My box of hiking gear consists of all sorts of gadgets and devices that are designed to make the outdoor experience easier and more enjoyable.
My name is Ben, and I am a gear freak.
The fact is, however, that when it comes to carrying my gear, less is more, and all of those really cool gadgets stay at home in lieu of a lighter pack. Here are five basic principles I follow that help me reduce my pack weight.
The less weight you carry, the further you’ll be able to explore.
Top 5 tips for reducing your pack weight:
1. Ditch or recycle the packaging
- Just because your sleeping mat and sleeping bag both came with a stuff sack, does not mean you have to use both of them.
- I use one large stuff sack for my sleeping bag and clothes, or sleeping mat and clothes.
- Remove all unnecessary packaging from food and consolidate into Ziplock bags. You only need to carry rubbish back out anyway.
2. Two uses for everything
- Wherever possible, everything in my pack has 2 or more uses.
- I sleep in my sleeping bag, but it is also my ultimate source of warmth if the temperature really goes south.
- I usually have a lightweight pocket knife, so I don’t need another knife to prepare food with.
- I use a spork for eating meals, which is a lightweight fork spoon and butter knife in one.
- I use a stainless steel bowl and cup, as I can both cook and eat from these.
- Ziplock bags are great for organising your food before you go, then they turn into small rubbish bags, or waterproof bags once they are empty.
3. If you’re not sure, you probably don’t need it
- If you keep coming back to the same item, wondering if you should take it with you, chances are, you can probably do without it.
- Look over other things you have packed that you may be able to achieve the same result with, i.e. could you also use your woollen beanie as a pot holder?
- Think about the likelihood of actually using that product on your hike, and if your walk can carry on if you don’t have it.
4. Weigh up every purchase
- When buying your gear, place importance on weight as you do features.
- Often, all the extra features are something you talk about but never use and just add to pack weight.
- Over the years, attempt to buy lighter and more efficient products each time you replace/upgrade something.
5. It all adds up
- I have a spreadsheet of all my gear and their weights. I use this before I even start packing to estimate pack weight.
- Some may say this is a little overboard, but it works for me.
- Every gram saved on each item you pack adds up quicker than you may realise.
- I am a big eater, so the less gear I have, the more food and water I can take.
Minimal packaging is a great way to save on space and weight in your pack.
Ultra-lightweight hiking
By no means do I class myself as an ultra-lightweight hiker, there are so many other levels and considerations for those attempting to get their pack weight down sub 10kg – search “ultra-lightweight” on Bushwalk Australia for an abundance of forum discussions on this topic.
This post was updated for 2017.
Let us know in the comments section below if you have any tips for those trying to shave grams off of their pack weight.
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Good advice Ben.
The spreadsheet was a game changer for me and shows the weight cost of putting something in the pack.
My pack weight for a weekend s now between 7.5 and 9 kg, depending on how far I’m walking, conditions and trip objectives. That weight includes food,a litre of water and a comfy chair for in camp.
In camp, I’m as safe and comfortable as anyone else out there. A lot more comfortable on trail though.
For short walks and a lot of time in camp, you can get away with a heavy pack, but if you’re walking longer days, a lighter pack can make a huge difference to the enjoyment factor.
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Glad to hear you agree with our advice Dave.
Spreadsheets do really make the world of difference, as it helps you figure out well in advance where you need to trim the fat off your gear.
It’s always that toss-up between a little extra create comfort and carrying extra weight, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing your tips Dave!
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Thanks Ben for your thoughts.. I have started on my bucket list of “120 Walks in Victoria” by Tyrone Thomas. I reckon it will take over ten years to complete.
My first hike in June 2017 was to Mt Feathertop. I carried way too much weight and have been working on sourcing lighter gear. I have done the same as Ben and weighed everything I used. I have placed the data into a spreadsheet. I could just as easily put it into an exercise book. I have set a goal weight of 10 kgs and have been working my way through the list.
I like Ben’s thoughts to try and have two functions for everything. I used everything on my first hike (including the first aid kit for band aides) except a flannelette shirt for around the camp sites. It was the thing I though I would need the most at night. It won’t get onto any future trips in the colder months. It wasn’t need as I worn a long sleeve thermal top under a t-shirt, a windcheater and a rain/wind hooded jacket. The jacket was long enough to cover my hips.
I am working my way down my list of hike items. Planning before the trips is so important. The spreadsheet will be a helpful tool to sort out things and the overall weight. A paper list would work too. Summer hikes I should easily make or be under 10kg. Winter is just no way with the extra clothing and favorite hot drink. Looking forward to knocking off my first ten walks out of the book and seeing a lot of my beautiful State.
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Thanks for sharing your experiences, Jim.
Lightening your load can be a process of trial and error, often you end up figuring out what you need from actually being out in the field! We’re glad you’re also a fan of spreadsheets – it may seem like a bit much, but if you’re really prepared then you’re less likely to end up in trouble once you’re out on the track.
You’re right, ultra-lightweight hiking is so much easier when the weather is warm – that way you can leave the thermals and bulky layers back at home.
Good luck with ticking off the other walks on your list! 😊
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