- Plan, plan, plan. Know what weather, terrain, etc. your trip will encounter and pack accordingly. Rushing around during last minute packing for a trip will have you tossing things you probably won't need into your pack.
- Pack multi-function gear that can replace other items. Duct tape (repair kit, first aid), bandanas (wash cloth, towel, bug swatter, headgear), trek poles (tarp poles, tripod, bear killer).
- Carry less water if possible. Water is heavy. Get fully hydrated at the trailhead and at reliable water sources along the trail. Carry water only along dry stretches.
- Learn to live in a smaller tent or even under a tarp. It took me a few trips to learn to love a small 1 person lightweight backpacking tent after lugging around a roomy 2.5 person dome around for years.
- Repackage your food at home to eliminate unnecessary heavy packaging and reduce trash you will have to pack out. Every ounce counts.
- Plan gear choices with your backpacking partner(s) to share weight and reduce unnecessary duplication of heavy items.
- Weigh every piece of your gear with a postal type scale and put the data into a spreadsheet so you can see exactly where all your backpack weight is coming from. Then you can see where you can shave off ounces or even pounds to have a lighter backpack.
- Mix it up, experiment, and challenge yourself. Try leaving your favorite heavy luxuries behind on some trips... leave your thermarest, camera, GPS, and even your tent home on some trips.
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