Four hiking gear hacks to optimize weight and comfort
If, like a lot of hikers, you’d like to lighten your load while maintaining at least a minimum level of comfort, then perhaps you’re already following a few of the basic rules for ultra-light hiking. But can you take it even further and save even more weight? Here are four easy hacks that will help you step up your hiking game!
1. Turn your down jacket into a pillow
If you’re already following our advice on how to dress when you’re hiking then there’s a big chance you have an insulating layer in your backpack. Awesome! When combined with a waterproof bag or compression sack, it becomes an excellent pillow that will help you get a great night’s rest. All you need to do is stuff your down jacket into the sack, close it and you’re good to go!
2. Use your hiking poles as a tent frame
Many hikers already know the advantages of using hiking poles. What many don’t know is that they can also be used for many other things.
Some tent models are designed without the tent poles that usually provide a tent’s structure. Rather, these shelters are designed to use your hiking poles for the tent’s structure. And while it may take a bit of practice to get used to putting up your tent in this new way, it will save you hundreds of grams without sacrificing interior space or comfort.
3. Wrap duct tape around your hiking poles
Duct tape – it’s the essential adhesive tape that’s remarkably strong yet easily ripped by hand. It can provide a myriad of functions once you’re on the trail like patching a hole in your clothing, tent or air mattress, as well as preventing/protecting a blister, or repairing just about anything you might need.
But rather than bringing an entire roll you can simply roll a foot or so of duct tape around your hiking poles. The weight is negligible, and the tape will always be within reach.
4. Dry your footwear every night
Nothing is worse than hitting the trail with shoes that are still damp. Fortunately, the materials used in today’s models allow them to dry quickly. To maximize the drying process, remember to take out the insoles and open the laces as wide as possible in order to allow air to circulate.
And if you want to go a step further and you happen to have a newspaper handy, slide two or three balls of wadded paper into each shoe. The paper will absorb the moisture during the night and the next morning you’ll leave with dry feet!