Backpacking allows you to spend time in country many people never see. Away from roads, runways or towns, you can observe wildlife and see largely untouched wilderness. But to reach these remote locations, you have to carry everything you need to survive on your back. Lugging a heavy pack takes some of the enjoyment out of your getaway. Ultra light backpacking slims down your necessities to a lighter load, allowing you to enjoy your wilderness trip minus an aching back.
How Much Weight?
One backpacking guideline dictates you shouldn't carry a pack that weighs more than 25 percent of your body weight. This translates to a load of 40 pounds for a 160-pound person. It's easy to pile on the gear and exceed these guidelines, especially on a longer trip. Ultra light backpackers aim to cut this weight by 1/3 to 1/2, with packs of 20 to 30 pounds or so. They do this by eliminating non-essentials, making gear do double duty, and considering every ounce or everything they pack, from food to clothing. They learn to do without things on the trail in exchange for a lighter load.
Shelter
Though you could sleep out in the open every night, one rain shower could ruin your trip, soaking you and all your gear. Some ultra light enthusiasts get by with a simple tarp and some rope to rig a lean-to, while others opt for tents designed especially for ultra light backpacking. Two people can share a two-person tent and divide the weight of the shelter between them. A tent also give you a place to cook out of the weather.
Food
Packing food for an ultralight backpacking expedition requires careful planning. You need enough calories to keep you going, but your goal is no leftovers. The average person needs 3,500 to 4,000 calories for a day of backpacking, more during winter weather or if your route involves a lot of climbing, or if you're a larger person. Smaller people with lighter packs may need less. Opt for light food that packs a nutritional punch. Freeze-dried meals, nuts, peanut butter, instant soups or oatmeal and chocolate. Leave the bottles of wine and canned meats at home. Pack a lightweight stove and all-in-one cookware, which allows you to cook and eat out of a single pot.
Clothing And Personal Supplies
Plan to wear one outfit the entire trip. Carry a change of socks, since dry feet help prevent blisters. Plan to wash out your underwear and let it dry overnight, or carry a change. Pants with zip-off legs and jackets that convert to vests make adjusting to variable weather conditions easy. Carry a lightweight poncho or rain suit in case of inclement weather and wear a hat to protect you from sun. You can purchase backpacker-sized toothbrushes, soap and toothpaste, or carry a little of each in a film canister. Choose a biodegradable soap you can use for both your body and your dishes. You will also need a first aid kit, but instead of a hard box full of supplies you may never need, opt for a plastic bag with basic bandages and pain killers. You can clean wounds with your biodegradable soap, use a bandana as a sling or as a wrapping for a splint made with a hiking pole. Wrap duct tape around your hiking pole and use it over blisters or to secure a wound dressing.
Other Gear
Backpacking gear manufacturers make sleeping bags, stoves, packs and other gear for the ultra light backpacking market. If you plan to make a lot of trips, you might find it worthwhile to invest in these specialty products. If you're not sure, see if you can borrow gear from a friend for a trial run.
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