What the doctors say about pack weight
It may seem obvious that carrying less weight in your backpack would benefit your body, but how much is it really helping? For my first few backpacking years I used traditional gear and while it fit me good, it often slowed my progress and prevented me from seeing more of the country. For example, when I find a most iconic camping spot, like an alpine lake or pass, often has a peak or higher tarn that is a few hundred feet above. Or, I hike in to a ‘base camp” setting and hike further in the next day for destinations that are off my hiking loop or traverse. For these outings, I often pack a small and compressible day pack (see above and bottom pictures) that weighs a couple of ounces for these excursions so I have ample water and gear for the trip. Before using ultralight equipment, I found myself hanging around the camp spot hoping for the burst of energy that I needed to get to that peak and explore, now I go to those spots on the regular and enjoy the views and find that it greatly enhances my wilderness experience. I can go farther on a daily basis too, hiking longer or accomplishing harder trips in less time or planning trips with higher miles that let me soak in the precious backcountry in while feeling less fatigue both mental and physical. Another cool thing about having a lower base weight of equipment, all your gear minus food and water, is that when your trip is coming to an end and most of your food weight is gone, your pack is a laughable ten pounds and really small so you can skip back to your car with ease. I have included some links down below with more facts about lightweight backpacking for you to chew on, enjoy.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141021111233.htm
http://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/2013/outandfit/ultralight-backpacking.cfm