Going for a trip, follow these ultralight backpacking tips to make your trip light.
Packing light for your treks is quite a tricky proposition. You consider yourself an ultralight backpacker but keep adding stuff at the last minute. Shedding non-essential weights is very important. It becomes critical, especially if you are going on a long trail.
Many backpackers suffer from carrying unnecessary pounds during their trek. It is not only an additional headache, but it will also hurt your back. The secret is knowing what to put in and leave out.
Here are quick tips to backpack lightly.
1. Choose the Right Pack Cover
Pack covers are primarily large and heavy. They can be an additional burden when you go on a long trip. The bulky pack covers sometimes make your travels all the more difficult. So, it is wise to ditch them and resort to smart alternatives.
The trash compactor bags are the perfect fit. They are hardy and slim. The trash compactor keeps all your gear inside, and they are waterproof. These bags are indeed a marvelous solution for your pack cover problems.
2. The Big Three Should Be Ultralight
The weight of your backpack immensely depends on the weight of the big three. The big three comprise the tent, the sleeping bag, and the backpack.
Make sure that your tent is less than 1 kilogram in weight. Warmer sleeping bags tend to weigh more, but keep it down to 18 oz or 500 grams.
The backpack itself should be ultralight. Then, you need footprints or ground cloth to spread on the tent’s floor. Consider that weight, too.
3. One and Only One Outfit Is Enough
You are not going to a ball dancing event or attending a royal dinner when you are going for a hike. So, make sure that you pack only one extra outfit, barring the one you will be wearing. This reduces several kilograms from the equation.
Also, try and stick to one book or notebook during your journey. Paperbacks also weigh quite a lot.
Related: How To Prepare 5 Day Vacation Packing List Quickly
4. Say No to Cotton
Cotton is super comfortable. However, ensure that neither your sleeping bags nor your extra clothes have any cotton in them.
Even your tent and other things should be made with synthetic materials. This is because cotton soaks up a lot of moisture. The dewdrops from the sky and sprinkles from the nearby waterfall will sneak into the pores of the cotton.
You camp somewhere overnight; before you know it, your backpack has gained a few ounces of weight. That is why it is smarter to leave any cotton materials behind.
5. Leave Your Stove at Home
If you are an experienced backpacker, you will know that the kitchen setup weighs the most. So, we suggest you leave the stove at home.
Eat cold and give yourself a great treat. Foods like oatmeal, hard cheese, dry fruits, and packed sandwiches will help you survive the trek. You can drink cold coffee by the fountain, thanks to Starbucks.
There are some ready-made summer sausages that you can try. Canned foods are also good options.
However, too much of them will add more weight. It will defeat the purpose in the end.
6. Drink on the Go
People talk about lightweight tents and backpacks. But the excess water adds to the weight of the things.
Novice backpackers make the mistake of packing gallons of water with them. However, the reality is that you can drink on the go. Trekking trails have lots of stalls and shops for water. You just need to pack enough water for the road.
Ideally, 2 liters of water per person is enough. Lightweight plastic bottles are ideal.
You can always refill your water at the nearest spots. So, study the map beforehand to know where exactly you can get water on your route. This will help you to settle your nerves.
Read More: Tips To Stay Hydrated
7. Get Rid of All the Straps
Straps might appear handy, but they add to the weight of your luggage. Everything makes you drag more than you should, from the compression straps to the sternum straps.
Get rid of the shoulder straps. If you are carrying an ultralight backpack, what is their use?
The hip belt straps should also be kept back at home. Remove any puffy manufacturer’s logo from the equation.
Strip your backpack to a bare minimum and focus on enjoying the trip.
Ultralight Backpacking Tips Explained
Packing light does not mean ignoring your safety gear and the first-aid kits. They cannot be compromised on, no matter how short a trip you are going on.
Do you want to share any other ultralight backpacking tips? Please leave them in the comment section.Â
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I am a 46-year-old mom. Thank you so much for these tips! Travel packing has become easier for me now.
Hello guys! Good article Ultralight Backpacking Tips That You Can Follow Quickly. Useful tips.