by Eric Fies, Leave No Trace Master Educator
Monster backpacks and heavy boots might characterize the presence of a thru-hiker on some epic life-altering adventure, but can also signify an inexperienced and overburdened day-hiker or weekend explorer. Sometimes the journey, or the preparation thereof, requires being equipped for all possibilities, but many times the load can be trimmed to maximize comfort. The wilderness is even more enjoyable when you are not overloaded, but traveling smarter requires careful consideration and a realistic evaluation of your outdoor skills and comfort tolerances.
Leave No Trace Principle #1: Plan Ahead and Prepare will set you up for success every time, and thoroughly considering goals and expectations of the trip and setting realistic objectives are critical. As part of this process, load planning is an important outdoor skill. While the internet and books can provide a great deal of information and suggested packing lists for a variety of trips, individual hikers and group leaders develop this skill through experience, trial, and error.
Minimalist and ultralight backpacking have become more popular in recent years and significant advancements in outdoor equipment and sports fabrics have lightened the load tremendously for one and all. The Ten Essentials are nonnegotiable and are the core of your packing list, but by carefully analyzing your equipment and evaluating your objectives you can make modifications and shave weight quickly. An experienced outdoorsperson continuously reviews their packing lists and adjusts for future trips based on reflection and lessons-learned.
Meal planning plays a large part in tailoring the load and it is good practice to lay out all your meal ideas and items prior to packing. Discard unnecessary packaging and premix dry ingredients when possible. Think about your caloric needs and that of your party and plan for on-the-go, high energy snacks to make the miles go by easier. Coordinate meals with the rest of your group to avoid duplication and excess cooking fuel and equipment.
For many, austere wilderness conditions are the draw, but for others, creature comforts are considered necessities, adding weight, causing fatigue, and slowing progress. Attempt to find a balance between luxury and functionality and assess which items are most important to you. Then, trim your packing list after each trip by reviewing which comfort items went unused and evaluate new, lighter products. Minimalists abandon tents and might shelter using lightweight tarps, and many trim excess grams by modifying equipment, such as cutting off excess straps and buckles…an unthinkable concept for most, considering the cost of outdoor equipment. If this philosophy does not appeal to you, simply evaluate, modify, and improvise, whenever possible.
Reducing weight on your back opens up your footwear options. Heavier hiking boots can be replaced by lightweight trail shoes once your pack drops below 25 pounds, but you should always understand the terrain and choose appropriate support and protection. Many minimalists choose trail running shoes over traditional hiking footwear to drop even more weight. Uneven or slippery conditions can make some footwear inappropriate and you must err on the side of caution to avoid serious injury.
When you plan ahead and properly prepare for your adventures you will find more enjoyment in nature, travel safer, and be a better steward to the environment. Load planning is an essential skill and can mean the difference between comfort and hardship, safety and injury, or the achievement of your expedition goals and utter failure. Research and compare packing lists, then modify them for yourself based on needs, objectives, and experiences. When done properly, load planning will allow you to conquer more miles and more mountains with less fatigue and more gratification.
Have fun, be safe, and explore responsibly!
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Note: The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Any copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org