Anyone who has ever hiked over 20 miles in a day while carrying a backpack will know that weight is a really significant factor. Experienced backpackers know that to reduce weight you need to concentrate on the three main items: the shelter, sleeping bag and the backpack itself.

So you will want to leave your huge 10 pound tent and snug 5 pound sleeping bag at home and get yourself the lightest backpack you can find.

Believe it or not you can find some exceptionally high quality backpacks that weigh in at less than five ounces. This may seem unbelievable but modern materials make this entirely feasible. The typical capacity for a bag like this will be between about 1500 and 2000 cubic inches which is more than enough space for about 15 pounds of equipment. This capacity should be enough for your lightweight sleeping bag, a tarpaulin for shelter and a few vital necessities including a first aid kit and some energy bars. And some water of course.

In fact the water that you need to carry when trekking can become the heaviest item. You can reduce the amount of water that you need to carry with you by planning your route to take you via locations where you can refill.

Another excellent benefit of going lightweight is that much of the gear is significantly cheaper than the heavier, tougher versions. You will even find some bargain lightweight backpacks in various discount stores, often sold as day sacks costing only a few dollars. They can be a very simple in desgn with only a few, if any, external pockets. They may be low cost for they can be ideal for lightweight backpacking trips.

If you are going lightweight it’s also worth considering your clothing. Forget your all weather outdoor clothing and instead go for an ultra lightweight rain and wind proof fold-up cagoule and some light weight sports shoes rather than heavy walking boots.

When kitted out with only light weight clothing and equipment you’ll find that 20 miles over hills and through valleys will seem like no distance at all.

Technorati Tags: backpack, backpacking, camping, hiking, rucksack, trekking

When shopping for a hammock, you can be easily confused by terms like ‘Portable Hammocks.’  In truth, many would consider just about any type of hammock to be a portable hammock since they are never a permanently installed piece of furniture.  After all, any standard hammock only needs two stationary supports for hanging or a hammock stand.  In any case, hammocks are easily moved.

Real portable hammocks are intended for camping activities and offer additional benefits to the user.  When kayaking, canoeing or hiking, you naturally consider the weight of your food and equipment.  In my opinion the best feature of a true portable hammock is that is can replace your tent.  True camping hammocks come equipped with insect and rain protection.  The netting is fine enough to even keep out mosquitoes and gnat flies while giving the user the benefit of sleeping out in the open and not inside some tent.  The more expensive camping hammocks selected by experienced campers will include a rain fly and good quality sealing to protect from the weather but if you go with a basic travel hammock, just carry a small tarp to tie up over you and you’ve managed to do away with the need of carrying a tent.

In most cases, a camping hammock will be made from single piece of material that can be stretched between two supports or trees.  Some types of camping hammocks also come with portable stands which adds to their flexibility.  This type is especially nice if you have a tarp to hang above for weather protection.  But the serious camper will probably desire that special location hanging between two trees on a side of a stream for atmosphere.  If you do decide to go with a portable hammock which includes stands, do your homework.  Be sure to read the online reviews which might reveal any flaws in the construction.

Another detail to be aware of is the weight and height capacity of various hammocks.  While some camping hammocks might have a rating of 200 to 225 pounds, you’ll find better ones with 250 pound ratings and higher.  This is something to consider if you are going to do away with your tent.  On some camping trips you might add a sleeping bag or mattress and stow away food or other necessities with you.  I personally like the Skeeter Beeter travel hammock by Grand Trunk.  This hammock is exceptionally well made and will keep out those pesky mosquitoes.  You can also add things, such as hammock tree slings and waterproof shelters that will protect you from the weather.  There are other camping hammocks for those over 6 feet tall and up to a total weight of 300 pounds.  These heavy duty hammocks have special accommodations for stowing additional equipment.

All in all, when you consider these hammocks enable you to leave the tent home, and provides off the ground sleeping and protection of your food, back pack and such, they are a great deal.

Technorati Tags: camping, hammocks, hiking, kayaking, tents