Backpacking Light
Backpacking is an activity that is an adventurous way of life for some people. Professional backpackers have learned, through experience, all the tips and tricks of packing smart for their journeys. Packing light is essential – bring too much with you, and you’ll suffer throughout your trip with a sore back and depleted energy. If you’re new to backpacking, here are some important tips on how to lighten you load.
Readjust Your Strategy
A common mistake that newbie backpackers make is bringing along as much as they think they can carry. Do not try to pack as much as you can handle or fit into your bag. Instead, try to pack as little as you can manage with. Don’t try to come up with creative ways to bring more stuff or cram it all into your pack. Instead, try to be as minimalist as possible and leave behind things that you can do without.
Don’t Bring “Just in Case” Items
Anyone who’s ever over-packed for a vacation knows that more often than not, the things you pack “just in case” are never needed. Think carefully about your “just in case” items; in cases, it’s better not to bring them at all. For example, you may be tempted to bring along a fishing pole “just in case” there’s a good fishing hole. Instead, just bring along some fishing line, one sinker & a hook. If that fishing hole materializes & you have time, you can always find a grub, worm or grasshopper to pop on the hook.
Bring Multi-Purpose Gear
Multi-purpose gear will help you lighten your load by reducing the total number of items you need to pack. Look for items that have multiple functions whenever possible. Bring a cooking pot that can double as a food bowl, for example. You can use socks as hand warmers if necessary. Your clothing can be used to stuff your pillow at night. And a Swiss army knife is always recommended.
Reduce Clothing Items
Never bring more than one full week’s worth of clothing, and you should usually bring less than that. Three or four of each clothing items (shirts, pants, underwear, socks) should be enough. Wear items more than once, and wash your clothes when you need to. Bring clothing that can be worn in different situations, and bring outfits that can be mixed-and-matched to wear in different weather. As for shoes, choose a pair that is very durable, and comfortable. Don’t bring more than one extra, lightweight shoe.
Reduce Toiletries
Absolutely never bring full-size toiletry items; it’s highly unnecessary and will increase the weight of your backpack significantly. Bring only small or travel size toiletries with you. Try to measure out appropriate amounts for the length of your trip, and leave behind items you can do without (do you really NEED mouthwash when you have toothpaste?). Bringing a little more sunscreen or bug spray than you think you need isn’t a bad idea, but things like shampoo and soap can easily be purchased if you run out.
L. Evans is an adventure seeker based out of Kenya. She uses Glovico to learn Swahili.
