I’ve organized them by weight and included photos and links to online retailers so you can do an easy side by side comparison and find the best shelter for your needs. Tents, tarptents, tarps, hammocks and bivys are included, as long as they weigh 3 lbs or less.

If you know of a shelter that I’ve missed please let me know in the comments section at the bottom of the page…

Backpacking Shelters Under 3 Pounds

Brand	Model	Weight	Type
MSR	Carbon Reflex 2	48 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $349.97 (Best Price) REI.com – $499.95 Campsaver.com – $499.95
Easton	Kilo 3P	48 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $498.95 Amazon.com – $499.00 Campmor.com – $499.00
Big Sky	Evolution 2P	48 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Bigskyproducts.com – $374.95
NEMO	Obi 2P	48 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $282.34 (Best Price) REI.com – $389.95 Campsaver.com – $389.95
Tarptent	Scarp 1	48 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $315.00
Big Sky	Revolution 2P	47 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Bigskyproducts.com – $349.95
Exped	Mira 1	47 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $328.95 Amazon.com- $328.99 Campmor.com – $329.00
NEMO	Meta 2P	47 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $259.98 (Best Price) REI.com – $399.95 Campsaver.com – $399.95
The North Face	Mica 1	46 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campmor.com – $229.97
REI	Quarter Dome T1	46 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: REI.com – $219.00
Sierra Designs	Vapor Light 1	46 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $216.71 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $269.97
NEMO	Moto 1P	46 oz	Super Bivy
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $349.95
Black Diamond	Firstlight	45 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $299.95 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $359.95
MSR	Hubba	45 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $249.95 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $249.95 (Best Price) Campmor.com – $249.97 REI.com – $279.95
Mountain Hardware	Sprite 1	45 oz	Super Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $129.97 (Best Price) Campmor.com – $169.97 Campsaver.com – $189.95
Marmot	Eos 1P	44 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campmor.com – $199.97 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $228.90 REI.com – $229.00
Eureka	Spitfire 1	44 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $99.00 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $103.99 Campmor.com – $109.97
Big Sky	Mirage 2P	43 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Bigskyproducts.com – $329.95
Sierra Designs	Light Year 1	43 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campmor.com – $129.97 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $139.95 Campsaver.com – $169.95
Sierra Designs	Mojo 2	43 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $319.99 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $339.96 Campmor.com – $349.97
Big Agnes	Seedhouse SL2	42 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $339.95 REI.com – $339.95 Campsaver.com – $339.95 Campmor.com – $339.95
Black Diamond	HiLight	42 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $369.95 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $379.95
Tarptent	Rainshadow 2	42 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $279.00
Hennessy	Scout	42 oz	Hammock
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $99.85 HennessyHammock.com – $99.95
Black Diamond	Tripod Bivy	42 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $292.45 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $299.95
Montbell	Crescent 2	41 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $278.95
Hennessy	Asym Classic	41 oz	Hammock
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $140.00 (Best Price) Hennessyhammock.com – $159.95
NEMO	Obi 1P	40 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $339.99 REI.com – $339.95 Campsaver.com – $339.95
Tarptent	Double Rainbow	40 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $275.00
Tarptent	Stratospire 2	40 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $325.00
NEMO	Nano Elite	39 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $389.95
Sierra Designs	Stash 1	39 oz	Super Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $149.97 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $151.96 Campmor.com – $159.97
Big Agnes	Copper Spur UL 1	38 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $349.95 REI.com – $349.95 Campsaver.com – $349.95
Outdoor Research	Advanced Bivy	37 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $299.00 (Best Price) REI.com – $319.00 Campsaver.com – $319.95
MSR	TWing	36 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $229.95 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $237.99 Campmor.com – $249.97 REI.com – $279.95
NEMO	Gogo EX	36 oz	Super Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $249.97 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $329.95
Easton	Kilo 2P	35 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $398.95 Campsaver.com – $398.95 Campmor.com – $399.00
Lightheart Gear	Duo Wedge	35 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Lightheartgear.com – $350.00
Big Agnes	Fly Creek UL2	34 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $295.96 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $369.95 REI.com – $369.95 Campmor.com – $369.95
MSR	Carbon Reflex 1	34 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $399.95 (Best Price) REI.com – $399.95 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $449.95
Mountain Hardware	Super Mega UL2	34 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campmor.com – $379.97 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $428.95 Campsaver.com – $429.95 REI.com – $430.00
Six Moon Designs	Skyscape Scout	34 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Sixmoondesigns.com – $125.00 Antigravitygear.com – $125.00
Tarptent	Rainbow	34 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $245.00
Tarptent	Squall 2	34 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $249.00
NEMO	Gogo LE	34 oz	Super Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $329.95 Campsaver.com – $329.95
Hennessy	Explorer Ultralight	34 oz	Hammock
Available from these retailers: Hennessyhammock.com – $249.95
Big Agnes	Seedhouse SL1	33 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $215.96 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $269.95 REI.com – $269.95 Campmor.com – $269.95
Big Sky	Evolution 1P	33 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Bigskyproducts.com – $274.95
Montbell	Crescent 1	33 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $228.95
Tarptent	Stratospire 1	33 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $285.00
Lightheart Gear	Duo	32 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Lightheartgear.com – $295.00

