Lightweight hiking is getting more popular each year. It's easier on your knees, shoulders and back and often results in a more enjoyable hike because of the comfort. It's really not hard to do especially where you have a choice of lightweight equipment as well as multifunctional ones.

1. What backpacking equipment do you currently have?
Using an excel spreadsheet and something to measure weight helps. This will help you calculate the weight cost of your gear selection.

2. Only pack what you need
I don't advocate leaving luxuries behind; just don't take all of them. Books, camping pads, fishing poles, binoculars and foldable camping chairs are some of the popular luxury items backpackers frequently carry. Always be on a lookout for lighter alternatives and decide if you can really go without these luxuries.

3. Make sure your gear applies to the season and weather
It doesn't make sense to carry a zero degree sleeping bag and a four season tent on the Appalachian Trail in July. Not all clothing, shelter and sleeping bag are suitable for every season.

4. Take lightweight gear
Next (financial resources permitting), begin to replace your heavier gear with lighter items. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your hiking pack, sleeping bag and shelter. When choosing an ultralight backpack, make sure it can handle the whole weight of your gear.

5. Use multifunctional gear.
Your overall gear should be able to work together. It's an important skill to be able to recognize the relationship between your gear and to select multi-functional items. For example, a poncho can be used as a shelter as well as raingear.

6. Choose down sleeping bags and down jackets.
Down is still the best insulation for sleeping bags and clothing because they're warmer and lighter than the best synthetics. The main disadvantage with down is that you need to be careful not to get it wet because they don't provide insulation when they do. Using down sleeping bags can save you up to 2.5 pounds compared to synthetic alternatives.

7. Wear a wind shirt
Windbreakers from brands like Marmot and GoLite today weigh less than 3 ounces. The three layer system has been shown to be effective in cold weather and a windbreaker makes a good outer layer because they are lightweight and you can apply a good amount of layering underneath. A windbreaker increases the comfort range of your clothing system.

8. Sharing gear
Hiking with a friend, you can pool resources, especially shelter and cooking gear. There are also other things you can share in a group that can keep the groups overall pack weight down.

9. Develop your outdoor skills
The better you are at backcountry hiking and camping, the better you are able to make do without modern camping equipment. To acquire these skills may take year of experience in the outdoors. It helps if you attend backpacking clinics, survival courses and and first aid courses.

10. Go Small
Use smaller packaging whenever possible. Get an insect repellent in smaller bottles, use travel-sized soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Sleep out in the backyard a lot. Especially on rainy or snowy or windy winter days.

Reducing Your Pack Weight in Stages

Reducing pack weight should be done in stages. Take note of the things that you can never leave behind and which ones you can live without. Once you have your pack weight down, you'll be enjoying your hike a lot better.