r/CampingandHiking • u/dan_thewoodsman • 20h ago

Gear Questions Help me lighten my pack weight

Post image

On my last 4 day trip my total weight was around 40lbs that’s with water and food included. I used this app to figure out my base weight was around 27lbs, which to me seems ridiculous. Like the title says, what can I swap out or get rid of entirely to get this weight down slightly? (The pack is non negotiable, as comfort is a priority for me on long days on the trail) thanks

116 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

125 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/iwillregretthislogin 6h ago

I'm by no means a minimalisit but:

  1. Ditch the power bank. I don't get why people need these. You're in the wilderness to get away. Turn the electronics off and use a map. If you use a phone for pictures, then put it in low-power mode - they will last for days if the battery is half decent if you're not using it all the time.
  2. Ditch the nalgene bottles completely. Use platys. Super lightweight and can be inverted with a hose to drink from while walking.
  3. Ditch the saw. Not needed.
  4. Your sleeping pad is HEAVY - more than half the weight of your tent. Get an inflatable.
  5. Can you get away without the bag liner? That's more dead-weight.
  6. Sit pad - extra weight. Not necessary.
  7. Ditch the bear banger kit - carry bear spray if in grizzly country. Otherwise just camp in a bear-safe manner. This is from someone who regularly hikes solo in grizzly country.
  8. Ditch the thermacell in favour of a small spray of picaridin