A Quick Intro To Ultralight Backpacking

CascadeGear May 30, 2008

So you’ve realized the vastness and beauty of the outdoors can never truly be experienced over the course of a single day? It’s time to make plans to submerse yourself into our national parks and forests for days on end, even weeks. But first you’ll need to gear up.

For many experts and novices alike, the only way to go is ultralight—you’re legs and back will thank you. The following is an intro. on how to plan out an ultralight set up that won’t weigh heavy on your wallet.

Make a Game Plan

First thing you’ll need to decide is the where, whats and whens of your excursion plans. Where will you be heading? What time of year? How long will you be out? Your gear should reflect the types of trips you plan to take; if you’ll be travelling in the winter or where the temperature can drop drastically, you’ll want a heavier, sturdier 4 season tent and a heavier sleeping bag. Super moderate temps. with little or no chance of rain—maybe you can get away with the lightest sleeping bag and a simple tarp. Do some research and find out what the climate/avg. temperature (night and day) where you’ll be headed and plan accordingly.

The Weighting Game

Once you have an idea of what you need, it’s time to start thinking about weight and cutting it wherever possible. I’m going to assume that you’re doing summer backpacking in moderate climates, as this will allow for the lightest possible set up. I’ve found a general consensus that 10 lbs. for your 3 biggest pieces of gear (tent, backpack, sleeping bag) is a solid goal. I prefer to think of this, instead, as a challenge, striving to beat 10 badly. The gear that I’m working with right now comes in at under 8 (Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 tent—3 lbs. 6oz., GoLite pack—1 lb. 8oz., Slumberjack bag—2 lb. 5oz.) If you have the dough and ambition you could easily shave several pounds off of my numbers—use a tarp instead of a tent, weighing as little as 1-2 pounds, sleeping bags as light as just over a pound, etc.

Size DOES matter

Although you’ll hear an earful about weight, don’t overlook the importance of size. After all you have limited space to carry your gear and don’t need your bag sticking out 5 feet, knocking your fellow travelers into the marsh. Most products will have a packed size in their specs, if you’re viewing online, or just grab the tent or sleeping bag and take it over to the pack section to see how it will fit. I’d recommend picking out your backpack last, so that you have a feel for how much space that you’ll need.

Bills, Bills, Bills

Ok you’ve started to get serious about gear—just one problem; you haven’t won the lottery recently and don’t want to mortgage your house anytime soon. Companies spend millions trying to shave ounces off of their gear while still providing a quality, functional product—so ultralight gear ain’t cheap. You could easily spend well over $1000 trying to cut ounces and be sleek and nimble out on the trail. If you have this cash, great—get out of here and go buy the top gear. If you’re like the rest of us, however, you probably have other things to devote your money toward—little luxuries like housing and food, so saving money can mean the difference between a summer of killer backpacking trips and watching reruns of Judge Judy. There is some light at the end of the tunnel: there are plenty of sales and discounts out there that will get you quality gear while leaving some money in your pocket.

Discount Retailers

The internet is a beautiful thing. I have found endless great deals online, to the point where I have to ask myself: “Do I actually need this or am I just buying it cause it’s so damn cheap.” Usually I answer with the latter and buy it anyway. One of my favorite sites is Sierra Trading Post, which offers closeout deals on previous years’ gear at 30-70% off original retail. They don’t have the extensive selection that some other outfitters do, but they generally have quality items at a price that is hard to beat. In the same vein, many of the larger retailers like REI and Backcountry offer outlet stores which also have excellent closeout prices. Be sure to check here first to save some serious cash.

Be Prepared

Didn’t find what you were looking for or need to have the latest, greatest gear? Get on the mailing lists for the big outdoor retailers. I know, I know, junk mail is as annoying as Gilbert Godfried on a megaphone, but it can be your ticket to big sales and big savings. Retailers like REI, Backcountry and Campmor have periodic sales during the course of the season where you can find big savings on current or last year’s gear. Great deals means quick sell outs, so the earlier you act the better and what better way to roll into action than to have your own personal email invite. I am currently signed up for lists for REI, Backcountry, Campmor and Sierra Trading Post and haven’t found it too taxing on my email account. The benefits definitely outweigh the costs.

Get a Head Start

Try to start purchasing your gear well ahead of when you plan to get outside and trek. Although it can be difficult to think about taking a backpacking excursion through wildflower-adorned meadows while there is 2 ½ feet of snow on the ground, purchasing early gives you plenty of time (and paychecks) to get all of the gear you’ll need to enjoy the outdoors, once summer rolls around.

These are just some considerations and tips to help get you started painlessly. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll have some info. on picking out specific products and reviews about products that will work in the wild, while not cramping your style…or leg muscles.


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