12 Tips to Lighten Your Backpacking Load for Little to No Money | Backpacking for Beginners

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Are you tired of lugging around a heavy backpack on your outdoor adventures? In this video, I share 12 practical tips to help you lighten your backpacking load without breaking the bank. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced backpacker looking to shed some weight, these tips are designed to make your trips more enjoyable and comfortable.
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From common mistakes to quick fixes, I'll show you how to optimize your gear and make the most of what you already have. You don't need to spend a fortune on ultralight equipment to lighten your load-these tips focus on simple, cost-effective solutions that anyone can implement.
Remember backpacking is all about experimenting and your perfect gear list will evolve over time. You may find that in some seasons of life you prefer more comfort and are willing to carry a heavier pack. Other times, you'll want to travel far and light, sacrificing some gear and luxury items to shed extra ounces.
If you try all the tips and pack as minimally as you possibly can but still find that your pack is too heavy, ultralight gear might be the way to go! It's definitely an investment, but can be well worth the price for a more comfortable trip. I'll talk about ultralight backpacking in a future video if you all are interested :)
There's no one right way to backpack and it's all about finding the right balance for you on any given trip. Above all else -- have fun, be safe, enjoy nature, and leave no trace. I hope to see you out there.
A huge thank you for watching and I will catch you in the next one!
Happy adventuring,
A
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:37 Dehydrated Food
1:08 Go Cook-Free
1:52 Lightweight Water Bottle
2:33 No Stuff Sacks
3:00 Minimize Clothing
4:05 Small Toiletries
4:51 Multi-Purpose Items
5:25 No Pillow
6:00 Travel Toothbrush
6:38 Carry Minimal Water
7:12 Necessary Tent Parts
7:57 No Trekking Poles
9:10 Outro
Music:
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#backpackingforbeginners #backpackingtips #backpackingbeginner #howtostartbackpacking #howtobackpack

Опубликовано:

5 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 51

@rowanmulvey8632 2 месяца назад

For me trekking poles go with me every time for 3 important reasons: first, I need them to set up my ultralight tent, second, I want to be able to continue backpacking into my later years and the decreased load on essential joints like hips knees and ankles is WAY more important to me than saving the weight of the poles and third, hiking poles have saved me more than once from dog attacks on through hikes. Also, they are very handy for probing snowfields that may have been hollowed out or undercut by flowing water creating dangerous spaces underneath that a hiker can punch through and be trapped in a space under the ice and snow that is very fifficult to get out of and can be deep enough to be a drowning risk, even shallow ones are hypothermia risks. Also good for shelf ice at the sides of streams and rivers, and for stability and safety when crossing streams and rivers.

@sheraleeronan2326 2 месяца назад

100% agree

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Oh my gosh -- I've never had a dog attack experience on a hike, but can see why trekking poles would be a staple piece in your gear kit! All the reasons you point out are great. I'd only leave the trekking poles at home for short, relatively "easy" and flat trails :)

@clivenewton7609 2 месяца назад

Only disagree with trekking pole advice 😂 IMHO they have little to do with terrain or competency but more to do with how your joints are going to be at the end of the day or rather how they will be in 10-20yrs time!! Safe and sunny trails, kindest regards from across the pond👍🇺🇸

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

I just picked up a new pair and am going to give them another shot this year for sure! The longevity factor is so important when it comes to spending time outdoors. Appreciate your comment and support

@traviskinchen2265 2 месяца назад

For my 50th birthday I got myself a lovely pair of lightweight carbon fiber trekking poles. My now 55 year old knees, ankles and hips refuse to leave the pavement without my poles. 40 years of backpacking, 30+ years of that with trekking poles, and the ol' legs still work, mostly, sort of. Every year the ultralightness becomes more important! As for the weight - I gave up tents with poles years ago. Trekking pole tent, tarp, or hammock for me.

@LifeinThirdPlaces 2 месяца назад

Not gonna lie - I'm looking at that Sea to Summit pillow for car camping. Thanks for the rec! I think the main reason I've never tried backpacking is that I don't know what's truly necessary for me and think I need to take all the things. This was really helpful, April.

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Ooh, I seriously love that pillow. Keep it a little under-inflated though! Or it's way too hard haha Something that helped me when I started backpacking was doing single night trips that were close enough to my car that I could always hike out if I needed. I'd tell myself that if I REALLY needed something, I could always head back into civilization. That made packing minimally less scary! I quickly learned I really didn't need that much to survive, at least for a few days at a time :) Thanks for watching, Roxanne!

