Maintaining a light pack weight is essential on a hiking trip, whether it is only a 3-hour long day trip or a trek that will take you days to finish. Carrying a lighter backpack means you are going to enjoy the surroundings and the environment even more.
Backpacking the lightweight way is not only for long hikes, it can also be done on short-distance hikes. There is a reason why this is an ongoing trend—packs that are lightweight are super-comfortable and a cinch to carry.
The pack holds all heavier essentials used during your hike, ranging from sleeping bags or pads to tents. Thus it is always ideal to begin organizing weight issues with a pack.
Backpack Factors That Matter
When it comes to choosing a light hiking backpack, we have to keep a few things in mind. Just so you won’t be bothered to carry a pack that will prove to be a burden on your shoulders.
Weight
As mentioned previously, the pack holds all of heaviest key essentials that will be used during your trip thus it is crucial equipment for maintaining the load’s weight down. The pack you should buy or bring along with you must feature a good combination of weight, sturdiness and comfort.
Volume
The pack’s volume will restrict the amount of gear you can keep inside it. Majority of hikers who trek light are capable of fitting their essentials in a pack that weighs 40 to 50 liters. If you are a beginner, you may like to select a backpack with a bigger volume. In addition, if you plan on employing the pack for a trek to an area with colder climate or snowy conditions, it is recommended that you kick the volume a notch higher.
Frame
If you carry a lighter pack weight, you will require lesser frames. Majority of lightweight packs include straightforward frames that will prove to be snug and comfortable and can still carry weight up to 35 pounds. If you are into holding bigger loads, select a model with a stronger frame.
Design
To be considered special, a backpack does not have to be multifaceted. Manufacturers who provide models with simple features usually produce the best and most recommended backpacks. Your pack is there to hold your stuff in a comfortable and secure manner. Thus you don’t have to go for a pack with tons of special features on it like added compartments, pouches, straps among others.
Material
Many light hiking backpacks are made of materials like cuben fiber or ripstop nylon. The former is lighter but it also means it is more expensive. However, both materials are strong, hard-wearing and efficient for backpacks.
Fit
Fit is crucial in terms of comfy and snug packs. However it is also one of the most difficult factors to determine provided you have a backpack that’s ready and loaded against your back. To make sure that the pack you are going to purchase will give you a right fit; you should first take the measurement of your torso and size of your hip belt.
Price
A lightweight hiking backpack that works for you should not break the bank. That being said, if you maintain your pack and give it proper care, it will last you for a long time and endure plenty of miles. Hence it is also a great idea if you want to invest on an excellent brand.
Purchasing
You can find this kind of backpack on fine camping/hiking outlets and sporting goods stores around your area. You can also buy one online; there are plenty of e-sellers retailing these bags and sometimes they offer good discounts.
However, you should first go over the return policy supplied by the seller before a purchase. In case of returns, most sellers agree to replace customers’ purchases if they did not fit or have defects provided the unused backpack is returned within a specific timeframe after the purchase.
