The Simplicity of Lightweight Backpacking
Lightweight backpacking pertains to packing gear that is the lightest possible to sustain them for whatever period of time they plan to be traveling. Packing light can mean shedding over 30 pounds of often useless gear that the backpacker may never even use. Traditional backpacks normally carry between 30 and 50 pounds. This can be a lot of weight to lug around with you over a period of time. Lightweight backpack travelers choose to take their base pack weight down to 12 to 20 pounds, which is considerably lighter than traditional backpacks.
There are more and more people practicing lightweight backpacking on the trails today. These individuals are, on average, have more energy and experience far less exhaustion and injuries, and for the most part are more enjoyable to be around. The loss of a large amount of weight can free the traveler to experience more of the trip in an enjoyable manner instead of constantly worrying how they are going to climb the next hill.
When backpacking hiking with less gear, simply do not take more than what you know you will need. Many people tend to pack duplicate equipment just in case, but many people never need the duplicate gear. Believe it or not, packing your everyday 12 ounce tube of toothpaste or your ultra mega bottle of sunscreen can add to the weight content of your backpack very quickly, yet you will never need those amounts of products for a weekend or even a week long trip. Instead, try packing trial size bottles of products so that you are more comfortable when traveling. Another item that can significantly add to your backpacking weight is packing unnecessary food. This is where deliberate food planning comes in. Many lightweight backpackers have found that packing food consistent with a 2,000 calorie a day diet relieves them of a lot of weight. This averages out to about 1.5 pounds of daily food and can actually reduce the average backpacker's weight by over 5 pounds, in food alone. While there are other items that can be deleted from your backpack to drop weight, starting with items like these can get you off and running.
While backpacking can be very enjoyable, the weight of backpacking equipment can sometimes be a burden, making for a weary traveler on the trail. Lightweight backpacking is a way for many individuals to enjoy the activity, while not having to tote around all of the heavy equipment. Lightening the load of the equipment can cause less stress on the body and allow for a more enjoyable hike.