Backpacking Shelters Under 2 Pounds

Brand	Model	Weight	Type
NEMO	Obi Elite	31 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $419.95
NEMO	Metal 1P	31 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $288.95 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $329.95
Hennessy	Ultralight Asym	31 oz	Hammock
Available from these retailers: HennessyHammock.com – $219.95
Big Agnes	Fly Creek UL1	30 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $319.95 REI.com – $319.95 Campsaver.com – $319.95 Campmor.com – $319.95
Big Sky	Revolution 1P	30 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Bigskyproducts.com – $299.95
Easton	Kilo 1P	30 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $348.95 Campsaver.com – $348.95 Campmor.com – $349.00
Hyperlite Mtn Gear	Echo II	30 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Hyperlitemountaingear.com – $595.00
Tarptent	Moment	30 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $235.00
Outdoor Research	Alpine Bivy	30 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $183.07 (Best Price) REI.com – $239.00 Campsaver.com – $239.95
Big Agnes	Fly Creek 2 Platinum	29 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $499.95 REI.com – $499.95 Campsaver.com – $499.95
Lightheart Gear	Solo Wedge	29 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Lightheartgear.com – $275
Black Diamond	Bipod Bivy	29 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $269.95 Campsaver.com – $269.95
Big Agnes	3 Wire Bivy	28 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $299.95 (Best Price) REI.com – $339.95 Campsaver.com $339.95
Big Sky	Mirage 1P	27 oz	Tent
Available from these retailers: Bigskyproducts.com – $274.95
Lightheart Gear	Solo	27 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Lightheartgear.com – $245.00
Lightheart Gear	Solong 6	27 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Lightheartgear.com – $295.00
Marmot	Home Alone Bivy	27 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $228.95 Campsaver.com – $228.95 Campmor.com – $229.00
Tarptent	Notch	26 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $259.00
The North Face	Asylum Bivy	26 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Campmor.com – $199.97
Sea to Summit	Specialist Duo	25 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $498.95
Tarptent	Contrail	25 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $199.00
Hennessy	Hyperlight Asym	25 oz	Hammock
Available from these retailers: Hennessyhammock.com – $249.95
Sierra Designs	Zagori Bivy	25 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Campmor.com – $129.97 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $135.99 Campsaver.com – $143.16
Hyperlite Mtn Gear	Echo I	24 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Hyperlitemountaingear.com – $495.00
Six Moon Designs	Skyscape Trekker	24 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Sixmoondesigns.com – $225.00
Mountain Laurel	Supermid	24 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $295.00
Outdoor Research	Highland Bivy	24 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $159.00 REI.com – $159.00 Campsaver.com – $159.95 Campmor.com – $159.00
Six Moon Designs	Lunar Solo	23 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Sixmoondesigns.com – $235.00
Granite Gear	White Lightnin 10×12	23 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $175.96 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $189.26
NEMO	Gogo Elite	23 oz	Super Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $399.95 Campsaver.com – $399.95
Outdoor Research	Aurora Bivy	22 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $167.75 (Best Price) Campmor.com – $179.95 REI.com – $199.00 Campsaver.com – $199.95
Equinox	Myotis Tarp 10×10	21 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $118.00 (Best Price) Equinoxltd.com – $135.00
Granite Gear	White Lightnin 10×10	21 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $147.96 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $161.66
Lightheart Gear	Solo Cuben	20 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Lightheartgear.com – $475.00
Tarptent	Sublite	20 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Tarptent.com – $199.00
Mountain Laurel	Cricket Tent Sil	20 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $295.00
Equinox	Globeskimmer 10×12	19 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Equinoxltd.com – $129.00 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $134.04
MSR	E-Wing	19 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $144.49 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $149.95 Campmor.com – $149.97 REI.com – $169.95
MSR	AC-Bivy	19 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $199.95 REI.com – $199.95 Campsaver.com – $199.95
Gossamer Gear	The One	18 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Gossamergear.com – $295.00
Sea to Summit	Specialist Solo	18 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Campsaver.com – $428.95
Mountain Laurel	Speedmid	18 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $185.00
Six Moon Designs	Haven Tarp	18 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Sixmoondesigns.com – $200
Black Diamond	Spotlight Bivy	18 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $194.12 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $199.95
Sierra Designs	Navassa Bivy	17 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Campmor.com – $89.97 (Best Price) Campsaver.com – $95.16 Amazon.com – $109.95
Mountain Laurel	Duomid Sil	16 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $205.00
Big Sky	Wisp 1P	16 oz	Super Bivy
Available from these retailers: Bigskyproducts.com – $199.95

