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How To Think Like An Ultralight Backpacker

How does it conceive of a ultralight backpacker? A reporter for a backpack Magazine asked me this recently in an interview. I've gone rucksack in winter conditions with as little as eleven pounds in total on the back, so I think light. In fact, there are some basic questions that come automatically to mind when I plan to either a backpacking or transmission seems to be when watching. I suspect other lightweight backpackers, to ask the same things.

1. How do I make itLighter?

Usually this question put by every item you bring. Foam mattresses can be cut, a bag could, if only behind the sleeping bag can be filled directly into the package to be released. Reduction of a toothbrush and cutting edges of the cards are not cut off the load a lot, but enough to change various elements, and the weight savings can be up to a pound or two.

2. Is there an easier alternative?

Here you can really save weight, especially ifYou start with the "big three", "sleeping accommodations and a backpack. Purchase of new equipment may be necessary, but you can also find the easiest choice among the things the searches you already have. You are your lightest shirts, for Example, or take light plane for a short break rather than a tent. This is a big difference in how easily you. go left many years ago, I am a 88-oz (5 1 / 2 pound) bag, a 14 -- oz one, and a three-pound bag, aOne-pound book.

3. What can I leave?

"Do I really need to bring to this?" Ask that at any point. A shirt can be enough, for example. Questions, "I want to use it?" For several trips, I had a little game of chess, but never used. If a group, whether someone in the party an object that you have to consider. A group of three has only one oven. Not sure if you can forget something? The last three questions can help you find an answer.

4. Are there any reusableItems I can use to cut weight?

When I cook at all (unusual), my cup is my bowl and spoon is my fork. Some ponchos can be used as protection. A trekking pole can support for a plan of protection or even a few tents. The cloth bag can be filled your bag with clothing, using as a pillow. Find ways to use to do the things that you buy more than one purpose, and things to pursue the multiple purposes. This is a classic Ultralight Backpacker thinking.

5. Arethere strategies I can use to ease the burden?

An extreme example: eating low-carb diet for a few days, then load on pasta the day before a trip. This way you can have up to a few pounds extra carbs in your body, so you need not carry as much food. Called "Carbo-loading", it has been used by endurance athletes for decades. Another strategy: Plan for the weather. If no rain is predicted, you can walk back to the rain, or just bring the best.In an area with many water sources, you can wear only one pint plastic soda bottle, if we fill it each time you come to a stream or lake.

6. What kind of skills and habits I? Work

This is partly about learning survival skills. Why? For at home in the desert, it is safer to go, easier. For example, if you know how to make a warm bed of dried leaves and grass, it is certain that the light sleeping bag, trying not otherwise, noHot enough for you. Being able to identify and eat wild edible plants makes it safer to take less food. In fact, if a sufficient Survival Skills, an ultralight backpacker can be prepared for almost anything.