Make It Easy on Yourself: Lightweight Backpacking
Many beginner backpackers carry too much weight in their packs. A lighter backpack keeps you nimble on your feet, puts less stress on creaky knees, reduces fatigue, and decreases the chance of injury. Get organized. List all the gear and jot down its weight. Lay everything out for a visual of what you’ll be carrying. You want to aim for 20-30 pounds on your back, but it’s not necessary to spend an exorbitant amount of money on ultralight gear. Use your hike budget on the four heaviest items (beside food and water): tent, sleeping bag, pad, and backpack. Do your research and look at the weight of each. You can shave off several pounds with a svelte smaller backpack that will force you to take less.
Cut the things you don’t need, but find the sweet spot between the essential and the gear you want to be comfortable in camp
Use one piece of gear for multiple uses: sandals used as camp slippers and for crossing rivers; bandanas for a washcloth, towel, sleep mask, toilet paper, hair tie, a sunblock for the neck and when wet and tied around the neck can cool you down; a frisbee serves for play and as a plate; a stuff sack filled with your down jacket and extra clothing makes a great pillow; socks make fine gloves in a pinch; a garbage bag lines your pack and can be used as emergency rain gear. A rain poncho offers rain protection, covers your pack, and can be used for a ground cloth
Hike with a partner to distribute the weight of gear between you. Divide tent poles and tent, fuel and stove, food and cooking utensils
Repackage food and toiletries into zip-close plastic bags
Use dehydrated food, avoid too many fresh fruits and vegetables
Water is heavy! Carry one liter and research where the creeks and lakes are to filter water and refill the bottle. Consider buying a mini-filter purifier, and use a collapsible water bottle to save weight
Bring only the clothes you need. If you are out for a few days wear the same layers. To keep your sleeping bag clean, bring a set of synthetic or wool long johns for sleeping in. Bring a clean pair of socks for each day on shorter hikes (wet feet invite blisters)
Pare down the first aid kit to blister bandages, regular bandages, antibiotic ointment in small packets, pain relief pills, and a few alcohol wipes
