Have a light backpack

You can be a happy and comfortable backpacker only if you know how to pack light.

The following factors can help you achieve that ever-elusive feat:

a) Knowing the weight of your empty pack: You will find the weight of your empty pack in the “description” section of your gear catalogue. You must judge a pack on the basis of its weight and size. Going for a pack that is lighter by even a couple of ounces is bound to make a significant difference.

b) Avoiding heavy tents: A 2 or 3 man four-season tent is the heaviest of them all. The first question that you need to ask yourself while choosing a tent for your backpacking trip, is whether or not you actually need a big and heavy tent. You would not need a heavy tent for a summer trip. You also would not need a big one if you plan to hike on your own.

It is advisable to take a 2 or 3 man three-season tent if only you have two or three people with you. This will be a lighter option compared to that of each one carrying a separate tent.

The confidence and skill of packing light comes from years of experience and once you achieve it you will know the true joys of backpacking.