The Benefits of Ultralight Hiking
The universal benefits of ultralight backpacking are there for anyone willing to try. Lighter packs reduce physical strain on the body, allowing hikers to move faster, hike longer, and feel less fatigued. This enhances endurance, agility, and balance, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains and reducing the risk of injuries. The lighter load also improves comfort, allowing hikers to enjoy the journey with less discomfort and better mental focus.
Additionally, ultralight hiking encourages a minimalist mindset, simplifying gear management and fostering greater awareness of Leave No Trace principles. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also helps hikers develop valuable skills like efficient packing and improvising with fewer items. Overall, ultralight hiking promotes a more enjoyable, sustainable, and immersive outdoor experience, allowing hikers to connect more deeply with nature.
And it may be easier to embrace UL than you might think. A common stigma against lightweight and ultralight gear is that the equipment is too expensive and elitist. In reality, that is not always true. To achieve such a low base pack weight, ultralight hikers carry an extremely condensed packing list. An oversimplified position is: fewer items carried means fewer items to buy and less money spent.
Similarly, equipment like packs, ultralight backpacking tents, tarps, or hammocks (“shelters" in UL speak), and specialized sleep systems (sleeping bag or quilt, pad, pillow) are consciously minimal, with fewer bits and bobs that could potentially fail. When properly cared for, these items can outlast traditional backpacking gear that tends to experience much harsher treatment. A closed cell foam pad costs a fraction of the price of a NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad (and likely offers a fraction of the comfort, too, but for the ultralight backpacker that’s beside the point). Many hikers opt for alcohol stoves made of cut up aluminum cans or tuna tins. Surely that’s more cost effective than an MSR PocketRocket (my personal stove of choice).
As with most any product, be it a hammer, stereo, or the best ultralight backpack, you get what you pay for. Another sweeping generalization, but one that tends to hold true nonetheless. Fancy materials like Dyneema cut weight, and add cost. A handmade, ultralight pack may run you $150 to $350, but the bomber construction with no frills to fail means a longer lifespan than some conventional packs two to three times the size and weight.
In the end, everything we do in life is up to personal opinion and comfort level. Some of us can sleep soundly on a two foot strip of 1/8” foam. Others need a 5 lb air mattress. Even still, some prefer a cozy cabin or glamping tent. And that’s fine—there is no single right way to experience nature. Though doing so with a lighter load may make the experience more enjoyable.
Who knows, you might just have an inner ounce counter hiding inside you, just waiting to hit the trail—and the Reddit message boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ultralight backpacking?
Ultralight backpacking is a hiking style that emphasizes carrying the least amount of weight possible by using lightweight gear and minimizing pack contents, enhancing speed, comfort, and efficiency while reducing physical strain and environmental impact.
What weight is ultralight backpacking?
True ultralight backpacking typically involves carrying a base weight (excluding food, water, and fuel) of under 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Many consider a base weight of under 20 pounds to be lightweight, and thus tangentially under the "UL" umbrella as well.
Is ultralight backpacking worth it?
Ultralight backpacking is worth it for those seeking reduced physical strain, increased hiking speed, and greater comfort, though it requires careful planning, gear investment, and a minimalist mindset.
For more ultralight backpacking information and inspiration and to shop the latest UL approved backpacking gear, visit Garage Grown Gear.