A backpacking
load does not need to be a back-breaking load even though you have
to carry everything you need for camping as well as walking. Keeping
the weight down can be done in two ways.
First, the weight of every piece of your gear, from your tent to
your spoon, is important. For day walking the weight difference
between, say, one jacket and another does not matter that much. For
the backpacker, on the other hand, a little extra weight on each bit
of gear can add up to a considerable amount on the back. If you
cannot decide between two items of gear, always choose the lighter
one. Most stores can tell you what a tent weighs (though not always
accurately) but few know the weights of the clothing they stock.
Taking along a small spring balance for weighing gear when you shop
is well worthwhile. Those who intend backpacking in the future would
do well to pay careful attention to the weight of any items like
waterproofs they buy for day walking. Those who camp on roadside
sites should do the same. It may not matter how much your tent or
sleeping bag weighs if you arrive at your site by car but if you
plan on using the same gear for backpacking then the weight will
become very important.
Second, ask yourself if everything you are taking is really
necessary. Be ruthless. If you are not sure leave it at home. Then
after each trip go through your gear and see what you did not need
and resolve to leave it at home next time ¡ª apart from emergency
items like the first aid kit (and even here weight can be saved if
you cut out some of the extra sheets of blister coverings or
plasters).
As a guide, a summer backpacking load for a solo walker should weigh
no more than 251b (11kg) without food or non-essential accessories
such as books or camera gear. Adding food at around 21b (900g) a day
gives a total of 301b (14kg) for a weekend and 401b (18kg) for a
week. Sharing gear can bring this down a little. Very careful
attention to weight can do so too; it is possible to get down to
around 201b (9kg) for a weekend or 301b (14kg) for a week.
Paying such attention to weight may seem almost obsessive, but the
time spent will be welcomed when out on the hill. The difference
between a 251b (11kg) and 351b (16kg) rucksack is very noticeable. I
have carried some extremely heavy loads over the years, mostly in
remote wildernesses where extra gear and many days' worth of food
have to be carried, but I still check the weight of everything
carefully. I also know from carrying those loads - some in excess of
701b (32kg) - that there is a direct relationship between how far
you can walk and how much you carry. The heavier your load the
slower you walk, the more often you stop to rest, the longer your
rest stops last, the sooner your feet hurt and your legs feel tired
and the sooner you stop for the day. Climbing hills is much harder
too. If you want to cover the same ground when backpacking as when
day walking then you need a light load. If your aim is to haul your
gear for half a day to a site that you will use as a base for
several days while you climb the surrounding hills then the weight
of your initial load may be less important than your desire to have
some luxury in camp such as fresh food or even camp chairs. Mostly,
though, keeping the weight as low as possible is the way to go.
By Valerie Garner – Visit Hunting and Hiking Trails for tips and advice on trails in the United States. Drop by Garner Stock Photos also for digital stock photography specializing in Washington state.
