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Members of my household are preparing for a journey that will involve both regular and light backpacks. Regular hiking backpacks are made to hold a vast amount of gear—you strap them on when you go to the woods for a week or more. They hold food (in a bear-proof canister if you are heading into the wilderness), emergency supplies, clothing, water, sleeping bag, a tarp or tent, cookware and any additional personal supplies. This adds up to a lot of weight, and seasoned backpackers know that they only want to carry one-quarter or so of their body weight on their backs—less if possible.