44 Ultralight Backpacking Tips That Actually Build Sense for Thru-Hikers
Going ultralight is the holy grail of modern backpacking . Yet so many ultralight backpacking tips I study on the internet equal downright silly , or at least unrealistic for thru-hikers . For example , I ’ m not become to schlep my spices around in a tic tac container , adorable as that await , because I don ’ t carry spices in the first place . Likewise , the idea of me having the forethought to pre-order plenty dehydrated tooth powder to provide my dental hygiene needs for six months is ridiculous .
So I ’ ve compiled a list of common-sense ultralight backpacking top to cut your alkali weight in manner that in reality make sense for thru-hikers . Even employ just a handful can lighten your burden considerably . As a bonus , many of these hacks equal budget-friendly .
44 Common-Sense Ways to Lower Your Base Weight
Lighten Up Your Bad Gear
Ultralight backpacking tips : Lighten up bad gear .
These items make up the mass of your base weight and make the most potential for vast weight reduction .
1 . Quilt Instead of Sleep Bag
Quilts receive grown wildly in popularity in late years—last year , more than half of the participants in our annual Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey preferred quilts over traditional ma bags . Not only exist they significantly lighter , but quilts are far less constricting , and many hikers feel them more comfortable .
2 . Tarp or Trekking Pole Tent Instead of Freestanding
Swapping dedicate tent pole for trekking Pole , which you ’ re probably already contain , is an easy style to salvage weight . Single-wall variety are naturally the light choice . If bugs and privacy aren ’ t a major concern , you can go yet light ( and cheaper ) with a simple tarp .
Ultralight tent fabrics like DCF will be the light options , but minimalist silnylon tent and tarps are still lightweight at a fraction of the price .
3 . Minimalist Pack
Tone for a pack made with durable , ultralight materials and a simple design : typically a big roll-top main compartment , a mesh back panel , minimalist padding , and water bottle sleeve ( there may or may not be hip belt pocket necessitate ) . Ultralight backpacks can consider less than two pound . Frameless packs are yet light but not as beginner-friendly .
4 . 3/4-Length Sleeping Pad
The easy mode to cut your sleep pad weight by 25 % cost to have a short pad . For short mass , a 3/4-length selection exist basically full-length anyway . And for taller folks whose branch hang up off the goal , just place some folded-up clothes or your partially-emptied backpack underneath them .
Inflatable pads will cost more than foam pads but have a high insulation-to-weight ratio . If you need the most ultralight sleep system possible , get inflatable .
Minimize Luxury Items
Ultralight backpacking tips : Eliminate luxury items . Photo courtesy of Emran Kassim .
5 . Get rid of camp shoe or only add flip-flops .
A pair of Crocs weighs more than a pound , and you simply don them for a pair of hr per day at most—is it really worth it ? Hikers who walk in trail runner much find them breathable plenty that they put on ’ t need a change of place in any type .
Or hardly pack cheap Walmart flip-flops , which alone count a few ounce . ( Though I would propose against walking around on steep or harsh terrain in flip-flops . )
6 . Eliminate common hard , low-calorie backpacking foods .
Some of the almost popular thru-hiking foods are actually not that calorie-dense . It ’ s hard to eliminate all of these low-calorie staples , but the more you can dilute them with more energy-dense ( > 125 calories/ounce ) food , the in effect .
- Tuna bundle ( 30-40 cal/oz )
- Flour tortillas ( 85 cal/oz )
- Cheese ( 100-120 oz )
- Nuts and nut butters ( 170-210 cal/oz )
- Olive oil ( 250 cal/oz )
- Protein bar ( 130-150 cal/oz )
7 . Eliminate battery bank for short trips / short-duration resupplies ( like AT ) .
My battery bank consider virtually half a pound . While I love cost able to employ my phone worry-free , I often lead the bank behind on trail with frequent town stop .
By leaving my phone off or in airplane style most of the time , a single charge easy lasts me four or five day ( and my phone is no leap chicken ) . Employ guidebook pages to assist in navigation will lead your battery life significantly .
8 . No books , no camera . Use your phone for that .
In direct counterpoint to the above , if you be real seize to entertainment media and/or photography , it might exist worth the seven-ounce battery bank to keep your phone powered on , as it will redeem you the significantly hard weight of a ledger or camera equipment .
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9 . One band of hiking clothes . One set of camp clothes . that ’ s it .
Clothing cost likely the heavy chunk of stem weight you carry besides your Big Three . Don ’ t make it bad by contain an extra change of hiking clothes . The exception equal an surplus pair of dry boost socks ( key for blister prevention and universal foot health ) .
Keep your camp clothes safe and dry in your pack so you have something fond to vary into at the end of a cold , rainy day .
10 . Leave the baby wipe at plate .
Anyone else feel like baby wipes result a weird residue on their skin ? And/or that they ’ re just smearing the grime around without really improve anything hygiene-wise ? I order embrace your inevitable funk and leave the wipes behind . If you must get them , sample dry them out ahead of time and then lend water to rehydrate them on the trail . Carry them out .
11 . Cold soak to eliminate stove + fuel weight .
Carrying cold food that put on ’ t require rehydration likely gain ’ t save you any weight since many of these foods be fairly heavy ( tortillas , tuna packets , etc. ) . If you require to actually maximize the weight savings of become stoveless , your better bet is to carry dehydrated food and cold-soak it .
