Gear Chat & My Journey To Ultralight Backpacking
Disclaimer: You can have wonderful experiences in the backcountry without focusing on pack weight. In this post I’ll share my own journey to ultralight backpacking and why I have chosen to go this route for most of my adventures.
For the last several years I’ve consciously worked to reduce my base weight. From a 50 pound way-too-heavy pack on my first overnight to this year’s sub-10 pound base weight, it’s been a journey to get here. But why ultralight? What is the motivation behind obsessing over every gram? What does “ultralight” even mean?
Ultralight backpackers strive to have a base weight (the weight of their gear minus consumables) under 10 lbs. One item will typically have several uses. Lighter is comfier and allows you to hike faster. Removing unused straps, cutting down toothbrushes and sometimes even removing hip belts are all common weight-saving strategies.
My Ultralight Journey
I learned a lot on my first backpacking trip. So many things I brought didn’t even make it out of my pack. I fell into the trap of packing my fears. Instead of unburdening myself (the literal purpose of the entire trip), I made it much harder than it had to be.
Chronic pain has been a lifelong issue for me, which made carrying a heavy backpack challenging. While it’s true that you will likely be sore no matter what, the strain of carrying more weight than you need can–and sometimes will–force you to make decisions. This was very true for me.
I found that my enjoyment of the trail was directly related to the weight of my pack. Ever since that first trip I’ve made it my mission to have a lighter base weight without sacrificing too much in the way of comfort. I’ve yet to feel like I’m depriving myself, so I guess that’s progress.
Duplicates & Luxury Items
These are typical areas to look at if you want to shed some weight. Try to avoid packing duplicates if you can. Having 3 or 4 pair of pants and several shirts aren’t really necessary. You’re going to be dirty and smelly anyway. Many things can be found or replaced along trail.
Luxury items are highly subjective. One person’s luxury item is another’s necessity. My luxury item is a usually a stuffed hiking buddy that sits in my pack. To someone else, my camp pillow would also be a luxury item. I tried the stuff sack with my clothes in it as a pillow, but as I have a neck injury that makes sleeping difficult, so I bring an inflatable pillow. For me, it’s a necessity.
I also carry a second, collapsible mug in addition to my titanium cookpot because I like having coffee at the same time I have my breakfast. I know people who carry frying pans, camp chairs and inflatable kayaks. To each their own. It’s about the experience you want to have.
Does Ultralight Equal Ultra Expensive?
Not always. There are a lot of good, lightweight backpacking items that can be found on Amazon or at Wal Mart. My BRS stove is a good example. Not only is it lighter than my MSR stove, it is significantly cheaper. Same with my silicone mug. I got one at Wal Mart in their camping section for $5. A nearly identical one from Sea to Summit costs about $22. It can take a bit of digging and research, but there are bargains to be had.
If you go with cottage gear companies, typically the lighter the item the bigger the price. There is a whole industry built on this. Many cottage gear companies are very small operations and make hand-made, high quality items. I am a huge fan of supporting small business, so if you have the funds to devote to some quality handcrafted gear, you will likely treasure it for years to come.
Tailor Your Gear To Your Journey
You will need different gear depending on the season and terrain. For a journey like the PCT, this means you will need warm weather gear and–depending on the conditions and location–winter items like microspikes and an ice ax. Always check the conditions before you go. Some people will elect to carry everything from the start, preferring not to deal with shipping boxes to themselves or worrying about obtaining gear in towns along the way.
In my experience multi-day backpacking is a balancing act between being prepared for anything but not carrying so much extra that you’ll never possibly use it. A good strategy is to watch videos of folks who have done what you are trying to do, and see what they brought. Watch pre and post trail gear videos to learn what has and hasn’t worked for others.
What I’m Carrying
Most of my PCT gear list is decided. Some things are still up for debate and I’m currently tossing around a few different items. My kit for the desert section is sitting around 8 lbs and for the Sierra around 11. I will do a post later breaking down exactly what I intend to carry. My Big 3 (backpack, shelter and sleep system) consist of a 30L frameless pack, a trekking pole shelter and a quilt paired with an inflatable sleeping pad. I’ll also be using a fanny pack so this will help with items that I want to keep close by. I normally keep my power bank and a few other electronics in there, as this takes some of the heaviest items off of my back.
What do you typically carry on a backpacking trip? If you’re doing the PCT this year, what are you carrying? If you have done it and would like to share your thoughts on gear, I’d love to hear what worked and didn’t work for you out there.
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Comments 5
Hey Shannon, chronic pain sufferer from neck injury here ! I relate quite a bit with your experience. Last year on the LT i had to go from a 30lbs pack to about 16lbs (full pack weight) after the first 2 days. The heavy pack literally stopped me in my tracks. What a difference the lighter pack did… I wish you all the best for your next hiking season ! Sly the Navigator
Thanks so much! It has made such a huge difference.
I’m impressed you can fit everything in a 30L pack! I’m stuffing as hard as I can to get everything into a 45L pack, but I’m also hiking with a hammock and underquilt which adds a lot of volume compared to your shelter! Have so much fun on your trek!
Thanks so much! It’s taken a few years and constant tweaking of my gear to get to this point. So cool you hammock camp! I used to. I really loved it, my back not so much. 🙁 What is your setup?
I’m sorry to hear hammocking betrayed you 🙁 I’ve only heard good things from people who do the hammock life, and I’m hoping it works out for me! I’m sure I’ll have to learn to love sleeping on the ground someday if I ever want to go ultralight during a big trek when I start to regret the weight 😅