Why Use Ultra Light Backpacks
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If you have ever hiked over 20 miles in a day with a backpack on your back you’ll probably be aware of how weight soon becomes a very significant factor. Most experienced backpackers will know that you can reduce your weight by concentrating on the three most important items: your backpack, your sleeping bag and your shelter.
So you will want to leave your huge 10 pound tent and snug 5 pound sleeping bag at home and get yourself the lightest backpack you can find.
Believe it or not you can find some exceptionally high quality backpacks that weigh in at less than five ounces. That’s no exaggeration. The typical capacity for a bag like this will be between about 1500 and 2000 cubic inches which is more than enough space for about 15 pounds of equipment. This should be more than enough for a lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin and a few vital necessities like some food and a first aid kit. And you mustn’t overlook the need to carry some water with you.
In fact the water that you need to carry when trekking can become the heaviest item. It is worthwhile planning your route so that you can refill your water bottle and reduce the amount of water that you need to carry.
Another big benefit of going ultra light weight is that the equipment tends to be much cheaper than the heavier, tougher alternatives. You will even find some bargain lightweight backpacks in various discount stores, often sold as day sacks costing only a few dollars. They may be simple designs with only one or two external pockets, but easily adequate for most lightweight backpacking expeditions. But they can be excellent for lightweight trekking.
If you are going lightweight it’s also worth considering your clothing. Forget your all weather outdoor clothing and instead go for an ultra lightweight rain and wind proof fold-up cagoule and some light weight sports shoes rather than heavy walking boots.
When you’ve lightened your load with some lightweight clothing and less gear in a lightweight backpack you will find that a 20 mile trek will seem like nothing at all.
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