The Fundamentals of Cutting Backpack Weight
Adventure awaits you as you prepare for that special trip. You've invited all your favorite backpacking buddies, you've purchased all the food, all that's left is to pack up and go.
The problem is where are you going to put all that food? Not to mention the other gear.
The recommended weight for a beginner's backpack is 25% of their bodyweight and for some people that's even pushing it. 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 - Buy lightweight gear. With new technology you can find lighter versions of just about anything.
Fundamental #4 - Buy a smaller backpack. If you don't have the room you won't pack it. Have you ever move into a smaller house before, it's amazing how much you can get rid of. The same principle applies here.
Fundamental #5 - Just don't bring it. If you don't pack it you cut the weight for that item by 100%.
Fundamental #6 - Asses gear. Keep lists every time you pack and asses what you used and didn't use at the end of every trip. Obviously, if you didn't use the first aid kit, you'll still need to bring it, but other items might not be needed. In time, you will see patterns and ways to cut weight, just be patient.
I used to have a buddy that I backpacked with that would be bring everything and some spares. His backpack weighed a ton, but he always had extras. Then it hit me, why not just forget more at home and borrow all those extras, he's bringing them anyways.
He had extra cooking pots, food, and clothing. But, as the saying goes all good things must come to an end, he finally decided to go lightweight, darn it.
Well, here's to lightening your load.