Years ago, backpacking typically meant loading gear into a 5,000+ cubic inch pack and hauling around 70 lbs. of gear to get out into the outdoors for a week. In the modern-day, the near-obsession that many backpacking enthusiasts have with "going light" rivals their love of backpacking itself. In that spirit, there are some basic tips that apply for backpackers ranging from beginner to intermediate.
Use a Smaller Pack
The pack that you use for backpacking is one of the three heaviest items you're likely to take on a trip, along with your tent and your sleeping bag. Rather than using a big 5,000 or 6,000 cubic inch pack, reducing the size to 3,000 or 4,000 cubic inches will not only decrease the weight of the pack itself, but force you to pack lighter in general due to the back's smaller capacity. A good pack in this size range that was made in the past 10 years should weight between 3 and 4 lbs., with higher-priced packs going down below 2 lbs. in some instances.
Don't Double Pack Items
If you're backpacking with a group, there's no need to carry multiple stoves, water purifiers or filters, toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. Get together with others in your group, if applicable, to reduce unneeded items that can simply be shared between members of the party. In addition, there are many items that are regularly taken on a trip that can serve double duty. Some serious backpackers even make this part of "going light" an obsession, but it can be thought of as a game more than anything. Use clothes stuffed into a sleeping bag sack as a pillow, or turn trekking poles into tent poles. The possibilities here are endless, and if something can be used for multiple purposes without lessening your enjoyment, why not back less and save weight?
To Carry Water or Not to Carry Water
Preparing in advance by looking at a map can be one of the most important elements of a fun backpacking trip. It's equally important when deciding on whether or not to carry water with you. You will, of course, need enough water to get you through the first portion of your trek, but carrying a filter or purifier saves a lot of weight over carrying in water itself, which weighs in at a hefty 2.2 lbs. per liter. Water filters typically weigh less than a pound and can filter more than enough water for a large group on a long trip. The new SteriPEN series of purifiers weighs less still and utilizes UV rays to kill bacteria in water. If you'll be near a water source for all or most of your trip, carrying water is really just a waste of your resources. For those who are serious about backpacking, the SteriPEN or similar purifier is a great way to go, but standard pump filters, or even iodine tablets, will do the trick without adding much weight as well.
Pay Attention to Your Pack When you Return Home
It may seem overly simple, but taking a peek into your pack when you return home and assessing what you've used and what you haven't used is a good way to prepare for the next trip. It may take a while to get comfortable with packing fewer and fewer items each time out, but if you find that you're not using a particular item for several trips in succession, why continue to pack it?
Follow these very basic tips and you may reduce your pack weight by a few pounds, making for a slightly more enjoyable trip. Take it to the next level and you may be a new member of the growing corps of go light fanatics that get serious kicks out of making backpacking an ultra-light experience.
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