This Is Why You Ought to Strive Ultralight Backpacking (2025)

I first encountered the concepts of ultralight backpacking in 1994, in an article in now-defunct (and much-missed) Backpacker journal. It was titled “Much less is Extra,” by Mark Jenkins. (I nonetheless have a PDF copy I scanned years in the past.) Jenkins wrote a couple of lengthy journey throughout Europe and Africa. By the top, he and his touring companion shed all of the gear they thought they wanted, save what they had been carrying, their down jackets, and a few spoons.

Whereas I had no want to have all my gear stolen as Jenkins does as at one level in Africa, the thought of carrying much less to journey farther, sooner, and lighter, struck a chord. Not simply with me, however with a great deal of different folks. Jenkins’ article is extensively credited with beginning the ultralight backpacking motion.

On the time, there wasn’t a lot light-weight gear accessible. A lot of the early ultralight motion was pushed by a DIY ethos. I constructed my very own alcohol stoves out of discarded tuna cans, made pot cozies out of Reflectix, and original windscreens from heavy aluminum foil. Because of this, my prepare dinner equipment weight dropped by 14 ounces.

As we speak, ultralight backpackers are extra widespread than traditionalists, at the least judging from the folks I meet on the path. However precisely what is ultralight backpacking? And the way do you shed all that weight with out giving up the consolation?

Ultralight Backpacking, Outlined

For the sake of all being on the identical web page, I’ll outline “ultralight” backpacking as a base weight of 10 kilos or much less. Meaning all of your gear, minus what you are carrying on the path, minus consumables (primarily meals), weighs at most 10 kilos.

If that sounds daunting, contemplate that there are some who journey beneath the moniker “tremendous ultralight” who shoot for a base weight of 5 kilos or much less. On the different finish, there’s what I’d name light-weight, which might be 15 kilos or much less. I’ve by no means tried a super-ultralight journey, however I’ve spent greater than a decade with a base weight of 10 kilos and have by no means felt like I used to be doing with out or struggling in any manner. Fairly the alternative. It is a revelation, and you will by no means need to return.

Now that we’ve our phrases outlined, how does one get to an ultralight base weight of 10 kilos or much less?

Earlier than we get into particulars of drugs, know that a very powerful factor you are able to do to make your pack weigh much less is to convey much less stuff. For most individuals the largest positive factors (er, losses) can be in what you do not convey slightly than what you do.

Once you’re contemplating what to convey, be sure to want it slightly than simply wanting it. I really like making espresso on a moka pot however not sufficient to lug one into the backcountry. I do not want it, so I go away it at house and make Turkish espresso on the path. Undergo every part you ever convey on the path and actually ask your self: Is that this one thing I would like?