When you’re planning a trip into backcountry the number one thing that will stop you from hiking further is the gear you take with you. Unlike car camping where you can take just about anything that will fit into your car, having a light backpack is essential for enjoying a long hike to you destination.
However, when you have a look around at the amount of gear you can get for camping that might wonder how anyone goes hiking at all.
Let me start by saying I love gear. I have just about every little gadget you can think of (and some you can’t) but there is a time and a place for everything. It’s this reason that I found it hard to leave something behind when I first started backpacking and the chances are that you will to. But after carrying objects around with me that I didn’t need a few times I had to change the way I packed.
I can now enjoy the great outdoors without my back being broke. The 16 steps below are really just a guide. It all comes down to 2 things, How rough are you willing to camp and How much knowledge you have for surviving in the wild without gear.
1.Weather
The weather will determine nearly all of the tips below. If you know that the weather will be warm for the duration of the trip then this will significantly reduce the amount you need to carry. For example, if it is going to be freezing you will need a heavier tent and sleeping bag. You will also need to carry more and heavier clothing.
Basically the colder it is then the more stuff you are going to need. However, that doesn’t mean you will be over loaded if you follow the tips below.
Also, be aware that in certain areas the temperature can drop significantly at night.
2. Clothing
This is often overlooked but your camping/hiking clothing weight can have a significant effect on your enjoyment. Avoid cotton as it will hold sweat which not only weighs you down but can also lead to chafing.
Light synthetic material is the way to go. They wick the sweat away from your body and dry very quickly. They’re also much lighter than traditional clothing. Make sure you do this for your underwear as well.
Your boots are also a major factor. You can get everything else right here but if you’re in the wrong pair of boots then you will be cussing the whole camping experience. Go for modern lightweight boots and leave the heavy leather boot for the museums.
The area where people really go overboard is packing spare clothing. If you’re just out camping for the weekend then all the extra clothing you need is a spare shirt and maybe your underwear too. You don’t need to change your pants. Yes they might get a little dirty but you’re camping, it happens. The only thing that needs changed are clothing that is tight against your skin.
Check out my post on what clothing you should take on extended camping trips.
3. Backpack
Now that you have you clothing ready it’s time to get packing some gear, right? Well, not just yet. Your backpack is where you will be holding all of your stuff but how heavy is the pack itself. Some cheaper backpacks can be nearly twice as heavy as the more expensive brands so check the weight before you buy.
You will also have to determine the size of the backpack which is measured in litres. Don’t just go for the biggest one you can get. The bigger size means that it will be heavier and in my experience if you have extra room you are more likely to take extra gear just because you can.
Chest and hip clips are also something you should look for. They help take some of the load off your shoulders.
4. Tent… Accommodation
When going camping the first thimg we think of is sleeping in a tent but there are other ways.
Tent camping is the most popular. There are some very light tents out there these so this is still a viable lightweight option however you will pay a lot of money for a good one. I have created a post here to help you decide which tent would suit you.
Bivy tents are a popular lightweight option, especially among bikepackers. Not just because they are light but they are also easy to set up. They are basically just an extra waterproof layer that you slide into with your sleeping bags. Some modals have a frame that will lift the bivy bag from your face while you sleep.
A hammock is another popular option. Simply string it up between two trees and you will have a comfy night’s sleep off the ground. You can also get hammocks the will close over you if the weather turns bad. Hammocks aren’t the lightest either unless you are willing to pay top dollar.
There is one other way that can’t be beaten for lightness or price. A plastic sheet. This is for those warm clear nights when you can just lay out under the stars. The ground sheet is just to stop dampness coming up. It isn’t essential but I wouldn’t do without one.
For when the weather turns bad you could always make a shelter from what is lying around. It’s easier than you think.
5. Sleeping bag
This is another area where you can save significant weight and space. Like everything the more money you have then the lighter and smaller sleeping bag you will be able to get. Read my post on what you should consider when buying aa sleeping bag here.
It is important to know which sleeping bag you need for the temperature you’re sleeping in. If all you are searching for is the lightest sleeping bag then you may end up buying a summer sleeping bag which will not keep you warm in the middle of winter. You need to make sure there is enough insulation for the temperature you will be sleeping in.
You could again, significantly reduce your weight be choosing to go without a bag. A simple blanket or a survival blanket can give adequate insulation for a good night’s sleep.
6. Water
Now this is something you can’t do without. That being said, you may not need to carry enough to do you the entire camp. Try to plan your hike so that you come near water a few time a day. This will reduce the amount you will have to carry.
Use purifying filters such as the lifestraw (Amazon link) to clean you water before drinking. Alternatively you could boil it but this can waste a lot of time. Save your fires for when you are at you designated camp. Have a read through my recommended way of purifying water here.
Use water bladders in your backpack. It doesn’t make the water any lighter but having the weight spread out and close to your body will make it easier to carry. The only problem I have with bladders it that it is hard to gauge how much water you have left in it. This makes it hard to ration if you need to.
7. Food
Food is another necessity but thankfully there are light foods. Dried foods like pasta, noodles and beef jerky are great for hiking. If this is a bit bland for you then you can buy a variety of dried food and all you have to do is add hot water and voila.. a meal in minutes.
You could also opt to forage or hunt for your food. This does take considerable knowledge and skill. You don’t want to be eating everything you come across. Some plants or berries may look good but can be poisonous.
