What Is Ultralight Backpacking? A Beginner’s Guide to Lightweight Adventures
And let's face it, most of us use ultralight gear to cut down weight, but we will never get below 20 pounds! Which is totally a-okay and normal! 20 pounds is better than 30 or 25! Every little bit of weight saved matters a lot.
Traveling Light, Living Large
Picture this: you’re trekking up a rugged trail, a panorama of wild beauty unfolding around you. But instead of marveling at the view, you’re wondering if your pack is secretly filled with bricks. Sound familiar? Enter ultralight backpacking—the answer to freeing yourself (and your back) from the weight of overpacking.
Ultralight backpacking isn’t just a gear trend; it’s a mindset. It’s about shedding unnecessary weight so you can move more freely and focus on what really matters—enjoying the trail. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this guide will break down everything you need to know to embrace ultralight hiking. Spoiler alert: your knees will thank you.
What Is Ultralight Backpacking?
Let’s start with the basics: ultralight backpacking is the art of carrying less while still being safe, prepared, and comfortable. It’s about packing smarter, not harder, and relying on lightweight gear to keep your base weight—everything but food, water, and fuel—under 10 pounds. (For comparison, traditional backpacking base weights often exceed 20 pounds.)
Key Terms to Know
- Base Weight: The weight of your pack without food, water, or fuel.
- Skin-Out Weight: The total weight of everything you’re carrying, including what you’re wearing.
- Big Three: The heaviest items in your pack—your shelter, sleep system, and backpack.
Ultralight backpacking isn’t about sacrificing comfort or safety; it’s about finding that sweet spot where you carry just enough to thrive on the trail without excess bulk. Think of it as minimalist living... but with better views.
Why Go Ultralight? The Benefits
So, why should you trade your traditional pack for a lighter load? Here’s what ultralight backpacking brings to the table:
1. Less Physical Strain
A lighter pack means less stress on your knees, back, and feet, reducing the risk of injury and post-hike soreness. You’ll move with ease and maybe even feel a little sprightlier on those uphill climbs.
2. Hike Farther, Faster
With less weight holding you back, you can cover more ground, explore side trails, or set up camp earlier—giving you extra time to enjoy the sunset (or a well-deserved snack).
3. Connection to Nature
Without the distraction of a heavy pack, you’ll feel more connected to the landscape around you. Plus, ultralight gear encourages a simpler, more mindful approach to the outdoors.
4. Flexibility
Ultralight setups make off-trail exploration or last-minute itinerary changes a breeze. You’ll also find it easier to adjust your pack weight for different seasons or trip lengths.
Ultralight vs. Traditional Backpacking: What’s the Difference?
Ultralight backpacking isn’t just about shaving off weight—it’s a complete shift in philosophy. Let’s compare:
| Feature | Traditional Backpacking | Ultralight Backpacking |
|---|---|---|
| Pack weight | 20+ pounds | Under 10 pounds |
| Gear | Heavy-duty, bulky | Lightweight, compact |
| Philosophy | "Pack for every scenario." | "Pack for what’s likely." |
| Comfort focus | Camp comfort | Trail comfort |
Ultralight isn’t about roughing it; it’s about being intentional. Instead of preparing for every “what if,” you pack for what’s most likely—without skimping on essentials.
And let's face it, most of us use ultralight gear to cut down weight, but we will never get below 20 pounds! Which is totally a-okay and normal! 20 pounds is better than 30 or 25! Every little bit of weight saved matters a lot.
The Core Principles of Ultralight Backpacking
If ultralight hiking had commandments, they’d look something like this:
1. Prioritize the Big Three
Your shelter, sleep system, and backpack are your heaviest items. Upgrading to lightweight options can instantly cut pounds from your base weight.
2. Choose Multipurpose Gear
Why carry three items when one can do the job? Think trekking poles that double as tent supports, or a rain jacket that’s also a windbreaker.
3. Pack Only What You Need
This one takes practice. Lay out your gear and ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Be honest. (Hint: the answer is usually no.)
4. Know Your Limits
Ultralight backpacking is about balance. Don’t compromise safety or comfort just to hit a specific weight.
Beginner’s Guide to Ultralight Gear
Starting out can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to replace all your gear overnight. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
1. Shelter
- Options: Lightweight tents, tarps, or bivy sacks.
- Pro Tip: Dyneema tents are ultralight favorites—they’re waterproof, durable, and feather-light. Hyperlite is a company that will often come up when ultralight tents are mentioned. They make extremely nice ultralight tents.
- Weight Goal: Under 2 pounds.
2. Sleep System
- Sleeping Bag vs. Quilt: Quilts are lighter and more versatile. Outdoor Vitals makes phenomenal quilts at great prices!
- Sleeping Pad: Opt for inflatable pads that balance comfort and weight. Be sure to check the temperature rating of your sleeping pad so it keeps you appropriately warm.
- Weight Goal: Under 2 pounds combined.
3. Backpack
- Key Features: Frameless packs are great for ultralight loads but check for a good fit to avoid discomfort. Companies like Hyperlite are much loved for their high quality and very lightweight backpacks. Some are frameless, and some are not. Packs with lightweight frames can be great too!
- Weight Goal: Under 2 pounds.
How to Reduce Pack Weight
Want to lighten your load? Start here:
- Weigh Everything: Use a kitchen scale to find the weight of each item.
- Eliminate Extras: Ditch duplicates and non-essentials.
- Replace Heavy Gear: Gradually invest in lighter alternatives.
- DIY It: Ultralight hikers love gear hacks—like turning a soda can into a stove.
Common Myths About Ultralight Backpacking
- “It’s unsafe.” Preparedness is key. You’re not sacrificing safety; you’re optimizing your setup. You'll still be bringing along safety gear like a satellite communicator and first aid kit.
- “It’s uncomfortable.” Modern ultralight gear is engineered for both comfort and functionality. Check out our reviews to learn which gear we love and which gear we'd pass on if you want some quick knowledge on comfort!
- “It’s expensive.” Sure, some ultralight gear is pricey, but budget options and DIY solutions make it accessible. There is no need to dive right into the ultralight life! One piece at a time is a good way to get started.
Tips for Beginners
Starting your ultralight journey? Keep these in mind:
- Start Small: Try an overnight hike with borrowed or rented gear.
- Test Your Setup: A few “shakedown hikes” can reveal what works and what doesn’t.
- Educate Yourself: Join ultralight forums or watch YouTube videos for inspiration.
Final Thoughts
Ultralight backpacking isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about crafting a hiking experience that’s lighter, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re trimming ounces or diving into the ultralight lifestyle, every step you take is a step closer to discovering the joy of the trail.
Ready to get started? Check out our tips for beginners to take the first step on your lightweight adventure. Happy trails!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ultralight Backpacking
- What is the difference between ultralight and lightweight backpacking?
Ultralight backpacking means bringing only the essentials and doing everything possible to trim down the weight in order to have the lightest setup possible, in order to cover more ground and save your body from strain of a heavy load. Lightweight backpacking is similar, but not as extreme. Lightweight backpacking uses a lot of ultralight gear to cut weight though, because every ounce matters! - How much does ultralight gear cost?
Ultralight gear costs vary a lot. Some of the gear can be rather expensive, like gear made by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. And some ultralight gear is more on the affordable side, like the gear made by Outdoor Vitals. There are ways to save money on ultralight gear, such as buying used and learning how to make some of your own gear. - Is ultralight backpacking suitable for beginners?
Ultralight backpacking is absolutely suitable for beginners! It just requires a little bit of extra thought in your preparations.
Free Ultralight Backpacking Checklist
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