Backpacking Shelters Under 1 Pound

Brand	Model	Weight	Type
Six Moon Designs	Skyscape X	15 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Sixmoondesigns.com – $450.00
Equinox	Globeskimmer 8×10	15 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Equinoxltd.com – $92.00 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $96.04
REI	Minimalist Bivy	15 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: REI.com – $99.50
Equinox	Myotis Tarp 8×8	15 oz	Bivy
Available from these retailers: Amazon.com – $104.59 (Best Price) Equinoxltd.com – $115.00
Mountain Laurel	Cricket Tent Cuben	15 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $500
Gossamer Gear	SilTwinn	13 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Gossamergear.com – $140.00
Mountain Laurel	Solomid Sil	13 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $170.00
Six Moon Designs	Wild Oasis	13 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Sixmoondesigns.com – $175.00
Mountain Laurel	Duomid Cuben	12 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $405.00
ZPacks	Hexamid Solo+ Tent	11 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: ZPacks.com – $330.00
ZPacks	Hexamid Twin Tent	11 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: Zpacks.com – $350.00
Gossamer Gear	Spinnshelter	11 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Gossamergear.com – $195.00
Six Moon Designs	Gatewood Cape	11 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Sixmoondesigns.com – $135.00
Gossamer Gear	SpinnTwinn	10 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Gossamergear.com – $175.00
Mountain Laurel	Solomid Cuben	10 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Mountainlaureldesigns.com – $340.00
ZPacks	Hexamid Solo Tent	9 oz	Tarptent
Available from these retailers: ZPacks.com – $295.00
Hyperlite Mtn Gear	Echo 2 Tarp	9 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Hyperlitemountaingear.com – $295.00
Equinox	Globe Skimmer 6×8	9 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Equinoxltd.com – $72.00 (Best Price) Amazon.com – $77.04
Hyperlite Mtn Gear	Echo 1 Tarp	8 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Hyperlitemountaingear.com – $270.00
ZPacks	Hexamid Solo+ Tarp	5 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: Zpacks.com – $215.00
ZPacks	Hexamid Twin Tarp	5 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: ZPacks.com – $235.00
ZPacks	Hexamid Solo Tarp	4 oz	Tarp
Available from these retailers: ZPacks.com – $195.00

Want to recommend a shelter for this list? Please post your comments below…

Here are some pictures from my trip…

Have any questions about the Tahoe Rim Trail? Post your comments below…

The only utensils you will need to prepare these “one pot” meals on the trail are: cookpot (700ml or larger), drink mug, pot cozy, camp stove and spoon.

Dinner #1: Chicken Couscous, Hot Cocoa

Dry Weight: 11 ounces
Calories: 955
Serves: 1 hungry thru-hiker (or 2 day-hikers)

Ingredients:

1 box Near East Couscous* (5.7 oz)
1/2 Foil Pouch Chicken (3.5 oz)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (0.5 oz)
1 pk Land O’Lakes Premium Hot Cocoa (1.25 oz)
2 1/4 c Water (18 oz)

Directions:

1. Bring water to boil in cookpot.
2. Pour 1 cup (8 oz) of boiling water into mug containing cocoa. Stir.
3. Add couscous and seasoning packet to remaining water (1 1/4c) in cookpot. Stir.
4. Cover cookpot with lid and transfer to pot cozy. Let sit for 5 minutes.
5. Add olive oil and chicken to couscous. Fluff with spoon and enjoy!

* Near East Couscous come in several flavors. I use “Herbed Chicken” for this recipe.

Dinner #2: Sausage Mac n’ Cheese, Hot Tea

Dry Weight: 12.1 ounces
Calories: 1,295
Serves: 1 hungry thru-hiker (or 2 day-hikers)

Ingredients:

1 box Kraft Mac n’ Cheese (7.25 oz)
3 oz Summer Sausage
1 String Cheese Stick (1 oz)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (0.5 oz)
1 Tea Bag (0.1 oz), 2 packets Sugar (0.25 oz)
2 3/4 c Water (22 oz)

Directions:

1. Chop sausage and string cheese into cubes. Set aside.
2. Bring water to boil in cookpot.
3. Pour 1 cup (8 oz) of boiling water into mug containing tea. Add sugar. Steep.
4. Return water in cookpot (1 3/4 c) to flame. Add macaroni and boil additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Cover cookpot with lid and transfer to pot cozy. Let sit 10 minutes.
6. Drain excess water from macaroni (if any).
7. Add olive oil, cheese packet, sausage and string cheese cubes. Stir and enjoy!

