How to Pack Lighter for a Hiking Excursion

Hiking used to be something that was reserved for people who were in peak physical condition and able to carry heavy loads for long distances. This made it difficult for families to go hiking together, because they often weren’t able to carry enough equipment for everyone since the children just weren’t able to carry their own gear.

These days hiking gear is more lightweight than ever before. More companies are using reenforced plastics, lightweight metals, and crafting their gear to be both easy to carry and durable. Hiking equipment is being made that’s more compact and light, making it possible to carry more equipment in less space and at a lighter weight than before.

Most equipment for hikers used to be made for overnight trips. This meant it was made to carry a lot of gear for sleeping, eating, and surviving. The problem was, most hikers didn’t need that much equipment.

Although backpackers often do stay for a night or two, most hikers just go for a one-day excursion and return before nightfall. Now more and more companies are creating hiking gear that’s made for hikers who just want to spend a few hours in the great outdoors and get a little exercise, but don’t intend to stay overnight.

This means the equipment itself can be lighter, and you can carry less stuff with you – just the essentials like a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and ready-to-eat foods to keep your blood sugar up!

When shopping for hiking gear, look at labels. Make sure you look for words such as “lightweight.” Try to find equipment that’s specifically designed to be lighter. There are plenty of lightweight options available now, and they won’t break your back or your bank.

Today’s hikers are smart and savvy. They know that you don’t have to carry five days’ worth of hiking equipment for an overnight excursion. And more companies are aware that hikers are looking for light weight options.

This means it’s easier than ever to enjoy your hiking trip. Let’s look at a few ways to lighten up and still have everything you need:

• Look for a lightweight pack with a very light frame. If you’re only going to be out for a day or two, you don’t need an extremely sturdy load-bearing pack. Lighter packs are widely available these days, and most are durable enough to carry enough for a couple of days’ excursion.
• Carry water purification tablets instead of water if possible. This can greatly reduce the weight you have to carry.
• Bring along a clip-on bpa-free water bottle so that you can easily grab and unclip the bottle, drink, and reattach it without having to stop and find your sports bottle in your backpack.
• Bring as much lightweight and dehydrated food as you can. Wet food is very heavy. Try to also bring some lighter food that doesn’t need to be cooked.
• Bring a first aid kit, but pack it inside a lightweight, waterproof bag instead of a heavier plastic or metal box.
• Carry a camping hammock rather than a tent and sleeping bag. A camping hammock is designed to keep out insects and rain.
• Carry a lightweight emergency blanket. Use this inside your camping hammock if it gets cold. These weigh only a few ounces, but can keep you surprisingly warm.
• Lighten up on cooking equipment. Bring only a single, lightweight pot. Get the lightest camping stove possible and bring the least amount of fuel you think you’ll need.

If you’re only going for a day or two, you can travel very lightly. You’ll probably need more stuff and a sturdier pack if you intend to stay for a few days, but for a day or two, you really don’t need much equipment at all!

Kids love to go hiking with their parents for an outdoor daily walk or for a longer trip. Until recently, children were either burdened with a large pack or their poor parents had to carry the extra load – no fun for anyone involved.

Now there are special pieces of hiking equipment that make it easy and fun for kids to tag along on a hike. Here are some essential kid hiking components to make sure you take with you on your trip:

• Invest in a clip-on water bottle so that you don’t have to all stop and wait for your child to fumble around finding his or her water bottle, get one that clips onto the backpack where he can use one hand to unhook it, take a drink, and reattach it. Titan makes one that’s bpa-free and safe (non-toxic) for your whole family.
• A whistle is important for kids to have with them because they might get lost and need to have a way to alert you to their location.
• Snacks are vital because kids get hungry! Their bodies burn more calories than adults, so they need to stay fueled up for the exercise.
• Sturdy hiking boots are important – especially if they’re not used to trekking up a mountain for hours on end. Make sure you pair this with some comfortable socks. Timberland makes good hiking boots for kids.
• Don’t forget the mosquito repellant. If you’re outdoors, and it’s getting dark, you want your child to have access to bug protection.

There are also fun items you can bring along for your kids, like containers they can use to put interesting finds in them and bring home later or a journal to write down what they’re seeing whenever you stop for a breath.