How To Cut Down Pack Weight While Hiking

When planning an epic hiking trip, the last thing you need is a heavy backpack weighing you down and ruining your fun. People will often go to extreme lengths to shave weight from their hiking packs, however with a little thought and planning, it doesn’t need to be that complicated. When it comes to how to cut down pack weight while hiking, the key factors are preparation and organisation. Make sure a heavy backpack doesn’t spoil your next trip with the following tips:

Repackage Food & Toiletries

When thinking about how to cut down pack weight while hiking, you’ll be amazed at how much space you can save by repackaging food and personal items. For example, rather than packing a whole bottle of suncream or toothpaste, repackage it in mini containers. This way you’re only bringing the amount you’ll actually use, rather than taking up unnecessary space with a full bottle. The same goes for food. Many snacks can be packaged into much smaller containers when removed from their original packaging. For example, trail mix can be packed down into a small plastic bag that’s easy to squeeze in amongst your other kit.

Reuse Clothes

A hiking trip isn’t the time for glamour and so don’t worry about wearing the same clothes over multiple days. It isn’t worth carrying the extra weight, for the sake of having a couple of extra outfit options. You don’t need a change of clothes for every day, just a spare set in case you get wet and need to dry off quickly and get warm. A top tip for how to cut down pack weight while hiking is to choose clothes that are moisture-wicking to keep you feeling fresh and odour-free over multiple days. You’ll also want to prioritise bringing spare socks as you’ll be spending all day on your feet and so it’s essential that your feet are dry and comfortable.

Reduce The Weight Of Your Largest Items

Where possible, choose lightweight options for your sleeping bag, mat, backpack and tent. These are your largest items and so reducing the weight of these plays a key role in how to cut down pack weight while hiking. Investing in lightweight gear will make packing a lot easier and make a big impact on the overall weight you're carrying. If you’re heading out on shorter hikes, the Red Original 30L Waterproof Backpack is made from lightweight CYCLEPET fabric that protects against the weather, whilst air flow straps keep you comfortable.