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THE ULTIMAT ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING BOOK

The Ultimate Ultralight Backpacking Book
Hike Light - Have More Fun
Version 1.1
www.hikelight.com
Copyright 2009 by Only The Lightest Camping Equipment/Hikelight.com
Troutdale, OR
Reprint rights disclaimer – You may freely distribute this ebook to anyone you wish, and even include it as a
bonus on your own website as long as the ebook is not altered in any way or claimed as your own work. All
credits to Only The Lightest Camping Equipment/Hikelight must be left intact.
Disclaimer - This ebook is for informational purposes only. Only The Lightest Camping Equipment/Hikelight is
not responsible for any use or misuse of the information herein. Backpacking and other outdoor adventures
inherently involve risk. Always be prepared. Never exceed your level of experience.

Table Of Contents

1: What is ultralight hiking? Why should I hike light?
2: 201 Ultralight Backpacking Tips
3: How I Started Hiking Lighter and How Only The Lightest Camping Equipment & Hikelight Started
4: Hiking light -- After You Lighten up the Big 3, Tackle the Next Three -- Sleeping Pad, Rain-wear, and Cooking Gear
5: Hiking light -- Sweat the Small Stuff and Reduce the Weight of Everything in Your Back-pack
Chapter 6: Hiking light – Pack Lighter by Reducing the Weight of Your Backpack
Chapter 7: Hiking light – Pack Lighter by Reducing the Weight of Your Sleeping Bag
Chapter 8: Hiking light – Pack Lighter by Reducing the Weight of Your Shelter
Chapter 9: Hiking light – Pack Lighter by Reducing the Weight of Your Backpacking Clothing
Chapter 10: Going hiking? Throw Your Boots Away!
Chapter 11: Hiking light – Pack Lighter by Reducing the Weight of Food in Your Backpack
Chapter 12: Hiking Light -- The 10 Essentials of (Ultralight) Hiking
Chapter 13: 3-Day Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
Compare Gear Weight---- Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
Chapter 14: Make Your Long-Distance Hike More Fun By Hiking Light
Chapter 15: Hiking Light – When Day Hiking You Can Have Fun, Travel Light, Train, and Test Gear
Chapter 16: Hiking Light – Share the Load with a Friend so You Can Both Carry Less Gear
Chapter 17: Hiking Light – Solitude Camping Avoids Unwanted Crowds and Animals
Chapter 18: Hiking Light – Ultralight Trail Hygiene
Chapter 19: Hiking Light – Buy a Scale and Weigh Every Piece of Gear You Carry
Chapter 20: Hiking Light – Caring For Your Ultralight Performance Clothing and Gear
Chapter 21: Get Total Protection from Mosquitoes and Other Pests – Or Fight the Bite and Flick the Tick
Chapter 22: Hiking light – Boy Scout Ultralight Hiking is More Fun for Leaders and Scouts
Chapter 23: How To Care For And Clean Your Down Sleeping Bag
Chapter 24: How To Measure Your Torso
Chapter 25: Lightweight Backpacking Gear Checklist
Chapter 26: Ultralight backpacking with kids – With a little planning, it’s fun and easy
Chapter 27: Your Ultralight Backpacking First Aid Kit – Include a Lot in a Two-Ounce First Aid Kit
Chapter 28: Wilderness First Aid in Emergencies
Chapter 29: Ultralight Backpacking Water Treatment
Chapter 30: The Principles of Leave No Trace – A Perfect Match for Hiking Light
Bonus Chapter: Hiking Light – And Finding Your Way With Map And Compass
Bonus Chapter: Hiking Light – Here’s a Quick Link to Find Your Magnetic Declination

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Chapter 1: What is ultralight hiking? Why should I hike light?
The answer most ultralight hikers would give is: It’s more fun. Lightweight backpackers typically say
they feel free, close to nature, and enjoy not having the burden of a heavy pack.
Lightweight hiking typically is not “fast packing” or covering as many miles as possible. It’s about
hiking at the pace you like and enjoying it a lot more. The simplicity of ultralight hiking allows you to
spend more time on the trail seeing more of the beauties of nature. And the lighter weight means you
end even high mileage days feeling stronger and more refreshed. Lighter packing weights leave your
feet and legs with far less soreness and fatigue.
Many people are forced into lighter packs by age or injury, but more and more young backpackers
are discovering the common sense freedom of lighter packs. Long distance hikers often start out with
their “old” heavy packs, but are quickly converted to the joys of lightweight hiking after the first few
days on the trail. Weekend hikers can recover from heavy loads, but thru hikers need to make better
plans.
Weekend hikers might as well learn from the experience of others. It makes sense that you’ll have
more fun on any hike when you’re carrying less. Think of the freedom you feel with a day pack. Then
think of the weight you usually carry when hiking and camping for one night or longer. Wouldn’t you
like to be close to that day hike weight when you’re on extended hikes?
