Travel light: Packing tips for a hiking trip

Only bring the essentials -- Jim Feldkamp

Hiking enthusiasts can attest that when exploring new trails, injuries can happen. And one of the reasons for injuries is how heavy the belongings hikers carry during their trip.

Many hikers tend to overpack and end up with a sore back. When going for a hike, it is important to travel light to avoid any injuries or other problems along the way. Below are some tips that can cost hikers less pain and weight on their next hiking trip.

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1. Think lightweight -- Jim Feldkamp

When it comes to backpack, tent, jacket, clothes, and even toiletries, going lightweight is the key. These days, many brands offer lighter alternatives to the usually bulky equipment hikers bring. But before buying anything that's marketed as "lightweight" or "ultralight," be sure to check the material. Check the quality of fabrics and metals to ensure that the stuff won't break easily. An unstable tent is the last thing a hiker needs to be concerned about. Jim Feldkamp.

2. Plan with hiking buddies -- Jim Feldkamp

A hiker can share the load if traveling with family or friends. Many hikers tend to bring everything they thought they need. But if hiking with a group, stuff such as tents, chairs, mats, blankets, and other gear and equipment can be distributed among the team. When it comes to consumables, a person from the group can be assigned to the food and another one for beverages. With such a scheme, a hiker can have more space in their backpack.

3. Bring only what is needed - Jim Feldkamp

As many experienced hikers can attest, this is easier said than done. For some hikers, weighing their backpack before the hike is an excellent way to rethink their bag’s contents, especially if the weight is too much to carry even for seasoned climbers. Some rethink their apparel selection and ensure they only bring lightweight materials. Others opt to leave their gadgets and other electronics at home and use their hiking trip to disconnect and go back to basics. Jim Feldkamp.

It is best to remember that when hiking, comfort matters. Hikers will face uneven terrain and other elements of nature. The goal is to enjoy the whole journey from start to finish without injuries.

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