Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce your packweight most by concentrating on the "big three;" backpack, shelter, and sleeping bag. Forget those 6-pound backpacks, 9-pound tents and 5-pound sleeping bags. Reduce that 20 pounds to less than 5, keep the other gear to 5 or 6 pounds, and you can chuck the hot and heavy hiking boots, put on the running shoes, and start enjoying those trails.
Four Ounce Ultralight Backpacks
No, that's not a typo. One of the ultralight backpacking suppliers recently came out with a light pack with a capacity of 1800 cubic inches, plus more in an expandable rear pocket. Designed to carry just fifteen pounds, It may be more fragile than the average pack, but it weighs just 3.7 ounces! With a pack that light you're well on your way to keeping your total packweight to fifteen pounds.
I bought a six ounce pack at Walmart. Maybe you didn't know they sold ultralight backpacks, and niether did they. I'm sure it was intended as a daypack. However, it has 1200 cubic inches and weighs only 6 ounces, so I'll use it for summer overnighters. At $4, it was light on the budget too.
It easy to imagine that a decent-sized backpack can be made at home that weighs less than 8 ounces. If it's a simple one, without extra pockets, made from light nylon material, how much could it weigh? Making your own may be the way to get the lightest backpack.
Alternatives To Ultralight Backpacks
I've used my 8-ounce duffle bag for backpacking. With no pockets, it's tough to organize things, but it has lots of room, and it is very tough. In practice, the full-length zipper makes it so easy to see everything that organization isn't very important.
I also have tied the duffle bag to an an old aluminum pack-frame, to create a full-suspension backpack. It has a hip belt, comfortable padded straps, and weighs exactly two pounds. It worked fine on a trip above timberline in the mountains of Montana. If there are any lighter exterior-frame ultralight backpacks out there, I haven't seen them.
You can also go on overnight trips with just a bivy sack, a bottle of water and a few granola bars in the pockets of your jacket. I've done this in the summer. Of course, I suppose without ultralight backpacks, this can't even be called backpacking.
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice, stories and backpack recommendations can be found at http://www.theultralightbackpackingsite.com
Mercedes Benz s500 rentals Salem ..A meal in Greece is highlighted with a selection of... Read More
Don't all of us love to have the money to... Read More
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More
If your aim is not good, or is not quite... Read More
Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce... Read More
When you search online for a camping gear outlet you... Read More
The Udzungwa Mountains National park was created primarily for the... Read More
There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More
The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More
Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More
Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More
I've been traveling and writing about places I believe others... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
How to get the most out of your trekking poles... Read More
How many of you take the time to just relax... Read More
Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe,... Read More
"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More
You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More
Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More
Last week in Australia, one man's day at beach could... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
Dowagiac cheap limo service ..Have you ever seen an authentic Japanese garden? Well, I... Read More
My favorite outdoor related quote comes from John Muir, the... Read More
When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More
Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More
A meal in Greece is highlighted with a selection of... Read More
Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120... Read More
The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More
Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More
A Botswana safari is an excellent trip to undertake because... Read More
An African honeymoon safari is the perfect way to celebrate... Read More
The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More
Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More
Contrary to what many think, ultralight backpacking is not just... Read More
There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORSIf you are contemplating a long distance... Read More
A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More
A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat... Read More
The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More
Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to... Read More
The key to getting a good bargin, instead of a... Read More
Base camp sits at 12,000 feet - stark, windy, unshaded... Read More
Packing in general can be a hassle. But when going... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
Outdoors |