Ultralight hiking stuff sacks online store and hiking tips. Backpack: If you do borrow a pack, try it on first to be sure that it fits comfortably. Load it up with assorted items to about 30 pounds, and take it out on a long test hike. If it’s comfortable on the hips and in the shoulders, it’s probably fine for this first backpacking trip. If you decide to buy a pack, have an REI pack specialist measure your torso so they can properly fit you. Don’t be tempted by an ultralight model for your first backpack because it will be less padded and have a less supportive structure than a more deluxe model. If you’re determined to minimize weight, look first at ultralight tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Learn more by reading Backpacks: How to Choose. You can also check out our staff picks for the best backpacks.
Lowering backpack weight advice : Ultralight pillow. Inflate one of your Ziploc bags and wrap it in your extra clothes and stuff sacks. The Ziploc bag will give it some loft and the clothes, some cushion. See more ultralight pillow ideas. Multi-use bandana. A bandana (yes, cotton) can be used for: Head wear or sun blocking neck tie. Hanging food or other delicate items off your pack. A slow drip coffee filter. Dish cleaner and sponge. Hot hand for your pot. Ultralight fire starter. Cotton balls (or lent from your dryer) plus the aforementioned Vaseline make an easy-to-light fire starter. It will burn slowly and can be stuck to anything. The slow burn can be crucial to getting wet sticks to catch. Read more details on Hiking Gear Online Shopping.
If you’re hiking in the mountains, realize that the temperature can be very different at the summit than at the base. Illumination If you can see at night, you can get things done (like building a shelter). Illumination also helps signal rescuers. Here’s what I bring: I specifically mention LED illumination because LED bulbs can last hundreds of hours on a small charge, unlike a traditional incandescent bulb. If you find yourself in an emergency signaling situation, use the strobe function found on many headlamps to save power and make yourself more visible to rescuers. Practice using strobe mode at home; chances are you won’t have the manual with you out in the backcountry when you need it. And don’t forget to pack extra batteries. Practice changing your batteries in the dark.
Who is Hilltop Packs? We are a family owned business. You can find more info about us here. Does Hilltop Packs have an affiliate program? Yes! Earn 5% on every order you refer to us. Sign up here. What is the current lead time from when I place my order? While we do keep many items in stock a lot of our products are made to order. Current lead times can be found here. Where is Hilltop Packs located? Waynesburg PA. We share space with the photography studio that our family owns downtown. However we make a lot of our products off-site in a shop we built in our home. We currently do not have a shop open to walk-ins. However, that may change in the future. Read more info at https://www.hilltoppacks.com/.