Tips to Travel Light on Hiking Adventures

Hiking is probably the best thing one can do in their free time. Apart from soul searching, this activity can help people learn a lot of survival skills. The first step to any successful adventure is to plan and prepare. And a very important part of this step is to understand what and how much to carry, what to avoid and how to travel light. Here are a few tips to keeping the backpack light. 

• Choosing the right hiking backpack – Beginners should always start with a lighter bag to avoid over packing and carrying heavy loads.

• Consider heaviest items first – A tent, sleeping bag and a sleeping pad are the heaviest of the gear. Thanks to the innovative lightweight gear, hikers can now keep their bags light by opting for ultra-light tents and tarps, down sleeping bags and inflatable pads. 

• Take minimal clothing – Carry only clothing essentials which would consist of one base layer, one warm layer and one rain layer. Carry an extra pair of undergarments and socks. Invest in multi-use, quick dry clothing.

• Pack smart – Carry lightweight, calorie-rich meals such as bars, dehydrated meals and nuts. Use Ziplock bags for carrying food. Carry enough water for the day and use filters or purification tablets to take care of the remaining days.

• Avoid non-essentials – Do not carry books, heavy electronics, big tools and camp furniture. Use multi-use cookware and tools. 

• Use digital apps and trackers – Instead of carrying maps and paper guides, install phone apps and keep the device charged. 

• Weigh the bag – Always weigh the bag before going on the trip. A bag under 15lbs minus water and food is an ideal weight to carry on the back.

• Practice packing discipline – Avoid ‘just in case’ items at any cost. Those who are hiking with buddies can always share their gear. 

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