temperature and the weather before heading out so you don’t get caught in freezing weather with only a T-shirt and shorts. But, only bring what you MUST, don’t be paranoid about what probably won’t happen. For sleeping, in any temperature you can use a lightweight bivy sack (there are some that can keep you warm to 0 degrees, look around) and a tarp for cover, plus a few articles of warm clothing if needed.
You want your total pack weight to be as light as possible, so you don’t have to cringe under your two ton bag. A good technique it to shoot for a certain weight you want to carry in your pack (excluding what clothes you will depart with, and including the weight of your pack), is to first separate everything you want to bring into three piles: What you will need (i.e. water tablets), what you might need (rain jacket), and what extra you won’t need (a camera). Next, you weigh the pile of things you will definitely need. If you don’t go over your weight limit, move on to the next pile and so on. A good pack weight depends on the time planned to spend, such as for a short trip (a day or two), which should only weigh less than 10, a week trip 20-25 pounds, and a long range trip, which should be 35 or so pounds. Remember this when weighing and planning your items.
The “multi-use” object technique is simple really. For example, a bandana can be a washcloth, napkin, sunglasses case, scarf, lens cleaner, under hat sun shield, hanky, pot holder, and many others. All these items can be eliminated from your list if you bring just ONE bandana! Another tool would be a tent stake, which could double as a miniature shovel. Things like these are important to take into consideration, and can save you quite a bit of effort and space.
Sizing down is important. Remember, you won’t need that gigantic Swiss Army Knife, complete with a corkscrew and bottle opener, when you probably won’t come across any Bud Light trees. Size it down instead to one that only has the basics, such as a knife and scissors.
If all is followed correctly, you should be in for a new, fun experience. I hope you find this helpful next time you go hiking!