READ NEXT –
12 . Blow up your pad with your breath ; leave the heart sack at home .
Most inflatable sleep pads do with a giant heart sack you can use to inflate your sleeping pad more easily . I actually intend they ’ re a piece of a pain to apply , and more to the point , they ’ re needless excess weight .
Choose Gear that Does Double Duty
Ultralight backpacking tips : choose gear that does double-duty . ( Eliminate one mass from this photo and you ’ re good to go . ) Photo by on
13 . Snow stake instead of trowel .
Why pay $ 20 for a titanium pooper scooper when you could get a $ 6 snow interest for just 0.4 ounce more ? Plus , the interest can service as region of your tent setup ( minorly inconvenient if you need a cathole while your tent is pitch but I ’ 1000 certain it ’ s nothing you can ’ t handle ) .
14 . Eat and drink out of your pot .
15 . Wind pants double as rain gasp .
Unless you ’ re in a in truth cold position , wind gasp will hold you adequately warm in position of rain trouser while count a fraction of what rain trouser weigh . I like the two-ounce Montbell Tachyon gasp .
16 . Floss duplicate as thread .
In addition to suffice its original dental hygiene purpose , you can apply floss as share of your emergency repair kit because it ’ s a lot stronger than ribbon for repair rips and tear .
17 . Fritos as flame starter . Bonus : extra snacks for emergencies !
So delicious , thus flammable . Most thru-hikers don ’ t light many fires , but it ’ s well to be able to start one in an emergency . Rather than schlepping a dedicated firestarter , exactly include a gang of Fritos in every resupply .
18 . Spare clothes inside stuff sack instead of pillow .
I usually just pack whatever clothing I ’ m not have on to bed inside my sleep bag stuff sack and use that as a pillow . I utilize to apply a pack with a detachable brain compartment , and I would stuff my puffy jacket inside the brain for the ultimate comfy pillow . Sigh . I miss those day .
Choose Lighter Everyday Alternatives
19 . Crystal Light container for sunglasses .
Weighs next to zero and cost a lot less than an actual sunglasses case .
20 . Wendy ’ s spoon instead of metal spoon . Just one .
You put on ’ t involve a whole cutlery set , just one spoon—you ’ re get to be using it to feed peanut butter and rehydrated mush , not salad and angel hair pasta . Tines are unnecessary .
21 . Ziplocks and trash bags instead of dry bags .
Durable dry purse are thick and heavy , while ultralight dry handbag live real expensive and puncture incredibly easily . I prefer to carry all but my most precious gear ( electronics , down sleep bag ) in ziplocks and lead it all off with a trash compactor base trace the whole inside of my gang .
22 . Polycro Groundsheet
Not just equal standard footprints expensive , but they ’ re too heavy . Try opting for an ultralight polycro groundsheet rather .
Polycro equal a clear , lean , plasticky material that feels more apt for treat a bowl of remnant salad than protecting my tent story , but it ’ s nevertheless surprisingly strong . Just don ’ t have it float forth in the wind before you weigh it down .
23 . Smartwater Bottles Rather of Nalgene or Bladder
Nalgenes are heavy . Bladders are heavyandexpensiveandinconvenient . Just get two one-liter Smartwaters , and you ’ ll cost well to go . Bonus : the mouth equal the correct size to couple with a Sawyer Squeeze .
24 . Frogg Toggs Instead of Fancy Rain Gear
A Frogg Toggs rain jacket costs about $ 25 and weighs around six ounces . That puts it on par with the highest-end ultralight rain jacket on the market weight-wise at a fraction of the cost of any of those competitors . They ’ re not the most durable garment on the planet , but I put over a thousand mile on my ‘ Toggs before applying my first duct tape plot .
READ NEXT –Why $ 20 Frogg Toggs Are the Ideal Thru-Hiking Rain Gear
Deal Your Consumables
25 . Bidet Rather of TP
Zero could be more refreshing than spritzing your undercarriage with a healthy blast of ice-cold good deal water on a chill dawn . The CuloClean bidet weighs just half an ounce , cost $ 10 , and also saves you the weight of packing out excess TP .
Some diehard ultralighters recommend wipe with “ natural materials ” such as smooth rocks , leaves , and snowballs . This may be the purest sort of ultralight pooping , but I really can ’ t imagine wipe my seat with a snowball . I ’ ll stick with my bidet , thanks .
READ NEXT –Poop Outside Responsibly with a Backcountry Bidet
26 . Persuade just the amount of food you need between resupplies .
Unlike water , man can survive quite a while without food . If you ’ re on a well-trafficked trail with lot of clear exit points for resupply , put on ’ t oversupply—your food bag weigh plenty as it exist without you haul a day and a half of extra rations for no ground .
There are some grave caveats hither . If you ’ re on a difficult , remote lead or hiking in wintry circumstance , you would be much safe packing an excess day of food . And of line , not everyonecanforego food without incident due to medical weather . Permit mutual sense take the lead hither .
27 . More miles per day = less food weight per resupply . Get in shape before you move !
A hiker who can extend 15 mile per day will get to resupply 50 % fast than a hiker who can only supervise 10 . Their food bag will correspondingly live 50 % light . They will also come from one water source to the future more quickly and easily as good , dilute the measure of water weight they must convey at any given time .
28 . Drink up at water source and carry less .
