There's a third option. Travel without a heavy, burdensome backpack. It's easier than you might think to tote all you need in a 20 to 30 pound load, without sacrificing too much in the way of comfort.
Hiking light is catching on with outdoor fans. Gear companies are producing products that are more functional, streamlined and elegant. Sierra Designs offers lightweight backpacker's tents. Western Mountaineering's Highlight bag weighs exactly one pound. Ospreys' bare bones backpacks inspire comfortably quick travel. And, the newest king of fastpacking is GoLite, a 'lite' gear company setting new standards in feather weight.
Flagstaff's Babbitt's Backcountry Outfitters assistant manager Chris Florey said that headlamps are hitting new lows in weight with the leaders being Petzel's Tikka, PrincetonTec's Aurora and Black Diamond's Ion headlamps.
"The war isn't even close to being over. Every new product that comes out is brighter than the last," he said. "I'd still go with the Aurora. The Ion's the lightest by far, but the little watch battery doesn't last as long as the Aurora's battery. Aurora's definitely heavier, but it's also got the waterproofness, the longevity, the options for different light levels."
Shedding the Pounds
GoLite founder and co-owner Demetri "Coup" Coupounas said you lighten the load by looking at your most crucial items: shelter, shoes and the bag that carries it all.
After experimenting with traveling light, I can't imagine why anyone would ever want to lug around a regular backpack. An ultra-light pack can transform a stiff, 7-pound iron maiden into a comfortable 1-pound, 10-ounce fastpack.
"Heavy backpacks should become dinosaurs. All those bells and whistles add unnecessary weight," Coup asserted. "The key is providing a light but sturdy bag in the first place. And then, putting less stuff in it."
Backpacking shoes are notoriously heavy, designed to support you carrying heavy loads. Ultra-light enthusiasts can choose between light hiking boots and trail running shoes. Sandals would seem like the answer, but they lack support and stability when carrying a load on your back over rough terrain. Garmont has footwear designed specifically for backpacking with light loads.
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