Ultralight backpacking

The ultralight hiking (also trekking Ultralight or Ultralight Trekking ) is a kind of trek that emphasizes the minimization of the weight equipment, including the conditions of a tour, the personal know - how as well as the safety and comfort need. The goal is to be able to enjoy the hiking carefree as possible. The exact weight specifications vary, usually it is called Ultralight, when the backpack weight is (without food, water and fuel) less than 5 kg. A backpack weight 5-9 kg, is called Light Trekking, about one speaks of the traditional trekking.

History

Was largely spreading the idea of the ultralight hiking by Ray Jardine, an American climber and mountain guide. In his 1992 book, published PCT Hiker's Handbook, 1999 renamed Beyond Backpacking, he describes the use of frameless backpacks, tarps instead of tents and open quilts with a closed foot instead of sleeping. He laid the groundwork for today widely used techniques. The majority of its equipment manufacture he and his wife own and sell many building instructions as Ray Way kits.

Pros and Cons

As advantages, among others, a healthier and safer way of getting around are (muscles and joints are less stressed ), called a faster advancement and thus a higher flexibility in the choice of route and a more intense enjoyment of nature. In addition, the luggage on a flight must not be abandoned, but can largely be taken as hand luggage. To this may be sacrificing comfort at the storage space and reduced durability or robustness of the equipment, taken into account. For lack of experience and planning can ultralight equipment pose a security risk, as it is less designed for redundancy and usually for a relatively narrow purpose.

Basics

• Meticulous planning of the tour and review of the situation on the ground in order to take only really needed equipment and supplies must.
• Accurate weighing of the individual objects: for it is often used a spreadsheet that provides superior visibility.
• Stepwise reducing the weight to a minimum, from the Big Four: tent, backpack, sleeping bag and mattress.
• Multiuse: Items are used as versatile as possible so as to make others redundant.
• Modify or build yourself ( also referred to as MYOG make your own gear ): equipment is modified or even made ​​. Here, materials or devices are often misused. For example backpacks are made from ripstop nylon, which is normally used for the production of spinnaker sailing.
• Drying and optionally pre-cooking of foods in order to save weight and fuel.
• Exchange with others: On blogs, forums or meetings will be exchanged for weight saving suggestions, building instructions and tips.