Lighten Up! - The Big Three

Lighten the Big Three - Backpack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag


Backpacking used to mean humping huge loads of up to 1/3 your body weight. From someone who has been there - done that I can tell you that stops being fun real quick! While you may only save onces by cutting labels off clothes...cutting the handle off your toothbrush.. etc..you can save the most pack weight by lightening the "big three" - backpack, shelter and sleeping bag.

Beginners take note - avoid the temptation to buy the most heavy duty, bombproof gear. For most 3 season backpacking trips you really don't need it. For a lightweight 3-season system your backpack, shelter and sleeping bag should weigh in from 6 to no more than 10 lbs.

There is a trade off in durability and weight but with proper care a lightweight system should last. The lighter weight will make for a more enjoyable backpacking experience. See some of my recommendations below. See the Go Lite web site for more info About Going Lite.

My personal gear includes a Go Lite Trek Backpack, ( 2lb, 1 oz), Hennesy Hammock Explorer Ultralite A-sym hammock (2.3 lbs), an excellent lightweight alternative to a tent, and a 20 degree Slumberjack qualofil sleeping bag, ( 3lbs). The sleeping bag is on the heavy side but everything weighs in at around 7 lbs, 7 oz.

What's in your pack??? Please post any questions or lightweight tips in the comments section. Thanks -Joe