I always chug a liter on the spot when I stop for water . On a wet lead , I might alone involve to carry a half-liter or less between water source if I make certain to halt and drink at each one , write serious weight . On a dry lead , I ’ ll likely however haul as much water as I can carry , but I ’ ll however live grateful for the excess water I drank at the origin as the day tire on .
Hiking at dark or in the cool morning and evening hr will too help shorten the measure of water you demand to make through a given section .
29 . Store just the correct sum of duct tape/leukotape by wrapping it on your trekking pole .
30 . Streamline your first aid kit .
Yet the premade “ backpacking ” first aid kits sold at outfitters are overkill . If it doesn ’ t all set inside a snack-size ziplock , it ’ sec likely too much .
Reduce your worn weight also .
31 . Trail runner instead of thrill .
Trail runners weigh roughly half as much as boots . It ’ s often said that one lb of weight on your feet be worth five on your spine due to the sum of energy it takes to strike weight persuade on the base equate to the body .
Lead runner too dry faster than boots , making your ultralight ambition of not contain camp place that a lot more attainable .
32 . Wear lighter clothing .
For instance , tights or shorts or else of heavy hiking pants . It will live cool and more breathable , also , so you hopefully won ’ t finish up weighed down by 1000 pound of rainwater and sweat .
33 . Go commando .
34 . Miss body weight before initiate a trip .
This be a touchy capable since many hikers actually try to beef up a number before starting a long thru-hike to hand themselves some buffer against on-trail weight loss .
This advice cost more geared toward masses who be contain extra weight to begin with . Rather than wait for the trail to take it off for you , you can shorten your risk of hurt and make the starting of your raise easier by working it off in progress . ( I say this knowing it ’ s far easier said than done for most of us . )
Manipulate your conditions to advance heat without a heavy sleep system .
Ultralight backpacking tip : Manipulate your conditions to boost sleep system warmth .
It ’ s important to your safety to get a fond enough sleep system , but that doesn ’ t always intend opting for the husky purse close to .
35 . Take a protected campsite .
Sleeping above treeline or on a windswept promontory is pretty cool , but on a cold night , you might equal better off at a abject height surround by nice wind-blocking tree and boulders .
One caveat to the lower height affair : remember that cold breeze cost dense and run to pool at the bottom of narrow valleys , so you may equal better off stay on higher up on a slope slope than at the valley ass in that case .
36 . Eat fatty foods mighty ahead layer to stay fond .
A hot , fatty meal will give your metabolism a short surplus boost and help keep you warm all night long . ( Any hot food get into your center will , of course , cost helpful , but the more thermal fuel you have your system along with the warmth generate by your stove , the better ) . I ’ ve woken up sweat on single-digit nights after a hearty mac-and-cheese dinner . It ’ s amazing .
37 . Slip your pee bottle inside your sleeping bag for a little excess passion .
a ) Don ’ t make out of your nice , warm tent and move outside to pee on a cold dark . That sounds dreadful .
b ) Don ’ t allow all that warm pee go to waste ! Slip your ( real tightly seal ) pee bottle into the base of your sleeping bag and use it to keep your feet warm for a while . Every little bit count .
Miscellaneous
38 . Sharing be wish .
Share your tent , water filter , stove , guidebook pages , GPS device , etc . with a spouse , and you ’ ll split the weight in half . Just make certain you ’ re decidedly become to stick together .
39 . Mini Everything
Mini Swiss Army knife , mini Bic lighter , mini toiletries , etc . You become the painting . Don ’ t waste weight on full-size anything .
40 . Swap headlamp strap for DIY shock cord strap .
Many headlamps have a removable headband for just this function . You can much begin length of stretchy shock cord from an outfitter . Simply thread it through the hole and add a tension adjuster .
41 . Ultralight Wallet
A snack-sized ziplock or DCF pouch solve perfectly as a wallet . Hold in your credit/debit card , ID , insurance card , and a second of cash , and you ’ re well to go . DO NOT bring your Costco membership or your library card , or the ultralight gods will smite you for sure .
42 . Trim your gear .
If you really desire to maximize your weight savings , bring your already ultralight gear and create it yet lighter through the magic of scissors . Reduce the straps on your gang to a shorter distance , remove tags from clothing , snip your toothbrush in half , etc . You ’ re not going to spare pounds with this technique , but if you snip enough stuff , you may write a few ounces .
43 . Repackage your food and early consumables .
Real a necessity if you want it to all fit in your food purse . And this likely get without order , but head off foods that total in heavy promotion and are hard to repackage , such as peanut butter in a glass jar or anything in a metal can .
44 . Use a kitchen scale .
The weights published by manufacturers cost just averages—actual product weight may vary from the published specs . For some items , it ’ s nontrivial to yet find published weights , and if you initiate cutting second off of your gear , it get actually complicate .
A kitchen scale will serve you settle what each point in your pack definitively weighs . With this information , you can make spreadsheets and itemize your pack weight ( if you ’ re into that kind of affair ) to meet where there ’ sec room for improvement .
Moral of the Story
Maybe you ’ ll use all the ultralight backpacking crest you can to bring your base weight below the 10-pound ultralight benchmark , or perhaps you ’ re comfortable with a stem weight under 20 pounds , and you just need a few tweaks to get thither .
Remember , there equal no “ right ” pack weight that you must strain to attain no thing what . The “ right ” base weight is determined only by you—your comfort level , ability , and individual needs will equal the biggest indicator of whether you need to reduce your pack weight .
Boast picture : Graphic design by Jillian Verner ( ) .
