You aren't lightweight backpacking if you are carrying twenty-five pounds for a summer weekend. I invent these standards, but I try to be reasonable. I backpack with less than fifteen pounds total weight for a weekend trip. With a few new pieces of gear, and a little knowledge, you can probably carry less than twenty pounds for a three-day trip, and less than thirty for a week-long trip.
Start by throwing out those pack weight/body weight formulas. Learn the principles of lightweight backpacking, and you'll never be close to what they say you can carry anyhow. And who wants to carry 25% of their body weight down the trail? The question to ask is "How much do I need to carry to be safe and comfortable?"
Lightweight Backpacking Isn't Masochistic
The biggest reason for lightweight or ultralight backpacking is to enjoy the trip more. I don't leave crucial things behind or otherwise make myself miserable, just so I can call it lightweight backpacking.
Here's a good rule: Go as light as you can without sacrificing things that are most important to you (safety items, a good book, a bottle of rum?). It's not about giving things up. It's about carefully choosing what you really need to have an enjoyable, safe trip, AND replacing heavier things with lighter things.
For example, if you really need an inflatable pad, get rid of that 2-pounder and buy one of the new 13-ouncers. My down sleeping bag weighs 17 ounces and has kept me warmer than any 3 or 4 pound bag I've had. If you replace items one-by-one with lighter alternatives, you can eventually cut your packweight by half or more.
Start by setting aside your lightest sweater, socks, hat, etc. Then, when you can afford to, buy one of the big three (pack, tent, bag) because this is where you'll save the most weight. Of course, going light can be expensive, but I've gone 110 miles in seven days (no blisters) with $7 running shoes, so it doesn't have to be.
How Much Weight?
With proper equipment and skills, you probably can be comfortable and safe with twenty pounds on your back for the weekend. Watch yourself on your next hike. What did you actually use, and which items brought you the most comfort? What can you leave behind next time? What can you replace with lighter items?
My first really light backpacking trip was a true test in the mountains of Colorado. It rained or snowed every day. I went 110 miles without a blister, climbed 5 "fourteeners", stayed warm and dry, and never had more than 17 pounds on my back. Oh, and I never had as much fun with a heavy pack. That was lightweight backpacking at its best.
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.theultralightbackpackingsite.com
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carHow many of you take the time to just relax... Read More
Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More
Directly south of Louisville, just off Interstate 65 and not... Read More
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More
Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting... Read More
Campgrounds are a perfect Pigeon Forge lodging option for visitors... Read More
Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More
If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your... Read More
Zambia is Africa's best kept secret as far as safaris... Read More
Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where... Read More
It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More
We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in... Read More
(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More
The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More
How to get discount lift tickets for popular ski resorts... Read More
Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More
For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More
My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More
We think that Cape Town has some of the best... Read More
White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around... Read More
San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More
No one can truly say... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More
If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More
The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
I bet you're wondering where the heck this articles going.... Read More
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More
Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More
Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known... Read More
Zambia is Africa's best kept secret as far as safaris... Read More
To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari... Read More
Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to... Read More
Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features... Read More
For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More
River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More
Up to now the preponderant view held by many historians... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
Having traveled from state to state and every city in... Read More
White-water rafting can be one of the most exhilarating experiences... Read More
Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More
We love spending time outdoors and if you are expecting... Read More
So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More
Outdoors |