{"id":35665,"date":"2024-07-26T10:43:18","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T13:43:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/ultralight-trekking-adapting-base-weight-to-your-needs\/"},"modified":"2024-07-26T10:43:18","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T13:43:18","slug":"ultralight-trekking-adapting-base-weight-to-your-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/ultralight-trekking-adapting-base-weight-to-your-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultralight Trekking: Adapting base weight to your needs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to trekking, especially in the <a title=\"Palestras sobre trekking light no Gear Tips Plus\" href=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/plus\/?s=light\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trekking Light<\/a> and Ultralight Trekking styles, many enthusiasts cling to predefined concepts and numbers, such as the concept of \u201cbase weight,\u201d often without considering individual needs and differences.<\/p>\n<p>The importance of trekking with less weight is evident. A lighter backpack can mean greater comfort, less physical strain, and an overall more pleasant experience. However, this pursuit of lightness must be approached with care and discernment.<\/p>\n<p>It is essential to consider safety aspects related to the location where the activity will take place, the time of year, weather conditions, and expected temperature. The attempt to reduce backpack weight should never compromise safety or well-being.<br \/>\nIn this article, I will explore this topic and highlight the importance of a more personalized approach.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24938\" src=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/trekking-ultralight-peso-base.jpg\" alt=\"Base weight - ultralight trekking\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/trekking-ultralight-peso-base.jpg 533w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/trekking-ultralight-peso-base-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Understanding the Different Types of Weight<\/h2>\n<p>To begin, it is essential to understand the different types of weight involved in trekking:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Base Weight:<\/strong> The weight of the backpack with all equipment, excluding consumables. Unlike Consumables, Base Weight does not vary over time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consumable Weight:<\/strong> Includes food, water, and fuel that will be consumed throughout the hike. It\u2019s important to remember that during a long activity requiring resupply, the weight of these items decreases over time as they are consumed, and at a certain point, it increases again.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pack Weight:<\/strong> The sum of Base Weight and Consumable Weight.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Worn Weight:<\/strong> The weight of what is worn on the body, such as clothing, hat, watch, etc.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total Weight:<\/strong> The sum of Pack Weight and Worn Weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Trekking Classification by Base Weight<\/h3>\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve discussed the different types of weight, let\u2019s understand how Base Weight helps us classify the type of trekking we\u2019re practicing. In the United States, specific Base Weight values were defined for different trekking categories, as shown in the chart below:<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24949\" src=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/grafico-peso-trekking-ultralight.png\" alt=\"Trekking type classification according to base weight\" width=\"1024\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/grafico-peso-trekking-ultralight.png 1024w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/grafico-peso-trekking-ultralight-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/grafico-peso-trekking-ultralight-768x398.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>These values are general guidelines, but it\u2019s essential to remember that each person should adapt these numbers to their specific needs and conditions. In other words, there\u2019s no point in trying to reach a 4.54 kg Base Weight just to feel like an UltraLight Trekker.<\/p>\n<p>We all aim to have the lightest backpack possible, but there are many aspects to consider.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24941\" src=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/ultralight-trekking-peso-base.jpg\" alt=\"Individual differences affecting base weight in light trekking\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/ultralight-trekking-peso-base.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/ultralight-trekking-peso-base-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/ultralight-trekking-peso-base-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Individual Differences Matter<\/h2>\n<p>People differ in body size and needs, which directly affects backpack weight and volume. For example, let\u2019s consider clothing and footwear:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I wear men\u2019s size XL clothing, while my wife wears women\u2019s size S. The same clothing, from the same brands and models, has significantly different weights and volumes. On average, my clothes are 47% heavier than hers. The chart below shows a comparison between our clothing and footwear. This demonstrates that no matter how much I try, I\u2019ll never reach the same Base Weight as my wife.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparativo-peso-base-roupas-trekking-ultralight.jpg\" alt=\"Weight differences between men\u2019s and women\u2019s clothing items\" width=\"1024\" height=\"472\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-25488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparativo-peso-base-roupas-trekking-ultralight.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparativo-peso-base-roupas-trekking-ultralight-300x138.jpg 300w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparativo-peso-base-roupas-trekking-ultralight-768x354.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The sleeping bag can also show a significant difference in weight and volume. This time, I\u2019ll compare it with my son\u2019s sleeping bag. I\u2019m 1.92 m tall and he\u2019s 1.70 m. Therefore, my sleeping bag is larger, and consequently, heavier and bulkier. On the other hand, although my wife is shorter, at 1.62 m, she is more sensitive to cold. Her sleeping bag is smaller, in size, but has more insulation, making it bulkier and heavier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition to physical differences, health needs also affect backpack weight:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I need to take certain supplements and vitamins daily. On a hike such as the Camino de Santiago, which I walked for 35 days, this represented an extra 960 g of consumables when leaving home, since I carried everything I needed for the entire trek. (In this case, we\u2019re talking about Multi-Day Hiking, not Trekking, but the concept applies the same way.)