For many people, regularly backpacking is a fairly minimalistic adventure. Taking only what is on your back into the wilderness and surviving for days, or even weeks. However, there are some that aim to cut down the normal list of equipment. Ultralight backpackers rigorously cut down their gear, making it more efficient and lighter to carry.
10 Essentials
The 10 essentials is a list of items recommended for every backpacker to carry for basic survival. The items on this list is a good starting point if you are unsure what to pack for an ultralight setup. The list includes: navigation equipment including a compass and map, sun protection, clothing, flashlight, first-aid kit, fire starting kit, knife, food, water and shelter. Find the lightest versions of each of these essentials to create your basic ultralight kit.
Multi-Purpose
One of the best ways to save weight is to find items that serve several purposes. For example, some hiking pants are available with bottoms that zip-off, turning them into shorts. This one pair of pants becomes two and saves weight. Simple rope can hold things to your bag, hang up clothes to dry, or function as replacement shoelaces. Consider all the possible uses of each item in your bag, choosing only the most essential or most dynamic.
Creative Weight Reduction
Think of ways to cut weight creatively. Choose items that are made of lighter-weight material. Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum, which is lighter than steel. Consider packing only using half of your tent stakes. Wear trail-running shoes instead of hiking boots. Cut most of the handle off of your toothbrush. Remove extraneous packaging from food items. Substitute water tablets for water filtration systems. Pack food you don't need to heat and leave the stove at home. Analyze each item, taking all of its parts into account, and decide if all of it is truly necessary.
Execution
Make your first few ultralight backpacking trips short, weekend treks. This will allow you to slowly venture out into the wilderness and test your weight reducing tactics. Hike on different terrain and in different weather conditions to ensure you have the equipment to handle most backpacking situations. After each hike, evaluate what you used and what you didn't use. Make cuts slowly and gradually work down the weight of your system.
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