So, you have heard of ultralight or super ultralight backpacking. What does it mean for the average occasional backpacker? I grew up in the Boy Scouts backpacking with a 50-60lb pack. That was the norm and none of us really questioned it. We all wore heavy hiking boots and wobbled down the trails. We would hit camp exhausted and go to bed early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As I got older and started looking to get back into backpacking, I realized the way I was taught was not necessarily the only way or the best way. I thought to myself that backpacking should be enjoyable and fun! I also had to convince my wife that it was enjoyable and something we could do for vacation. This led down the rabbit hole of research on methods and gear. I found that there is a massive community that is into this. The general idea is to lighten your load and take what you really need. If you lighten your load to a manageable weight, you can go further and have more energy to enjoy the amazing place you are in. A lighter load also means that you no longer need those heavy hiking boots in most cases and a trail runner can do the job. Let\u2019s think through how to go about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lighten the big three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The big three are considered your tent\/shelter, sleep system and pack. These items can have the biggest impact on the weight of your packs. I went from a 6lb tent to a 2lb hammock setup. As time went by, I have a lightweight tent setup as well to adjust gear based on the trip I want to take. I try to keep my shelter in that 2-3lb range. I do always carry a shelter setup that is for two people since my wife always comes with me. \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are going to be carrying less weight, you can use a pack that does not have a heavy frame or extra straps. I have found that you can fairly easily find a pack in that 1-3lbs verses the typical 5+lb packs you find in most Sporting good stores. I really like the ULA packs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cook System<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many options out there no days. I tried the alcohol stoves, pocket rockets but still carry my Jetboil for the simplicity and the fact my wife is comfortable using it. The alcohol stoves definitely work but can be slower than other methods. They are the lightest by far but it comes with trade offs in ease of use. Jetboil and pocket rockets are the easiest to use and make cooking more relaxing. I don\u2019t enjoy weighing the canisters to figure out how much is left and often end up carrying a spare. I also have a white gas stove that is awesome is really cold weather. Propane or alcohol just can\u2019t match the heat output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep System<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Synthetic bags are typically cheaper to buy but don\u2019t compress as well. Down still compresses really well for the warmth it provides. I really enjoy the fact with down quilts, bags, or top quilts I can fit them easily in my pack and have center all my gear on my back. Another hard-learned lesson is that fact that frozen butt syndrome in a hammock is a real thing. Have a pad or under quilt in a hammock is a game changer. You can get so cold even in 70-degree nights. I have recently been experimenting with two person quilts and sleeping bags. I have found that your significant other might be a really big fan of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clothing and Footwear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dressing appropriately in layers is the way to go. I can not say it enough, but cotton clothing and Jeans are not a good idea in any condition. Bringing clothing the is multi purpose can lighten your load and make you more comfortable. A down jacket and a true shell jacket go a long way to being comfortable in the nastiest conditions. My first couple of jackets were DWR or Nylon and you learn really quickly you overheat or they wet out. A jacket is wet outed when the material has absorbed too much moisture and starts to leak. The breathability of the material is also important for letting sweat out and keeping you comfortable. Gore-tex like materials do a really good job of this. In the shoe department, I switched over to a pair of salomon trail runners and never looked back. I do have a gore-tex and non-goretex version. I switch depending on the area I plan to go into. If I think I will be in mud most of the time, I prefer my goretex shoes to keep my feet dry. If I am going into the rain were I know my feet will be wet either way, I prefer my non-goretex version since they dry quicker. Other than the material of the shoe, the traction they provide is a major consideration and can be a safety feature in some situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources for further learning:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n REI Ultralight<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n