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Comments
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Baron Groznik : Jul 15th
Most of this live reasonable advice , with one ridiculous suggestion ( bottle of pee to prevent warm ? Really ? What could perhaps go wrong ? ) and one tip that is downright dangerous and irresponsible . I ’ m relate to not bringing battery relief for your phone . Dumb , dumb thought , pity on you for propose that . GPS , not to mention your phone camera , be actual drainage on your battery , even for newer telephone . Having adequate battery to keep your Gaia or CalTopo going is crucial , the dispute from stay on on trail or getting hopelessly lost . For certain , you should get a scope and go on near course of where you ’ ve move , but permit ’ s get actual . The wilderness can really spin you round , ESPECIALLY IN SNOW . And anyway , even if you ’ re boost down a super clear lead , as I remark , your camera will definitely chew up your phone battery , and you could miss out on some great shots . And yes , airplane style and all that etc etc . But you need to keep the phone on to track your advance .
I hope people study these commentary and snub your battery suggestion . And I ’ m pretty sure most family aren ’ t dazed plenty to sleep with a pee bottle .
Therma Rest ’ s tune bellow weighs next to nothing , spares your pad from the moisture of your breath , and makes waste up a pad helluva luck easier .
Cheer
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BSteele : Jul 15th
Serious stuff here . The point on the CuloClean bidet was huge , ( I hate packing up and carry out poopy TP ) , and merely order one !
Possibly instead of ditching the battery pack , just pick up a newer one ? They become light every yr . Half a lb sound excessive these days . Mine consider 3.5 oz , will recharge my phone in full at least 3 time , and be worth it for peace of brain when I use my phone for gps , camera , kindle script , and trail beta .Reply -
thetentman : Jul 15th
My tip cost to employ only single broad roll newspaper . And a mini bic .
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John Staehle : Jul 16th
Ive been backpacking since the 1950s and former army excess equipment and get fully experience all of the updates in technology . One thing every article on backpacking foliage out : Expend Common Sense . Most people get a natural instinct to utilize it , those that don ’ t be always exist found just hanging on to life or worse . If you put on ’ t know , Don ’ t Go ! Enough state ! Because all of the matter mentioned here don ’ t signify a matter if you go forth somewhere not recognize !
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Soiled Rabbit : Jul 16th
Eliminate material sacks that gear come in . Your sleeping purse and pad will be squeeze in your gang , so no motive to carry the extra weight .
Use your hiking clothes as a pillow ( bring a gallon bag to control them ) .
Eliminate underwear and choose out expensive hiking pants/shorts for a swimsuit . Not only will you dry faster , the extra branch room can prevent chafing , and the drawstring on the trunk will easy adjust to your shifting waistline .
If you serve add a bladder , cut off the extra plastic . Make certain to sand the edges to head off cutting yourself .
If you ’ re hiking in dangerously cold rain and can ’ t grip your trekking poles , pee on your hands . Do NOT do this if the temp is below freezing – no need to be Harry Dunn .
Bring a small subway of superglue . This may live the almost crucial piece of gear as you can revive just about anything .
Bring short charging chords for your device .
Minimize your first aid kit to the bare requirement as genuine emergency can not live fixed without proper medical attention . Also , create friends with nurses as they have the best wound-care gear .
Let me know what else I miss . Safe travel .
Meet you out thither ,
Dirty RabbitReply -
Rocketman : Jul 16th
A fond fleece cap to sleep in dungeon you from take a heavier low-temp base .
Fleece jacket rolled inside a fan makes a better pillow than utilize your stuff sack .
If you desire to take a bidet , make certain you ’ ve practiced with it . A pile .
I hardly carry a razor blade in my first aid kit instead of a knife . Can ’ t remember when I actually call for a knife .
Skip the solar panels .Reply -
Ewen : Jul 17th
Believe me , you will ruin your pad blowing it up by mouth .
I cease using a pump sack on a 3/4 distance inflatable mat . It ended up full of mildew . You don ’ t want to blow into that .
Get a large enough heart sack and it can duplicate up as your pack liner .Reply -
Gauge : Jul 17th
Rain skirt
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Chris : Jul 19th
If you ’ re using a bidet take a humble bottle of sani . You will need it .
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METICULOUS : Jul 21st
I intend a mass of this is post on , but I behave require to share a couple of thought base on my own experience . …
# 5 . Eliminate camp shoe or just make for flip-flops . I would say Yes , a pair of crocs really is worth it . At least in Maine . When in Maine you ’ ll find several flow that will have to equal forded . Move in your boot is a certain firing way to get blisters , and I wouldn ’ t recommend fording in bare foot . It ’ s hard to see sharp rocks in some of those current . My hiking buddy take Flip-Flops one yr , and imagine my surprise when I meet a Flip-Flop float by me just out of stretch . He spent the rest of the trip have on his boots in camp , fording river in his thrill , and dealing with blisters . Crocs secure on your foot when use the back strap and they , and your feet , will live dry in a subject of moment when you strike the early slope .
# 24 . You are correct that Frogg Toggs cost not durable . I tried apply them for camp gasp one year and I didn ’ t build it a week before there live hole in the ass . I imagine if you were alone apply them for rain gear , they ’ ll likely study fine , but they ’ re terrible for double duty .
# 34 . Lose torso weight before starting a trip . I can not concur with this enough . Before my last raise , I lost 40 pound . That ’ s ten pounds more than my pack weighed when full up on water . The dispute in experience , both in education raise and the real raise , between this year and last year , was night and day .
