Dave Stamboulis
| Special to USA TODAY 10Best
The backpacking industry has seen a revolution over the past decade that is really reaching some fabulous new heights. Gone are the days of needing to miserably slog 50 pounds of gear over a mountain pass. With today’s new innovations, you can move faster for longer, and cut your suffering quotient by at least 50%, leaving you with a lot more time to smell the roses. Here are 10 tips and products to keep in mind when planning your next backpacking adventure.
1. Make the move to a lighter pack
Old-school packs tended to weigh 4-5 pounds. By carrying overall lighter gear, you no longer need as large or heavy a pack. A whole industry of packs made from super lightweight nylon (Robic, Cordura, Dyneema) has dropped weights down to 1.5-2.5 pounds.
Check out something like the Minimalist V2 from Six Moon Designs, which even comes with a vest harness that features a unique six-point connection between the pack and your body, transferring weight to your core and eliminating sway. Packs like this or Gossamer Gear’s Gorilla weigh in at around 2 pounds, meaning you’ve already saved 3 pounds from your old pack.
2. Opt for a down sleeping bag, preferably a quilt
While expensive, down gives you…
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