Dinner #3: Jerky Mashed Potatoes, Hot Cider

Dry Weight: 8 oz
Calories: 860
Serves: 1 hungry thru-hiker (or 2 day-hikers)

Ingredients:

1 bag Idahoan Mashed Potatoes* (4 oz)
2 oz Beef Jerky
1 tbsp Olive Oil
2 packets Hot Apple Cider Mix
3 c Water (24 oz)

Directions:

1. Break beef jerky into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
2. Bring water to boil in cookpot.
3. Pour 1 cup (8 oz) of boiling water into mug containing cider. Stir.
4. Add olive oil, jerky and potatoes to remaining water (2 c) in cookpot. Stir.
5. Cover cookpot with lid and transfer to pot cozy. Let sit for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff with spoon and enjoy!

* Idahoan Mashed Potatoes come in several flavors. I use “Loaded Baked” for this recipe.

Dinner #4: Chicken & Stuffing, Warm Milk

Dry Weight: 12.5 ounces
Calories: 1,148
Serves: 1 hungry thru-hiker (or 2 day-hikers)

Ingredients:

1 box Kraft Stovetop Stuffing (6 oz)
1/2 Foil Pouch Chicken (3.5 oz)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (0.5 0z)
1/4 packet Turkey Gravy Mix (0.25oz)
1 oz Dried Cranberries
4 tbsp Nestle Nido Powdered Milk (1 oz)
2 packets Sugar (0.25 oz)
3 c Water (24 oz)
Directions:

1. Combine 1/4c (2 oz) water and gravy mix in mug. Heat, stirring until thickened. Set aside.
2. Bring 1 3/4 c water to boil in cookpot.
3. Add stuffing and chicken. Cover cookpot with lid and transfer to pot cozy. Let sit 5 minutes.
4. Fluff with spoon. Top with cranberries and cover with gravy.
5. Clean mug and use it to heat 1c (8 oz) of water.
6. Add powdered milk and sugar to mug. Stir and enjoy!*

* Warm milk is a drink that seems to have fallen out of popularity a long time ago, but I’m not sure why. It’s a tasty comforting warm drink that’s perfect for winding down after a long hike.

Dinner #5: Tuna Alfredo, Hot Coffee

Dry Weight: 8 ounces
Calories: 670
Serves: 1 hungry thru-hiker (or 2 day-hikers)

Ingredients:

1 bag Knorr Pasta Sides Alfredo (4.4 oz)
1 Foil Pouch Tuna (2.6 oz)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (0.5 oz)
1-2 pks Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee (0.25 oz)
2 packets Sugar (0.25 oz)
2 1/4 c Water (18 oz)

Directions:

1. Bring water to boil in cookpot.
2. Pour 1 cup (8 oz) of boiling water into mug containing coffee. Add sugar, cream*
3. Return water in cookpot (1 1/4 c) to flame. Add pasta and olive oil. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
4. Cover cookpot with lid and transfer to pot cozy. Let sit for 10 minutes.
5. Add tuna to pasta mixture. Stir and enjoy!

* If you take cream with your coffee 1/2 tsp Nestle Nido Powdered Milk is a good substitute.

Lightweight Packing Tip: Remove items that come in bulky or heavy packaging and repackage them in Ziploc baggies to save weight. Write preparation instructions on the outside of the baggies with a permanent marker.

What are some of your favorite backpacking meals? Please post your comments below…

Here are five non-essential gear items you may want to consider adding back into the mix once you’ve gotten the weight of your other gear under control…

#1. Amazon Kindle e-Reader (6 ounces)

Amazon Kindle e-Reader

If you are like me, and you love to read on the trail, the Amazon Kindle eBook Reader is the best invention since peanut butter! I like to read in the morning while I drink my coffee, at breaks while I rest my feet and in camp. Reading calms my mind (which tends to run like a faucet during long hikes) and helps me to relax and focus.

The newest version of the Kindle weighs just 6 ounces and has gone way down in price from when I bought my first one (now just $80). It can store a zillion books in memory, the “e-ink screen” can be read in full daylight (unlike LCD screens on devices like smartphones and tablets) and it can last up to a month on a single battery charge.

Packing Tip: Like most electronic devices the Kindle is susceptible to water and shock damage. To protect my Kindle I stuff it in the center of my clothing sack (Sea to Summit waterproof dry sack). This protects it from rain and the clothing protects it from being accidentally bashed by something while it’s in my pack.

#2. Ipod or MP3 Player (2 ounces)

iPod Shuffle

If you like to listen to music an Ipod Shuffle or Sansa Clip MP3 Player can hold all of your digital music for about 2 ounces (with earphones and cable) and cost less than $50.

