Equipment for a lightweight hike

Introduction

As you probably know, weight is the most important element to take into account when trekking over several days. In this article, I will go over the essentials for a bivouac hike and give some examples. Of course, the different products that I will present to you are for information purposes only and you are free to choose others.

The backpack:

Unless you have mules, you have to carry your own equipment. That's why choosing your backpack carefully is essential to avoid hurting your back. The choice of backpack is made first of all according to the capacity. For a trek over several days, I advise you to take a 50 or 60 L bag. Then, you have to take into account the overall weight of the bag and its frame. Is it better to choose a lighter bag, but perhaps less resistant or a slightly heavier bag, but more robust or can you find a compromise.

Today, I will present to you the range of backpacks that I have been using for a few years and that I can no longer part with. This is the Ubic collection from the Millet brand with 7 different models according to the volume: 20 L, 30 L, 35 L, 40 L, 45 L, 50 + 10 L, 60 + 10 L. For trekking hikes, the 50 + 10 L and 60 + 10 L models will be more suitable, because they have a larger volume. However, you can choose a smaller model for your day hikes. Composed of the Variloop system, this backpack allows you to carry your bivouac equipment such as the tent, sleeping bag and mattress, but also your ski or mountaineering equipment with an attachment for your skis, snowboard, snowshoes, etc.

Here is an example of the 60 + 10 L model

The tent:

Which tent should you choose for a bivouac hike? You need a tent that is light, durable, but also not too expensive. After some research, I decided to invest in an Msr Hubba Hubba NX. This very light and compact model will be your ideal companion for all your hikes lasting several days. At first glance, setting up the tent may seem complicated. After reading the instructions carefully, preparing your camp will become child's play.

Price: around €400

Weight: 1,720 g

The mattress:

It is not easy to find the right mattress that you can fit in your hiking bag without it taking up all the space. The Therm-A-Rest brand is a reference in the field of bivouacs and especially mattresses. The self-inflating mattress "Therm-A-Rest Prolite Plus" has the advantage of being not only light, but also very compact.

Price: around €100

Weight: S = 450 g; R = 650g; L = 680g

The down:

What should you choose between a feather duvet and a synthetic duvet? It all depends on the use of the latter. Feather duvets tend to be lighter and more compact. The Trek TK duvet range from Seat To Summit is proof of this. This mixed model is both light and compact. It can be carried very easily at the bottom of a backpack.

Comfort temperature: -1°C

Comfort temperature limit: -8°C

Weight: Regular = 995g; Long = 1060g

Price: €285

The stove:

When bivouacking, the most important thing is food. How to eat well without overloading yourself. I will come back to the food itself a few lines later. After a long day of hiking, you need to eat hot food. But no luck, neither the barbecue nor the gas stove fit in the backpack. So I found the alternative much lighter and more compact (you are used to it by now, the secret is the weight and the space in the bag). Here is the Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove from MSR. This stove has exceptional stability. It is also composed of a piezo, which means that you do not even need a match or a lighter. It folds and stores very easily in its cover.

Weight: 83 g

Power: 3200 W

Price: €80

Please note that the gas cartridge shown in the photo is not included in the purchase of the stove. At MSR, there are three models of cartridges: 113 g, 227 g and 450 g. The model will depend on the length of your hike. For a 4-day hike, I use the 227 g which costs around €6

After looking at the stoves, you have to look at the food. The best solution remains freeze-dried food, which is certainly a bit expensive, but takes up very little space in the bag.

This is an example of a freeze-dried meal that you can find in any sports store. For this meal, you need to count €6.10. The price can vary depending on the dishes and the quantity.

I hope this article has been useful for your future hikes and bivouacs. If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact me!