Ultra-light Backpacking: Choosing the Right Camping Clothes.
Ultra-light Backpacking: Choosing the Right Camping Clothes
Just as each piece of equipment plays a vital role in the success of your outdoor adventure, so too, does your clothing. When mastering the art of ultra-light backpacking, it’s not merely about saving ounces and pounds; it’s also about selecting the right camping clothes to ensure comfort, warmth, and safety. Here, we delve into some essential factors and tips to consider when choosing clothing for ultra-light backpacking.
Understanding Clothing Layering System
Regardless of how light you pack, it’s essential to understand that the purpose of wearing clothing, aside from protection from external elements, is insulation. This is best achieved through a three-layer system consisting of base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer.
Base Layer (Inner Layer)
The base layer is worn next to the skin and is responsible for moisture management. Essentially, it wicks sweat away from your body to keep you dry and comfortable. When choosing a base layer, look for materials like synthetic blends, merino wool, or silk. At all costs, avoid cotton since it absorbs and retains moisture, leaving you feeling damp and chilly.
Mid Layer
The mid layer is what you wear for insulation. Materials such as down, synthetic-fill, and fleece are common and effective at retaining heat. Down boasts excellent warmth-to-weight ratio but works poorly when wet. Synthetic-fill works better in damp weather but can be a bit heavier. Fleece, which provides good insulation, is breathable, and dries fast, can pose a challenge because of its bulkiness.
Outer Layer (Shell Layer)
The outermost layer protects you from wind and rain. This could be a lightweight, weather-resistant shell made from materials like Gore-Tex, or other nylon/polyester derivatives. Make sure that this layer is both waterproof and breathable.
The Importance of Versatility
When packing ultralight, every garment you bring should serve multiple purposes. A hiking shirt can double as a town shirt, thermal underwear can double as sleepwear, and trail runners can double as stream crossing shoes. Versatility is vital to reducing your load.
Materials and Weight Considerations
As an ultralight backpacker, always be cognizant of the weight-to-utility ratio when selecting your clothing. While a heavy down jacket may seem like a good idea in cold conditions, a lightweight synthetic-fill jacket might offer similar warmth for much less weight.
Color Coding
Choosing the right color for your gear and clothing is beneficial for many reasons. A brightly colored rain jacket or backpack is highly visible and can help others find you in an emergency. Light-colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it.
Socks and Footwear
The importance of suitable socks and footwear cannot be overemphasized. Since you’ll be on your feet for extended periods, invest in a good pair of hiking socks and shoes. Synthetic or wool socks are excellent as they wick away moisture to keep your feet dry. Pick shoes that are not only light but also provide excellent traction and support.
Essential Clothing Checklist
Using the principles discussed, here’s a simple checklist of essential clothing for an ultralight backpacking trip:
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Insulating layers (top and bottoms)
- Lightweight, wind-resistant and waterproof outer layers
- Quick-drying hiking pants or shorts
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking hiking shirts
- Hat with a brim for sun protection
- Warm hat for cold weather
- Gloves or mittens (if necessary)
- Hiking socks (synthetic or wool)
- Proper hiking shoes
In conclusion, selecting the proper clothing is an integral part of any backpacking trip, especially when you’re aiming to pack ultralight. By focusing on insulation and versatility, choosing the correct materials to match the conditions, and adopting an effective layering system, you can keep your pack light and still enjoy your backpacking adventure in comfort and safety.
