I made up a list of all the tips and techniques I have found here and the BackpackingLight Yahoo mail list. Help me edit/expand/improve it.
· The best equipment to lighten your load is above your eyebrows: know that you have control over the weight of your load. Learn to work with Nature rather than fear it. Think outside the box. Less is more.
· Don’t take anything you won’t really use.
· Weigh and compare all your gear.
· The Big Three in weight savings are pack, shelter, and sleeping bag. The second big three are clothing, hydration, and cooking gear.
· Trim off extra straps and hardware, find the lightest alternative wherever you can: leave no stone unturned.
· Find gear with multiple uses.
· Use tarps and/or bivvies rather than double wall tents
· Down sleeping bags are lightest. Down quilts are very light. Use the lightest bag you can that is appropriate for the conditions/season.
· Use packs that are simple in design, made of strong but light fabrics and use your sleeping pad instead of stays or frame sheets.
· Use the lightest sleeping pad you can tolerate. Closed cell foam pads are among the lightest and help your pack take shape.
· Use trail running shoes rather than boots.
· Plan meals that use as less fuel, use pot cozies.
· Use small alcohol, solid fuel, or gas canister stoves.
· Use flexible water containers like Platypus rather than hard polycarbonate ones.
· Use recycled water or soda bottles for hard water carriers.
· Use chemical treatments like chlorine dioxide rather than heavy filter systems.
· Use small light cooking containers of aluminum, titanium, or large recycled beer cans. Coordinated stove and container systems can save weight.
· Use a spork or a spoon for eating.
· Use the smallest knife/multi-tool.
· Decant larger liquid items into smaller bottles, taking only what you need for the trip.
· Use small LED micro lights and headlamps.
· Maximize clothing layers. Look to wind shirts, down or polyfill insulation layers, and wicking base layers.
· Use hats and gloves to maximize heat retention.
· Use polyester and other synthetics or Merino wool and do not use cotton.
· Find the lightest, most breathable rain gear.
· Use trash compactor bags or pack liners to keep your gear dry.
· Find the smallest, lightest (and fewest) components for your essentials and personal hygiene. Be smart and stay safe.
