Ideas About Lightweight Backpacks

There are many kinds of backpacking backpacks that are available these days, and some that are gaining in popularity are the lightweight backpacks. These awesome packs weigh 3 pounds or less and are great for many types of backpacking trips. Many have a very reasonable volume capacity, and some can easily carry up to 30 pounds, so you don't have to worry about the lightweight being too light duty to handle your gear.

Most people who opt for the lightweight backpacks also spend the money to get lightweight versions of their favorite camping gear. If you can only take 20 pounds, and you want to be able to take all the gear you need for a few days, you will want all of the gear to be as light as possible. It is nice to know that manufacturers are hearing backpackers and catering to their needs for equipment that weighs less. By keeping your gear weight down, you have more room for the food and fuel you will need. You can also get food that weighs less, if you go with dehydrated or other lightweight, high energy foods.

One of the biggest challenges when using lightweight backpacks is the extra time it can take to plan out your food and gear so that you can take everything you need and still be at the lighter weight that your pack will carry. If you don't want to take this kind of time and don't care about the weight of the traditional backpack, then you can go that route. One of the disadvantages to this type of backpack is the fact that it can be hard to take enough gear for an extended trip.

There are many frameless lightweight backpacks on the market today. Many people use a loosely rolled sleeping pad inside the bag to create a sort of frame. Others use the sleeping pad halfway through the foam and fold it accordion style in the pack against their back before loading everything in behind it. Either way, the sleeping pad forms a pseudo frame to help hold your gear. You can get some lightweight packs that have a light internal frame, and that can help with the loading and unloading issues. That type of pack may also include a few extra exterior pockets to make it easier to grab a water bottle or a snack along the way.

Technology has been an amazing thing when it comes to creating lighter and stronger materials to make things like backpacks out of. Even the heavier duty backpacks are getting lighter all of the time. One of the benefits to using the lightweight backpacks is the fact that you can go farther and faster carrying only 20 pounds that you can go when you are carrying 50 pounds. Depending on the type of adventure you are looking for, this can be very helpful. You can get to your destination more quickly and spend more time there before heading back home.

You may really like the idea of packing lightly and taking only what you really need. If so, the lightweight backpacks may be just the thing for you. If you are planning on taking an extended trip where you will require more gear, then you will want to stick with the heavy duty expedition backpack that holds 60 liters and up. This will provide the space you need for all the gear for several weeks. No matter which way you go, the great thing is that you can find a backpack for all of your outdoor needs. Many people like to do many different kinds of backpacking, so they have different backpacks for different activities. You may find that as an avid hiker and backpacker, you want both a lightweight pack and a heavy duty one.