Start Your Ultralight Journey

New to ultralight backpacking? You’re in the right place. This page will guide you from zero to trail-ready.

What is Ultralight Backpacking?

Ultralight backpacking is a style of hiking that focuses on carrying the lightest and simplest gear possible while still being safe and comfortable on the trail.

The goal? A base weight under 10 pounds.

Base weight includes everything in your pack except consumables like food, water, and fuel. By cutting unnecessary weight, you reduce strain on your body, cover more miles with less effort, and enjoy the freedom of moving fast and light through the wilderness.

Ultralight isn’t about suffering or going without. It’s about being intentional with every item you carry—keeping what matters, leaving behind what doesn’t.

Why Go Ultralight?

Less Strain

A lighter pack means less stress on your joints, fewer injuries, and faster recovery between days on the trail.

More Miles

When your pack doesn’t weigh you down, you can cover more ground with less effort—whether that’s 10 miles or 30.

More Enjoyment

Spend less energy fighting your pack and more energy enjoying the views, the solitude, and the adventure.

Where to Begin?

Going ultralight doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s a simple path to get started:

Step 1: Weigh Your Current Gear
Before you change anything, know what you’re working with. Weigh every item in your pack and create a gear list.

Step 2: Focus on the Big Three
Your shelter, sleep system, and backpack make up most of your weight. Upgrading these first gives you the biggest savings.

Step 3: Cut Redundant Items
Do you really need that extra pair of pants? A full-size towel? A knife AND a multitool? Question every item.

Step 4: Replace Heavy Items Over Time
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Replace heavy gear with lighter alternatives as your budget allows.

Step 5: Test and Refine
Take your lighter kit on short trips. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and adjust before committing to longer adventures.

Essential Guides for Beginners

Start with these foundational articles:

• The Complete Ultralight Backpacking Guide
• What is Base Weight? (And How to Calculate Yours)
• The Big Three: Shelter, Sleep System, and Pack
• Ultralight Gear Priorities: What to Upgrade First
• Building Your First Ultralight Kit: Step-by-Step

Ready to Go Lighter?

Explore our gear guides, trail resources, and practical tips to start cutting weight today.