Lighten Your Backpack Load

It can be very easy to over pack when getting ready for a backpacking trip.  Over packing, though, can be hazardous.  You have to keep in mind that whatever you take you will have to carry.  So, learning to lighten your backpack load is something every backpacker needs to do.  It will make things easier and save your back from strain.

The first thing you should do to lighten your backpack load is eliminate anything that is not essential.  If you can do without an item then it can be left behind.  Next you need to consider multiple uses for items.  You may find that you can easily cut the number of items in half if you get creative and find ways to use a single item more than one way.  It is a good idea to try to use each item in your pack for at least two different uses.  This will help you get into the habit of looking for different ways to use things.  Another thing to do to lighten your backpack load is to look for lightweight alternatives to the current items you have.  For example, instead of toothpaste use tooth powder.  This is only a small reduction in weight, but small reductions will add up. 

After you have done all of the above you should be left with your essentials.  You really can not leave behind something like your tent or food, but there are other ways to lighten you backpack load.  Try to buy only titanium.  It is lightweight and durable.  Use lithium batteries as they are lighter in weight than other kinds.  For food, you can buy sugarless drink mixes, which surprisingly weighs much less than kinds with sugar.  You also should eat the heavier food items first so as your trip progresses and you grow less energized you won’t be lugging around the heavy food. 

These are a handful of ways to lighten your backpack load.  There are many ingenious ideas.  Do your research and you can be sure to find many more ways to lighten your backpack load.  Just always remember that any little bit of weight gone is a good thing.  If you only reduce an ounce here and there then total you might find you lost a pound or two.