This Is Why You Should Try Ultralight Backpacking (2025) Leave a comment

I first encountered the concepts of ultralight backpacking in 1994, in an article in now-defunct (and much-missed) Backpacker journal. It was titled “Less is More,” by Mark Jenkins. (I nonetheless have a PDF copy I scanned years in the past.) Jenkins wrote a few lengthy journey throughout Europe and Africa. By the top, he and his touring accomplice shed all of the gear they thought they wanted, save what they have been sporting, 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 concept 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 obtainable. 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 normal windscreens from heavy aluminum foil. Consequently, my prepare dinner equipment weight dropped by 14 ounces.

Immediately, ultralight backpackers are extra frequent than traditionalists, a minimum of 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 sporting 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 might 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 means. Fairly the alternative. It is a revelation, and you will by no means wish to return.

Now that we have now 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 crucial factor you are able to do to make your pack weigh much less is to deliver much less stuff. For most individuals the most important positive factors (er, losses) shall be in what you do not deliver somewhat than what you do.

Once you’re contemplating what to deliver, be sure you want it somewhat than simply wanting it. I like making espresso on a moka pot however not sufficient to lug one into the backcountry. I do not want it, so I depart it at house and make Turkish espresso on the path. Undergo the whole lot you ever deliver on the path and truthfully ask your self: Is that this one thing I would like?