Lightweight Backpacking is Very Simple

By Mike Selvon

When most people in the United States backpack, their base packs often weigh between 30 to 50 pounds, depending on how heavy the backpacking equipment is and how long the backpacking excursion is going to last. Many people opt for lighter base packs and choose lightweight backpacking. This backpacking term means packing the lightest gear possible to meet overnight backpacking, or even longer needs. On average, those who choose to lightweight backpack, pack between 12 and 20 pounds of gear, making their packs considerably lighter.

There are more and more people practicing lightweight backpacking on the trails today. These individuals are, on average, have more energy and experience far less exhaustion and injuries, and for the most part are more enjoyable to be around. The loss of a large amount of weight can free the traveler to experience more of the trip in an enjoyable manner instead of constantly worrying how they are going to climb the next hill.

When backpacking hiking with less gear, simply do not take more than what you know you will need. Many people tend to pack duplicate equipment just in case, but many people never need the duplicate gear. Believe it or not, packing your everyday 12 ounce tube of toothpaste or your ultra mega bottle of sunscreen can add to the weight content of your backpack very quickly, yet you will never need those amounts of products for a weekend or even a week long trip.

Instead, try packing trial size bottles of products so that you are more comfortable when traveling. Another item that can significantly add to your backpacking weight is packing unnecessary food. This is where deliberate food planning comes in. Many lightweight backpackers have found that packing food consistent with a 2,000 calorie a day diet relieves them of a lot of weight.

This averages out to about 1.5 pounds of daily food and can actually reduce the average backpacker's weight by over 5 pounds, in food alone. While there are other items that can be deleted from your backpack to drop weight, starting with items like these can get you off and running.

Many individuals enjoy backpacking, but many find they are tired and exhausted by the end of the trip. Lightweight backpacking allows individuals to hike with more ease, while not having to carry heavy backpacking equipment. This type of backpacking puts less stress on the body and gives you much more ease of movement. Packing and traveling light is very possible and can lessen the load, allowing for a less stressful trip.

Mike Selvon's portal will expand your knowledge on lightweight backpacking. Visit us and leave a comment at our backpacking tours blog where a free gift awaits you.

Rock Climbing - Understanding the Basics

By Len Q.

You've decided. You're going to be rock climber. You don't know much but you'd like to get started. Here are some tips and recommendations to help in your understanding of how to become a good rock climber.

Tips for Good Technique.

- Rock climbing is mentally challenging. The ability to clear your mind and focus is essential to your success as a climber. If you're able to meditate as you climb, you're worlds ahead of those that can't. Use whatever works for you. There is no one way for all.

- Control the center of gravity (COG). This is usually at the center of your body, somewhere in your abdomen. (Hopefully not lower than that!Every move you make begins there. You'll want your legs directly beneath you or to equal distances on each side of you.

- Observe other climbers. This is especially educational when you are belaying a good climber. Ask questions as they come to you. Understanding will go a long way when you try the moves yourself.

- Practice the techniques you've observed. Learn them. With repetition, these techniques will become more and more comfortable. You'll likely find, at some point during a climb, that these new moves were precisely what you needed to know.

- Climb when you're tired. It seemed a bit nuts when I first learned this. Oh, but it'll help in ways you never realized. Climbing tired forces you to plan each move with deliberation and not speed. It also forces you to consider your energy reserves and learn just how far you can go in this condition.

- Work on your weak points. When you climb, You'll vastly improve your climbing ability and bring you closer to becoming a good climber. Remember that it isn't a good idea to work on your good points during the same climb. Work on your strong points, work on your weak points--but not both in the same climb.

Tips when Climbing.

- This goes without saying but it'd be good to emphasize it some more. As a climber in an extreme sport, you should know your gear inside and out. Don't even think of climbing until you could work it even in the dark. Depend on yourself and no one else.

- Rock climbing can be done at any speed you're comfortable with. You may climb slowly and methodically. Or you may climb with speed and finesse, if that suits you better. Whichever the case, your strengths should determine the choice you make.

- Whenever possible, rely on your legs to move you. It is very unwise to sap unnecessary energy from your upper body when your legs can easily get it done.

- Raise one foot at a time. This will further prevent you from using your upper body to lift all your weight. You should only lift with both your arms when there is no other choice.

- When you feel your muscles tightening, when you feel that a cramp is coming on, just stop. Go no further. Don't wait for the cramp to happen to stop. Look for a nearby ledge or just hangdog (rest on your gear or on the rope) until all muscle tightening has disappeared.

Tips when Resting.

- Check and secure your footholds. Make sure that the next handholds are above your head.

- Straighten your arms out to keep them as relaxed as possible. It really does make a difference.

- Lean back into the wall and not away from it. Energy is uselessly lost when you lean out and have to pull yourself back in to continue the climb. Your COG will have been in your arms and you don't want that.

- Plan your next move. Locate your next holds. Position your hands and feet, even practice the movements. This improves each chance for a smooth execution, especially on difficult sections.

These are very basic, very powerful tips to quicken your understanding of what it takes to engage in the sport of rock climbing. When you understand, you can better implement safely and then improve quickly. And once you've received certified instruction on how to climb, you're outta' here. Just remember to always respect the air and space around you for there is no safety net. Be safe up there.

Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an adventurer who strives to protect the natural world. If you would like to learn about Knife Sharpening: How to Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them Tests for Sharpness, Steeling and more Sharpening Other Edges (e.g. Lawn Mower Blades, Chain Saws, Gardening Tools, Axes) Find it here at http://www.MakeKnivesSharp.com.