What You Should Know about Lightweight Backpacks
ultralight backpacking gear- free ideas
Anyone who has ever hiked over 20 miles in a day while carrying a backpack will know that weight is a really 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 if 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.
You may find it hard to believe but there are some really good lightweight backpacks that weigh less than four ounces. This is no exaggeration. Most bags like this will have a capacity of around 1500 to 1800 cubic inches which will enable you to carry about 15 pounds of equipment. This should be enough for your lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin for some shelter, a basic first aid kit and some energy food. And of course an adequate amount of water.
In fact the water that you need to carry when trekking can become the heaviest item. 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 can even find some perfectly adequate lightweight backpacks, often sold as day sacks, in various bargain disount store costing only a few dollars. They may be simple designs with only one or two external pockets, but easily adequate for most lightweight backpacking expeditions. 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.