All backpackers are concerned about comfort, safety, and cost of equipment. That doesn’t have to
keep them from hiking lighter. Switching to a lighter piece of gear might seem like a tradeoff in com-
fort, but most changes are easy to make and don’t require giving up any comfort at all. For instance,
you may be carrying a pocket knife that weighs five ounces. A simple five ounces doesn’t seem like
a killer on your back, and by itself it’s not. But chances are you’re not using that knife for any really
heavy tasks, so why not carry a quality knife that weighs less than one ounce?
With one tiny change you’re lighter with no loss in comfort, and you’re carrying less volume. And if
you can reduce volume as well as weight, it helps in your final efforts to work your way down to the
lightest comfortable pack for you. A smaller, frameless pack is more convenient to bring inside your
tent. And a small pack makes it easier to find any item you’re looking for.

You don’t need to compromise safety to pack light. One of the first things you’ll notice with a light pack
is you’re more agile. You’re less apt to roll and ankle or get off balance and fall. You can hike quickly
to more protected areas if there’s threatening weather.
Some lightweight items actually cost less than their heavier counterparts. Your pack can be less ex-
pensive because it’s the smaller version of a series. Things like your knife, compass, flashlight, and
stove can be smaller, cheaper, but full-functioning versions. Much of your weight savings is just plan-
ning what to leave home. A good example is your cook kit. You may be using only the kettle to heat
water for your meals, so there’s no need to take the frying pan and dish. You’ve cut your weight by
more than half by just leaving it home.
This all leads to planning which is at the core of lightweight backpacking. It might seem tedious to
those who don’t like to make lists or get technical with details. But most of the changes you’ll make
are things that you’ll only have to do once. From that time forward, you’ll enjoy the benefits of every
little change. Even the box you store your gear in at home will be smaller and simpler.
Planning helps you avoid last-minute packing, too. Often those last few things you grab before you
leave home, like unnecessary clothing, add extra pounds to your pack.
There will be some expense to make these changes, but you’ll enjoy the advantages forever. For
some, there can be an actual savings because the first thing you should do is quit buying and carry-
ing “cool” things you don’t really need. It’s easy to walk through a backpacking store and grab items
that will have you carrying a 70-pound pack. Resist the urge! No more impulse buying.
Most backpackers carry extra weight because they use gear that manufacturers make “bombproof.”
That may sound good, because it sounds safer. But those heavy materials are usually there because
the companies don’t ever want to see returns, even from hikers who are ridiculously hard on their
gear. So it’s easier to make the gear from heavy materials that can never break. And some of those
heavier materials are cheaper because they’re more common.

All lightweight backpackers will tell you the greatest savings can be made on your three heaviest
items -- your pack, tent, and sleeping bag. You often hear those who hike light talk about their “sys-
tem.” They use that term because it all has to work together. You can’t pack a lot of bulk into a small
pack. So you’ll get the most benefit when you reduce the tent and sleeping bag weight and volume
when you choose your new pack. When you choose the pack, don’t buy one that’s too big in volume.
You’ll feel the need to fill it. Instead, keep feeling the need to reduce weight and volume.
Packs are an item on which individual backpackers have a wide variety of needs and likes. Try to
find the light ones that have the features you want. After ordering your pack, fill it with gear and walk
around to see if you have the right fit. There are packs that weigh from one to two pounds. For the
lightest backpackers, you can even have a pack that’s less than a pound.
Most hikers carry a sleeping bag that’s overkill for summer use. Since they’ve purchased for the worst
possible conditions, they carry too much weight for long hikes and end up roasting in their bags on
most nights. You can have a sleeping bag that is comfortable to 35 degrees and weighs only one
pound or one that’s good to 20 degrees and is just one pound 10 ounces. Down sleeping bags are
the lightest and can be compressed better than synthetic bags. Don’t avoid down bags because
you’ve heard they don’t function when wet. All bags are miserable when wet. Just increase your ex-
pertise in keeping the bag dry. Quality down bags have extremely tight weaves that are very resistant
to moisture.
There are a wide variety of tents and tarps that can reduce your shelter weight to one to two pounds.
At less than 2 pounds you can have full bug and rain protection. So, your “big 3,” the pack, tent, and
sleeping bag can weigh 4 to 5 pounds. Add an ultralight stove, lightweight rain gear, and a light sleep-
ing pad and the total weight of 6 of your most important items is still less than your old 7-pound pack!
That should be enough incentive to inspire any backpacker.
Since you lift your feet with every step, wearing lightweight running shoes can save more energy than
any other item. Experiment with a pair that fit your arch well and give you good support. Don’t fall into
the trap of thinking you need a pair of boots because you’re hiking. Lighter loads reduce your chanc-
es of severe ankle sprains. An ankle sprain in boots can give you a high ankle sprain that’s worse
than a sprain in running shoes. In warm weather, you don’t need waterproof shoes. Regular running
shoes breathe best and dry out quickly after stream crossings. In wet areas and cool seasons, you
may want a pair of lightweight hiking shoes (not boots) that are waterproof.

Calculate the weight of your clothing, too. It’s part of what you’re carrying. Synthetic clothing is lighter
and since it dries faster, it’s safer.