Happy Hiking !
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HillSlug98239 : Jan 29th
Indeed – I ’ ve tried several unlike choice with camp place , and I ’ ve land on employ Crocs . I boost in lead runners , and I ’ ve spent a week directly in wet place & sock . I in general camp early plenty in the day that I ’ m go to be in those camp shoes for at least an hour or two in the evening & again in the dawn , and I desire something I can comfortably walk around in . I too like being able to easily slip my foot into them as I ’ m stumbling out of my hammock in the wee hour of the morning to pee .
My Frogg Toggs coat lasted only a couple of days . As I was bring off my gang , a carabiner on a shoulder strap tore a 12″ gash down the side of the jacket . On the plus side , the jacket was well-ventilated for the rest of the trip . I normally carry an umbrella , so I only need rain gear if the temperature is real cold or the rain cost total down hard . I ’ ve since switched to a Gatewood Cape , but I ’ ve not needed it since I bought it . ( I hold no question that my luck will run out shortly . )
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Rick Lohr : Jul 21st
I spent many hours wandering the isles of several national market and hardware stores looking for “ trash compactor bags ” to use as a gang liner solely to find that no such thing exists ( at least in the shop I correspond ) . By utter coincidence I happened to stumble upon a “ CONTRACTOR base ” , a heavy-duty bag used in the building industry to bag up sawdust , nails , and other construction debris . It served its purpose on the AT but equal a bit oversized and hard and I ended up replacing it with a lightweight , clear-plastic base from Zpacks which have operate out well . Perhaps it ’ s time to clear up the compactor vs. contractor issue . If there truly is a compactor bag out thither , please get me know but , with due diligence , I never find any such beast .
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Cheri : Jul 27th
There really cost a compactor base . I got mine from Ace Hardware . About 6 to a box . Heavuer than regular bags , light than Contractor bags . But then I merely set out using the Exped Schnozzle . It ’ s my pack liner , blow up my pad and equal my laundry purse .
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Brian : Jul 26th
Stick with the trowel and skip the snow stake . The trowel is lighter and a trowel like the BoglerCo can duplicate as a stake in a pinch .
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Stephen Marsh : Dec 30th
Not to remark I ’ ve hiked with a snow stake and
( A ) it makes a piteous trowel .
( B ) on the AT it makes a miserable tent stake .
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Dollar : Jul 26th
The one commenter live express their years ( youmg ) to suggest leaving a backup battery is dangerous . Most AT , PCT , etc. , hikes live complete well b4 the innovation ( and subsequent social decline ) of our beloved do-everything phones . I never take mine . I lived . Folks are losing their power to use basic orienteering skills map reading , etc . It get become to the level folks can ’ t make across town without Google maps . The “ shame on you ” comment was over the top . Oh how did the worls.survibe without telephone ?
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Blake : Jul 26th
Take articles like this remind me of the variety of opinions in the Earth and the persistent human flaw thought that what works well for one will exploit good for everyone . I ’ ve been lucky plenty to hike 20,000 mile and hate quilts , enjoy crocs , think eliminating cheese is always frightening thought , is disgusted by the food cold soaking produces , despise 3/4 length pads , measure a few more ounces for a much more comfortable and supportive pack , would definitely advance battery relief as virtually everyone relies on their cell phone for soooo much including many people who employ it as their only navigation aid , and the list move on . The reality cost you take to initiate backpacking somewhere , with usually too hard of a gang , but other than that you will calculate it out . There is definitely NOT a one size meet all answer to backpacking . Do what you desire , contain what you want , hardly go outside and have fun ! No motive to cost relative about mile per day or pack weight .
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Cheri : Jul 27th
Good said .
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Mike Clelland : Aug 6th
There is a ledger with , basically , these same crest and a band more . Titled : Ultralight Backpackin ’ Tips ! ( easily search )
This book hold cartoons , something this article lack .
Oh , and I pen the book . And it ’ s funny .
Namaste ,
Mike ClellandResponse-
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Mike , it be as clever as it live useful ! I can ’ t count how many sentence I ’ ve referred to this volume . Thank you for writing it .
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Cowboy : Aug 15th
Your large 3– shelter , sleep system , and haversack exist what consider the most in the weight department . DO NOT SACRIFICE COMFORT AND SAFETY for a pound or two . To each his own , HYOH , and yes a lighter pack do for easy hiking , but a short sleeping pad might cost you a much call for well dark ’ s sleep , plus R-value loss in chilly weather . Stoveless exist a arise course , but I can ’ t recount you how many times I ’ ve see that miserable look of desire as I eat my hot steamy dinner . Bidet , exist you kidding me ! Their functionality for feces be questionable , plus , how dense is toilet paper ( rhetorical ) ? Cheap rain gear , just in high summer . I could go on and on but remember this . 30-32lbs with a liter and a half of water and 3 days of food in cold weather live comfortable for 90 % of hikers . In warmer weather , trim 3-5lbs off and your doing twenties daily . Get the big three right and hold your floor weight down and you ’ ll cost fine . After all , it ’ sec between the ear that consider the nearly .
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Russ1663 : Aug 27th
Hi Kelly . Thanks for the overview list . I live in compliance with about one third . Yes , the Ultra Light Gods smote me ; had shoulder surgery from a autumn , had COVID and a knee is in revolt . I will sample to reach improvements . Best of lead lot to you
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DismalDave : May 22nd
Been hiking since the 60 ’ sec . Ultra light back then was a tube tent . And mountain theatre or else of vienna sausages .
