Solution #1: Start With Your Big Three

The “Big Three” in backpacking—your backpack, sleep system, and shelter—are the heaviest items in your pack. This is where you can make the biggest impact when it comes to cutting weight.

Backpack: Right-Size It

A massive 70L backpack invites you to fill it with unnecessary gear. Instead, choose a lightweight pack in the 40L to 55L range. A smaller pack weighs less and forces you to think twice about bringing that massive DSLR that you only pulled out once to take a blurry pic of a bird… not that I would know.

Sleep System: Downsize Your Bag & Pad

A bulky sleeping bag and pad can take up space and add weight fast. Consider:

• Down sleeping bags or quilts (lighter and pack smaller than synthetic)
• Sleeping pads with high R-value (for warmth without excess weight)

This is one area where sometimes carrying a little bit of extra weight, in my opinion, might not be the worst. I would rather have an extra few ounces if I sleep through the night and am ready for the next day. Luckily for me, I chose to stop eating frozen burritos and lost that extra weight elsewhere. 😉

Shelter: Ditch the Heavy Tent

Freestanding tents can be overkill. Instead, go for:

• Trekking pole tents use your trekking poles as supports. Shameless plug: I hand-made this trekking pole tent specifically for those looking to get into ultralight hiking. I’ve used it many times and made many adjustments, and now I’m making them for others! Check it out here: Trailcraft Trekking Pole Tent (mock link).
• Dyneema tarps (incredibly light and waterproof)

Solution #2: Rethink Your Gear List

Do you really need that extra pair of camp shoes? That full-size bottle of sunscreen? Here’s how to trim the excess:

The One-Pound Rule

If a single item weighs more than a pound, question if it’s necessary or if there’s a lighter alternative.

The Multipurpose Mindset

Every item in your pack should do at least two things. Example:

• A buff can be a hat, sweatband, or pot holder
• Trekking poles double as tent poles
• A phone replaces a camera, GPS, and flashlight (with a good app)

Ditch the ‘Just in Case’ Gear

If you’re bringing something “just in case” but haven’t used it in multiple trips, it probably doesn’t belong in your pack. This does not mean taking out your first aid kit. I’m talking about things like that camera I mentioned earlier.

Solution #3: Lighten Up Your Food & Water System

Go for Calorie-Dense Foods

Instead of packing a lot of bulky food, choose items with the most calories per ounce, like:

• Nuts and nut butters.
• Olive oil (drizzle on meals for extra calories).
• Dehydrated meals instead of ready-to-eat meals.

Ditch the Heavy Water Bottles (looking at you, Nalgene)

Instead of carrying multiple liters of water at all times, bring a lightweight water filter (Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, or a SteriPen).

A collapsible water bottle to fill up as needed. I had a Sawyer Squeeze for a while that I swore by, and the roll-up water pouches were super convenient if I knew I was going on a long no-water stretch.

Solution #4: Clothing—Less Is More

Overpacking clothes is one of the biggest mistakes new hikers make. The trick is layering instead of carrying extra outfits. Some extra undies and socks will do ya good, but don’t be like me on your first trip, and carry a heavy wool sweater because “iT’s CoMfY.”

The Essential Layers:

Base layer: Moisture-wicking, lightweight (merino wool or synthetic)

Insulation layer: Lightweight down or synthetic jacket

Rain shell: Ultralight and packable

Pro tip: If you like to rough it, take only one pair of socks and underwear. You can wash and dry them on the trail!

Solution #5: Smart Packing & Minimalist Mindset

Even if you’ve cut weight, the way you pack matters. Here’s how to pack efficiently:

• Keep your heaviest items close to your back (better weight distribution)
• Use compression sacks to shrink bulky gear
• Make sure your backpack is rated for your load (sore shoulders, hips and back suck).

And most importantly—weigh everything! A simple kitchen scale can be a game-changer. If an item isn’t worth its weight (literally), reconsider bringing it.

Pro Trail Tips from Experience

After thousands of miles on the trail, here are some hard-learned “every ounce counts” ultralight hacks:

Cut your toothbrush in half – You don’t need the full handle.
No cook meals = no stove weight – Cold-soaking ramen or couscous saves ounces.
Use an app instead of GPS – Just make sure your phone is charged!
Toilet paper? Moss and snow work too. (Just saying…)
Don’t skimp on sleep – Again, a good night’s rest is worth the weight of a comfy pad.

Final Thoughts

Going ultralight doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—it means being intentional about what you bring. By focusing on your Big Three, minimizing gear, and packing smarter, you’ll have a lighter pack and a better hike.

Trailcraft makes it easy with thoughtfully designed ultralight gear that helps you hit the trail without the extra weight. Ready to lighten up and hike farther? Let’s make it happen. Check out some of our most popular gear here (mock link).