Ultralight Gear For Walking, Day Hiking and Backpacking
Ultralight Hiking Gear, The No Tent Approach
At BackpackingForBeginners.net we are finding more and more people taking tp the hiking trails in their area. This article has some good insight into what to carry on your shorter warm weather hikes.
Ultralight hiking and backpacking is really only suited to the warmer times of year, such as late spring through to late summer. This is because the biggest weight saving will be on things like your tent and sleeping bag, which are usually two of the heaviest items in your backpack.
Hiking and backpacking have become an increasingly popular pastime, but ultralight backpacking, and ultralight hiking have become a bit of a specialised art. Keeping down the weight of what you are carrying on your back, means that you can travel further in less time. Or you can travel at a more leisurely pace, giving you time to enjoy your surroundings.
Ultralight hiking and backpacking is really only suited to the warmer times of year, such as late spring through to late summer. This is because the biggest weight saving will be on things like your tent and sleeping bag, which are usually two of the heaviest items in your backpack.
For instance instead of lugging around a heavy tent, you could consider taking a hooped Gore-Tex bivi bag. This is just a small single skinned tunnel tent. Just large enough for one person and their gear it offers quite good protection from the elements, as it is both waterproof and breathable. It can however be a bit claustrophobic, and I always tend to feel shut off from the outdoors, unless I leave the door open.
Another alternative to a tent is a lightweight tarp, or basha. These are very versatile, and just with the aid of your hiking poles can be erected in various ways. Used in conjunction with a waterproof, breathable sleeping bag cover, this is about as light as you can get. If used in a sheltered location away from strong winds, they give you a true sense of sleeping in the wilds. It is so quick and easy to set up that it can even be used for a shelter from the rain during the day, or even just to cook under. Many hikers also like to take an ultra light backpacking chair. This way you can avoid the discomfort of the hiking terrain.
One other alternative which is enjoying something of a comeback is the good old hammock backpacking. This type of camping is ideal for the ultralight hiker who is more interested in the actual hiking as opposed to the camping side of backpacking. There are some excellent hammocks on the market that come with their own waterproof fly sheet, and are complete with mosquito- midge netting. If you are using one of these backpacking hammocks, you don't even need to carry a kip mat, so saving even more weight.
This is just one area where you can cut down the weight by using ultralight hiking gear. By using similar items that are available these days, such as lightweight sleeping bags, ultra light backpacking chairs, and even ultralight hiking backpacks, you will be surprised just how light you can go.
Ultralight Backpacking And Camping Equipment
I remember when I first cut my toothbrush handle in half. I thought I was going light then, with thirty-five pounds on my back for a short day trip.. Go here to see the original: Ultralight Backpacking Secrets.
Ultralight Backpacking Yosemite News
News, rumor, discussion, and trip reports for Yosemite National Park. What's the latest rumor on the opening of Tioga Pass? How should I deal with bears? What's a good hike to take with my kids? How much snow is left? Learn it all here.
Discussing For Backpacking Strobists
I recently have been enjoying ultralight backpacking, but I hate leaving my photo gear home, particularly my off-camera flash gear. I decided to see if I could cobble together a stable lightstand/ camera tripod using gear that I already own.
Ultralight Backpackings Humble Beginnings
The ultralight backpacking craze started with one Ray Jardine and the Pacific Crest Trail Hikers’ Handbook, which outlined Mr. Jardine’s efforts to hike the PCT with the absolute minimum weight of pack. Since then, ultralighters have taken the concept to new heights, so to speak.
I went on a short backpacking trip with my son Davis this weekend. Davis is 10 and we went with a few other father/son pairs. We only did a couple miles each day to see how the boys held up and they did great. It was also Davis's first experience with a hammock.
Mike Legg is a seasoned hiker and backpacker.For more Backpacking Tips and Advice on Backpacking for Beginners go to http://www.buytryreview.com/category/backpacking
| By mike legg Published: 1/14/2008 |
Another tip is to use a down sleeping bag rather than a synthetic fibre one. The down versions are more expensive, but are might lighter, warmer and pack down just as small as a man made material.
Just make sure you are not alergic to it first!
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This is very, very informative post and video for hikers. These things are really very useful. Thanks a lot