@LifeinThirdPlaces 2 месяца назад

@@AprilAdventuring I love that idea! I'm finally headed out camping this weekend to test my gear and figure out what I really need for trips this summer. I'll have to keep that in mind!

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

@@LifeinThirdPlaces I'm so excited for you! Share some photos!! I think I'm finally headed out on my first camping trip in waaay too long this weekend too 😄 Time to dust off the old gear haha!

@EldestPuck 2 месяца назад

I recommend to get a real pillow.

@theicangram 2 месяца назад

Wahoo! Fantastic points! I always have at least one hiking pole attached to the top of my pack with a carabiner, even when I was a young hiker. It can be used for multiple reasons including self defense and much more likely, help with a sprang ankle or injury. I have only dabbled in dehydrating my own meals. This video makes me want to try again. It is such a great way to save weight, taking dehydrated food.

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Those are great points! Although I've never been much of a trekking pole user, I'm going to take them back out on a few trips this year and see if my opinion has changed 😄 They've definitely saved my butt on more than one water crossing before haha! Ooh, I just bought a dehydrator and want to experiment with making my own camping meals this year. I'll have to make a video when I do! Thanks for watching, Rene'!

@diegosvan 2 месяца назад

Totally agree with all the points! Same for hiking poles, if I know the trail has a huge elevation gain I may bring them otherwise not. It depends also on the level of training you have. 👍🏻✌🏻

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thanks, Diego! Agreed it really depends. I'm generally not on the craziest terrain and can pick up a fallen stick for the couple times I might need the support. Otherwise, I'm usually good without them! Appreciate your support, friend!

@diegosvan 2 месяца назад

@@AprilAdventuring Anytime!🙂 We could plan a camping trip together one day! 😄

@MatthiasLenardt 2 месяца назад

Wonderful tips 👌 thanks for sharing April 👍 You make us ready for the next trip. Great video production as always. Much love 💕 Matthias 👋

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thank you so much, Matthias! I appreciate your constant support and positivity. Wishing you all the best, my friend

@MatthiasLenardt 2 месяца назад

@AprilAdventuring It's my pleasure. I wish I had all these fantastic regions around me. So you are the explorer and adventurer for me and I appreciate that you share these amazing journeys with us. I know that much more will come and you can enjoy your famous channel, which will grow like crazy 🤪 😜 😉 Much love 💕 Matthias 👋

@Mountian-Zen 2 месяца назад

The pack, no need for a 4:5 lb 60L pack. A 40L or pack will suffice and typically weigh just over 2lb. Many hikers use packs in 38L range that weigh < 1lb. Bring a 60L pack and one will stuff it full. Start with the 40L pack and you will learn how to trim it down, carrying only the essentials!

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Very true! Overpacking is such a common mistake. I'm still working on shaving off the extra pack load myself sometimes, but most people would be surprised how little they really need! Thanks for watching

@georgechristovich6239 2 месяца назад

Hey, Not a bad list. I am more of a traveler than a hiker. I live on the road for years at a time, and necessarily have a different perspective. 1. Food - I carry traditional rolled oats, roasted peanuts, raisins and beef jerky. I know how to forage. Vegetables are literally growing out of the ground and begging to be eaten. 2. Trekking poles - No !!! Trekking poles are (IMHO) the metal and plastic epitome of gear porn. Wooden staffs grow out of the ground. Harvest one responsibly. It should be between shoulder and head high and approximately two fingers thick. 3. Water - On my next trip, I leave San Antonio, Tx and walk over 1100 miles to Springer Mountain. I carry three or four quarts of water. For me it’s worth the weight. 4. I can’t remember the last tent I owned. Two tarps, a wool blanket, seasonally appropriate clothing. 5. I carry two 1/2” nylon straps and some heavy cord. I use it to improvise all sorts of things. I also carry a fixed blade knife with an 1.5” blade - 5” overall (that’s not a typo.) . The knife I carry for 1000’s of miles is just a little longer than my index finger. 6. We engage in very different kinds of hiking. I realize that your choices lead you to different expectations. I plan for and expect emergencies and unexpected problems. Do not allow your desire for an ultralight experience to leave you unprepared for the inevitable disaster.