For me, music is an important part of a long-distance hike. Although listening to the sounds of the birds and the trees is fun for a while it can get boring after several hundred miles. Music provides a welcome distraction and helps set the tempo for high mileage days. I have found that doing a 30+ miler is much easier with music than without.

Earbud Tip: In areas where there is a chance of being attacked by wild animals (such as rattlesnakes in the desert or bears in Alaska) it is smart to keep the volume down and use only one earbud so that you can still hear what’s going on around you.

#3. Digital Camera (6 ounces)

Canon A1200 Digital Camera

If you like to take pictures a digital camera is a must have. I have done some hikes before where I did not take a camera, but always regretted it later. It is amazing how quickly important experiences in your life can fade into the distant recesses of your memory (even though at the time it seems like you will never forget them).

My current camera of choice is the Canon A1200 because it is super cheap ($80) and light (6 ounces with lithium-ion batts). Canon’s entry level “point and shoot” cameras take remarkably good outdoor pictures. Many of the photos in my Pacific Crest Trail Gallery were shot using a Canon A610 (one of the early predecessors to the A1200).

Hiking Camera Features: Two things I look for in a backpacking camera are: 1) An optical viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen (LCDs are hard to see in direct sunlight) and 2) Powered by AA batteries (which are more convenient than rechargeable battery packs).

#4. Trail Journal (3 ounces)

Rite-in-the-Rain Waterproof Journal

If you like to write and share your experiences with others you may want to keep a trail journal. Like photos, this is something you can look back on to remember your adventures.

I’ve never been able to keep up on a trail journal for very long myself. Writing requires too much brain power (which I am lacking after a long day of hiking). But you may find journaling to be a stimulating, therapeutic and enjoyable way to wind down after a hike.

Notebook Weight Cutting Tip: A typical cheapo notebook with pen weighs about 3 ounces and a waterproof notebook about 4 ounces. If you don’t need all of the pages that come in your notebook you can remove the spiral binding and rebind as many pages you need with string. (Check out Stick’s Blog for tips on how to do this…)

#5. Deck of Cards (3 ounces)

Bicycle Eco Edition Playing Cards

Backpacking consists primarily of four activities: Walking, Eating, Sleeping and Sitting Around. If you have a couple of trail companions playing cards is a fun way to pass the time when you are just sitting around (rest breaks, lunch, mid-day siestas, around the campfire, zero days)

Like to play chess instead? Check out my instructions to make an ultralight trail chess set.

What kind of non-essential gear items do you like to carry to make backpacking more fun? Please post your comments below…

This is the most obvious suggestion, but also the most important. Every step you take sends a tiny jolt through your feet that is magnified by the weight of your backpack and all your gear. Over the course of a long backpacking trip this can lead to big-time foot pain and injuries like: blisters, shin splints, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Reducing your gear weight means less impact on your feet and less foot pain.

Articles About Lightweight Backpacking Gear:

The “Big 3″ Backpacking Gear Items
5 Heavyweight Backpacking Gear Items You Can Replace With Ultralight Alternatives
Top 5 Backpacks For Thru-hiking and Multi-day Hikes
How To Pack A Lightweight Backpack

#2: Wear Lightweight, Breathable Shoes (That Fit)

The best shoes for lightweight backpacking are trail-runners, cross-trainers and lightweight boots. When choosing a hiking shoe look for one that is lightweight, breathable, flexible and (most importantly) fits your foot. Traditional heavy leather boots are not good footwear because they are stiff and abrasive to the feet. Buy your shoes one size larger than you would normally wear to make room for foot swelling, which can happen on longer hikes.

Popular Lightweight Hiking Shoes & Boots:

• Merrell Moab Ventilator / Moab XCR (what I wear)
• Vasque Velocity
• The North Face Hedgehog 3
• Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2
• Salomon Synapse Mid
• Merrell Outland

#3: Wear Socks That Provide Enough Cushion (But Not So Thick They Overheat Your Feet)

When choosing hiking socks you want a combination of cushion and breathability. Too thin and they won’t provide enough protection from abrasion and impact against your shoes. Too thick and your feet will sweat like a sauna. Most backpackers I know wear lightweight hiking socks or running socks made from merino wool (and sometimes synthetic materials like nylon, Coolmax or blends).

Popular Lightweight Hiking Socks:

• Smartwool PHD Running Lite Mini Sock (my sock of choice most times)
• Wrightsock Coolmesh Quarter Sock (I wear these in hot weather)
• Wigwam Cool-lite Hiker Pro Quarter Sock
• Smartwool Light Hiker Sock 
• Thorlo Coolmax Light Hiker Sock

#4: Replace The Cheap Insoles That Come With Your Hiking Shoes With High Quality Insoles

Unfortunately, most hiking shoes come with cheap foam insoles. They don’t provide enough arch support or shock absorption and usually end up flat as a pancake within a few hundred miles. So you’ll need to cough up another $35 or so for some high quality replacements. The good news is that aftermarket insoles typically outlast the shoes they go in, so when you replace your shoes after 800 miles you can keep on using the insoles.

