5 Ways to lighten your hiking pack load

Key highlights: The article provides tips on 5 ultralight gear choices for multi-day hiking. The Exped Synmat 7 S UL sleeping mat offers comfort and warmth at minimal weight. The Mont Moondance I is a durable, well-ventilated one-person tent designed for Australian conditions. The Mont Helium 300 is a compact, warm sleeping bag ideal for summer trips. The Exped Lightning 60 is a lightweight bushwalking pack that balances weight and durability. Finally, the MSR Pocket Rocket is recommended for its efficient cooking performance.

Are you new to overnight or multi-day hiking or an experienced adventurer who is looking at grabbing some new gear. Before you do anything read our 5 ways to lighten the load without compromising on comfort.

1. Exped Synmat 7 S UL

Ultralight, three-quarter length synthetic insulated sleeping mat. (405g)

Warm, comfortable, compact and ultralight – the new SynMat UL 7 offers unmatched comfort and warmth at a minimal weight and packed size. Ultralight fabrics and construction combine with excellent insulation for an outstanding lightweight mat. All this at the size of a ½ litre bottle.

2. Mont Moondance I

A one-person, three-season free-standing tent. (1580g)

Australian designed, for Australian conditions; the Mont Moondance I is ultralight without compromising the integrity of the materials. A bombproof 10,000 mm floor ensures you’re protected in the wettest conditions, while the mesh inner provides plenty of ventilation to reduce condensation.

The Moondance series features an innovative wishbone hub pole design that gives more space inside the tent.

3. Mont Helium 300

Ultralight two/three season down sleeping bag. (640g)

Impressively light, surprisingly compact and exceptionally warm, the Helium 300 features 800+ loft goose down, Pertex Quantum fabrics and Mont’s award winning Radial Arc Baffle System. The ultimate summer bag for fast and light trips.

4. Exped Ligntning 60

Ultralight bushwalking pack. (1100g)

This is the lightest full harness pack that Bogong stocks. There are lighter packs on the market but they have severely compromised harnesses that do not carry as well. 210 denier fabrics are light but will go the distance and this pack is big enough to carry the load. Weight is just 1.1kg, and if you pack exceptionally light you could consider the 45-litre version at 1kg. Also available in women’s 45- and 60-litre versions.

5. MSR Pocket Rocket

The PocketRocket backpacking stove provides full cooking function in an incredibly efficient form. (335g. Weight includes gas canister)

Barely noticeable in your pack, it delivers impressively in camp. Precision flame control goes from torch to simmer. The PocketRocket stove’s diminutive size is also the foundation of a solid emergency kit for home or trail. Simple Operation: No need for priming, pressurizing, or maintenance. High Heat Output: Boils 1 litre of water in under 3.5 minutes.


Contributed in 2017 by: Bogong Equipment

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About the Author

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Darren Edwards is the founder of Trail Hiking Australia, an avid bushwalker, and a dedicated search and rescue volunteer. With decades of experience exploring Australia's wilderness, Darren shares his passion for the outdoors, providing practical advice and guidance on hiking safely and responsibly. He was interviewed on ABC Radio and ABC News Breakfast to discuss bushwalking safety, highlighting his commitment to promoting responsible outdoor exploration.

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