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

These are awesome tips, George! Thank you so much. Absolutely agree, especially around planning for emergencies. Shedding gear weight is great, but only to a certain point. I'd much rather be over-prepared and carry a few extra pounds than left out to dry!

@OutrightAdventureFilms 2 месяца назад

Nicely done! Again, great timing, b-roll and editing. And congrats on crossing 1K. :)

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thanks so much, Nathan! And I didn't forget the background music this time 😂

@AdventuresWithSpencer 2 месяца назад

Thanks for the tips, April!

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thanks for watching, Spencer! I just caught up on your GC stories and am happy you're safe and heading home. Looking forward to your future adventures!

@karencaskey6210 2 месяца назад

I like to bring face moisturizer that contains sunscreen. It does double duty. Generally one of those eye cream containers (I save mine too) is more than enough for a 4 day backpacking trip, at least for me.

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Yes, that's a great tip! Double duty moisturizer is something I've also used since I was a kid. Thanks for watching and mentioning this extra tip!

@Richard-bs8xe 2 месяца назад

Thanks for the tips!

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thanks for watching, Richard! Happy trails

@corleyoutdoors2887 2 месяца назад

Informative and beneficial video!

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thanks so much, Corley!

@PerspectiveAustralia 2 месяца назад

Great video. Thank you 🙏

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thanks so much!

@ulvesparker 2 месяца назад

1. Titanium. 2. Double duty, or triple duty, for all tools, toiletries, food, clothes. 3. Ultra-sil. I abolutely use trekking poles that are carbon fibre and serve triple/quadruple duty. I don't use a sleeping bag. Oatmeal, butter, knekkebrød ("lembas") with tube foods, powdered drinks, plus a hot freeze-dried dinner (folding titanium stove, titanium cup) supplemented by foraging/fishing.

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Yes, great points! Do you normally bring a quilt or some other sleep system instead? I still love having a sleeping bag, but will probably experiment on some upcoming trips :)

@ulvesparker 2 месяца назад

@AprilAdventuring yeah, a quilt essentially. It is a high tech version of a woobie that I got used to in my Army days, called a Fjelldukken in Scandinavia. Very expensive but worth it.

@KhurshidsChannel 2 месяца назад

Thanks for the tip. Great video. Thank you for sharing. 👍36

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thank you, Khurshid! Appreciate your support

@lizzaangelis3308 2 месяца назад

8:06 trekking poles is highly dependent on distance and terrain. And if you find it makes it easier for you definitely is terrain dependent

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Absolutely true. It's not a hard rule by any means and completely depends on the hike, gear load, terrain, fitness level and more :)

@ZachDigitalTV 2 месяца назад

got any reccs for a good lightweight jacket that's warm when in cold temps but doesn't absolutely BAKE you in hot temps (those lightweight Arc'teryx jackets are cool, but made of a lot of nylon and polyester) they BAKE YOU when the temp rises

@nate-beard 2 месяца назад

I like merino wool for this reason. I've had a few thicker merino hoodies over the years and I find they do well in hot and cold. Can't name any specific brands since they don't make the ones I have anymore but I'm sure they are out there. Cheers!

@ZachDigitalTV 2 месяца назад

@@nate-beard ohhh thanks, this is a good tip appreciate it!

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Thanks for the rec, @nate-beard! I've heard the same from some friends. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to wool so generally avoid it and have to dress in layers instead -- which is a huge pain to dress/undress when backpacking 😂 If I find anything else that works as well as merino wool, I'll let you know!

@tiger2too18 2 месяца назад

No trekking poles, awkward if your tent needs them as you mentioned. Best to not go so ultralight that you put yourself at risk with poor quality equipment.

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Definitely not suggesting that! Always bring what you need and minimize/eliminate the rest :) Thanks for watching!

@EldestPuck 2 месяца назад

I will never understand those ppl who cut the ahndle of touth brushes. And... I hate trekking poles especialy those who make noises...

@AprilAdventuring 2 месяца назад

Right! I can't imagine it saves thaaat much weight 😂 and at what cost to convenience... Finally someone who's on the same page as me with the trekking poles!

@traviskinchen2265 2 месяца назад

Actually, if you have already cut the handle off, you can drill holes in the remaining toothbrush to cut out another half gram. Or, just eat one M&M before you actually start hiking.... either way. (Totally joking)