Keeping it light

As you know your backpack can make or break you on a trek.
Now I am one that will sacrifice a little weight to add comfort, but then I am getting old.
This months Backpacker Magazine has some fantastic tips for cutting weight.
I thought I'd share the main ideas. I looked online and could not find the article, so here are the highlights.

The name of the article is Ultralight or Bust (a ten step plan for getting your base pack weight under 15 pounds).

Step 1. Question everything.
The author writes that "the only way to ultralight work is to ditch your standard gear list and your gotta-have-my-coffee press-tude. A checklist tricks you into bringing gear you don't need..." While I agree with this for the advanced backpacker, I do not recommend a full throw out of the list for Scouts and Scouters. The lists keep a young Scout focused, it is much better to take something out during the shakedown than forget it. They go on to say that "the attitude distorts the hard choices you'll have to make to trim the last five pounds." I can't argue with that. Choices will have to be made, but make them in the shakedown.
The idea of questioning everything is valid. You should look at your gear and ask if you really need it or is it nice to have. More times than not "Nice to have" just adds weight.

Step 2. Weigh it all.
"It will open your eyes to the surprisingly heavy items-like a filter or first aid kit- and the the little things that individually weigh next to nothing but together add up to something real."
We learned this on our last 25 miler.. Duplicating items and cutting down the bulk of other items will shave weight. Instead of taking everything that comes with your filter (that you never use) just take the filter. And make sure to distribute group gear like tents, cooking items, and food.

Step 3. Rethink shelter.
"This is the place to make a major dent: most ultra-lighters carry tarps that weigh less than a pound without stakes and guy lines." Most of us are not quite Ultra-lighters.. so a good 3 season tent does us well. Especially with bugs and rain. But this is a good guide, you need to look at your trail and the season you are in. In the summer months, maybe just the inner tents with bug screen is all you need, in the fall, just take the rain fly, poles and footprint. The idea here is to match your shelter to the conditions you will be trekking in. The article also points out that on trails like the AT or Long trail there are shelters about every 8 miles or so. Use them.

Step 4. Change your bedding.

"Old thinking: Choose your sleeping bag for the lowest temps you might encounter. New thinking: Aim for the middle, and wear more clothes if a cold snap hits." This is a new concept to me too. I have always been taught to sleep with less clothing and let the body heat feel the bag.
This is still true. The article refers to "Hard-core fast-packers that hit the trail predawn-typically the coldest hour of the night". I recommend as I always have that a good 20 degree bag is good all year. Even when the temps drop below 10 the 20 degree bag coupled with a sweat shirt or bag liner will get you through the chilly night.
On sleeping bags. Do look at the weight of your bag. In most cases the sleeping bag is both the heaviest item and bulkiest. You can trim lots of weight and bulk by getting a quality bag. You are going to pay more, but it will be worth it when you pitch camp.

Step 5. Layer down.
"Another tired maxim: Carry extra clothing. Sure you want to be cozy and safe, but thick down in July is overkill. Choose layers based on the forecast, and don't double up, no wind jacket and rain shell." This I agree with. It goes back to duplication of gear. Your rain shell will keep wind out. You should also look at 3 season packing. Pack a mid weight long sleeve top, a t shirt and go with light weight pants and shorts. Jeans are possibly the worst Backpacking clothes. They are heavy and do not dry quick. Never forget your rain gear, but make sure it is light and serves two purposes (Wind and Rain).

Step 6. Improve your diet.
The idea here is to look at the food you are taking. Consider not having hot meals in the summer, "Even the lightest stoves add ounces..." Break down your meals to reduce garbage and waste. Consume everything you carry. The article suggests on the trail "Leave it home [the stove] in favor of peanut butter, tortilla, cheese, jerky, pepperoni, dried fruits, nuts, sesame sticks and peanut M&M's, all of which are satisfying, nutritious and packed with calories."
I think this is a great idea for breakfasts and lunches, but nothing satisfies me more than a nice hot dinner in camp.

Step 7. Ditch the Map.
Now here is where I started to hyperventilate.. but I read on...
"If you must carry a map (AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT), trim the superfluous parts...carry only the sections you need... and find the lightest version available." Waterproofing a map adds weight. A zip lock bag does the same thing and serves multiple purposes. Always take a map. Even if you use your GPS with Topo maps on it... take a map.

Step 8. Take less medicine.
Look at your First aid kit. What do you really need. "Your kit should weigh no more that 8 ounces. All you really need is antibiotic ointment, duct tape, a few gauze pads and bandages, a bit of blister treatment "(mole skin).
Never leave home without the First aid kit, but it pays to look at whats in it. It is the one item you don't use a lot, but when you need it, you want it there.

Step 9. Down size your Pack.
I have always recommended External Frame packs, especially for youth. And I still do.
"Your streamlined load should fit in a pack with about 3,000 cubic inches of capacity."

This is consistant with what I have always said. Hard core ultra-lighters will recommend an internal frame pack, but they are not the best suited for youngsters that struggle with maintaining a balanced load.

Step 10. Empty your Bottles.

"Tradition holds that you need to carry two or three liters of water at all times. But at 2 lbs 2 oz. per liter, water is among the heaviest things you're schlepping." Take advantage of water points along the trail. Pump water through your filter when needed.
Camelbacks are great, but add weight. The good news is that the camelback if loaded properly is against the back and centered so as to distribute weight. I still recommend taking the water, but a good look at the trail will determine how much we carry and how much we pump.

This is an eye opening article. It really gets you thinking about your gear and how and what you pack.
Take these tips and think about the ideas this week as you get ready to pack up for the next adventure.

Happy Scouting!!