9 Ways to Make Your Hiking Pack Lighter
Transforming your hiking experience from a heavy struggle to a lightweight adventure doesn't happen overnight—it’s a journey. But it's definitely a journey worth embarking on.
The Routeburn Track, New Zealand
1. Weigh your Weight:
The first step towards shedding those pack pounds is to weigh everything. Yes, everything. You'd be surprised how heavy sentimentality can be. Here's a fun way to do it - head over to LighterPack, a free interactive website that let’s you categorise all your items and tallies up the weight as you go, so you can breakdown where the weight is coming from!
2. The Omission:
What's hiding in your pack that’s more useless than a screen door on a submarine? A spare change of clothes? The complete set of Pirates of the Caribbean on DVD? Carry less! This isn’t a call to abandon your safety gear, but more of an inspection of your luxury items. Go on a hike and note down what gear remains untouched. Get rid of those ‘just in case’ items.
3. Miniaturisation Nation:
It’s time to embrace your inner ant! Swap out larger items for mini versions. Whether that be your toothpaste tube, sunscreen or even wrapping duct tape around a straw. 'Honey, I Shrunk the Hiking Gear' is a lifestyle, not just a movie title. Get some tiny jars to help you downsize.
Great Ocean Walk, Victoria Australia
4. Sharing is Caring:
Got hiking buddies? Share gear with them! Share the tent, stove, or the Personal Locator Beacon. Why carry two of the same thing when you can share the load? Just make sure you're not the one stuck carrying both the tent and their emotional baggage.
5. Double Agent:
Opt for gear that can play the dual role. Trekking poles that double as tent poles, sleeping mats as sit pads. Or my personal favourite, a hat that's also a bowl. Fashion-forward and functional, look at you go! (Maybe don’t use your hat as a bowl)
6. Excess Clothing:
One set of clothes for hiking, one set of clothes for camp. That’s it, you don’t need a spare shirt. I promise nobody will care. As for socks, 2-3 pairs will suffice. Always keeping one pair for when you hit camp.
Tongariro Northern Circuit, New Zealand
7. In with the New:
Gear upgrades are costly but you’ll never look back. With so many ultralight options coming out, there's always room for improvement. You can start with some big lifters like your tent or sleeping bag, but don’t forget the small items too. Less weight = less strain = more laughs with the emus.
8. Happy Feet:
Depending on your particular hike circumstances, lighter boots or trail runners offer less fatigue, making for a happier hike. There are numerous studies done on how the weight of a boot relates to energy expenditure. Give it a go and see if you notice a difference!
9. Water, But Make It Less:
Carrying less water sounds scary, but it's about knowing where the water sources are on your track. 1L of water weighs 1kg. Carry a water filter so you can filter your water on the go. Of course be careful with this tip, don't risk being dehydrated just to shave off some weight.