Popular Hiking Insoles:

• Montrail Enduro Soles (what I use)
• Superfeet Insoles
• Spenco Polysorb Insoles

#5: Take Frequent Rest Breaks, Remove Your Shoes And Elevate Your Feet

When hiking in hot weather, uneven terrain, or over long distances your feet will probably tend to swell and throb some. This happens when blood flows to your feet in response to the microscopic injuries that occur every time you slam them into the ground. To counteract this effect I like to take frequent “shoes off, feet up” rest breaks.

The following schedule allows me to cover 20 miles in about ten hours. If I need to do more miles I just keep repeating the same pattern of hiking and resting:

2.5 miles (15 minute feet break)
2.5 miles (45 minute morning snack break)
2.5 miles (15 minute feet break)
2.5 miles (1.5 hour lunch break)
2.5 miles (15 minute feet break)
2.5 miles (45 minute afternoon snack break)
2.5 miles (15 minute feet break)
2.5 miles (dinner and camp)

I remove my shoes and socks, elevate my feet and rest them on my pack at every break. This gives them a chance to air out and for the blood to drain back into my legs and relieve any swelling. Plus it feels really good

#6: Clean Your Feet Often (And Dunk Them In Cold Creeks Whenever Possible)

Nothing in the world feels better on swollen, achy feet than getting dunked in a nice cold creek! The flowing water massages your tootsies, increases circulation, numbs the pain, reduces inflammation and makes everything feel good for a little while.

My dirty dogs

As an added benefit, it cleans off the abrasive grime (dirt + sweat) that tends to accumulate on your feet as an unfortunate side-effect of wearing breathable shoes with lots of mesh panels.

Too bad there is not always a good creek available. But it’s still a good idea to clean your feet frequently. When there is no convenient water source nearby I use a moistened bandana to wipe off the grime.

Keeping your feet clean and smooth and free of gunk goes a long way toward preventing hot spots and blisters because it eliminates a big source of friction between your feet and socks (dirt).

#7: Be Proactive About Fixing “Hot Spots” (Before They Develop Into Blisters)

If you follow the first six suggestions in this list: carry lightweight gear, wear good shoes, socks and insoles, take frequent rest breaks and keep your feet clean you will have eliminated most of the sources of friction that cause blisters. But sometimes they are unavoidable, and that’s when you need the “McGuyver” of hiking remedies: duct tape.

There are commercial blister bandages (like moleskin, second skin, etc.) but none of them work as well as duct tape. The beauty of duct tape is that it’s slippery on the outside and super-sticky on the inside. Apply it to a hot spot on your foot and it will stick for a long time, even with sweaty feet, while the slick outside surface glides smoothly against whatever your foot was rubbing on (reducing friction).

The key is to apply duct tape as soon as you start feeling that tell-tale tingle of a hot spot. DO NOT put it off until your next planned break. Stop, drop and tape immediately.

Despite your best efforts you may still develop a blister. Here is the best way I know to fix them: Wait until you get to camp (don’t mess with it while you still got walking to do). Run a threaded, sterilized needle through one end of the blister and out the other side, leaving the thread in place overnight. As you sleep the goop will leach out along the thread, slowly draining the blister, and in the morning it will resemble a flat, dry, hard callous.

Seal the ex-blister with Liquid Bandage and duct tape or band-aid over it. If possible, identify and eliminate the source of friction that caused the blister in the first place, so it doesn’t cause any further aggravation.

LAST RESORT: Take Ibuprofin (“Vitamin I”)

Finally, if nothing else works, you can always turn to drugs. “Vitamin I” is the pet name given to ibuprofin by hikers (because it is such a commonly used anti-inflammatory and anti-pain medicine on the trail). Drugs do not eliminate the source of the discomfort, but they can provide temporary relief by numbing the pain until you can find and fix the real problem.

Have a question about fixing foot pain, or a suggestion from your own experience? Please post your comments below…

It comes from small, hiker-owned businesses who design, manufacture and sell their own gear on the internet and at small shows and hiker gatherings.

These “cottage industry” gear smiths are responsible for most of the innovative new ideas that have fueled the ultralight backpacking revolution (from tarp-tents to one-pound packs and more).

Here is where you can find the latest cutting edge “cottage industry” ultralight backpacking gear:

Cottage Backpacking Gear Companies:

AntiGravityGear

www.antigravitygear.com – Lightweight shelters, cook systems, accessories and more.

Bear Paw Wilderness Designs

www.bearpawwd.com – Lightweight shelters and accessories.

Big Sky International

www.bigskyinternational.com – Ultralight freestanding shelters.

