Weekend | Ultralight Backpacking

Backpacking TipsAdventure TravelLightweight Hiking Travel
Written By Rodney Lough Jr.

Introduction

Welcome to the realm of natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes! In this article, we will embark on an exhilarating journey by preparing for any multi day, 3 season, mountainous terrain, whether it be through the Tetons, the North Cascades, or preparing for the CDT. Exploring the magnificent beauty that backpacking provided in such regions has to offer is hard, no question, but the reward is well worth the efforts. You’ll see stunning vistas to encounters with wildlife, places like the Tetons provide a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure. So lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and let's dive into the world of backpacking in the wilds of America! And let’s not forget some of the unexplained things you might just come across as well…

(all the images you see here are from a 6 day backcountry trip through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the fall of 2022 or training hikes to prepare)

20+ miles backcountry in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, USA. Yes, that really happened!

 

Up over Aasgard Pass I was met by a couple of mountain goats who do not seem to be bothered by me at all, they came over to say hello.

 

Planning Overnight Camping Trips:

If you're ready for a more immersive outdoor experience, there is nothing better than overnight backpacking trips. Here we will discuss basics and not so basics. Let’s start here: Research trails that offer overnight camping options and plan your route accordingly. Take into account camping regulations, water sources, and available campsites along the trail.

Essential Gear and Food for Backpacking: When backpacking, you'll need to carry all your gear and provisions. Invest in a lightweight and durable backpack that fits comfortably. Pack a tent or hammock, a warm sleeping bag, a camping stove, cookware, and lightweight, dehydrated food. Don't forget essential items like a headlamp, toiletries, and a water filtration system. (see my recommendations at the bottom)

Pairing it down, because you will likely take too much…here’s my 4 night load out with camera gear.

Hiking Photography Tips, Techniques & Capturing the Beauty of Nature: Isn’t this one of the reasons why we go out into the woods? Hiking provides ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of natural landscapes and wildlife. Be prepared to capture these moments by keeping your camera easily accessible and practicing quick composition techniques.

Choosing the Right Camera Equipment: Consider the weight and portability of your camera gear for hiking. Let’s be real, my gear is NOT NORMAL, and in some ways reflects on me as perhaps not normal as well. Normal folks will want to have a lightweight DSLR camera or a high-quality smartphone with a good camera that can be excellent choices. Bring versatile lenses, a tripod or monopod for stability, and extra memory cards and batteries.

Composition and Lighting Tips: Compose your shots thoughtfully by using techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing. Utilize natural lighting, such as golden hour (early morning or late afternoon), to capture the best colors and shadows. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add depth to your photos.

Hiking Solo vs. Hiking with a Group

Advantages and Challenges of Solo Hiking: Solo hiking offers solitude, self-reflection, and the freedom to set your own pace and itinerary. However, it also requires extra precautions. Be self-reliant, inform someone of your plans, carry appropriate safety equipment, and trust your instincts.

Benefits of Group Hiking: Hiking with a group can enhance safety, provide companionship, and offer shared experiences. It allows for shared responsibilities, pooled resources, and the opportunity to learn from others' knowledge and skills. Ensure everyone is prepared and consider group dynamics and differing abilities.

Safety Considerations for Both Options: Whether hiking solo or with a group, prioritize safety. Be aware of your surroundings, carry necessary safety equipment, know basic first aid, and follow proper hiking etiquette. Communicate and establish emergency plans, including meeting points and protocols for unexpected situations.

Weekend Hiking to Keep in Shape

Calorie Burn and Physical Benefits: You are going to sweat, be out of breath, and staring down at your shoes a lot. But! Hiking is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness, build strength, and burn calories. The varied terrain, inclines, and descents engage different muscle groups, providing a full-body workout. Enjoy the added benefits of fresh air and stunning scenery. Not to mention how well you will sleep at night.

Training hike, early season 2022.

Incorporating Interval Training on the Trail: To maximize the fitness benefits of hiking, incorporate interval training into your hikes. Don’t try to get ‘there’ as fast as you can, this is NOT a race it is a marathon. Alternate between brisk walking, jogging, or short bursts of high-intensity hiking. Challenge yourself on uphill sections and take advantage of downhill sections for active recovery. But always stay within your own personal comfort zone. If you are working out, your body will let you know, so listen to what you know your body is telling you.

Nutrition and Hydration for Energy: Maintain proper nutrition and hydration while hiking to support your energy levels and endurance. Pack nutritious snacks, such as trail mix, energy bars, and fruits. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly and replenishing electrolytes if necessary. Obviously overnight trips vs day hikes are very different from each other. Each requires a variety of food types. It would be well worth it to start slow until you know which types of foods you really enjoy on trail. As time goes by and the number of nights in the backcountry increase, you will figure out what you need to bring (food wise) and what you actually enjoy eating.

My favorite training hike, I call it “Alaska Basin | Hard Way Up, Easy Way Down”

The Reward

The Grand Teton National Park from the top of Hurricane Pass. (left to right, The Grand, The Middle, The South)

Hiking over the weekend is an enriching and invigorating activity that allows you to connect with nature, explore scenic landscapes, and challenge yourself physically. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you'll be well-prepared to embark on unforgettable weekend hiking adventures. So, lace up your boots, pack your backpack, and set off on the trails to experience the joy and serenity of the great outdoors. Happy hiking!

Suggestions on Gear

Please note that the availability and specific models may vary based on where you live. It's recommended to read reviews, compare prices, and check the specifications of each item before making any purchase. Ultimately only you know what might work best for you, because each of us is different. Another thing to consider is a knowledge of what you start with, no matter what it is, will most likely not be what you eventually end up with.

That being said, here are a couple items that might make your search time a tiny bit shorter. Though maybe not the cheapest. I have highlighted the gear that I take and provided links to them so you can see where I am today with my gear choices.

Backpack:

Shelter:

 

Durston X-Mid Pro 2 - it’s like one pound and well worth it!

 

Sleeping Bag or Quilt:

Sleeping Pad:

Cooking System:

Clothing:

  • It’s a real mix, thermals & socks by SmartWool,
    shorts by REI, shirts by everyone,
    shells by everyone. Just get what you love and
    you won’t go wrong, because even if you do not
    use it in the back country you will in everyday life.

  • Patagonia Capilene Base Layers

  • Arc'teryx Atom LT Jacket

  • Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket

Footwear:

  • Oboz - Firebrand II bDry

  • Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots

  • Altra Lone Peak Trail Running Shoes

  • La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Running Shoes

Water Filtration:

There is of course a lot of other stuff that I take with me, basics like, headlamp, simple 1st aid kit, very very very small knife, titanium 1.2L pot, spoon and other stuff. The largest weight I have is my camera gear (which I will not list here because it varies dependent on the hike and duration.)

Now Go Have Fun! Maybe I’ll See Ya on the Trail!

Rodney Lough Jr.