Water is vital when you’re hiking, but you can stay well hydrated and carry less weight by just reading
your map carefully and knowing where the next water is located.
Start lightening your load by spreading the contents of your pack in front of you. Take a pad and pen-
cil and start taking notes. What’s too heavy? What’s overkill for summer use? What can be left home?
Look at the small items, too. Where can you make the quickest, easiest changes? Where can you
make the quickest, inexpensive changes? You can make a big difference when you save weight on
lots of small pieces of gear. Consider buying an inexpensive digital scale that weighs in 1/10 of ounce
increments. Seeing the actual numbers will be an eye opener. If you’re carrying 30 pounds or more,
you can cut your carrying weight by more than half! And you can do it in total comfort. That will make
every outdoor adventure more fun.
Hiking light can get you back to the essence of backpacking – light, carefree outdoor travel.

Chapter 2: 201 Ultralight Backpacking Tips
An ultralight backpack means more fun. Enjoy floating down the trail instead of hauling heavy gear.
You can have an ultralight backpack if you mercilessly analyze every piece of gear in your pack. Here
are 201 tips to consider for reducing the weight of your pack. Some are big, some are small. That’s
part of the secret. Small things add up. The old and obvious are mentioned because they are some
of the most important. Have fun being a fanatic. If your friends make negative comments, invite them
to lift your pack and compare it to theirs. Think of these tips as a buffet, and take what you like:
1. Buy a digital scale. You can find a good one that measures down to 1/10 ounce for about $30.
You’ll be surprised at the weights of some items. You can take your light, portable scale into stores
and make wise decisions before you buy. Do not fear sales people with little or no knowledge of the
backpacking gear they’re selling. You’re now in control. Let them fear you.
2. Remove the excess weight from your body. Losing those unwanted pounds is probably the best
weight reduction you can make. It doesn’t involve leaving any of your favorite equipment home.
You’ll feel better, and there’s a net gain in strength and endurance.
3. It needs to be mentioned at least once. If you don’t need it, leave it home.
4. Avoid last-minute packing. If you hurry and pack at the last minute, you’re more likely to throw in
things like extra clothing you don’t need.
5. If you’re backpacking with a companion, plan ahead and share the weight of the gear such as the
tent and cooking gear.
6. Develop your sewing skills. Be creative. Some of the best, and most inexpensive, ultralight back-
packing gear is the kind you make yourself.

Pack
7. Purchase a light backpack. Your pack is one of the best places to lighten up. You’ll need to reduce
the volume and weight of every piece of gear to use the lightest pack. Your final result can be a pack
that weighs less than 2 pounds. That’s a savings of more than 5 pounds over the big “load monster”
packs.
8. Don’t buy a pack with too much capacity. You’ll be too tempted to fill it, and it won’t handle as
smoothly if it’s partially filled.
9. Try using your pack without the hip belt. You might like it better.
10. Remove your pack’s sternum strap if you don’t use it.
11. Remove any manufacturer tags from the bag. In fact, remove tags from all your gear, includ-
ing clothing. Save the care instructions from the clothing if you can’t remember how they’re to be
washed.
12. Cut some of the length from the waist belt and straps on the pack. Remember to leave them long
enough for when you’re wearing your bulkiest clothing.
13. If the pack has aluminum stays, or some other reinforcing material that can be removed, try carry-
ing the pack without it. The really light pack you end up with shouldn’t need reinforcing. Think posi-
tively from the outset.
14. If your pack has large buckles or cord locks, find a way to replace them with lighter ones.
15. Don’t worry too much about the lighter materials in ultralight packs. These materials are still very
strong. You can make repairs that are lighter than tape by using McNett Seam Grip. It works for
sleeping bags, tents, and other gear, too.
16. If you need a pack cover, use one that’s very light, like the ones that are made from 1.3 ounce sili-
cone-coated nylon. Or, use a lightweight garbage bag. Or, spray your pack with a waterproof coat-
ing. Your pack may already be waterproof. Check the manufacturer ’s specifications. You might be
able to save the weight of a pack cover.
17. Ultralight compression stuff sacks can help you reduce the volume of your gear. You may be able
to lower your overall weight by using compression bags because you end up with a smaller pack.
Sleeping Gear
18. Buy a sleeping bag that isn’t “overkill.” It’s surprising how many people buy a sleeping bag for low
temperatures and then use the bag for summer camping 95% of the time.
19. Use a down bag. Nothing is more efficient for the weight. Don’t worry too much about the down
getting wet and losing its efficiency. High quality bags are made with shell fabrics that have a very
tight weave and are very water repellent, so they tend to protect the down. The down itself has natu-
ral oils in it. It works for the geese. Use your skills to keep your bag dry. Keep it in a waterproof stuff
sack.
20. Have a small towel handy to wipe any condensation from tent walls. That will help your ultralight
sleeping bag perform to its maximum.
21. A piece of very light and thin painter ’s tarp plastic or a light trash bag can be used to keep con-
densation off the foot of your sleeping bag. The plastic or trash bag can have multiple uses such as
keeping gear dry.
