Long Distance Trekking with a Lightweight Backpack
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. Experiences hikers, trekkers and backpackers know that to reduce the weight of your gear you need to concentrate on the three main items: your sleeping bag, shelter and the backpack itself.
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.
It may be hard to believe but there are some really good quality backpacks that weigh in at less than four ounces. That’s no exaggeration. The typical capacity would be around 1800 cubic inches which is enough for around 15 pounds of gear. This should be enough for your lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin for some shelter, a basic first aid kit and some energy food. 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. You can reduce the amount of water that you need to carry with you by planning your route to take you via locations where you can refill.
Another excellent benefit of going lightweight is that much of the gear is significantly cheaper than the heavier, tougher versions. You will even find some bargain lightweight backpacks in various discount stores, often sold as day sacks costing only a few dollars. They can be a very simple in desgn with only a few, if any, external pockets. They may be low cost for they can be ideal for lightweight backpacking trips.
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.
Philmont, Cimarron NM July 2011
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