Black Rock Gear

www.blackrockgear.com – Ultralight down hats, vests, gloves and apparel.

Brasslite Backpacking Stoves

www.brasslite.com – Lightweight alcohol stoves.

Bushbuddy

www.bushbuddy.ca – Ultralight wood burning stoves.

Dirty Girl Gaiters

www.dirtygirlgaiters.com – Colorful lightweight gaiters.

DIY Gear Supply

www.diygearsupply.com – Materials and fabrics for building your own lightweight gear.

Elemental Horizons

www.elementalhorizons.com – Lightweight backpacks and accessories.

Enlightened Equipment

www.enlightenedequipment.com – Ultralight sleeping quilts.

Equinox LTD

www.equinoxltd.com – Ultralight packs, shelters, accessories and more.

Feathered Friends

www.featheredfriends.com – Ultralight down sleeping bags and clothing.

Four Dog Stoves

www.fourdog.com – Ultralight multi-fuel stoves and cookware.

Gossamer Gear

www.gossamergear.com – Ultralight backpacks, shelters, sleep systems & more.

Goosefeet Gear

www.goosefeetgear.com – Down booties and apparel.

Hammock Gear

www.hammockgear.com – Lightweight hammock tarps, quilts and accessories.

Hennessy Hammock

www.hennessyhammock.com – Lightweight hammock shelters.

Hyperlight Mountain Gear

www.hyperlitemountaingear.com – Ultralight cuben fiber backpacks, shelters and accessories.

Integral Designs

www.integraldesigns.com – Lightweight shelters, bivys and accessories.

Jacks R Better

www.jacksrbetter.com – Ultralight sleeping quilts, shelters and accessories.

Katabatic Gear

www.katabaticgear.com – Ultralight sleeping quits and bivys.

Lawson Outdoor Equipment

www.lawsonequipment.com – Lightweight shelter kits, fabrics and accessories.

LightHeart Gear

www.lightheartgear.com – Ultralight double-wall shelters, fabrics and accessories.

LW Gear

www.lwgear.com – Lightweight backpacks, DVDs, books and videos.

McHale Alpine Packs

www.mchalepacks.com – Custom fitted ultralight backpacks.

Moonbow Gear

www.moonbowgear.com – Modular pack systems, shelters and other unique gear.

Nunatak

www.nunatakusa.com – Ultralight sleeping quilts and down apparel.

Mountain Laurel Designs

www.mountainlaureldesigns.com – Ultralight backpacks, shelters, sleep systems and more.

Outdoor Equipment Supplier LLC

www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com – Lightweight tarps, shelters and accessories.

Oware

www.owareusa.com – Ultralight shelters, sleep systems and accessories.

Packafeather

http://packafeather.com – Lightweight alcohol stoves and accessories.

Ray Jardine

www.rayjardine.com – The godfather of UL backpacking’s books and sew-your-own gear kits.

Ruta Locura

www.rutalocura.com – Trekking poles, tent poles, cookware and accessories.

Simblissity

www.simblissity.net – Lightweight gaiters, storage sacks and  accessories.

Six Moon Designs

www.sixmoondesigns.com – Ultralight backpacks, shelters and accessories.

Solo Stove

www.solostove.com – Lightweight wood-burning stoves.

Suluk 46

www.suluk46.com – Ultralight backpacking tools and accessories.

Tarptent

www.tarptent.com – The original ightweight single-wall shelters (and now double wall shelters)

Titanium Goat

www.titaniumgoat.com – Lightweight conical shelters, cook systems and more.

Trail Designs

www.traildesigns.com – Lightweight stoves, cookware and accessories.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment

www.ula-equipment.com – The best lightweight backpacks in the biz.

Warbonnet Outdoors

www.warbonnetoutdoors.com – Lightweight hammock tarps, quilts and accessories.

Western Mountaineering

www.westernmountaineering.com – Ultralight down sleeping bags and apparel.

White Box Stoves

www.whiteboxstoves.com – Ultralight alcohol stoves.

ZPacks

www.zpacks.com – Ultralight cuben fiber shelters, backpacks and accessories.

This list is still a work in progress. If you have a question or would like to suggest a company that is not mentioned here, please post your comments below…

Lightweight backpacks are designed for base-weights of 10-15 lbs and can carry up to 35 pounds, which is ideal for 5-7 day stretches between resupply stops. If one of these lightweight backpacks can’t carry all your gear, then you’re packing too much stuff!

There are many other lightweight backpacks, but you can’t go wrong with one of these five.

Have a question about lightweight backpacks or a recommendation based on your own experiences? Please post your comments below…

Here are some pictures from my PCT adventures…

Have any questions about the Pacific Crest Trail? Please post your comments below…

The best physical exercise to get in shape for hiking is walking. Walking is slow, methodical, repetitive, low-impact and anyone can do it. It’s also the main component of hiking. If walking every day does not sound appealing, you can forget about completing a long hike.

