- #BEST SPREADSHEETS FOR ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING HOW TO#
- #BEST SPREADSHEETS FOR ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING PLUS#
A simple Ziploc bag is a great way way to store small items.
#BEST SPREADSHEETS FOR ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING PLUS#
The containers themselves are heavy and bulky, plus you likely won't use many of the items. Avoid buying pre-assembled kits such as store bought first aid kits. In addition to leaving certain items behind, you can repackage items such as toothpaste, sunscreen, and bug spray into small containers or eye dropper bottles. Leaving out items is one of the biggest changes you can make to your overall pack weight. Another great way to save weight is to leave your backpacking pillow at home and use a stuff sack with clothes inside as a replacement. Think about the hiking gear that will safely and efficiently get you from point A to point B. While backpacking you will be surprised how much less time you spend at camp and items like cards will not be worth their weight. If you are used to car camping, you may have brought some playing cards to burn a few hours at camp. There are some items that may seem like a good idea, but in reality, won't be necessary. Gossamer Gear has a wide variety of packs for all types of backpacking needs.īackpacking gear organization before an adventure - credit: Rethink
#BEST SPREADSHEETS FOR ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING HOW TO#
Before making this purchase, make sure you know how many liters you will need to carry your gear and learn how to size a pack. Switching to a lightweight backpack can save you pounds. There are many varieties including those that use trekking poles to support your shelter eliminating the weight of tent poles (like our ultralight tarps). There is a huge variety of shelters available now and if you're using an old tent, you may be surprised by how much weight you can save by upgrading your shelter. What will be the average temperature be at night? Having this information and knowing how you tend to sleep can help you save pounds in your pack while staying comfortable at night. It is especially important not to get caught up in "what if" scenarios: Think realistically about your trip. Think of the typical conditions you will be camping in and plan accordingly. These will be your biggest weight savings, and even if you can only shave weight with these three gear items you will really feel the difference! Sleep System for WarmthĬamp bedding will likely consists of a sleeping bag, ultralight sleeping pad and a lightweight ground cloth (under your sleeping pad). Mariposa Lightweight Backpack in the Wind River Range - credit: Stephanie Baker first beginning steps in lessening your load and transitioning to lightweight backpacking are focusing on the big three (your sleep system, backpack, and shelter). Starting your journey to transition to carrying less may seem like a daunting task, but with some support, it can be easier than you think and more rewarding than you ever expected! Lightweight backpacking makes it possible for people of all ages to do more in the backcountry. There are many benefits to lightweight (ultralight) backpacking including the ability to hike faster and further with less fatigue or risk of injury caused by a heavy load. Basically: less weight means less sore muscles and more energy.Do you dream of hiking down the trail with less effort? Has backpacking been more of a task than a joy? Are you a beginner to hiking? Anyone can be a lightweight backpacker if they put the effort in and do some research before they make gear purchases. OR you may be able to hike that extra mile or two to make better timing on your trip, without killing yourself in the process. This means you will accomplish one of two important things.įirst, you may end up making camp feel less tired, and more able to simply enjoy yourself for the night. The less weight you must carry equates to less effort on your muscles, and less pressure placed on your feet. Why is a reduction in weight so relevant? It all amounts to the effort your muscles must put in to carry these loads, and the amount of pressure on your feet. Lightweight Backpack (1 lb) + less gear (20 lbs) + food/water (10 lbs) = 31 total pounds Traditional Frame Constructed pack (6 lbs) + traditional amount of gear (45 lbs) + food/water (10 lbs) = 61 total pounds A lighter pack, plus a lighter load of gear and essentials, means that you are carrying less on your back. Primarily, an individual may want to choose a lightweight design because, well, they are lighter. Here we will discuss a few of the most relevant, common reasons a hiker or traveller would decide to opt for one. There are numerous reasons a person may want to opt for lightweight versus a heavier frame construction.