Backpacking Hacks

Permit season is literally right around the corner. And with permits comes lots of backpacking trips. Even for those who have backpacked in the past, learning new backpacking hacks can be super exciting. So, I share with you a few of my favorites below!

1. Leave the deodorant at home. Backpackers rarely pack it in their packs; especially if doing a thru-hike. It’s extra weight you don’t need. Just find a stream to wash off in or wipe yourself down with a baby wipe. If you just have to have it with you, buy a travel size and remove the actual deodorant from the plastic casing and pack it in a ziplock to reduce weight. OR, get some natural deodorant, like Lush’s Aromaco, cut to a small size perfect for your pack. I packed deodorant with me on multiple trips before realizing I never once even pulled it out of my pack and stopped bringing it.
2. Repackage your food! I’m always so surprised by backpackers who don’t know this 101 hack. If you’re opting to purchase pre-made, dehydrated food like Mountain House, check how many servings/calories it is. You may need to separate it into smaller portions. You can do this with a ziplock. Freezer bags can also hold boiling water. If your pre-made food is a single serving, make sure to use a pin to poke a small hole in the bag to let any excess air out. For any and all ziplock bags, make sure you get as much air out of those as well.
   1. Check out the bottom of this post for links to backpacking food recipes!
3. Bring a Nalgene! First, they’re much lighter than some of the other bottles on the market, not to mention MUCH easier on the wallet. Second, Nalgenes have a built in measuring cup for those of us using a pocket stove rather than the more expensive and bulkier Jet Boils (although I would totally use one if they were priced better). And finally, if it’s a bit cold outside, fill your Nalgene with hot water, wrap it in a buff or sock and throw it in your sleeping bag!
4. Pack duct tape. It is the ultimate hack! My favorite duct tape hack? Blister barrier. We’ve all been there. Out on the trail with the most gnarly blister ever! Band-aids are great, but they never stay in place on your feet. Enter duct tape. It really is like The Force (google it folks).
5. Concerned about rain? No need to pack heavy dry sacks. Just use a trash bag! It will line your entire backpack. And, if there’s no rain, it makes for a great space to put dirty clothes until you can wash them.
6. Dry out baby wipes before your trip. They’re much lighter when they’re dried out. And, when you’re ready to use them, simply re-wet and use.
7. Saw your toothprush handle off. I cut mine down so that it’s only 2 inches. Takes up less space and cuts down on the ounces.
8. For weekend backpacking trips, pack each day’s food into a single gallon ziplock (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks). This makes it easy to pull out the food you need for the day and not have to dig around in your pack looking for that dang meal bar. Lol.

This is just a small list of the hacks I have used over the years. A simple google search will turn up many other hacks; some of which I have used and others I have yet to try. I also love packing my own backpacking meals on trips. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good pre-packed meal (I’m looking at you Mountain House Chili Mac), but my wallet prefers I make them myself. Ha! Here’s a list of some of the sites I’ve used in the past:

1. The Yummy Life, Backpacking Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
2. Just Add Water Recipes
3. A Complete List of Recipes

Do you have a favorite backpacking hack or recipe? Let us know in the comments below!