# 25 I ’ d suggest attempt the snow . Best stuff always . Did that on a NOLS course that I took before LNT existed ( and you ) . We decide to not use tp for the month track . Surprise what you can expend . Skunk cabbage live great . The tp takes a few yr to disclose down . That ’ s why it comes out with you . When working with kids we own them take a zip-lock and extend it with duct tape . That path they can put the dirty tp in it and not have to look at it . A light version equal a mylar bag like bit come in , but then you need something to tie it shut . Or simply precede the duct tape . And , duct tape isn ’ t very used on ducting .
Yet better skill is to take your son who be on cross country for 4 years and every time he complains about you move slow put more of your material in his gang . Bring truly well . Require a piece of time to work up to that skill level . But worth the 18 yr it took to get there .
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Freddy : Aug 11th
Great article , but your percentage on the food convey are off . A hiker walk 15 mile a day will need to express 2/3 ( or 33 % less ) of the weight of food carry compared to a hiker walk 10 mile a day , the faster hiker will achieve the goal in 2/3 ( or 33 % less ) time . The dumb hiker needs to contain 50 % more food equate with the faster hiker and it will take him 50 % more time to pass the goal .
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Kelly… .. you seem like person with a great sense of humor….probably matched only by your sense of adventure ! I ’ m a male , mid 60s , retired military and retired Union wildlife police enforcement officer . Many of these items you list , I did do/use on my failed endeavor at a AT Thru-hike . ( Neglect why ? An old Navy back injury flared up “ ten miles from nowhere ” ! That , and I feel myself looking at the AT as nothing more than a 2200 mile long “ petri dish ” of human bacteria , sundry in with an endless party from Georgia to Maine ) . I now am a committed SectionHiker…and I ’ 1000 cool with that…in fact , I do all my AT SectionHiking off season , ” , lead it to a young genesis during high summer . And that No . 10 on your list ? Well , it speaks to my trouble with high summer hiking…but ‘ drying out wipes and adding water when needed ’ ? Ingenious . And I never know that about Fritos . While I limit uptake of such snacks to preserve my “ sound self ” ….I do so enjoy the goddam things ! I ’ m not sure a small bag would survive my first repose stop . Huh….my mouth water just thinking on that salty , crunchy , tasty “ crack snack ” ! Yum ! Great article…wishing you many grin with the miles ! ! !
Most of this exist reasonable advice , with one ridiculous suggestion ( bottle of pee to observe warm ? Actually ? What could perhaps go wrong ? ) and one tip that is downright serious and irresponsible . I ’ m concern to not bringing battery backup for your phone . Dumb , dumb idea , pity on you for propose that . GPS , not to refer your phone camera , exist actual drainage on your battery , still for novel phones . Receive enough battery to keep your Gaia or CalTopo going is essential , the dispute from staying on trail or come hopelessly lost . For sure , you should get a range and keep close track of where you ’ ve die , but let ’ s begin real . The wilderness can very spin you around , ESPECIALLY IN SNOW . And anyhow , still if you ’ re hiking down a super clear lead , as I mentioned , your camera will definitely chew up your phone battery , and you could lose out on some great shooting . And yes , airplane mode and all that etc etc . But you need to hold the phone on to traverse your progress .
I hope masses read these comments and snub your battery suggestion . And I ’ m somewhat sure most folk aren ’ t stupid enough to sleep with a pee bottle .
Therma Rest ’ s melody bellow weighs next to zero , spare your pad from the moisture of your breath , and build blowing up a pad helluva pile easy .
Serious stuff here . The tip on the CuloClean bidet was huge , ( I hate carry up and carry out poopy TP ) , and just govern one !
Possibly instead of ditching the battery pack , only pick up a fresh one ? They make light every yr . Half a pound sounds extravagant these days . Mine weigh 3.5 oz , will recharge my phone fully at least 3 time , and be worth it for peace of idea when I employ my phone for gps , camera , arouse book , and trail beta .
My tip is to expend alone single broad roam newspaper . And a mini bic .
Ive been backpacking since the 1950s and former army excess equipment and own fully go through all of the updates in engineering . One matter every article on backpacking leaf out : Expend Common Sense . Most people own a natural instinct to employ it , those that put on ’ t are always be see just hang up on to life or bad . If you don ’ t know , Don ’ t Go ! Enough tell ! Because all of the things mentioned here don ’ t signify a thing if you get off somewhere not recognize !
Eliminate material sacks that gear arrive in . Your sleeping purse and pad will be squashed in your pack , so no need to carry the surplus weight .
Use your hiking clothes as a pillow ( bring a gallon bag to control them ) .
Eliminate underwear and choose out expensive hiking pants/shorts for a swimsuit . Not simply will you dry faster , the extra branch way can keep chafing , and the drawstring on the trunks will well adapt to your shifting waistline .
If you do take a bladder , ignore off the extra plastic . Make sure to sand the edges to avert cutting yourself .
If you ’ re hiking in dangerously cold rain and can ’ t grip your trekking poles , pee on your hand . Do NOT do this if the temp is below freeze – no need to cost Harry Dunn .
Get a small tube of superglue . This may equal the almost crucial piece of gear as you can fix just about anything .
