Getting Started with Ultralight Backpacking

Every gram counts on the trail. That is the core belief behind ultralight backpacking — a philosophy that has transformed how thousands of hikers approach the backcountry. If you are new to ultralight, or just curious about why so many people obsess over base weight, this guide will walk you through the fundamentals.

What Is Ultralight Backpacking?

Ultralight backpacking is generally defined by a base weight under 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Base weight includes everything in your pack except consumables like food, water, and fuel. For context:

• Traditional backpacking: 30–40 lb base weight
• Lightweight: 10–20 lb base weight
• Ultralight: Under 10 lb base weight
• Super ultralight (SUL): Under 5 lb base weight

The goal is not just a lighter pack — it is a more intentional approach to gear selection where every item earns its place.

The Big Three

Roughly 60–70% of your base weight comes from three items: your shelter, sleep system, and backpack. These are where the biggest weight savings happen.

Shelter

Moving from a 5 lb freestanding tent to a 1 lb tarp or single-wall shelter can save 4 lb immediately. Popular ultralight options include:

• Tarps — simplest and lightest, requires practice to pitch well
• Single-wall tents — good balance of protection and weight
• Trekking pole shelters — eliminate dedicated tent poles entirely

Sleep System

A well-chosen quilt can save 8–16 oz over an equivalent-rated mummy bag. Quilts eliminate the insulation underneath you (which gets compressed anyway) and pair with a sleeping pad for ground insulation.

Backpack

Once your total load drops below 20 lb, you can switch from a framed pack (4–5 lb) to a frameless pack (8–16 oz). This is often the last piece to change because the pack needs to match your load.

The Shakedown Process

A "shakedown" is when experienced hikers review your gear list and suggest items to drop, replace, or rethink. The r/ultralight community on Reddit (715K+ members) is famous for their shakedown threads.

Common shakedown advice includes:

1. Do you actually use this? — Remove items carried "just in case" but never used
2. Can one item serve two purposes? — A rain jacket that doubles as a wind layer
3. Is there a lighter version? — Titanium over steel, DCF over silnylon
4. Can you share with a partner? — Split shelter, stove, and water treatment

Tracking Your Gear

The key to going ultralight is knowing exactly what you carry and what it weighs. That is where tools like ShakedownKit come in — organizing your gear closet, building pack lists, and sharing them for community feedback.

Start by weighing everything. A kitchen scale accurate to 0.1 oz (or 1 gram) is all you need. Enter each item with its actual measured weight, not the manufacturer's listed weight.

Start Small

You do not need to overhaul your entire kit at once. Pick one of the Big Three and research lighter alternatives. Borrow or rent before buying. Hit the trail with your changes and see how they feel.

Ultralight is a journey, not a destination. Every trip teaches you what you actually need — and what you can leave behind.