Outbacking World

Ask any backpacker, any real backpacker, what the most important part of backpacking is, and they will say that it’s reducing the weight of the pack. Reducing the total weight of carried items by even a few ounces can add up to make a big difference. Most backpackers agree that carrying more than about twenty pounds can be a real pain. It’s important to choose lightweight backpacking equipment, and also to make smart choices when choosing equipment. For example, instead of carrying in several gallons of water, bring a water filter and a map of lakes and streams in the area. If purchasing equipment designed for backpacking, the best items to go after are tents, lightweight sleeping bags, and backpacking packs. Having backpacker-approved versions of these three backpacking essentials causes the most dramatic reduction in total weight.

When selecting food for the trip, opt for powdered foods instead of solids, and ensure that cookware is limited to a single saucepan and a few plastic bowls, and utensils. Even with this limited cookware, it’s still possible to scrape together some delicious backpacking meals.