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Backpacker Magazine – August 2009
Ultralight Done Right: Packing
Packing smart is the easiest way to go ultralight. Use these tips and you'll be set.
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Tags:
- Ultralight |
- Gear |
1. Research your destination to find out what you really need. Check average high and low temperatures, typical weather patterns, water sources, and the short-term forecast–then pack for those conditions. Lots of water available? Take fewer bottles. Warm weather predicted? Leave the extra layer at home. Berries in season? Reduce your food load.
2. Make your gear do double duty. Get a tent that pitches with trekking poles. Use a bandana as a towel or pot holder, extra socks as gloves, a long-sleeve shirt as a scarf, and a bear canister for a camp chair. And don't double up: Pack a windshell or rainshell, but not both.
3. Don't overload on clothing. On most fair-weather hikes, this is all you need: pants, wicking T-shirt, long-sleeve midlayer, two pairs of socks and underwear, sun hat, warm hat, light gloves, and a rainshell (approximate total weight: 3.5 lbs.). If you expect cooler temperatures, add long underwear bottoms and a lightweight puffy jacket. Hiking will keep you warm during the day, and your bag will do the job in camp.
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READERS COMMENTS
I have tried using socks as gloves and they are very awkward and restrictive. I take along a pair of glove liners I use in winter while snow shoeing. Very light, warm and functional.
Posted: Sep 12, 2009 Wild Larry
Who pulled my comment? I guess the editor went back to work.
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 Eric
Thanks for the tips. One thing though. In tip #2 you say to ditch the gloves and use an extra pair of socks for such. Then in tip #3 you say to pack gloves. Did anyone else catch this. I think the editor was spending too much time away from the office and not enough time at his job of editing.
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 Eric
One word: DOWN!!
My down sweater plus a nylon rain jacket (1.25 lbs) were good down to 10 degrees.
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 Nelser
Having fallen into water with cool tempatures. I think of several options.
Get naked. Get in your sleeping bag. Drink warmed water, hike faster. Put on just your rain gear.
Posted: Sep 10, 2009 casey
What happens if you fall in a river and the air temperature is very cold? I always take a change of clothes. They don't have to be heavy e.g. Colombia GRT zip off legs long pants are 295 g and Earth, Ski, Sky silkweight longsleeved top is 125g. I have had to help wet people change their clothes after slipping when crossing streams a few times.
Posted: Aug 21, 2009 Honora
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