Hike With Comfort: Ultralight Backpacking

You need to start exercising and, after evaluating all of the options, you have decided that hiking would be the best one for you. Getting a workout while enjoying natural surroundings sounds like the best option to you, and as such you want to make sure you are prepared. You will need to take several things along with you when you go hiking, so it is important to make sure you are comfortable, and comfort can be achieved with ultralight backpacking.

The Key to Avoiding Back Strain Can be Found in Ultralight Backpacking

If you have a sensitive back, then you can forget about carrying around those large, heavy backpacks that you see some other hikers using. You need to make sure that you do not overdo, especially in the beginning, since that can lead to further health risks. It can be easy to start packing many things “just in case.” However, when it comes to ultralight backpacking, you will need to exercise frugality.

The first thing you need to think about is where you plan on going hiking. Will it be in a rural area, or a wooded area that is near a city? The more rural the area, the more things you will need, so ultralight backpacking should be reserved for less rural areas.

The first thing that you will need is water. No matter what the climate is, you always run the risk of dehydration without it. If you do not like the taste of water, make sure you at least have a sports drink such as Gatorade, to replenish the electrolytes you lose naturally while exercising. Choose a nylon backpack (it is sturdy and feels lightweight) with a special bottle holder on the side for this purpose.

Another thing that you will always need to bring is your cell phone. Some people wish to get away from frequent calls, and if this sounds like you, simply turn your cell phone off while you are hiking. If you get in trouble for any reason, it is very important that you have your cell phone ready, so that you can call for help. A cell phone easily fits into the ultralight backpacking scheme, since there are inside pockets in the backpack that can protect your cell phone.

When it comes to the other things that you might need for ultralight backpacking, you will need a map of the trail, as well as another pocket to store your car keys. You might also want to take along mace (make sure you have a license!) for protection if you are going hiking alone. For more information on ultralight backpacking, search the internet. You are sure to find the most helpful information for you with the proper research.