| Most experts agree that the maximum pack weight | | | | 4. Eliminate cord locks. If garments have cord locks, |
| for a beginner should only be about 25% of their | | | | replace them with small doubled-up patches of |
| body weight. For an ultra-light backpacker that would | | | | light-weight leather with two slits. |
| be punishable by death. So if you're the kind of | | | | 5. Alter your clothes. Cut off pockets, cords, tags, |
| person who agrees with the last statement or it | | | | unneeded linings, etc... |
| even peaks your curiosity than this article is for you. | | | | 6. Remove manufacturer's labels. Remove labels |
| So, for the fanatics out there here are 5 suggestions | | | | & apply a light bead of seam sealant onto the |
| in the ounces category. | | | | needle holes. Potential sites are on tents, packs, bags, |
| To save on backpack weight you can: | | | | clothes, even on boots. |
| 1. Cut off handles and drill holes. Cut the head of your | | | | Finally, I remember a mountain biking partner I had, |
| toothbrush in half and then cut off the handle. For | | | | who was always trying to shave ounces off his bike |
| your spoon, cut off the handle and drill holes in the | | | | for those long hill climbs. One day I said to him, "you |
| spoon. Or, better yet don't bring either and use a | | | | spent all that time and money just to lose 1 pound |
| stick instead. | | | | off your bike, what if you just lost 5 pounds of body |
| 2. Eliminate Map Edges. Cut off map edges (leaving | | | | weight, wouldn't that be a little more significant and a |
| just enough room for bearing points). | | | | heck of a lot cheaper?" |
| 3. Shorten nylon webbing straps and laces. Cut off | | | | Drop those 5 extra pounds and that's a lot less you'll |
| lengths of cord and extra laces. | | | | have to carry. |