Backpacking can be one of the best experiences of your life, as long as you come prepared! While trekking through the wilderness, for sometimes miles at a time, you’re going to want to make sure you have the best lightweight gear that’s out there! Remember, every pound counts when you’re backpacking, so scroll down and read about these ultralight backpacking essentials you need right now!
Probably the most important item you need to have when backpacking is a good pair of boots. Especially if you are adventuring off-trail, you are going to want to have shoes that are sturdy and support your ankle. When browsing for hiking boots, try searching for lightweight boots. Again, every pound counts, especially when you’ll be carrying about 30 pounds on your back! So make each step a little bit easier and get yourself a pair of lightweight hiking boots (try REI first)!
Also, when it comes time to pick out a pair of boots, a good rule of thumb is to make sure your big toe is at the edge of the mesh, leaving plenty of room for your toes to breathe. When you’re hiking, your feet will expand and sweat, so lean towards getting the bigger size (when in doubt, always go half a size up)!
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Your tent will probably be the heaviest item you carry on your back, so making sure you have a lightweight tent is essential! Although lightweight tents are more expensive and less durable, you definitely will want to invest in one if you are an avid backpacker. Not only will they help you travel further by putting less of a strain on your body, but they also can last for years if taken care of properly.
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The fabrics and materials made available to backpack manufactures have allowed for better quality ultralight backpacks! Most lightweight backpacks now weigh just two or three pounds! When searching for the right backpack, try finding a frame that can carry up to 30 pounds of weight at the least. A quick tip: If you go to REI, they have a station where an employee will personally fit you so you can get a backpack that’s perfect for your size and needs.
So, whether you are a serious backpacker or a once-in-a-while hiker, switching from a regular backpack to a lightweight one will help you travel faster and store more!
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A good night’s sleep is very important when completing a multi-day backpacking trip. If you’ve ever tried to survive the night inside a flimsy, old sleeping bag and just couldn’t fall asleep because you were shivering uncontrollably, then it’s time to upgrade to a warmer, more durable sleeping bag! Also, you are going to want to invest in a lightweight sleeping bag that will be easier on your back!
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Depending on where you are camping, you are going to need a bear box (Ok, if you are in the desert I don’t think you’ll need one).
Bear boxes are crucial to your safety while backpacking, just take a lesson from Spongebob and the Seabear attack Squidward suffered. The main purpose of a bear box is for it to store your food yards away from your campsite so that when you got to bed at night, you can sleep soundly knowing your food is safe (and that a hungry grizzly won’t decide to take a chomp out of you)!
There are many options out there for lightweight bear boxes, but try and find one under three pounds. If you are hiking in a group of people, you really only need one bear box to share. Having trouble finding a great bear box? Try LIGHTER 1 – BIG DADDY or UDAP NO-FED-BEAR on Amazon!
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Trust me, it’s going to be a little rough sleeping on just your sleeping bag. Those tiny rocks will poke your back, and the uneven, hard ground is sure to keep you awake. BUT, rest assured you can defeat these obstacles by getting a lightweight mattress pad! This is one of the ultralight backpacking essentials that’ll keep you super comfortable. These thin pads add just enough support to help you sleep through the night. And the best part is, most of them are multi-functional, such as the Therm-a-Rest Trekker on Amazon that turns into a chair!
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The weight and packability of your water bottle are two of the most important factors to consider when purchasing ultralight backpacking essentials. While the heavier bottles tend to be more durable, they are also harder to lug around. So, improve your backpacking experience with a lightweight water bottle. Some of the top recommendations include the Hydrapak Flux and the Collapsable Que Bottle on Amazon.
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We all need our cup of joe to help us function in the morning, so why should backpacking be any different? Instead of carrying one of your porcelain mugs that will surely shatter somewhere along the journey, get a durable and lightweight coffee mug! We recommend the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug on Amazon for its practicality and reasonable price.
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You’re going to see breathtaking views, so you’re definitely going to want to make sure your phone is charged and ready to go! Therefore, you definitely need to invest in a lightweight phone charger that can go the distance. When purchasing a portable charger for backpacking, there are two main things you need to consider: Size and power. So depending on how long you are backpacking, a phone charger that’s a little bit bigger in size but holds more power might be worth it. If this is the case for you, we recommend getting the Anker Powercore II 10000 on Amazon.
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