How to Cut Backpack Weight
Your plans for that great adventure are set. A remote destination is awaiting. You've invited your best friends and the food has all been purchased.
Now the question comes, where are you going to put everything? You want all that food, but you also need to bring the first aid kit. And your back can only handle so much.
Experts recommended beginner's only carry about 25% of their bodyweight and for ultra-light backpackers that would be punishable by death. So how can we lighten your load?
Here's 6 of the main ways to cut pack weight:
Fundamental #1 - Heaviest things first. Get rid of your tent and use a tarp. You can save 8 pounds right off the bat by using a 1 pound trap. Use dehydrated food. Food is one of the heaviest items you'll carry and with new technology the flavors are getting better all the time, so do some taste testing and find out what you like.
Fundamental #2 - Find multiple uses for one item. The more uses you can find for one item the less items you'll have to take.
Fundamental #3 - Smaller and lighter. Manufacturers are making new gear in smaller packages everday. They still have all the same features, just in a smaller and lighter size. Little saving do add up.
Fundamental #4 - Use a smaller backpack. We have a tendency to use the space if we have it, but if theres no room than you wont bring as much. I remember when I finally stopped use the big multi-day packs and how much easier it was to pack. Basically, I started using only one pair of clothes and socks became by only extras.
Fundamental #5 - Just don't bring it. If you don't pack it you cut the weight for that item by 100%.
Fundamental #6 - Analyze what you take. Finally, take time before, during, & after each hike to inventory your gear and packing habits. Keep equipment lists and analyze what you used and didn't use at the end of every trip. You may be surprised at the amount of unnecessary weight that you carry. In time, you will see patterns and ways to shave weight, but keep in mind it is a process and takes some time to get the hang of it.
That reminds me of a backpacking buddy I had that would bring every thing and the kitchen sink. He was a nice guy and would always share if someone didn't have something, so I started not bringing things and just borrowed his.
He always had an extra spoon, etc It almost got to the point where I thought of just putting a pillow in my pack and then borrowing the rest of his stuff, but by then he had caught on and decide to start going lightweight (all good things must come to an end).
Well, here's to lightening your load.