The Art of Lightweight Packing: A Guide for Ultralight Backpackers
Are you ready to experience the true freedom of the wilderness? Say goodbye to heavy loads and hello to the world of ultralight backpacking! In this guide, we'll unlock the secrets of lightweight packing, allowing you to embark on unforgettable adventures. All the while ensuring you have the right gear without the added load.
No matter your level of experience, our insights on gear selection, multi-purpose packing, and strategic techniques for different seasons will transform the way you approach backpacking. Step into the world of simplicity and functionality, where every item in your pack serves a purpose.
We'll guide you through the process of choosing the right gear that balances function and weight. So whether you're planning a weekend escape or a thru-hike adventure, our tips on calculating your base weight and optimizing gear choices will set you up for success.
The trail awaits, and with our guidance, you'll be prepared to cover greater distances, discovering the true essence of ultralight backpacking. Let's get started!
Understanding Ultralight Backpacking
Ultralight backpacking is not just about counting grams. It's a mindset that embraces simplicity and resourcefulness. At its core, ultralight backpacking challenges conventional thinking and encourages you to question the necessity of each item you carry.
By focusing on essentials and leaving behind non-essential luxuries, you'll discover a newfound sense of freedom and liberation on the trail. With a minimalist mindset, you'll find that the clutter of modern life fades away, leaving you with a heightened awareness of the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. With each non-essential item left behind, you shed not only weight but also the distractions that often cloud our connection to the environment.
Every ounce you remove from your pack serves as a testament to your dedication to the ultralight philosophy. As the load lightens, you'll notice a marked difference in your overall experience. No longer weighed down by cumbersome gear, you'll move more fluidly along the trail. Your body will thank you for the reduced strain, and your spirit will soar as you feel the unburdened joy of exploration.
But ultralight backpacking is not solely about sacrifice; it's a careful and thoughtful consideration of each piece of gear you carry. It's a process of honing your outdoor skills and becoming attuned to your surroundings. As you become intimately acquainted with your equipment, you'll learn to appreciate the functionality of multi-purpose tools and the ingenious ways they fit into your ultralight setup.
As you progress on your ultralight journey, you'll gain the confidence to embrace the wilderness with newfound resilience and adaptability. Your skills in navigating, foraging, and improvising will flourish, making you a self-reliant explorer who thrives in the face of the unknown.
Choosing the Right Gear
Investing in lightweight and high-quality gear is fundamental to mastering the art of ultralight backpacking. There are many variables on which to decide but a crucial one for myself is functionality. I want gear that can be used in all seasons and for different types of adventure. Think bikepacking expeditions, 3-day hiking trips, as well as weekend camping with the family. Each item of gear I have will be multipurpose so I can use it regardless of the type of adventure. The only exemption I have is sleeping bags. Who wants to use a 4 season sleeping bag in the peak of summer?
Recently I wrote a complete guide to my backpacking gear. So for this article, I won’t cover absolutely everything but I will include some trusty favorites.
Ultralight Tents
When it comes to shelter, look for tents that strike a perfect balance between weight and durability. Innovative designs such as trekking pole tents or single-wall shelters can significantly reduce the overall weight of your backpack. Nevertheless, don't sacrifice if you want a tent for all seasons. Some tents even come with removable components, allowing you to adapt them according to the weather conditions. These versatile shelters provide ample protection against the elements without weighing you down.
My go-to tent company is SixMoonDesigns. I have the Haven 2-man tent and wow it’s epic. It's light enough for bikepacking yet strong and durable for winter with some lovely extra headroom.
Multi-functional Cooking Equipment
Save weight by opting for cooking gear that serves multiple purposes. Consider a lightweight pot with a lid that doubles as a frying pan, allowing you to cook a variety of meals with minimal extra equipment. Additionally, investing in a stove that efficiently burns different types of fuel, like canister and alcohol, ensures versatility in various environments.
The SilverAnt 3-piece titanium cookware set is perfect for 1 or 2 people. Store an alcohol stove inside or your stove and gas canister. Cook dehydrated food bags and boil water quickly for the morning oats.
Sleeping Bags and Pads
Traditional sleeping bags are bulky and heavy, especially if made from down. But quilt-style synthetic sleeping bags offer an excellent alternative for ultralight backpackers. These sleeping bags provide insulation on the top and sides of your body while eliminating the insulation underneath, saving considerable weight. Pair them with a 4-season high R-rating lightweight sleeping pad and you have the perfect pair for a good night’s sleep.
