HIKING TIPS

How to reduce the weight of your backpack when hiking?

The weight of your backpack can transform a beautiful hike into a difficult, even grueling, experience. Reducing the weight of your pack is essential to fully enjoy the adventure without exhausting yourself. And let's face it, in our beautiful Pyrenees, every gram counts when it comes to climbing majestic peaks or traversing breathtaking ridges. Here are our practical tips for lightening your pack, with humor, love, and a touch of mountain madness.

1. Choose a suitable backpack

Reducing weight starts with choosing the right bag.

• Empty weight : Opt for a lightweight yet sturdy backpack. Some ultralight models weigh less than a kilo. (Yes, they exist… and no, they won't rip on the first rock they encounter!)

• Capacity : Choose a size appropriate for the duration of your hike. A bag that's too big encourages you to overload it. (A bit like your stomach after eating a tartiflette…)

2. Prioritize essential equipment

Identify what is essential. Ask yourself for each item: "Will I really need it?" (Hint: No, the Italian coffee maker is not essential, even if it is pretty.)

• List of essentials : Water, food, weather protection, first aid kit, headlamp.

• Minimalism : Opt for multifunctional items like a Swiss Army knife or a convertible jacket. (One knife to slice the sausage AND open your bag of instant noodles? Yes, please!)

3. Opt for ultra-light equipment

• Tent and sleeping bag : Opt for compact tents and sleeping bags made of technical materials. (Because sleeping in the Pyrenees under the stars is better when you can still move your arms when you wake up…)

• Mess pot : A mess pot made of aluminum or titanium is much lighter than steel.

4. Streamline food

• Plan the right quantities : Calculate the portions based on the duration and intensity of the effort. (But always keep an extra square of chocolate on hand, you never know!)

• Dehydrated foods : They are light, compact, and energy-rich. (And as a bonus, they make you appreciate the hot meals at the refuge when you return.)

5. Reduce the weight of the water

Water is one of the heaviest elements to transport.

• Water filter : Use a portable filter to reduce the amount of water you carry. (The Pyrenees are full of crystal-clear streams: take advantage of them!)

• Planning : Identify water sources along your route to make regular refills.

6. Lighten the clothes

• Technical layers : Plan for clothing made of technical materials, which dry quickly and are lightweight.

• Minimize duplicates : One outfit for hiking and one outfit for camp are usually enough. (And no, nobody will notice you wore the same t-shirt two days in a row, I promise.)

7. Eliminate unnecessary items

• Examples : Heavy books, unnecessary accessories, or non-essential gadgets. (Yes, that includes that mini Bluetooth speaker you love.)

• Digital : Opt for a lightweight e-reader or your smartphone to replace several devices.

8. Share the equipment

If you're going in a group, divide up the shared equipment like the tent, stove, or first-aid kit. This will lighten everyone's pack. (And it will strengthen team spirit, a real joy in the mountains… except for the person carrying the tent!)

9. Organize your bag strategically

• Center of gravity : Place heavy objects close to your back for better weight distribution.

• Compartmentalization : Use waterproof bags to compartmentalize and quickly identify what you need.

10. Test and adjust

Before leaving, do a test run in real-world conditions.

• Short hikes : Test your equipment over a day or a weekend.

• Reassessment : After each outing, get rid of what you didn't use. (And congratulate yourself for wearing less!)

Traveling light means traveling better, and above all, fully enjoying every step in the magnificent Pyrenees.

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FAQ

1. What is the ideal weight for a hiking backpack?
Ideally, the bag should not exceed 20% of your body weight.

2. How to avoid injuries with a heavy bag?
Adjust the straps correctly and distribute the weight to avoid unnecessary strain.

3. Are dehydrated foods nutritious?
Yes, they offer excellent energy value while being lightweight.

4. Is it better to buy or rent ultralight equipment?
For occasional use, renting is economical. For regular hiking, investing is a better option.