<\/li>\n<li>Also on the Camino de Santiago, I met people who needed to carry a <a title=\"O que \u00e9 o CPAP?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cpaps.com.br\/blog\/para-que-serve-o-cpap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CPAP<\/a>, an essential device for those suffering from severe sleep apnea, adding extra weight to their backpacks. That means that even if these people used exactly the same gear, their Base Weight would still be higher than mine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Personalizing the Approach<\/h2>\n<p>The central idea of this article is to demystify the notion that there\u2019s a standard weight and volume everyone should follow. While it\u2019s undeniable that a lighter backpack is generally better, it\u2019s crucial to adapt recommendations to individual needs sensibly. Some tips for a personalized approach include:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Assess your needs: consider your body size, health requirements, sensitivity to cold, and other personal factors.<\/li>\n<li>Adapt your gear: choose equipment that meets your specific needs, even if it means carrying slightly more weight.<\/li>\n<li>Plan flexibly: be ready to adjust your backpack weight based on hike duration, weather conditions, and general environment.<\/li>\n<li>Focus on comfort and safety: prioritize items that ensure your comfort and safety, even if they increase base weight.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24944\" src=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/trekking-ultralight-peso-base-3.jpg\" alt=\"Ultralight mountaineering\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/trekking-ultralight-peso-base-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/trekking-ultralight-peso-base-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/trekking-ultralight-peso-base-3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>The Influence of Gear on Base Weight<\/h2>\n<p>The type and quality of equipment also significantly influence base weight. Choosing lighter gear, such as ultralight tents, compact sleeping bags, and backpacks made from lightweight materials, can help reduce overall weight without compromising functionality or safety. However, the type of activity directly impacts gear selection.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re going to do a <a title=\"Palestra sobre trekking em alta montanha e aclimata\u00e7\u00e3o\" href=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/plus\/filme_video\/trekking-em-alta-montanha-e-aclimatacao\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high-altitude trek<\/a>, it won\u2019t be possible to use an ultralight tent or a <a title=\"Conhe\u00e7a o sistema de tarp\" href=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/sistema-tarp-menos-peso-mais-versatilidade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tarp<\/a>. The tent will inevitably be heavier due to harsher weather conditions. Additionally, the entire sleep system (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and possibly a liner and pillow) will be heavier compared to equipment used in milder climates.<\/p>\n<p>For comparison, two sleeping bags of the same model \u2014 the Spark by Sea to Summit \u2014 have very different weights depending on their temperature ratings. The Spark +7 \u00baC, with a Limit Temperature of +7 \u00baC, weighs 363 g, while the Spark -18 \u00baC, with a Limit Temperature of -18 \u00baC, weighs 1,113 g.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparacao-peso-temperatura-sacos-dormir.jpg\" alt=\"Comparison between sleeping bags - weight and temperature\" width=\"1024\" height=\"838\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-25300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparacao-peso-temperatura-sacos-dormir.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparacao-peso-temperatura-sacos-dormir-300x246.jpg 300w, https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/comparacao-peso-temperatura-sacos-dormir-768x629.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"caixa-verde\"><strong>Gear Tips Club members with Basic and Premium plans get <a title=\"Discounts on Deuter products\" href=\"https:\/\/geartips.club\/parceiros\/deuter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">special discounts on Deuter products \u2014 check them out!<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In other words, if I\u2019m going to a place with very low temperatures or if I\u2019m more sensitive to cold, my sleeping bag will inevitably be heavier than that of someone less sensitive camping in a milder climate.<\/p>\n<p>This type of reasoning is essential when choosing your gear \u2014 it prevents you from focusing solely on weight and helps you ensure that the gear\u2019s features are compatible with your actual needs.<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>When planning your trekking backpack, it\u2019s essential to think beyond predefined numbers and consider your individual needs. A more personalized and coherent approach will not only enhance your experience but also ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey. Remember, every gram counts \u2014 but every person is unique!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Did you like the article? Leave your comment below and share your experiences and tips on how to adapt your backpack weight to your personal needs!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to trekking, especially in the Trekking Light and Ultralight Trekking styles, many enthusiasts cling to predefined concepts and numbers, such as the concept of \u201cbase weight,\u201d often without considering individual needs and differences. The importance of trekking with less weight is evident. A lighter backpack can mean greater comfort, less physical strain, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1096,"featured_media":30186,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1340,1664],"tags":[1847,1829,1846],"class_list":["post-35665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exclusive-articles","category-hiking-and-trekking","tag-base-weight","tag-hiking-and-trekking","tag-ultralight-trekking"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1096"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35665"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35665\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geartips.club\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}