Serious backpackers and hikers know how important it is to keep your carrying equipment as light as possible. This will help ensure that you are able to hike the distance you need to go and in much less time. In order to do this, you will need to make sure that your three main pieces of equipment, the backpack, sleeping bag, and shelter, all weigh less than five pounds combined.
Sure it would be nice to take all the amenities with us on our backpacking experiences, but half the fun is surviving on the essentials and using Mother Nature and the land as our playground. If you were to pack more than just the items you need, you wouldn't be able to get far, you may have a sore back, and depending on conditions, it could be extremely hazardous to your health.
Some of the basic equipment you are going to need would include a knife, matches, first aid kit, water, food, and even a whistle to use in emergency situations. If there are a lot of you going on this excursion, you can always spread other important items amongst more items like a map, flashlight, and sunscreen Any more than that is going to weigh your pack down too much. But your safety is the most important thing to consider, so pack accordingly, but pack light.
As I mentioned earlier, you can significantly cut down on the weight of your equipment by buying lightweight essentials. They do make super lightweight backpacks, shelters, and even sleeping bags that weigh less than 3 pounds. So if you can cut back the weight on these three items alone, it will make things much easier and will allow you to pack more items.
Avoid buying big and bulky backpacks. It may seem like a good idea to buy something that has a ton of gadgets, compartments, zippers, and pockets for a hiking trip. But a simple backpack with a lightweight frame is the wisest way to go.
Same thing with sleeping bags. A big and bulky sleeping bag is in no way a smart decision. Light weight bags don't mean you are going to be giving away comfort or sleep at night. These bags are made with down and will keep you plenty warm at night. Buy your bag according to the weather you are going to use it in. They make summer bags for temperatures around forty-degrees that weigh only a pound! Colder temperature bags shouldn't weigh more than three.
Keep in mind that the lighter the equipment, the more fragile it will be. So take extra caution to take extremely good care of your new hiking and camping equipment and it will last a lot longer.
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Learn more about where to find Ultralight Sleeping Bags and what to look for. Visit Matt's new Sleeping Bags Kids website to find bags for your kids as well.
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