When you’re out deep in the woods backpacking, every ounce of weight matters.
A heavy backpack can slow you down, wear you out, and turn your fun hike into a grueling nightmare.
Knowing how to keep your pack light is one of the most valuable skills a hiker can learn.
Below are some tips for lightweight backpacking, so you can hit the trail confidently.
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Start with the Right Backpack
Before you can worry about what items to pack, you need to make sure your pack itself isn’t weighing you down.
Try to choose a pack that is lightweight, durable, and the right size for the distance you plan on traveling.
If you are only going a few miles you can get away with a smaller pack, but you’ll need to pack a bigger bag if you plan on doing long distance treks.
Look for bags with a:
- Lightweight Frame
- Comfortable Suspension System
- Large Capacity
- Abundant and Convenient Pockets/Storage
You don’t have to break the bank with your backpack, but the saying “you get what you pay for” really does ring true in this case.
Below are a few different packs from various price ranges
Affordable (Under $50)
Click here.
Very Nice (Around $100)
Click here.
Top of the Line (Over $400)
Click here.
Whatever your budget, I’m confident you’ll find a pack that works for you, and fits your style and needs!
The Backpacking Big Three: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad
The Big Three Rule is a very important rule to remember when you’re backpacking.
Your tent, your sleeping bag, and your sleeping pad, are often the bulkiest and the heaviest items in your pack.
Keeping those light—under ten pounds—is key to keeping your pack light as a whole.
If these are lightweight and compact, it will also open up room in your pack for other necessary items, such as flashlights, solar chargers, or clothing.
You’ll be amazed at how small, and how light, companies have managed to make these items. It’s an impressive world out there.
Weigh Your Pack Before You Go
It might sound stupid, but you should always make sure to weigh your pack before you head out on your trip.
Pack weight is directly correlated to how difficult your trip will be, and the pounds start to add up fast.
Every. Ounce. Matters.
You might think you’re fine while standing in your living room, but how are you gonna feel at mile ten of a long muddy trail?
Remember- Every bit of extra weight is extra energy spent out on the trail.
Ditch the Dead Weight
Some things in life are more important than others. This is true on the trail too.
Consider which items are needs, and which items are wants, then get rid of the latter.
At the end of the day, what you decide is essential is up to you, but some things are more luxury than they are function.
There are many ways to keep your pack light while hiking or backpacking, but the quickest and easiest is to simply leave some things at home.
Keep extra clothing to a minimum, and stick to the bare necessities (the simple bare necessities) when loading your pack.
Your general camping supply list should be different from your long-trek backpacking supply list.
Minimize Water Weight
Water is a necessity for obvious reasons, but it also can be a silent killer that adds immense weight to your pack.
Did you know, a liter of water weighs about 2.2 pounds? Fill up your water pouch too much and your pack will quickly become unmanageable.
If you want to keep your backpack light, only bring as much water as you think you will need to get to your next fresh water source.
There will often be water refill points along your journey, so if you know there will be another refill coming up soon, you can keep your water to a minimum for that stretch.
If you plan on going on more difficult, less developed trails, consider investing in a LifeStraw water filter or gravity pump, so you can have access to safe drinking water even if your pack runs out. It’s a great tool to have in case of an emergency!
Pack the Right Backpacking Food
You might be a great cook but now is not the time to start trying out your gourmet recipes.
Try to cook simply and limit how much food you haul along with you.
Try dehydrated meals (MRE’s), oats, or granola bars over heavy canned food.
Managing your food wisely when backpacking is a great way to keep your pack light.
Keep Cookware to a Minimum
Carrying heavy cookware is the opposite of what you want to do when you’re backpacking.
Stick to meals that either don’t require cooking or can be cooked using limited supplies.
One camping pot or pan should be more than enough if you plan your meals ahead of time and stick to basic ingredients.
If you’re camping in a place that doesn’t allow fires, a jet boil burner or portable camping stove can be good compact cooking options, great for cooking a wide variety of meals.
They also sell reusable camping utensils at most outdoor stores!
Reevaluate as You Go
You don’t have to be an expert backpacker the very first time you hit the trail.
Like everything else, learning how to keep your pack light is a skill that you will learn and refine as you go.
Carrying a too-heavy pack for fifteen miles will help you realize how important lightweight gear can be.
Reevaluate after every trip.
If your pack was too heavy, see what items you can live without and find smaller alternatives for the ones you can’t.
If you felt like you could manage a few more pounds, then you can decide to bulk up on supplies if you want.
It’s all a game of figuring out what works for you, and what you can handle!
Final Thoughts on Lightweight Backpacking
Learning how to keep your backpack light will give you more freedom and more miles on the trail.
Your back and body will thank you as well.
Hike farther, and rest easier, knowing that your gear is as lean as possible.
Make smart weight choices, and have fun backpacking!
Thanks for Reading!
We are a small time camping blog just starting out, but we’re thrilled you took the time to stop by! Hopefully we’ve provided you with some useful tips on lightweight backpacking.
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