22. With a lightweight bag you can always add layers of clothing for extra warmth.
23. You can also use a silk liner that adds warmth and weighs as little as 4 ounces.
24. Switch your stuff sack for an ultralight one that’s made of 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon. They
weigh as little as .6 ounces.
25. Keep your sleeping bag clean. That will keep the efficiency high.
26. Keep your sleeping bag in a large storage bag when it’s at home so it will retain its full loft and
maximum efficiency.
27. Air out your bag during lunch and as quickly as possible after you set up camp. Moisture can
evaporate and the bag can fully loft.
28. Eat and drink before going to bed. That will help your body to efficiently heat your sleeping bag.
29. If your feet get a little cool, you can use things as light as plastic newspaper bags or grocery
sacks to keep them warm. You can use the bags for dual purpose tasks, and they add hardly any
weight. They can also be used for bringing wet gear and boots into the tent. The sleeping bag stuff
sack can be used as a foot warmer.
30. Using an ultralight air mattress can reduce your pack weight and volume and increase your com-
fort. They can be as light as about 20 ounces for a full-length mattress.
31. You can have an air mattress with insulation in the tubes for only about 1 ounce more.
32. Leave any inflatable sleeping pad open as much as possible so the condensation inside will
evaporate.
33. A closed-cell foam pad is light and easy to use. You can even cut away areas that you don’t need
to save a few ounces.
34. The lightest air mattress available is called a balloon bed. No joke. The shell can be made from
1.3 oz. (or lighter) silicone-coated ripstop nylon. Sew 7 tubes (or more or less) into the 60” long
fabric. Leave the ends open for inserting and removing the balloons. Insert Qualatex 60” balloons
(model 260Q) because they’re the strongest. Use clear or white since they’re stronger than colored
ones. The balloon bed can weigh less than 4 ounces. A pump can weigh 1.3 or 2.2 oz. Each night
you’ll need to use new balloons, so figure 8 per night. Eight balloons weigh .4 ounces. This figures
one for breakage. They don’t pop when you lay on them, but may pop when you tie them off. See
more at
www.balloonbed.com
. Or make your own and get balloons and a pump at
www.tmyers.com
,
www.larocksmagic.com
, or others.
35. You can go crazy and use bubble wrap for your sleeping pad if you don’t need too much insulation
or cushion. It’ll weigh about 4 ounces. There’s a variety that’s made with some nylon that is much
stronger than the cheapest kind, but the bubbles still pop when you concentrate your knees or elbows
directly on a small area.
36. Ultralight backpackers have come up with a lot of ideas for lightweight pillows. One of the most
common is using your extra clothing for a pillow. One place to contain the clothing is in your sleeping
bag stuff sack.
37. When you pack ultralight, you often don’t have much in the way of extra clothing. Some hikers
use their pack for a pillow. It solves a second challenge of where to put your pack in the tent.
38. A small piece of foam with some of your gear underneath can serve as a pillow.
39. At .4 oz. you can get a pillow at Office Depot. It’s a 10 x 12” air wrap plastic packing “bubble” that
you can blow up and deflate with a straw.
Shelter
40. You can save a lot of weight by choosing an ultralight tent that weighs two to three pounds for the
two-person tent, or less than two pounds for a one-person tent.
41. If you usually backpack with a companion, consider buying a one-person tent for those times you
go solo.
42. If you already use hiking poles, you can save the weight of tent poles on some tents.
43. If you have an old tent you’d like to keep, you can save weight by replacing the poles with lighter
carbon fiber poles.
44. If you have an old tent that you like which has a fly, you can save weight by using the old fly as a
pattern and sewing a new fly from 1.3 oz. silicone-coated nylon.
45. You can save weight by using titanium tent stakes. The 6” titanium stakes are just .2 ounces
each.
46. Save weight by leaving stuff sacks home. A few rubber bands around your tent are lighter than
the stuff sack. Put rubber bands around the titanium stakes and band them to the poles to keep the
stakes from poking holes in anything.
47. In some dry regions, you may be able to use a bivy sack or sleeping bag cover as your only shel-
ter.
48. If you need bug protection only, the pop-up bug bivies weigh only 6.5 ounces.
49. For an even lighter solution to bugs, a square yard of no-see-um netting weighs less than an
ounce.
50. Simple, lightweight tarps can reduce your shelter weight to a pound or less.
51. If you use a bivy, tarp, or poncho/bivy, you may want to have a mosquito head net to keep the
bugs away. Of course, these can be used during the day, too. They weigh only .6 oz.
52. Some tarps serve a dual purpose by doubling as your poncho, too.
53. Creative cord tying from a tree or using an available stick with some tarps and tents can save the
entire weight of poles.
54. The lightest ground cloth is the one you don’t take. Use caution when you set up your tent so you
don’t need a ground cloth.
55. If you use a ground cloth, use one that’s a light as possible. An ultra-thin 99-cent plastic painter ’s
cloth is a light disposable option. Some people like Tyvek. Consider using 1.3 oz. silicone-coated
nylon for your ground cloth.
