Minimizing weight is often a goal, and sometimes an obsession for backpackers. Our tips will help you lighten your load so you can go further and be more comfortable along the way.
1. Repackage Food and Personal Care Items
When you’re out on the trail you’re not going to use a whole tube of toothpaste, sunscreen, or anti-itch ointment. Squirt smaller amounts into mini sealable bags like these Blulu Resealable Bags to save weight and space.
Food is another area where repackaging will save weight and space. Dry foods like trail-mix and ramen noodles can be put into resealable bags where you can eliminate excess air the original store packaging usually holds.
2. Sleep System
Upgrade your gear to maximize insulation and minimize weight. Newer gear provides more warmth with less weight. Technology and materials have improved a great deal in recent years, so if your gear is out-of-date, a refresh can bring better results and a lighter load. Making sure your sleep system is high-quality will also ensure you don’t have to pack extra items like extra clothing layers for sleeping that you’d otherwise need.
3. Ditch the Books
Why pack around physical books? Even if it’s a guidebook, instead of packing the whole book, take photocopies of relevant pages to take with you. If a reading book is your luxury item, instead of a hardback copy, opt for a digital version you can read on your phone. It will be a battery drain, but that’s why we recommend adding a solar powered power bank to your gear.
4. Reduce Dishes & Cookware
Most of the flash stove backpacking systems like the Jetboil come with a cooking pot you can use as a cup or bowl when you’re not using it to cook. This will cut down on the amount of dishes you fill your pack with.
5. Community Advice Photo
Online communities of backpacking enthusiast (like our Facebook page) are a great resource for getting advice from fellow backpackers. If you lay out all your gear, snap a photo, and post to a group for advice on how to cut your weight (or suggestions on anything they see as missing) you’re sure to get some great ideas you’ve never considered.
6. List Unused Items After Each Trip
This one is simple but often avoided. It only takes a few minutes after your trip to jot down all the items you brought along but didn’t end up using. After a few trips, you’ll be able to identify items that you just don’t use as much as you thought and could maybe remove from your pack. Just be sure not to take out essential items you hope to never use but should always have on hand like your first aid kit, emergency shelter, etc.
7. Upgrade Core Gear
Gear is always evolving, improving, and becoming lighter and more efficient. Upgrading your pack and tent alone can often shed several pounds from your load. Check out our gear guides for packs and tents to help you narrow down your options.
8. Keep Gear Dry
Again, water is heavy! Packing around soaked gear adds weight. If you get precipitation, try to dry out your clothing and gear before repacking. Don’t rush to pack up your tent in the morning when it’s still covered in morning dew. Have coffee and breakfast first to give it time to dry before storing it away.
9. Use a Lightweight Water Bottle
Insulated bottles are a great way to keep your beverages hot/cold, but they tend to be heavy. We like to opt for simple plastic bottles that weigh much less. Most standard water bottles from the store are also compatible with the Sawyer MINI filter we recommended above.
10. Carry Only The Water You Need
Plan out water consumption and replenishment stops. Before hitting the trail, do some research and see what trip reports say about water sources along the trail. We live in the Pacific Northwest and some of the trails here have running water that can serve as refill stations every half mile or so. Water is heavy! If you’re sure you’ll have sources for replenishment along the way, pack fewer liters at a time. Always bring a quality water filter along with you. We like the Sawyer MINI for affordability and ease of use.