And if you decide to go hunting then this just add to the equipment you need to take. Perhaps trapping would be a better option. It’s very easy the trap fish if you know how.
8. Cooking
Gas stoves are now made impressively small and light. There are stoves that are made from titanium and can fit in the palm of your hand. You can also get small gas canisters so this actually is a pretty light way of cooking. You can get foldable pots that fit around the gas canister so they hardly take up any room at all. The range and quality of cooking utensils for camping is impressive.
But what if you wanted to go one step further. You could actually cook without a stove. All you need to know is how to start a fire. I have already wrote this post on how to start a fire without matches. So that is another thing you could potentially leave behind.
Once you have the fire lit you will need something to hold the water until it boils. A simple metal cup is ideal for this. They are usually pretty light. So all you really need for cooking is a metal cup. You can use sticks for manoeuvring it when it’s hot and even as chopsticks.
I have create a post here on how cook at a campsite without poisoning anyone.
9. Gearless Activates
We all like to enjoy other outdoor activities while we are camping but when we are trying to keep our weight to a minimum then it is best to try to find something that doesn’t need much gear.
For example, as I’ve already mentions you could swap hunting for trapping. You could try bird watching, swimming, bush craft or simply a game of x’s and o’s in the dirt. It may not seem like much now but sometimes the simple things can be the most enjoyable.
I have made a post on activities you can try while camping. Click here if you are interested.
10. Navigation
If you are backpacking in an area you don’t know then it is wise to have some way to find your way around. The obvious choice is a gps unit.
However, these do add to your weight and you probably will want to take a power bank in case it goes dead so that’s even more weight. And even then you can lose signal meaning your carrying it around for nothing.
A more reliable method it is to use a compass and map. They are actually lighter as well but you do need to know how to use then properly.
And if you wanted to go full native you could go without either. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you know the area as you could easily get lost. Read this post to find you how to navigate without a gps.
11. Delegate the load
If you are traveling in a group and you just can’t do without some home comforts then make sure that the gear is evenly distributed. I don’t mean if someone want to take six pair of pants and 4 hats that everyone should help out. No, that is their choice.
I do mean if there is an activity that you will all be doing later on then the gear for that activity should be equally distributed by weight.
12. Hygiene
This is a bit of a sticky area. Some people think I’m dirty for suggesting going more than 24 hrs without washing while others have no problem embracing it.
Guys, you won’t die if you smell of sweat and there is dirt under your fingernails. It’s all in your head; you need to let it go.
If you’re camping for just one night then you don’t need any toiletries. No soap, no deodorant and definitely no hair gel. All you are going to do is attract bears. You can wash up using fresh water.
You should even get away without toothpaste for one night but I know; it’s the one thing even I sneak with me. Just make sure you take the small travel tube.
If you’re camping for any more than 2 nights you should wash yourself with plain old water. You don’t need shower gel and shampoo. Just wash off the areas where you sweat most and clean off any grit. You will be just fine until you get home. It will make you really appreciate a hot shower from then on.
As for going for a poop? Use biodegradable toilet paper…. Or you could always use a leaf.
13. First aid
It is important to have some sort of a first aid kit but you don’t need to take everything with you. A small tube of disinfectant and a bandage will treat most camping injuries. For something more serious like a broken leg then you’re going to have to call for help anyway or use your imagination.
I have heard of guy that broke his leg in the wild and he made a splint with two stick and some duct tape. It supported his leg enough so he could walk with the aid of the crouch made from a branch.
Sun Cream is something I wouldn’t go without. There is nothing worse than getting a bad sunburn. It will ruin your camping experience and it can also be dangerous.
14. Electrical devices
These days it can be hard for us to switch off our phones. We always think someone might need us or we might miss something the second we turn them off. But how many times a day do you really get an important call without you expecting it?
I’m not saying don’t take them. They can be very helpful when you get lost and you need to ring for help. Gps devices and sat phones are also handy to have but they should only be used in emergencies. If you start using then all of the time you will have to find a way of charging them and that just leads to carrying more heavy electrical equipment.
If you do need to find a way of charging your devices while camping then check out this post.
15. Heavy items to the bottom
Ok so you have all you gear carefully selected and it ready to go into the backpack but instead of just throwing everything in anyway there is a way it should be done. Put your heaviest items to the bottom and to the back of the backpack.
This will help keep the center of gravity closer to you which will reduce the amount the pack will pull you back. By having the heavy gear low it keeps the weight over your hips making it much easier to get back up it you need to bend over.
16. Your body weight
So you have all of your kit stripped down to the bare minimum but you are still struggling to keep up with the others. Perhaps the issue is with you. By shifting a few unwanted pounds you will be able to backpack much easier.
I see some people spending thousands of dollars on lightweight camping gear but they are clearly overweight. Shedding body fat should be the first thing you do when wanting to travel lighter.
So there you have it.
If you’re hard enough you could simply walk off into the wild with nothing more than a knife, a metal cup, a plastic sheet and some toothpaste. Everything else will just add weight.
That being said, it is nice to have some level of comfort and security. When hike through backcountry you should include to 10 essentials. They are
- Navigation
- Sun Protection
- Insulation
- Illumination
- First aid
- Fire
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Emergency Shelter
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