56. If you use a ground cloth, be sure to trim it a couple of inches smaller than your tent. If it’s bigger
than your tent, you can catch unwanted rain and funnel it under you.
57. Consider hammock camping. Hammocks can be as light as about 2 pounds, and there are some
great advantages like being able to set up on uneven ground.
58. If you have a tent with a fly, you may be able to set it up with the poles and fly only, especially in
late summer when there are fewer mosquitoes.
59. You can more effectively use tent options without netting if you repel insects by adding permethrin
to your tent.
60. Shake the water from your tent before packing it on a damp morning. Let the moisture drain off
while the tent is on a rock or tree.
Clothing
61. Long-term weather reports from the internet can cut ounces from you pack. In dry weather you
can leave some of the rain gear home. In warm weather you can leave some insulating layers home.
62. You can shave ounces by making some last-minute decisions about whether to carry things like
rain pants. If the weather and conditions look good, you can leave items in the car.
63. If the weather is warm enough, some hikers like to leave the rain pants home anyway. Your legs
will get wet, but they won’t be trapped inside sweaty rain pants.
64. Your rain pants can be lighter than 4 ounces if you use “chaps” that cover your legs but are open
at the midsection.
65. Rain gear can weigh less than 10 ounces for top and bottom if you use the very lightest and most
simple varieties. We’ve already mentioned combination poncho/tarps if you want a piece of gear that
serves as shelter and rain gear.
66. One of the best lightweight clothing rules is “no multiples.” If you have one pair of pants, running
shorts and/or rain gear are enough backup.
67. One very light short sleeve shirt and one long-sleeve shirt should be enough.
68. Avoid cotton. It doesn’t dry as quickly, so it could be dangerous. And even if it’s not dangerous,
it’ll be heavier when it’s wet because the water weight won’t dry as quickly as other fabrics.
69. Very light synthetic materials and silk may allow you to leave heavier, bulkier fleece at home. A
couple of silk layers under your rain gear may be enough for summer hikes. That’s a total of less
than 6 ounces for 2 shirts.
70. Never wear jeans. They weigh about 1 � pounds and don’t dry well. Lightweight nylon outdoor
pants can weigh as little as 8 ounces.
71. If you need more insulation, there are ultralight jackets made with down that weigh less than 8
ounces, about the weight of a T-shirt.
72. You can save a lot of weight by using running shorts that weigh around 3 ounces instead of heavi-
er cargo shorts.
73. Leather belts can be quite heavy. Look for a light belt. A lightweight nylon accessory strap with a
quick-release buckle works well.
74. Using silk can cut the weight and bulk of your underwear in half.
75. A lightweight watch cap (beanie or lightweight stocking cap) can weigh as little as an ounce. It’s
great for extra warmth during the day or while you’re sleeping.
76. A full-brimmed hat for storm protection that’s made from silicone-coated nylon weighs as little as
1.2 ounces.
77. A baseball-type hat from lightweight ripstop nylon for sun protection can weigh less than an
ounce.
78. A painter’s cap will give you cheap, light protection from the sun. They weigh about 1.3 ounces.
79. If a hat is too hot for you, use a visor to be cooler and lighter. Visors vary a lot in weight, so use a
digital scale to find the lightest one.
80. Lightweight polypropylene gloves that weigh an ounce will give you some warmth.
81. You can use your extra socks as gloves, or for added warmth over light gloves.
82. Those plastic newspaper or grocery bags that we used for keeping your feet warm at night can be
used to keep your hands dry.
83. Socks that are warm, comfortable, and help you avoid blisters are vital. Don’t try to go too thin
and light if you tend to blister. But many popular styles come in various heights. So a shorter, lighter
sock might give you the same function.
84. One of the best ways to save clothing weight is to use running shoes instead of hiking boots. The
old saying of one pound on your feet being equal to five pounds in your pack is true. You lift your
shoes with every step, so why not lift something light and comfortable?
85. Shoe laces that come with your running shoes are often too long. They catch on the little twigs
along the trail. You might as well cut them off and save the weight. Burn the ends so they don’t un-
ravel.
Cooking
86. Keep your cooking gear light by using a kettle only. You can save more than half the weight of
the cooking kit by leaving the plate and fry pan home. The � quart kettle by itself weighs less than 5
ounces.
87. With titanium, your kettle can weigh under 4 ounces.
88. Stainless steel is heavy. Avoid it. Non-stick coatings make a kettle heavier than one without it.
Decide whether the weight of the non-stick surface is worth it for you.
89. For your cup, use the plastic kind that have measuring marks inside. They’re four times lighter
than a sierra cup.
90. Try using a lexan spoon only. You probably don’t need a fork. For cutting food you can use your
pocket knife. File some of the excess weight from the handle of your spoon. Have some fun being a
fanatic. Drill some holes in the handle.
91. Some hikers like a long Dairy Queen spoon because it can reach all the way into foil pouches and
zip lock bags. Be ready to use some emergency chopsticks if the spoon breaks. Some people like
chopsticks anyway.
