As you can see below, you also need to organize your sheet with weight, pricing, and other important details.
Feel free to use a copy of this spreadsheet, which has the formulas already built in. After you click on the link, navigate to "File," click on "Make a copy" and you're set to begin.
More: Daypack Essentials for Camping Adventures
This sheet will act as your new database. When you plan a specific trip, you can copy and paste items and weights into a new spreadsheet based on what you need to pack. Because it's a Google Docs spreadsheet, you can also share it with the other people on your trip to help coordinate gear. For example, see who owns the lightest stove in the group and then leave the other, heavier stove, at home.
3. Focus one the 'Big 3'
Tent
The REI Half Dome 2 tent is a great tent, but it weighs 82 oz. (5.2 pounds). Only use this type of heavy tent for your car camping trips. Invest in a lightweight tent for backpacking. Big Agnes makes the Fly Creek, which ranges from 27 oz. to 34 oz. depending one whether you buy the one- or two-person tent. That's a 55-ounce savings, or 3.43 pounds.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bags are categorized by their temperature rating and it's traditionally recommended that you choose a bag for the coldest temperature you expect to encounter during your trip. However, to save weight without sacrificing comfort, choose the next temperature category above this, and instead wear warmer clothing while you sleep. For example, if the forecast calls for a low of 32 degrees, try a 35- or 40-degree bag, and sleep in your lightweight down jacket.
If you plan to backpack in an area that isn't usually wet, then choose a down insulation sleeping bag instead of synthetic insulation for a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Plus, the extra compressibility will help you fit all your gear into a smaller pack, where you can save even more weight.
