|
|
|
|
""
Image: istockphoto.com/Kevin Lohka
About This Quiz
Don't the let the weight of your backpack drag down your joy of camping and hiking. After all, you went backpacking to shrug off the weight of the world. Ultralight backpacking helps you offload all the unnecessary things without compromising on safety or comfort. Take this quiz to learn more about how ultralight backpacking can make camping and hiking a stress-free experience.
START QUIZ
How much weight does a traditional backpacker normally carry?
one-third of body weight
The traditional backpacker may carry as much as one-third of his or her body weight in the pack.
between one-fourth and one-third of body weight
between one-fifth and one-seventh of body weight
The ultralight backpacker may normally carry somewhere between one-fifth and one-seventh of his or her body weight.
Rent all backpacking items.
Borrow from other people.
Make your own items.
Make your own items (tent, stove and backpack). To do so, you can use Internet Web sites devoted to "DIY ultralight backpacking.
fatigue
Fatigue is a major cause of hiking-related injuries, and the weight of your backpack contributes to fatigue in a big way.
30 percent
50 percent
It has been found that backpackers who cut the weight of their packs by half are able to increase the distance they travel by 50 percent.
old shirt
canvas bag
zippered plastic bag
Use a zippered plastic bag to store the first aid kit (ibuprofen, adhesive bandages, antibacterial ointment, moleskin, tweezers, etc.). This way the kit remains dry without adding any weight.
using a wet layer of clothing
It has been found that using a wet layer of clothing will ultimately reduce your body temperature.
Titanium is an ideal material. It is much lighter than stainless steel or plastic.
canister stoves
Canister stoves are smaller and lighter than liquid fuel stoves, which, however, are more common among backpackers.
calorie-dense foods
Calorie-dense foods give you lots of energy without being too bulky.
loose layers
fast walking
The COLD acronym stands for: Clean (clothing), (avoid) Overheating, (dress in) Loose layers, and (stay) Dry.
light fuel stoves
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves
fuel tabs
Fuel tabs are even lighter than alcohol stoves. However, they have a strong odor, can be tricky to light and leave residue on your pot. Like alcohol stoves, they also take longer to heat up, and also you have less control over the flame temperature.
down sleeping bags
Down sleeping bags are lighter than synthetic bags and can be compressed into a smaller size. On the other hand, when they get damp, they lose their insulating ability and take a long time to dry. They also cost more than synthetic bags.
tent
You wear your shoes, not pack them. The three items that have the greatest impact on the weight you carry are your tent, sleeping bag and backpack.
carbon fiber
tarp
The lightest tents are made of tarp. Tarp is made of silicone and nylon. It is also the least expensive of all tent materials.
zero-impact backpacking
It is called zero-impact backpacking. The idea is to disrupt nature as little as possible.
avoiding listening to music
avoiding making fires
When you are practicing zero-impact backpacking , you avoid making fires, since fire changes the composition of the soil. That means carrying a lightweight stove into the wilderness and leaving the weighty axe or saw behind.
titanium
steel
lightweight cloth
A frame made of a lightweight cloth is well-suited for ultralight backpacking, but often it's best not to have any frame at all.
a hot meal
One hot meal a day helps you feel normal. On the other hand, while calorie-rich foods are good for health, they don't make you feel satisfied.
a small container
two containers
It is recommended that you carry two separate water containers, each of which should hold at least 24 ounces (0.7 liter). This is also a good backup idea.com/Kevin Lohka
|
|
