When you head out for a camping or hiking trip, then one of the most essential items that you need is a backpack. It is a bag which you carry on your shoulders and back and is one which holds all that you need on the trip. From clothes to footwear and from your cooking tools to food, it is the backpack that contains everything. But it is very important to keep the backpack as light as possible to ensure your own comfort and to avoid straining your back. A light backpack also ensures that you can hike quickly. The following are the 6 smart tips for an ultralight backpacking trip.
1. Buy a Lightweight Backpack
The first and most important tip for ultralight backpacking is to choose your backpack very carefully. Look for one which is ultralight but very strong and spacious. A lot of people make the mistake of buying heavy weight backpacks as they confuse weight with strength. But these days, many light backpacks too are available which can hold a lot of weight and are highly durable.
2. Carry Only Essential Items
It goes without saying that you must carry only those items which are extremely essential. If you don’t need it, leave it at home. Avoid carrying heavy electronics, tools and devices and pack in a smaller size of toiletries and other such things. Carry fewer footwear items and try to put in as few a clothing items as possible. Small-small items keep building up and can increase the weight of the bag so think twice before packing every little thing.
3. Remove Straps of the Bag if you Don’t Need them
There are many straps in the bag and other tags which are of no use at all. Make sure you remove all these straps and tags if they are useless to you as this can help reduce the weight quite a lot. If you are an experienced backpacker, then you may know which straps are of use to you and which are not.
4. Use Compression Stuff Sacks
These sacks can truly reduce a lot of weight of the bag as they avoid all vacuum and air from building up in your backpack. They are a must if you wish to reduce the maximum possible air from the bag and have a smaller backpack size.
5. Use a Water Repellent or Resistant Bag
If you go for a backpack which is not water resistant, then it will absorb water and can become heavier even in dew and moisture. But choosing a water proof or water repellent bag can avoid this and will keep the weight to the minimum possible.
6. Carry Trash Bags to Dispose Things not Needed Anymore
It is a good idea to carry trash bags and keep disposing off things you may not need any more on your trip. For example dispose off water bottles, disposable plates, used food items/boxes, damaged items and other such things.