92. Blacken the bottom of your kettle to cook faster and conserve fuel. If your kettle won’t do this
naturally, use heat-resistant paint, the kind you use to paint barbeques and wood stoves.
93. Keep the lid for your kettle. You’ll save its weight by using less fuel.
94. Use a windscreen so you conserve and carry less fuel. You can probably use something that’s
already in your pack so there’s no weight added. Or use something very light, like aluminum foil.
95. Use your digital scale to know the weight of a full and empty fuel canister if you use butane/pro-
pane. It’s surprising how far a small can will go. You can learn when to leave a full 7-ounce canister
home.
96. For a scouring pad, keep it simple and cut it down to a very small size. Or, better yet, don’t take
one at all. They tend to become bacteria magnets. Use goats beard -- the stuff that’s attached to
tree bark. Or use pine cones or sand.
97. You may need a towel to handle your hot kettle. Keep one small piece of a rayon camper’s towel
for kitchen use and one for your body.
98. The lighter, thinner towels you can find in grocery stores are even lighter than a rayon camper ’s
towel. These work well on your body because they can rinse so easily for washing up.
99. There are two main types of ultralight stoves. Titanium stoves that burn butane/propane fuel can
be as light as 2 � ounces. Their small fuel canisters are 7 ounces. Or you can choose a soda can
style stove that burns denatured alcohol. These can be lighter than 2 ounces. Their fuel is readily
available and can be carried in very light containers.
100. Fiberglass is often used as a wicking agent in the soda can stoves. The thin fiberglass within foil
can be used to hold hot stoves or kettles and can be used to hold heat in your kettle.
101. The lightest water container is a plastic soda, water, or Gatorade bottle. Of course, you’ll want
to remove that heavy label.
102. Some backpackers like to stay hydrated by drinking directly from a tube as they hike. You can
keep the weight of this system to a minimum by using only a bladder within your pack.
103. If you like to take salt and pepper, stock up on the kind that’s in paper packets in fast food res-
taurants. Keep them in small zip lock bags.
104. Book matches are about as light as any. Store them in a small zip lock to keep them dry.
105. It’s good to carry some windproof and waterproof matches, but the box they come in is heavy.
Put some of the matches in a small zip lock bag and store the striker portion of the box in a small zip
lock bag within so it doesn’t accidentally strike.
Food
106. Freeze dried food is one way to reduce your food weight. But they are expensive and not al-
ways dense in nutritious calories. Freeze dried meals are often high in sodium, sugar, and fats.
Read the labels. Learn what you like and what’s nutritious.
107. There’s a wide variety of weights among one and two-person freeze dried meals. Always check
the weights to get the most nutrition for the least weight.
108. Eating vegetables is one of the biggest challenges on a long-distance hike. Learn which veggies
you like in freeze dried form.
109. To reduce the weight and bulk of freeze dried meals, repackage them in lighter zip lock bags,
and remember to keep the label and cooking instructions. Add a single piece of tape if you use a zip
lock to avoid having zip locks pop open in your pack.
110. Some hikers cook in the foil bags that come with the freeze dried meal. If you do this, you can
still repackage and use some of the foil bags more than once.
111. Experiment with trail mixes in your supermarket. Learn which ones you like and which ones are
lightest.
112. Nuts are a part of what many hikers carry because they’re nutritious and high in protein, but they
are heavy, so consider eating them first.
113. Sunflower seeds are a dense, nutritious food.
114. Always eat your heaviest food first. Some of the most enjoyable foods aren’t even considered
backpacking food. But a nice steak cooked right on the coals of a fire is a fantastic treat the first night
out.
115. Foods like packaged peanut butter and string cheese are nutritious and healthy, but heavy
enough to be in that category of eating as soon as possible.
116. Dried apricots and some fruit leather aren’t really that light. Know the weights, and if you still
want to take them, eat them early in your hike. For instance, banana chips are far lighter than dried
apricots.
117. Some backpackers like to use energy bars instead of traditional meals, partly because no cook-
ing is involved. It’s easy and you can hike more hours during the day. It pays to read the labels,
because some energy bars are loaded with sugar which means empty calories.
118. A granola, oatmeal, or cereal breakfast can give you a quick start in the morning since you don’t
have to cook. You’ll save fuel weight, too.
119. Dried soup mixes can be found in any supermarket, and it’s an easy food to test at home. Ex-
periment to find what you like and what’s easy to fix.
120. Pretzels, crackers, tortillas, and healthy taco chips are good foods for the weight and you can
munch on them without slowing down to cook.
121. Of course, a hike isn’t a hike without beef jerky. It’s high in flavor and protein and low in fat.
122. Tuna and chicken are becoming more available in small, foil pouches.
123. Consider buying a food dehydrator. You can experiment and find which foods are the lightest
and taste best.
124. Powdered sports drinks can help you replace electrolytes. Find the ones that are lowest in
sugar, since sugar gives you empty calories.
125. Remember to take your vitamin pill. It can’t replace a meal, but it supplements your efforts.
126. Always carry some spare food in case of emergency, but make it some of your lightest food
since it’s not likely to be used.
