Packing Light for Backpacking

Scrutinize each piece of gear you plan on taking. What is necessary and what can you do without. A lot of gear can serve many uses. Think of your back, are these items worth it? Then look for the smallest and lightest gear that you can. Many of the more expensive items are better made and turn out to be better in the long run. Check for the multiple use of an item because often times it will save you from bringing extra items that you won't need.

Pack gear in logical groups and stuff sacks. Small items can poke if packed loosely or shift position when hiking and even get lost in backpack. Start with putting sleeping bag on the bottom. This acts as a shock absorber to reduce stress on your shoulders. Heavy items pack horizontally across the width the of the backpack so the weight is equally distributed and the heaviest items closest to the middle of your back. Water bottles in the side pockets it is best to even then out one each side. Store poles for the tent in a side pocket secured with compression straps. These straps press the load closer to the frame of the pack for better balance and weight transfer with the majority of the weight beginning near your back. This makes you have a more comfortable hike. The tent body goes nicely in an external mesh pocket or at the bottom. Items you use often during the day keep where you can grab them like on a hip belt pocket or side pocket. Spare clothing is best kept at the top where you can get them without unpacking. Fill all empty space in your backpack. This will give the pack structure and stop the gear from shifting when you walk. A fully loaded backpack should not tilt or twist.

Analyzing the time before during and after each hike to go through your gear how you pack, look at the clothing you wear for ways to reduce the weight you are carrying. In the process of camping or hiking you will find all the unnecessary items you carry because of the pain it causes. This is best thought of as continued process. A test and guarantee that you surely will find new things to discard ever trip. The more you go backpacking the more your will find things you won't need or use. To make your load even lighter use gear especially made to be light. To find ultralight weight tents, and other lightweight camping gear go to www.backpackingtentsetc.com