The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt is a popular choice for ultralight backpackers. It offers top-notch insulation, and a clever strap system to keep it securely attached to your sleeping pad. In the summer it makes a quilt but in autumn and winter use it as a traditional sleeping bag. For sleeping pads check out either Nemo or Gear Doctors.
Ultralight Backpacks
Your backpack is the cornerstone of your ultralight setup. Look for packs that are designed with minimalist features, yet still offer enough storage and support for your trip. Seek those made from lightweight and durable materials, with well-padded shoulder straps and hip belts for added comfort. Nowadays you can also find many rucksacks with extended mesh pouches and water bottle side pouches. These are super functional and I highly recommend them.
Osprey has a fantastic range of ultralight backpacks from 20L and above. I have the 45L Talon which is my go-to climbing bag as well as my bag for backpacking. In honesty, any rucksack from Osprey will last years!
Additional Gear
With the big gear items mentioned, I wanted to add a few extra items before detailing how best to pack and organize. On every trip, bikepacking, hiking, or camping I will carry my Led Lensor head torch, Leatherman multi-tool, long-handle titanium spork, titanium cup, and titanium French press with a container of ground coffee.
These items are not always essentials but they make my trip all the better. You could of course drink coffee from instant sachets, or use one of the pots from the titanium cookware as a cup. For me, with the weight being so little I dont mind.
Weighing Your Pack and Packing: The Base Weight and Beyond
Your base weight is the starting point of your ultralight backpacking journey. In a blog somewhere you might have read this. But for those that don't, it means the weight of all your gear before food and water. The weight of your food and water will always vary over your backpacking trip hence why we don't include it as the base weight.
When packing your backpack efficiency and organization are key. Start by laying out all the base gear you plan to bring and prioritize the essentials such as shelter, sleeping gear, clothing, and cooking equipment. Place heavier items, like your sleeping bag, tent, and stove, closer to your back and in the middle/bottom of the pack to maintain balance and stability. Another thought when packing is noting use. For example, never pack waterproof clothing at the bottom of your bag as these are often needed items.
For the greatest organization, use stuff sacks or dry compression bags to reduce the volume of your clothing and gear. Even use different color dry sacks for different gear for easier organization! These bags maximize space and keep items dry and organized. Before packing consider the expected weather conditions and terrain to ensure you have the appropriate clothing and gear for your specific trip.
Always pack for the unexpected regardless of forecast or environment. You never know when that extra jumper, pair of socks, or beanie will come in handy.
Begin by placing your sleeping bag at the bottom of the main compartment with your tent in the waterproof bag. Next, add your sleeping pad and other lightweight gear. Depending on your rucksack design you can either pack the tent and sleeping bag together or attach the tent/shelter to the outside with straps.
When packing think of the order in which you need the items and this is also aided by a rucksack with compartments. or by using the above-mentioned dry sacks.
Next, layer your clothing and cooking equipment on top, keeping them well-compressed to save space. Fill any gaps with smaller items.
Now coming back to that mystery base weight. Depending on the conditions and season I would say a good target weight is 15lbs/7kg or so for Spring, Summer, and Autumn. In the Winter your base weight will be heavier for the extra clothing needed. The aim of the base weight is to ensure you have enough gear and clothing to be comfortable without carrying too much.
Remember everything you have will need to be carried. But also remember it's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
Multi-purpose Packing: Making the Most of Each Item
As mentioned earlier multi-purpose packing is a crucial aspect of successful backpacking. It allows you to make the most of each item in your gear arsenal. To do this you need to look for versatile equipment that can serve many functions, enabling you to carry less while achieving more.
For example, a multi-functional titanium cooking set, eliminates the need for additional cookware and cups, saving both space and weight in your backpack. A titanium pot can boil water for dehydrated food bags and then become a coffee cup. And a good spork removes the need for any other utensils while backpacking besides a hunting knife.
By carefully selecting the gear you carry, you'll enhance your outdoor experience and minimize the burden on your back. Another bonus of this philosophy is you save money as you have functional gear ready for any type of adventure.
Conclusion
By mastering the art of lightweight packing, you'll embark on a journey that liberates you from unnecessary burdens, both physical and mental.
Equip yourself with the best gear and knowledge you can and let the mountains and forests become your playground as you embrace the freedom of ultralight backpacking.
To your next adventure!
Shaun