127. Consider using a gallon size zip lock as your trash bag. Since some of your food containers will
be thrown away when they’re wet, leave the trash bag open as often as possible to let liquids evapo-
rate.
128. Because water is one of your heaviest and most necessary items to carry, it’s best if you know
where it is so you don’t have to carry so much. A reliable trail guide is far lighter than unnecessary
water.
129. Having extra water in your car will help you carry and treat less water. Drink up just before you
leave the car, and have enough to drink as soon as you get back to the car. It’s simple, but many hik-
ers don’t do it. Keep the water in the trunk to stay cool.
130. For any of the water treatment methods, if the water is murky and heavy with particulate, you
may want to pre-filter with a coffee filter or cloth. A coffee filter is extremely light.
131. There are lightweight methods for each of the six main ways to treat water. Boiling is slow and
tedious, but this method doesn’t take any extra weight for your cooking water. If you use a wood fire,
boiling is the lightest method.
132. Bottles of iodine tablets weigh only 1.1 ounces full.
133. Iodine treatment can be as light as .3 oz. if you put your tablets in a 1-dram bottle. If you add a
vitamin C to improve the taste, it will add only about .1 oz. more.
134. If you use chlorine dioxide (Aqua Mira) and use the small, one-ounce containers, the weight will
be only 3.1 oz. when they’re full.
135. If you use a filter, it can weigh less than an ounce if you use the McNett Emergency Frontier
filter.
136. Bottle filters can weigh as little as 5 ounces including the bottle.
137. If you use a pump filter, remember to pump all the water out after each use so you’re not carry-
ing extra water weight.
138. The lightest of the ultraviolet light water-purifying devices weighs only 2.4 oz. and can be re-
charged and perform 20 treatments per charge.
139. You can use sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) in emergencies. Two to four drops of it
will treat a quart of water. So, a very small and light supply of bleach could treat a lot of water. But
websites that talk about this form of treatment always use the words “emergency use” and don’t give
details about overall effectiveness or the effects of long-term use on your body.
Body Care and First Aid
140. For insect protection, put only the amount of a good DEET-based repellent you need into a � or
� ounce container.
141. If you like spray applicators, the spray top from a Ben’s DEET repellent bottle will fit the � and
� ounce Nalgene bottles. You can also find other spray tops that will fit the small Nalgene bottles in
places like the sample section of your grocery store. Sample shampoo bottle spray tops often work.
142. Treat your clothing (and even your tent and pack) with Permethrin before you leave home. It’s
a weightless and effective way of keeping insects off all the areas of your body that are covered with
clothing.
143. Keep your first aid kit in a zip lock bag. That’s lighter than most original containers. Or, build
your own kit with a goal of making it fit in a small zip lock bag.
144. A good starting point for a first aid kit is a tiny list of basic first aid procedures.
145. Your first aid kit should include light versions of bandages, gauze pads, alcohol pads, antiseptic
pads, moleskin, butterfly bandages, and triple antibiotic ointment.
146. If you replace a needle with brass safety pins in your first aid kit, you won’t have to worry about
the needle poking you or your equipment. You can treat blisters with a (disinfected) safety pin. The
brass ones last longer before they start to rust. A few tiny safety pins can be a part of your repair kit,
too.
147. If you want cotton swabs in your first aid kit, remember the hollow-tube style are lighter than the
solid ones.
148. A portion of a roll of surgical tape is a great, light way to be able to make large bandages if
needed. It’s also part of your repair kit.
149. A little wide athletic tape can be lighter than moleskin in preventing blisters. This tape can also
be used for bandages and repairs.
150. Your aspirin and/or ibuprofen can be kept in small zip lock bags.
151. If you use antacids, they can be kept in small zip lock bags.
152. Anti-diarrhea tablets (loperamide hydrochloride) can be a life saver. A few with the packaging
trimmed weigh almost nothing and can save a lot of inconvenience and the weight of lots of toilet
paper.
153. A little Benadryl in a tiny container or in tablet form can give lightweight relief from insect bites.
154. Small zip lock bags should be considered for storing any small item. The small 2 x 3” zip locks
weigh 3/100s of an ounce each, and the 3 x 5” bags weigh 9/100s of an ounce each. After you eat
the food that you have stored in zip locks, the bags can be used for other things.
155. You can repackage your biodegradable soap in � or � ounce containers.
156. Hand sanitizer is a good way to avoid stomach problems caused by dirty hands. You can carry a
small amount in a � or � ounce container.
157. If you can find a high SPF sunscreen that is a liquid instead of a gel, it’s easier to use from a
small container like the � or � ounce bottles. With a liquid you won’t have to dig with anything like
you would with a gel to get the last bit from the container.
158. Look for good SPF lip protection in a smaller-than-average tube. You can find some that weigh
.2 oz. instead of .4 oz.
159. Store your toilet paper in a zip lock bag so it stays dry. Take it off the roll so you never carry that
“heavy” cardboard core. Use white, non-scented toilet paper so you don’t attract animals.
160. For your toothbrush, look for one that has a small head. They vary a lot. Cut off part of the
handle, and yes, drill a few holes in the handle. It’s fun to be a fanatic.