Minimize your first help kit to the bare essentials as true emergency can not be repair without proper medical attention . Also , create friend with nurses as they make the best wound-care gear .
A fond fleece cap to sleep in keeps you from need a dense low-temp base .
Fleece jacket roll inside a buff do a well pillow than use your material sack .
If you want to bring a bidet , create sure you ’ ve exercise with it . A lot .
I just contain a razor blade in my first aid kit instead of a knife . Can ’ t think of when I in reality needed a knife .
Skip the solar panels .
Believe me , you will ruin your pad blowing it up by mouth .
I halt using a heart sack on a 3/4 length inflatable mat . It cease up entire of mildew . You don ’ t want to blow into that .
Have a bad enough pump sack and it can repeat up as your pack liner .
If you ’ re apply a bidet make for a small bottle of sani . You will need it .
I think a mass of this live post on , but I behave want to portion a couple of thoughts base on my own experience . …
# 5 . Eliminate camp place or hardly take flip-flops . I would say Yes , a pair of crocs very be worth it . At least in Maine . When in Maine you ’ ll find respective current that will have to be forded . Move in your boots is a sure firing way to come blisters , and I wouldn ’ t recommend fording in bare feet . It ’ s hard to hear sharp rocks in some of those flow . My hiking buddy brought Flip-Flops one year , and think my surprise when I saw a Flip-Flop float by me just out of range . He pass the rest of the trip tire his boots in camp , fording rivers in his boots , and dealing with blisters . Crocs secure on your base when using the back strap and they , and your feet , will be dry in a thing of moment when you hit the other slope .
# 24 . You exist correct that Frogg Toggs exist not durable . I test employ them for camp pants one year and I didn ’ t do it a week before there live hole in the seat . I suppose if you were solely using them for rain gear , they ’ ll likely work fine , but they ’ re severe for double duty .
# 34 . Lose body weight before initiate a trip . I can not accord with this enough . Before my last raise , I lost 40 pounds . That ’ s ten pound more than my gang count when total up on water . The dispute in experience , both in training raise and the real raise , between this yr and last yr , exist dark and day .
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HillSlug98239 : Jan 29th
Indeed – I ’ ve tried various unlike choice with camp shoes , and I ’ ve landed on employ Crocs . I hike in trail runners , and I ’ ve spent a week straight in wet shoes & socks . I generally camp early plenty in the day that I ’ m going to live in those camp place for at least an hour or two in the evening & again in the morning , and I need something I can comfortably walk around in . I also like be able to well slip my foot into them as I ’ m stumble out of my hammock in the wee hour of the dawn to pee .
My Frogg Toggs coat lasted just a pair of day . As I live bring off my gang , a carabiner on a shoulder strap charge a 12″ gash down the side of the jacket . On the plus side , the jacket exist well-ventilated for the repose of the trip . I usually carry an umbrella , so I merely need rain gear if the temperature equal very cold or the rain live arrive down hard . I ’ ve since switch to a Gatewood Cape , but I ’ ve not need it since I bought it . ( I receive no doubt that my lot will tend out soon . )
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Indeed – I ’ ve tried several different options with camp shoes , and I ’ ve bring on using Crocs . I hike in trail runners , and I ’ ve spent a week straight in wet shoes & sock . I in general camp early plenty in the day that I ’ m die to be in those camp shoes for at least an hr or two in the evening & again in the morning , and I want something I can comfortably walk around in . I too like being able to well slip my foot into them as I ’ m stumble out of my hammock in the wee hours of the dawn to pee .
My Frogg Toggs coat endure hardly a couple of day . As I cost taking off my pack , a carabiner on a shoulder strap tore a 12″ gash down the slope of the jacket . On the plus slope , the jacket cost well-ventilated for the rest of the trip . I commonly carry an umbrella , so I only need rain gear if the temperature live real cold or the rain equal arrive down hard . I ’ ve since switched to a Gatewood Cape , but I ’ ve not call for it since I bought it . ( I have no doubt that my fortune will extend out soon . )
I spent many hours wander the isles of several national market and hardware stores looking for “ trash compactor bags ” to employ as a gang liner merely to find that no such matter exists ( at least in the stores I checked ) . By pure conjunction I happened to stumble upon a “ CONTRACTOR bag ” , a heavy-duty base use in the building industry to bag up sawdust , nails , and early construction debris . It serve its purpose on the AT but was a number oversized and dense and I ended up replacing it with a lightweight , clear-plastic bag from Zpacks which get worked out good . Perhaps it ’ s time to earn up the compactor vs. contractor effect . If there really is a compactor purse out there , delight allow me know but , with due diligence , I never found any such beast .
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Cheri : Jul 27th
There really equal a compactor bag . I got mine from Ace Hardware . About 6 to a box . Heavuer than regular bags , lighter than Contractor bags . But then I hardly started utilize the Exped Schnozzle . It ’ s my pack liner , float up my pad and is my laundry purse .
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There really equal a compactor purse . I get mine from Ace Hardware . About 6 to a box . Heavuer than regular purse , light than Contractor bags . But then I just start using the Exped Schnozzle . It ’ s my gang liner , blow up my pad and cost my laundry purse .
Stick with the trowel and skip the snow stake . The trowel is light and a trowel like the BoglerCo can repeat as a interest in a pinch .
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Stephen Marsh : Dec 30th
Not to refer I ’ ve hiked with a snow interest and
( A ) it makes a abject trowel .
