Ultralight backpacking is a style of hiking that focuses on carrying as little weight as possible without sacrificing safety or essential comfort. The goal is to hike farther and more comfortably by reducing unnecessary gear.
I remember looking at an experienced backpacker's pack and wondering how it could be so small for a multi-day trip. Mine felt twice the size and much heavier, even though we were hiking the same trail. After learning about ultralight backpacking, I realized it wasn't about leaving important gear behind—it was about choosing lighter equipment and only packing what you truly need. That simple shift in thinking completely changed the way I packed for future hikes.
Sometimes carrying less lets you enjoy the journey even more.
The Short Answer
Ultralight backpacking generally means carrying a base weight of under 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg).
Your base weight includes everything in your backpack except:
-
Food
-
Water
-
Fuel
Many ultralight hikers carefully choose lightweight gear to reduce fatigue and make long-distance hiking more enjoyable.
1. What Counts as Base Weight?
Base weight refers to the gear you carry that doesn't change much during your trip.
This typically includes:
-
Backpack
-
Tent or shelter
-
Sleeping bag or quilt
-
Sleeping pad
-
Clothing
-
Cooking equipment
-
First aid kit
Food, water, and fuel are usually calculated separately because their weight changes as you travel.
2. Why Do People Go Ultralight?
Carrying less weight offers several advantages.
It can help you:
-
Hike more comfortably
-
Reduce strain on your knees and back
-
Cover longer distances
-
Feel less tired at the end of the day
For many hikers, reducing pack weight makes the entire experience more enjoyable.
3. The Big 3 Matter Most
When building an ultralight setup, hikers usually focus first on the Big 3:
-
Backpack
-
Shelter
-
Sleep system
These are typically the heaviest items in your pack, so upgrading them often has the biggest impact on your overall weight.
4. Ultralight Doesn't Mean Unprepared
One common misconception is that ultralight hikers leave behind important safety equipment.
In reality, experienced ultralight backpackers still carry essential items such as:
-
Navigation tools
-
First aid supplies
-
Weather protection
-
Enough food and water
The aim is to eliminate unnecessary weight, not essential gear.
5. Is Ultralight Backpacking Right for Beginners?
It can be, but there's no need to rush.
If you're new to backpacking, it's usually better to:
-
Learn what gear you actually use.
-
Choose equipment that fits your budget.
-
Prioritize comfort and safety.
As you gain experience, you'll naturally discover where you can reduce weight without sacrificing the things that matter most to you.
A Quick Aside About Lightweight Gear
One thing I've learned is that lighter isn't always better. The lightest backpack or shelter isn't worth much if it's uncomfortable or doesn't suit the conditions you'll be hiking in. Finding the right balance between weight, durability, and comfort is often more important than chasing the lowest possible number on the scales.
My Personal Takeaway
Ultralight backpacking is about hiking smarter, not simply carrying less. By focusing on lightweight versions of your biggest gear items and leaving unnecessary equipment at home, you can enjoy greater comfort and efficiency on the trail. If you're just starting out, don't worry about reaching the ultralight benchmark straight away—build experience first, and let your gear evolve with your adventures.