Ultralight hiking stuff sacks online store and backpacking tricks. Sleeping bag: If you decide to buy a bag, consider the pros and cons of down fill vs. synthetic fill, especially in terms of the weather conditions you’re likely to encounter. For your first bag, synthetic is a good choice because it’s versatile and generally more affordable than down. Learn more by reading Sleeping Bags for Backpacking: How to Choose. Sleeping pad: Cushioning is crucial to a good night’s sleep. Insulation is, too, which is why you can’t take a pool float and hope to sleep warm. If you buy a pad, consider the virtues of each type: closed-cell foam pads, insulated air pads and self-inflating pads. If you can sleep well on a super-firm surface, then a closed-cell pad can save a lot of weight and money. For a good compromise between comfort and value, choose a self-inflating pad. Learn more by reading Sleeping Pads: How to Choose.
Reducing backpack weight trick : Multi-use Vaseline. Other than the obvious lip moisturizer, Vaseline is essentially petroleum jelly which can be used for a variety of things. Got blisters? Rub a little Vaseline in between your toes or on your heel before you get going in the morning to reduce friction. Vaseline is a great slow burning fuel that can be used as a fire starter. If you have a fresh, uninfected wound, Vaseline (plus some duct tape) can help shield the sore from outside infection. Keep the big three ultralight. Sleeping bag. 18 oz or less. However, warmer sleeping bags contain more insulation and can weigh more. See ultralight sleeping bags. Find more details at Hiking Dry Bags Online Store.
Sunglasses come in handy when I’m hiking in very bright environments that are pretty common in snow, mountains, and desert conditions. Snow blindness, or photokeratitis, is sun-burn for your eyes, and can happen without snow. I’ve had it; it makes it very hard to see in general. If you’re in bright conditions, sunglasses are a smart move, even if you don’t think you need them. I always bring extra layers in my pack. Clothing is so lightweight and compact-able these days, it’s not a hassle. An easy way to do this is to get pants that convert to shorts. Then use a long-sleeve hiking shirt where you can roll up the sleeves. Bring a fleece layer to top that, and then a lightweight rain shell to cover. If you have all that on, it’ll be like having a winter jacket. A small beanie is light, small, and keeps you warm.
Ultralight and Ultra-Custom Backpacking Gear made in the USA. My name is Ben McMillen the owner of Hilltop Packs. A family owned company focused on creating products that are as unique as your life’s journey. One of our other businesses is a photography studio which also owns a print shop. We have been printing on unique materials for years. Once we started making backpacking gear it made sense to offer custom printing services to the Hilltop Packs product line. This allows us to make one-of-a-kind products you wont find anywhere else. Read extra details on hilltoppacks.com.