Backpacking has been a very popular leisure activity for many decades. It involves the packing of all the equipment and supplies into a backpack. This reduces the strain of having to carry around hiking gear separately. However, putting the gear in the backpack the conventional still does not reduce its weight. Anyone who has gone on a hike for a few days would have been bothered by the backpack and all the weight that had to be carried around. But there are now ways to help counter this problem and make the hike more pleasurable. Light backpacking is the best way to do so…

When embarking on a hike, there is a set of basic equipment that you put into your backpack. The conventional gear comprises of the tent, a sleeping bag, maybe a change of clothes, cooking utensils, a stove, supplies and the backpack itself. All these things, though essential are heavy. Light backpacking involves getting rid of the unnecessary and making the things you need lighter. A conventional backpack with all gear would weigh 40 to 50lbs. This can make the journey more tiring and moves your concentration from admiring nature to the burden on your back. Light backpacking uses a much lighter and better quality backpack.

But the key to light backpacking is proper planning, knowing about the terrain and calculating what the bare minimum you need is. Leaving out unnecessary things can go a long way in terms of your enjoyment of the trip. Things that you don t need for light backpacking are stove; because the stove, pot and fuel for it add a lot of weight. It is always easier to take ready-made high energy food with you instead. Investing in an ultra-light tent will also go a long way in reducing weight. A popular trick in light backpacking is to use the sleeping bag liner instead of the sleeping bag. This too will help cut down on the pounds.

Smaller details that you can look into are the rations you carry. If you plan out the route, duration and availability of drinks, it s always easier to take just the right amount. It s always better to leave behind heavy canned food and resort to dehydrated ready meals. These are the basics of light backpacking. If you follow these tips, you will be able to enjoy a great adventure without being bothered by the weight of your backpack. Once you experience the benefits of light backpacking you are sure to never go back to the conventional methods.