In order to have a great back packing adventure, it is important that you pack your backpack as light as possible. You may really want to bring a klean kanteen stainless steel water bottle with you, but consider how much it weighs, and pack accordingly. While you may want to bring some luxury items with you like camping chairs, or that pad for sleeping on, these things take up weight, and don't bring them unless they are absolutely needed.

Another way to lighten your load, is buy a lighter weight sleeping bag, and try alternatives for tent camping. Just because it's lightweight, it doesn't have to be uncomfortable, a down sleeping bag is lighter than other fibers, and can be ever warmer than some more heavy bags. Use tents that have fewer poles to set up, or even bring a tarp or something for a shelter, depending on the weather.

Reduce food packaging as much as possible. You can do this with plastic sealed bags, preferably the ones with zippers. Just make sure that any foods that need instructions have a piece of paper or the direction panel included. Seek alternatives to heavy cooking equipment. If you are in an area that doesn't allow open fires, there are many small lightweight camp stoves that fold flat and use solid fuel cans. These are generally lightweight, even the fuel is, and neither of them take up much room.

You do need to bring enough supplies for the duration of your trip. You will want to bring extra things like dry socks and maybe an extra set of clothes, but only pack things you need, and are going to use. Don't pack for winter if you are hiking around in the summer, and use alternatives, like instead of bringing that coat, bring a windbreaker instead.

Reduce the size of things you need to bring. Use smaller travel size containers of hand sanitizer, bug spray, or toothpaste. Unless you are going to be gone for a while, or have access to a good water source, it may not be a good idea to bring along shampoo, or hand soap. A good quality sanitizer can work just as well, and you can even bring along a small bottle of rubbing alcohol to clean yourself up.

There are many different ways to reduce the amount of weight in your pack, and by doing so you will be able to bring along some sugar free energy drinks, or other luxury items you would otherwise have to leave at home. There is a wealth of tips and other information to be found online, and you can even ask sales people at your local sporting goods outlet for help. It takes time and practice to be able to know the tricks and tips on reducing the weight on your back when out hiking, so don't be discouraged, and learn from your mistakes.