Ultralight backpacking typically refers to gear weighing less than 12 pounds (excluding food, water and fuel) on your base weight; serious ounce-counters sometimes take the weight down as low as five pounds.

Gossamer Gear, Zpacks and ULA Equipment are leading a cottage industry of companies providing ever-lighter gear to the public. These mom-and-pop shops pride themselves on embracing a “by the people, for the people” philosophy.

Packing Tips

Review your backpacking gear and clothing carefully for items you could easily do without, such as toothbrushes that require multiple batteries for their operation or clothing layers that can adapt to various weather conditions – these could all make the difference between having everything necessary and packing more efficiently than carrying too many different outfits for each and every situation.

As with hiking and camping trips, backpacking requires carrying a well-stocked first aid kit for unexpected incidents that inevitably arise during these adventures. Slips while chopping onions may lead to burns on the stovetop; bug bites may occur from trekking through wilderness terrain; cuts from falling can result in cuts which require soothing with antiseptic and bandages can prevent cuts from necessitating an unplanned hospital visit or more local assistance than necessary. By having access to an arsenal of solutions in one convenient place a comprehensive first aid kit allows you manage these situations with ease while saving local help or hospital trips when things arise that require medical assistance or hospital care from local sources or hospital trips in an emergency situation.

One excellent way to keep pack weight under control is purchasing equipment at a local outdoor store. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to try on various packs and make sure they fit correctly – you may find one comfortable that your 6-foot tall, broad-shouldered travel buddy finds acceptable, while it might be completely inadequate for you!

Packing the Right Way

An ideal backpack can help you carry heavy loads without feeling overburdened by its weight. The ideal model should fit snugly around both your body and torso with comfortable straps for carrying. Furthermore, it should feature key features to help save both space and weight, such as side pockets for storage of smaller items (side pockets for phones etc), small sack that doubles up as pillow/blanket use or compression system that helps streamline its shape as well as loops or lash-on points for tools, cooking gear or extra clothing.

Once you’ve selected an appropriate pack, it is time to plan for gear. Elizabeth Paashaus, an outdoor adventure guide in Colorado suggests starting by identifying what essential items are for your trip: “Start by considering which are necessary: your sleeping bag/quilt, tent, hiking boots and lightweight backpacking pad are just a few examples.”

Consider both your trip’s season and location when making decisions on packing. “If your destination offers moderate climate, renting gear at your destination might be more suitable,” notes Ms. Doe; this applies particularly for items like trekking poles which can easily be found and purchased across developed nations.

Pack clothes that can be worn multiple times, such as pieces made of wool or other odor-resistant fabrics. That will save space and weight.

Organizing Your Pack

Once you begin lightweight backpacking, it’s a wise idea to have several backpacking organization tools at your disposal. These will enable you to pack more efficiently while keeping everything within easy reach.

One of the easiest ways to organize a backpack is with specialty pockets. Many of the best hiking backpacks feature zippered compartments designed specifically to allow users quick and easy access to specific items throughout their hike, such as waterproof rain gear or trail snacks.

Many packs feature daisy chains – or small loops sewn into the front section – in which you can attach gear like your Garin inReach or camp mug using lightweight carabiners to secure it to the outside of your backpack.

As an additional feature, many backpacks offer straps which can help secure poles or other long, rigid items to the side or top of your pack, making it easier to grab when needed. This feature can save space and make emergency accessing gear simpler.

Establishing a lightweight backpacking setup requires rigorous scrutiny, but don’t forget that not every piece of gear must be absolutely essential – if it won’t get used daily then remove it from your pack!

Clothing

A comprehensive backpacking kit should consist of a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, base layers and clothing appropriate for a three to four day adventure. A well-packed pack including all this gear should weigh 50 to 70 liters; anything more will become cumbersome as its contents fill your back pack along the trail.

Your backpacking clothing must be comfortable, breathable and quick-drying for optimal performance on any journey. The best apparel for backpacking should sit close to your skin and absorb most of the sweat you produce; this includes socks, underwear and t-shirts made of merino wool or similar odor-resistant materials which require less frequent washing compared to cotton materials, keeping you dry and odor-free for much longer on trail.

Backpackers often carry lightweight wind shirts as an additional layer, especially when hiking in windy environments or over long-sleeve shirts, in order to protect body heat from being stripped away by the breeze. Furthermore, having durable hiking gloves and polycarbonate sun glasses equipped with polycarbonate glare-reducing lenses – typically more cost-effective and lightweight alternatives than regular sunglasses – is also extremely helpful.