What are 11 practical ways to shave weight from your backpacking gear?
Table of Contents
Introduction
Look, no one's trying to make you suffer—unless you count carrying 47 pounds of regret on your back. Shaving weight from your backpacking setup isn’t about becoming some wild-eyed gram weenie (unless you *want* to be). It’s about dialing in your kit so you can hike further, faster, and not weep at every incline. We’re talking practical weight hacks that’ll save your knees and your sanity.
1. Tackle the Big Three
Your shelter, sleeping system, and pack make up the "Big Three". If they’re bulky and heavy, your base weight will be too. Invest in lighter gear where it matters most. For example, swap that 6-lb tent for a 2-lb trekking pole tent. Down quilts beat mummy bags. Ultralight frameless packs can shave pounds.
Need inspiration? Check out our post on what fastpacking is and how to get started—fastpackers live and breathe minimalism.
2. Think Multi-Use
If an item only does one job, question it. That titanium mug? It’s also your cookpot. Trekking poles? Tent supports. Buff? Headband, sweat rag, water pre-filter, morale booster.
3. Ditch the Dupes
Backups of backups might make you feel prepared, but you’re hauling weight you don’t need. One headlamp is fine. No, you don’t need 3 pairs of socks for an overnight. Trust your system—or upgrade it until you do.
Speaking of trust: wanna poop outside like a seasoned pro? Yes, we went there: check out our no-BS guide.
4. Go Smaller, Always
Choose smaller versions of everything. Toothbrush? Cut it in half. Trowel? Get the ultralight version. Knife? Tiny and effective. That full-size sunscreen bottle is judging you.
5. Optimize Food & Fuel
Don’t pack like you’re feeding a village. Count calories per ounce and shoot for high-density food like peanut butter, trail mix, and couscous. Fuel? Alcohol stoves or solid fuel tablets are lighter than canisters.
6. Pack Like a Ninja
No dead space. Fill every nook. Use stuff sacks that compress. Line your pack with a compactor bag—not a clunky rain cover. You'll fit more, carry less. Zen and the art of ninja-packing.
7. Clothing Counts
No, you don’t need a fresh shirt for each day. You *do* need layers that wick, breathe, and dry fast. One hiking set. One camp set. Maybe a puffy. Maybe. And don’t even get me started on heavy boots—light trail runners are where it's at.
8. Lose the Case Mentality
Hard cases for sunglasses, toothbrushes, electronics? Nope. Use soft pouches or go naked (the gear, not you). This one's a no-brainer.
9. Shave Down the Tech
One phone. One power bank. A headlamp. Ditch the DSLR unless it pays your bills. And pro tip: if your phone’s on airplane mode, that power bank will actually last more than half a day. Mind blown.
10. Say Bye to Luxuries
Chair, pillow, big knife, flask, full-size deodorant... all nice, all dead weight. Take what you *need*, not what you *like*. The trail will humble you either way.
On the flip side, some gear is absolutely worth its weight. Take the glamping gear debate—sometimes the right gear earns its keep.
11. Weigh. Literally. Everything.
Use a kitchen scale and weigh every item. Log it. You’ll be shocked where the ounces add up. Make a spreadsheet. Geek out. Own your weight decisions like a boss.
Conclusion
You don’t need to ditch all comforts, just be smarter about the ones you keep. Ultralight isn’t a cult—it’s a vibe. Test, trim, repeat.
Want to level up? Grab the Boop the Bear Shirt and hike lighter with style. Because why carry emotional baggage *and* a heavy pack?
