Minimizing your Hiking Pack Weight
Preparing for a Hike is often a battle against the pounds or kilos. And we do not mean this in a weight loss kind of way.From academic studies and information...
What we mean is that on your hike you will be the beast of burden and everything you take is going to be carried by you. Every time you lift your foot to make a new step, you will be lifting the full weight of your body plus your pack load. Multiply this by many thousands of steps and you will realize how many extra pounds are created a big difference on a large hike.
There are a few terms used for Hiking Weight:
- From the Skin Out (FSO) Weight: the weight of everything you carry outside of your skin so this includes your backpack but also your clothes, socks, boots, etc.
- Packweight: the weight of your Backpack not including the Provisions (food/drink) you are bringing.
So preparing for a trekking/hiking tour always involves a great deal of contemplating on what you really need and how you can minimize your FSO weight. Often making this calculation boils down to choosing between comfort in walking (lighter loads but lack of neccessarry food, less equipment and entertainment) and comfort when not walking (better food, more and/or better equipment, books, entertainment, etc). Here are some tips:
- A well trained hiker might be able to carry up to one third (1/3) of his own body weight as FSO weight. In general, however, one fourth (1/4) is already very cumbersome. From one fifth (1/5) and down you should be able to hike comfortably.,
- Start by contemplating on what you will absolutely need in terms of provisions and gear. Note down these functions.
- Try looking for ultra-light and multipurpose equipment that will fulfill the functions you listed down. The constant demand for lighter pack loads has sparked some very high tech solutions that are able to combine multiple hiking functions in light weight gear.
- Pack lightweight but high nutritional value Dehydrated Foods. On the flip side of the equation: minimizing your packweight will actually allow you to bring better food. Of course this choice is very personal but 4 straight days of dehydrated foods is no fun!
..to ActiveTravel ASIA keynotes for our trekkers/hikers.
The most popular adventure in the world is trekking that can be divided into some slightly different sub types eg: trekking, hiking, walking and climbing. In the trekking tour inclusions by ActiveTravel ASIA, we often include porters services to support you during the trek. However please kindly note that the porter service is to carry the foods, cooking equipment, sleeping items eg sleeping bags, heat insulation etc. You will carry your own pack so keeping them as light as possible is the best.Here are the list of details that ATA will prepare for you and things you should prepare yourself:
WHAT ATA SUPPLIES?
- Trekking poles: manufactured by Coleman, USA. Telescoping pole extends from 27 to 53 inches. Contoured handle grip features adjustable nylon strap and compass. Aluminum pole has steel tip with removable cover and basket for various terrains.
- Bedding items at homestay with private mattress (0.8m * 1.8m or 1m * 2m), mosquito net, private pillow and warm blanket.
- Sleeping bags and/or mattresses in homestay (if requested)
- Summer sleeping bags: Satin sleeping bag 60cm x 180cm. Used for camping in hot weather
- Winter sleeping bags: for +5 to -5 Celcius degree. Size 85cm x 215cm. Used for camping in cold weather
- Waterproof blue bag for luggage
- Radio: manufactured by Kenwood, Malaysia. 16-channel VHF FM Transceiver. Used for jungle trek with group from 5 passengers up. Help to manage group
- ATA first-aid kit: Available on any ATA trip
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH?
- Original passport to declare for homestay permission (compulsory)
- Hiking Shoes - high knee boots, water proof and familiar with you *
- Flip flops/string-back sandals *
- Small backpack with rain cover *
- Clothes
- 100% cotton, comfortable underwear (top/bottom) *
- 100% cotton long-sleeved shirt, trousers (01 piece/day) *
- Some T-shirts for changing
- Sleeping clothes (top/bottom) *
- Several pairs of sock *
- A waterproof pant and jacket *
- A warm, light sweater
- Hat, sunglasses, sun protection.
- Rain coats - the type similar to your regular clothes with sleeves and legs. *
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries - wet, dry tissue, sanitary for women period
- Personal washing items: tooth paste/brush, towel, shower gel, shampoo *
- Anti-insect repellent
- Common medicines in your personal first aid kits
Useful tips:
- For women, we suggest you should pack single-used underwear at least 01 piece/day. They are cheap and can be found in many supermarkets.
- Putting top, bottom, pair of socks into smaller, separated waterproof packs for each day use purposes. Even if your backpack by any chance dropped into water, your clothes would be kept dried.
- The clothes should be 100% cotton that is best comfortable and sweat abortion.
- A hoodie jacket is amazingly useful in foggy and light rain weather.
- Shower gel, shampoo, tooth paste are in small packs, should not use full-size plastic bottles. Those items are essential for mountain treks where the conditions are very limited. They are often available at homestays then you may not need to prepare.
- Dont use new hiking shoes. The new one is often quite hard at some corners that might hurt your feet during a long trekking day. We suggest you should take the shoes you are best familiar or any you feel your feet at utmost comfort. The wet feet may be uncomfortable but still much better than painful fingers.
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Responsible Travel
Being a responsible eco tour operator is at the heart of what ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA is all about. From the start, we have been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.