Mastering the art of hiking with a feather-light backpack is something many strive to achieve. Often, it takes many years of expeditions to learn what adjustments can be made to lighten the load. However, you can start by following some universal tips that often form the foundation for a lighter backpack. We have compiled a list of 12 mixed tips for a lighter pack to get you started.
1. Ditch the Electronics
Leave unnecessary electronics behind to disconnect and enjoy nature more. Tablets belong better on the couch than by the campfire. This also includes extra batteries, power banks, and the like.
2. Improvised Pillow
Fill a stuff sack or zip-lock bag with air and wrap it in some clothes. It’s much more comfortable than just sleeping on a shirt, and you save many grams compared to carrying an inflatable pillow. one small step for a lighter backpack, and one giant leap for a better sleep!
3. 3 for 3 – Weight Goal for Heaviest Gear
Trying to keep sleeping gear, backpack, and tent under 3 kilograms is considered by many as the foundation for hiking light. It’s not an easy goal, and it may cost some money to achieve. But if successful, it provides an excellent foundation for hiking with a feather-light load. Here are some simple things to consider for this point:
- Shorter sleeping pad
- Tarp instead of a tent
- Down instead of synthetic in the sleeping bag
- Sleep with more clothes to be able to carry a thinner sleeping bag
4. Switch to a Wood Stove
Wood stoves not only provide a cozy atmosphere during cooking but also weigh only a fraction of gas stoves or similar. This is because their construction is incredibly simple, and you don’t have to carry fuel. Learn more about wood stoves here.
5. Keep an Eye on the Weather
If you have a good understanding of the upcoming weather and possible changes in the area you are hiking in, you can save a lot of weight. This is because you can leave various reinforcement garments at home. It saves a lot of space and weight in your backpack.
6. Learn to Live with the Smell
Leaving your deodorant at home can save nearly 200 grams in your pack! It’s much more than many people think. So, learn to ignore the scent of sweat.
7. Waterproof with a Trash Bag
Instead of having several different stuff sacks with locks and often thick material, you can get very far with a regular trash bag as a liner in your backpack.
8. Multiple Purposes
Try to think of more purposes for each detail you pack. For example, a bushcraft knife can work excellently as a knife for food, cooking utensils can be used to eat directly from, and your hiking poles can serve as tent stakes!
9. Don’t Carry Unnecessary Water
Plan your hike and try to determine where and when you can fill water. In most cases, you don’t need to carry water for the entire trip. One way is to invest in a filter, which allows you to get almost unlimited water for a weight of 56 grams! You can also use tablets or boil the water. Drastically achieving a lighter backpack.
10. Eat Freeze-Dried
We know, it may not be entirely appealing. But few things can reduce weight as significantly as replacing canned goods with freeze-dried food. Buy various varieties and test them to find your favorites before you head out.
11. Learn to Live off the Land
This may be seen as somewhat unusual in feather-light circles. Still, over the years, we have looked closer at bushcraft and realized a few things, including that you don’t need to bring everything into the woods! For example, you can carve a pair of utensils in just a few minutes. Or why not make an improvised rope for nettle repairs instead of using paracord? Knowledge weighs nothing!
12. Be Critical and Think Twice!
The most important and final point, essentially constituting the entire concept of hiking with a feather-light approach. Think about what you need, make a packing list. If you doubt a particular item, you probably won’t miss it. It’s all about many small streams. But do not discard anything related to your safety!
