Nothing takes the fun out of a beautiful hike like a heavy pack! Here are 5 lightweight backpacking tactics to lighten your pack so you can hike further, faster, and more comfortably while still having everything you need to be comfy and safe (really!)
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What do pillows, towels, and trowels have in common? You don't need them while lightweight backpacking! Learn how to make the most of multi-use gear and stop "packing your fears."
Food is heavy! Optimize your lightweight backpacking menu by choosing calorie-dense dehydrated foods, packing no more than you need, and removing extra packaging.
If you can, upgrade your shelter, sleeping bag, and backpack to modern lightweight versions. Consider weight-saving alternatives like a sleeping quilt and minimalist single-wall tent, or even a tarp.
You're backpacking, not going to the office, so don't stress about personal grooming. Items like a spare t-shirt, deodorant, lots of soap, and a camp towel are all unnecessary weight in the wilderness.
An often overlooked source of energy-sapping weight: your feet! Try backpacking in trail running shoes to save energy with every step and help keep your feet dry and blister-free.
Because backpacking is supposed to be fun, not painful.
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This interactive trip planning guide is packed with checklists, key questions, and recommendations to take the worry out of planning your first or biggest backpacking trip.