12 Steps To A Lighter Pack

by Steven Lowe

Offering some realistic tips on how to lighten the load you carry into the woods. 12 Steps to a Lighter Pack is written by an avid outdoorsman, for those interested in lightweight, as well as ultralight backpacking and trying to shave some weight from their packs. Steven, who has been camping since he was a child, offers real-world tips on how to look at your gear from a different point of view from what you might be used to. Inside, are some tips on how to pack a little bit lighter. The tips here can help you to relieve at least three pounds from your pack – and maybe more. The tips listed here are not tips he simply recommends; they are tips that he himself practices within his own pack. While learning how to pack a lighter pack, you need to be mindful of one simple There are 16 ounces in a pound. There are 12 steps within this book. If you can shave just four tiny little ounces in each of the 12 steps, you can shave 48 ounces from your pack. 48 ounces divided by 16 ounces in a pound is THREE POUNDS of weight that you will have shaved from your pack. Whether you are planning a multiple day backpacking trip, or packing your day pack because you are planning on hiking for just a few hours one day, you still need to be aware of the items you are carrying as well as the weight of those items. Since no one book can get you as light as you can, this book is to help the newbie get started down the path to a lighter pack. To get your pack to its lightest possible weight, you have to gather information from a lot of resources. 12 Steps to A Lighter Pack is just one resource that can get you started down the right path. Steven offers tips on how to cull some weight from several areas of your pack but here are just your pack your kitchen your shelter system and even your pockets Yes, Steven even looks into your pockets to help you pack light. For a closer look at the full list of steps, scroll up and click on the cover to look inside. Here are what some customers are "I am an experienced backpacker but this book was a good review for me. I liked the 3 pile method to review what was used and what was not. It is easy to drift into patterns that add ounces." -Deborah Ryals Very good information. Picked up several ideas from this book. Helped me lighten my load by thinking outside the box! Thank you Steven Lowe! -peaberry This book is a practical guide to keeping non-essential items from bogging down your enjoyment of the outdoors. The author explains the why and why not's of each item in his analysis of what constitutes a practical pack for backpacking in the wilderness. -sswope Ask yourself one When on the trail, do you want to lug around a heavier pack, or a lighter pack? The tips listed here will help with packing a lighter pack. Even if your goal is to trek over to the ultralight backpacking, these tips may help. Either way, your back, hips, knees and feet will thank you for buying this book.

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2013

Reviews

[Mark Frament · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info/ideas!

I enjoyed this read. At times it goes beyond just tips for weight saving to other backpacking topics, which a few times I found superfluous but others found a nice bonus. I'd recommend this book for experienced hikers who already know the basics of the equipment. You may need to research some of the products, techniques and/or DIYs mentioned, for the author doesn't elaborate on every recommendation. I found it very helpful and thought provoking and will definitely try some of these tips!

[The Green Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded the Kindle version. I gave this 4 stars considering price, ease-of-reading, and usefulness.

I'm always looking for tips/hints to apply to my apocalyptic survival plans. While I wasn't able to emotionally handle the thought of chopping excess straps, it was definitely something I hadn't considered in the past.

Loved the toothpaste pod idea. Will definitely be using that one.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a few things

Twelve steps to a lighter pack offered a number of concise discussions about a number of aspects of backpacking. I liked the tips on water purification and packing. It is a fairly experienced back packer outlining his preferences and reasoning for his selection.

[Hikes in Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow this guide, and you're guaranteed to walk away with a lighter pack. My base weight is now down to 17 pounds without sacrificing comfort, and I could go lower.

[Jarrett Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a pretty good book and you can check out my full review here.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This was an ok read. Information will help as we prepare for a few weeks on the Appalachian trail. Thanks.

[Myra L Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lighter backpacks

Lighter backpacks is what a hiker needs to make a more comfortable hike! Lowe shows you how! He has pared his down to only essentials!