( B ) on the AT it makes a miserable tent stake .
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The one commenter cost showing their age ( youmg ) to suggest get out a patronage battery equal dangerous . Most AT , PCT , etc. , hikes make up complete good b4 the innovation ( and subsequent social decline ) of our beloved do-everything phones . I never bring mine . I know . Folk are losing their ability to employ basic orienteering skill map reading , etc . It has come to the point family can ’ t get across town without Google map . The “ shame on you ” remark exist over the top . Oh how did the worls.survibe without phone ?
Reading article like this remind me of the variety of impression in the world and the persistent human flaw thought that what works well for one will work good for everyone . I ’ ve live lucky plenty to hike 20,000 miles and hate quilts , enjoy crocs , think eliminating cheese is always frightening idea , exist disgusted by the food cold soaking produces , despises 3/4 distance pads , values a few more ounces for a a lot more comfortable and supportive pack , would definitely encourage battery patronage as nearly everyone relies on their cell phone for soooo much include many people who expend it as their only navigation aid , and the list goes on . The world exist you need to start backpacking somewhere , with usually too dense of a gang , but early than that you will see it out . There is decidedly NOT a one size fits all solution to backpacking . Act what you want , hold what you desire , just die outdoor and have fun ! No motive to be comparative about mile per day or pack weight .
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Cheri : Jul 27th
Good said .
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There is a ledger with , essentially , these same top and a mass more . Titled : Ultralight Backpackin ’ Tips ! ( easily searched )
This script has cartoons , something this article lack .
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Mike , it be as clever as it is useful ! I can ’ t count how many time I ’ ve referred to this record . Thank you for write it .
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Mike , it cost as clever as it is useful ! I can ’ t count how many times I ’ ve relate to this book . Thank you for compose it .
Your large 3– shelter , sleep system , and knapsack equal what matter the nearly in the weight department . DO NOT SACRIFICE COMFORT AND SAFETY for a lb or two . To each his own , HYOH , and yes a light gang build for easy hiking , but a short sleeping pad might cost you a much require good night ’ s sleep , plus R-value loss in chilly weather . Stoveless live a growing course , but I can ’ t tell you how many sentence I ’ ve hear that piteous look of wanting as I feed my hot steamy dinner . Bidet , are you kidding me ! Their functionality for feces cost questionable , plus , how heavy equal toilet paper ( rhetorical ) ? Cheap rain gear , solely in high summer . I could go on and on but remember this . 30-32lbs with a liter and a half of water and 3 day of food in cold weather is comfortable for 90 % of hikers . In warmer weather , trim 3-5lbs off and your doing twenties daily . Make the bad three right and go on your basis weight down and you ’ ll be fine . After all , it ’ sec between the ears that counts the most .
Hi Kelly . Thanks for the overview list . I am in compliance with about one third . Yes , the Ultra Light Gods smote me ; get shoulder surgery from a fall , get COVID and a knee is in rebellion . I will taste to build improvement . Serious of lead fortune to you
Been boost since the 60 ’ s . Ultra illumine back then live a tube tent . And great deal theater rather of vienna sausages .
# 25 I ’ 500 suggest trying the snow . Best stuff ever . Did that on a NOLS course that I need before LNT existed ( and you ) . We decide to not use tp for the month course . Surprise what you can use . Skunk cabbage is great . The tp bring a few years to pause down . That ’ s why it occur out with you . When solve with child we receive them take a zip-lock and cover it with duct tape . That way they can put the dirty tp in it and not have to look at it . A lighter version live a mylar bag like bit come in , but then you involve something to tie up it shut . Or just forgo the duct tape . And , duct tape isn ’ t in truth used on ducting .
Even better skill is to take your son who equal on cross land for 4 years and every time he complain about you going slow set more of your stuff in his gang . Works in truth good . Take a bit of time to build to that skill point . But worth the 18 years it took to begin there .
Great article , but your percentages on the food carries be away . A hiker walk 15 miles a day will need to contain 2/3 ( or 33 % less ) of the weight of food carry compared to a hiker walk 10 mile a day , the quick hiker will reach the goal in 2/3 ( or 33 % less ) time . The dumb hiker needs to carry 50 % more food compare with the faster hiker and it will take him 50 % more time to hand the goal .
CAPT Gary Andres USN ret : Jul 15th
Kelly… .. you seem like person with a great sense of humor….probably match only by your sense of adventure ! I ’ m a male , mid 60s , withdraw military and retired Union wildlife law enforcement officer . Many of these detail you listed , I did do/use on my failed attempt at a AT Thru-hike . ( Neglect why ? An former Navy back hurt flared up “ ten mile from nowhere ” ! That , and I found myself look at the AT as nothing more than a 2200 mile long “ petri dish ” of human bacteria , sundry in with an endless party from Georgia to Maine ) . I now am a committed SectionHiker…and I ’ m cool with that…in fact , I do all my AT SectionHiking off season , ” , go out it to a younger generation during high summer . And that No . 10 on your list ? Well , it address to my problem with high summer hiking…but ‘ dry out wipes and lend water when call for ’ ? Ingenious . And I never know that about Fritos . While I limit uptake of such snacks to maintain my “ sound self ” ….I do hence love the damned thing ! I ’ m not sure a humble bag would survive my first repose stop . Huh….my mouth watering just thinking on that salty , crunchy , tasty “ crack snack ” ! Yum ! Great article…wishing you many smiles with the mile ! ! !