Ultralight Backpacking

Ultralight backpacking is the goal of anyone who wears a backpack. You need to have a backpack that will hold all the gear you need for your hiking or camping trip, yet not add extra weight for you to carry. You need to have a light backpack that will not cut into your shoulders or hurt your back.

Some examples of ultralight backpacking gear include:

• Pepsi Can alcohol stoves
• Lightweight cooking pots
• Ultralight raingear
• Dehydrated food packs
• Lightweight tents

The value of an ultralight back pack

Anyone who has done any amount of back packing knows the value of having backpacking equipment that is easy to carry, especially when you have to wear the back pack for extended periods of time. When you have an ultralight backpack, it makes it much easier to travel over rough terrain and climb hills while you are hiking.

The main thing is to have ultralight gear, such as tents. A trap provides you with the same shelter and weighs only about a pound. Not only are they much cheaper than tents, but you can make them yourself. To solve a problem with bugs, hanging mosquito netting over the opening prevents the bugs from getting inside the tarp.

Sleeping bags are also a necessity when you go camping and these tend to be a heavy item in the backpack. There are ultralight sleeping bags on the market, but they are quite expensive, often as much as $300 each. However, if you do any amount of backpacking, this type of gear would be a sound investment.

When you are packing the backpack for your hiking trip, try to leave as much gear behind as possible. Only take what is necessary. Most times you find that what you think you will absolutely need doesn't get used at all.