Start out by walking around your neighborhood or wherever is most convenient. If you live within a few miles of your job try walking to and from work. If you work further away try walking to a bus stop a few miles from home and taking the bus to work instead of driving.

I find that walking for a purpose is more enjoyable than just walking for the sake of training. It’s also not as easy to shirk your daily walking workout if you are doing it to get somewhere you need to go. You might even have to run or jog a few times because you’re running late.

Often the months leading up to a long hike are in the winter and early spring. It may be cold and there may still be snow on the ground where you live, making the idea of walking outside less pleasant. Even better! The less pleasant the prospect of walking is, the better it will prepare you mentally for the rigors of long distance hiking.

You can increase the effectiveness of your walks by adding weight and uneven terrain. Toss a few books, water bottles or some gear in your backpack and head to the nearest park, trail or wilderness area with hills to climb as often as you can. If there are no trails or hills where you live a treadmill with the incline cranked up or a stair climber will work.

I recommend walking two hours every day for a couple of months leading up to your big hike. If you keep a steady 4 mile per hour pace and walk every day for two months you will have walked nearly 500 miles by the time you take your first step on the trail.

Tip #2: Maintain A Healthy Body Weight

Although too much body fat is a hindrance, too little body fat can be just as much of a problem on a long hike. Body fat serves an important biological function, which is to store energy for times when food is not available. And hiking is definitely one of those times.

Most thru-hikers pack around two pounds of high calorie, lightweight food per day. This provides around 3,500 calories. But hiking for 12 hours a day can easily burn 5,000+ calories. This means that you will always be running an energy deficit. So when you start a long distance hike, you basically begin the process of slowly starving yourself.

I have found that I lose 5-8 pounds per month on a long backpacking trip, and this seems to be pretty common. It will vary depending on a number of factors. If you are thin already you will likely lose less weight, if you are fat you will lose more. Women tend to lose less weight than men do. But anyone who has completed a a multi-month thru-hike knows that by the end, most hikers looks like they escaped from a prisoner of war camp.

My PCT Weight Loss - Start (205 lbs) Finish (170 lbs)

What’s the ideal weight to start a long distance hike?

Personally, I like to start 10-15 pounds over my “ideal weight”. Enough body fat to provide for my increased energy needs, but not so much that it’s physically taxing.

As with food weight you should weigh the pros and cons of carrying extra body weight and try to find a happy medium that works for you. The more you hike the more in-tune you will get with your body and how it reacts.

Tip #3: Start A Workout Program

Starting a regimented workout program has two major benefits: The first is that it will improve your strength, health and general fitness. The second is that it helps you build self-discipline, which is one of the most important character traits to have on a long distance hike.

When the alarm clock rings at 5:30am and you drag your ass out of bed to do your daily workout, that is preparing you for cold mornings on the trail when you would rather stay bundled in your warm sleeping bag, but instead you force yourself to get up, choke down a bowl of oatmeal and put 30 more miles underfoot before sunset.

Long distance hiking requires a high tolerance for pain and discomfort. The best way I know of to build this kind of discipline and confidence is to start a serious workout regimen.

P90X Home Fitness Program

My workout program of choice is P90X. It is a 90 day fitness program where you work out for one hour per day, six days a week. I like P90X because it is simple, easy to follow, can be done from home and does not require a lot of equipment.

P90X is not for the faint of heart. This is a hardcore fitness program designed for serious athletes. In 2-3 months it will whip you into the best shape of your life (and it’s not just about looking good at the beach, but developing true functional fitness).

Here is what 60 daysof P90X did for me. They also make a “lite” version workout program called Power 90, which may be more attractive to beginners.

Tip #4: Go On Shakedown Hikes

A “shakedown hike” is a multi-day hiking trip where you test out your gear, skills, fitness and enjoyment on the trail, before starting a long hike. Too many aspiring thru-hikers skip this step, only to discover within the first few weeks that they don’t really like long distance hiking, because it is not as romantic as they had imagined it would be. This is one of the factors contributing to the high dropout rates on trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails.

I recommend scheduling at least a few shakedown hikes in the months and weeks leading up to your planned departure date. While you are still working you may only be able to do some over-nighters on the weekends, which is a good start. But try also to do at least one 5-day hike, because five days is the average time between resupply stops on a long hike.

After spending five days in the wilderness you will have a better idea of what the experience is all about, and if you are truly prepared for a trip of this magnitude.

Good luck and happy trails!

Have any questions about training for a long distance hike, or suggestions from your own hiking experiences that you would like to share with others? Post your comments below…

Here are some pictures from my trip…

Have any questions about the Colorado Trail? Post your comments below…