7 ways for the ultra-light backpacker to cut pack weight.

Author: Gregory E. Rouse
Category: Backpacking

7 ways for the ultra-light backpacker to cut pack weight.

The recommended weight for a beginner's pack is 25% of their bodyweight and for some people that's even pushing it. For the ultra-light backpacker it's blasphemy.

So what can an ultra-light backpacker do to lighten his/her load? By definition they’re already weight conscience and have probably already thrown out all the unnecessary items, so what’s left?

Well, not to forget the fanatics out there here are a few suggestions in the ounces category:

1. Leave your tooth brush and paste at home. Use your T-shirt it will do just fine and toothpaste is just for grit and flavor, so leave it behind as well.
2. Cut off handles and drill holes. For your spoon, cut off the handle and drill holes in the spoon. Or better yet just carve one at camp, you’d be surprised at how good a stick works for eating.
3. Eliminate Map Edges. Cut off map edges (leaving just enough room for bearing calculations).
4. Shorten nylon webbing straps and laces. Cut off lengths of cord and extra laces.
5. Eliminate cord locks. If garments have cord locks, replace them with small doubled-up patches of light-weight leather with two slits.
6. Alter your clothes. Cut off pockets, cords, tags, unneeded linings, etc...
7. Remove manufacturer's labels. Remove labels & apply a light bead of seam sealant onto the needle holes. Potential sites are on tents, packs, bags, clothes, even on boots.

Well, I hope that makes you’re next trip more enjoyable?

About the Author:
Greg Rouse taught wilderness sports and emergency response at the university and college level for over a decade. He is also the founder of a unique web site called WildernessTrip.com, a one-stop resource for self-guided wilderness trip planning. This web site is basically; a free online guidebook that photo-documents trips with interactive maps and detailed route descriptions. Each trip has pictures and free topographic maps of the trail. Check it out at http://www.WildernessTrip.com