1. Necessity is the Mother of Backpacking Gear
There's nothing like carrying 40 pounds on your back for hours at a time to get you to look at what's necessary for backpacking. All you need for cooking is a pot, stove, plate or bowl and a spoon. If you pack right, you can fit all your cooking supplies in the pot. Look at easy-to-pack food items that take up minimal room. Let weather conditions determine sleeping needs. Synthetic and down sleeping bags both have good and bad points. Self-inflating sleeping pads work well for long backpacking trips. Think about what you need from a tent on a trip. If you really want to cut down on gear, consider sleeping in a bivy sack. Obviously, clothes are a must, but today's outdoor clothing comes lighter. Think layers, making certain the top one is waterproof and windproof. Each time you backpack, you'll find some items that you can leave at home to lighten your load.
2. Drop Some Weight
Ultralight may sound like the newest diet food, but in the case of backpacking, it refers to ultralight backpacking equipment. When you're carrying everything on your back, comfort dictates a light load. A three-pound backpack carries 35 to 40 pounds, but there's little room left over once you pack clothing, a sleeping bag and a tent. This is the time when every ounce counts. Titanium makes the lightest cookware. Lithium batteries last twice as long with half the weight of the regular kind. Stove fuel and water weigh a lot, so only take what you need. Cut down on water by knowing how much you need to get you to the next safe water location. If you're taking a long backpacking trek where safe water is scarce, consider bringing a water purification kit instead.
3. Find Combination Outdoor Gear
Once you decide what backpacking gear you need, see if you can double up on certain items. Multifunction backpacking gear makes great sense. Can't sleep without a pillow? Stuff clothes in a bag and use it as a pillow. Look for multiple functions in cooking equipment, clothing and sleeping gear.
4. Buy the Best to Save Money
It may sound odd to spend money to save money, but sometimes the good stuff costs less in the end. Think of it this way: You can buy a $25 tent that only lasts one backpacking trip or spend $125 on a tent that is still functioning after 10 backpacking trips. Which is the better deal? However, the expensive stuff isn't necessarily the best. Check out reviews on backpacking gear, and pay particular attention to reviews from other backpackers. BackpackGearTest.org offers reviews by backpackers on the newest outdoor gear for backpacking. You'll find reviews on all types of backpacking gear, even animal companion gear.
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