161. If you want to use regular toothpaste, get the sample sizes. Use small amounts when you’re
hiking. It’s easier on the environment and you’ll carry less. For most short hikes you’ll have plenty of
toothpaste if you use the first half of the tube at home.
162. To pack a little lighter, use tooth powder. It’s usually made up largely of baking soda. You may
want to keep it in a very small plastic container. If you put it in a zip seal bag, the powder tends to get
in the grooves of the closure and makes it difficult to work.
163. If you use dental floss regularly, measure it out and cut it for the number of days you need. The
wax style stores well in small zip lock bags. Dental floss can be used for repairs, too.
164. If you take a comb, of course you’ll want to cut it in half.
165. A mirror can be handy not only for grooming, but emergency signaling. The light, acrylic plastic
mirrors weigh .8 ounces. They are 2 �” x 4 �”. You can cut one with a utility knife and a file, so you
have 2 mirrors. It will now fit in a 2 x 3” zip lock bag that will keep it from getting scratches.
166. Many hikers enjoy not using a deodorant for a few days. But if you’d like to pack some, you can
find Arrid Extra Dry in many stores. Repackage only what you need in a tiny, plastic container.
167. Most medications can be kept in a small zip lock bag.
Miscellaneous
168. Your flashlight can be as light as � ounce if you use one of the little “squeeze” lights. The kind
with a positive on/off switch are much easier to use. Carry two and you’ll still be incredibly light in this
area and have a backup and more hours of light.
169. Use lithium batteries to save weight. They cost more, but last longer.
170. If you use the little “squeeze” lights, trim the excess packaging from your extra batteries, but
don’t take them out of the packaging and let them rub together. They’ll lose their charge and be
worthless.
171. If you want a beefier flashlight, a model with 2 AAA batteries can be as light as 1.5 ounces.
172. If you like a headlamp, it can be as light as 1.1 ounces.
173. Trim your map to only the portion you need. Be sure to keep emergency exit routes and any
other necessary information.
174. When using a guidebook for one of the long trails, take only the part that’s needed. If you’re hik-
ing a major portion of the trail and mailing food drops, you can cut the book into the appropriate parts.
Then you can throw away the old ones or mail them back home as you get to each new package.
175. Many hikes tend to be on very established trails. A compass is one of your essential items, but
many hikers carry heavy compasses that are overkill. On some of the biggest trails like the PCT,
CDT, and AT, the only question if you’re off trail is, “Do I want to head due east or due west to get
back to the trail.” You can carry a compass that is as light as 1/10 oz. For 3/10 oz. you can have a
compass that is marked every 5 degrees, is liquid filled, has a luminous dial, and a rotating bezel.
176. Some hikers love to carry their heavy “all-in-one” utility knife. For that weight you can carry a
knife that weighs 3/10 oz. and 10 to 20 other pieces of gear.
177. Have a separate pair of sunglasses for backpacking, a pair that weighs less than an ounce.
Chances are a small, frameless pair will be quite a bit lighter than your regular sunglasses. The light-
est storage protection is probably a zip lock bag.
178. There are a lot of things you can use for fire starter. Your cooking gear might be enough. Dryer
lint is an old favorite that is very light.
179. You may never need an emergency blanket, but it’s cheap insurance for only 1.8 oz. and it can
serve other purposes such as a ground cover or a dry place to sit.
180. Your emergency whistle can be as light as .2 oz. for a small plastic version or .1 oz. for the light
aluminum style.
181. Choose a utility cord that is thin, but strong. You can have strong cord that weighs only .4 oz. for
25 feet.
182. A few rubber bands make a nice utility item and add very little weight.
183. If your regular watch is very heavy, get a cheap plastic one for backpacking. Many hikers like a
light and an alarm and don’t need much else. If you get one with only those features it will be inex-
pensive and light.
184. Some hikers won’t leave home without duct tape. It works for a number of repairs and can be
used for first aid. If you tape some to the outside of your pack, be sure it’s not melting into a ball in
the sun. Some brands do better in heat. You can find duct tape in “flat packs” of 3 or 5 yards.
185. There are hikers who must have a trowel for bathroom use, but you can save weight without
one. The wilderness provides its own trowels. They’re called sticks.
186. A pencil and pen are important items to have. You may need them to leave important messages
on the trail. You can place a message in a used zip lock bag on the trail and it will be protected from
rain. Find a very small pen or even a thick plastic pen refill that works as your pen.
187. You’ll need to carry your car keys, so have a separate one made that can be drilled out and filed
to lighten.
188. Your car key would be a terrible thing to lose, so add some bright Mylar from a party balloon or a
piece of bright cord or yarn.
189. If hiking poles appeal to you, check around until you find the lightest. You may not want all the
features that add weight. A pair should be under one pound. Specialty companies are bringing this
weight down even further.
190. Umbrellas work in sun and rain. They can be as light as 5.5 ounces.
191. If you’re doing an “in and out” hike, you might be able to save purification time by caching (hid-
ing, storing) some water part way into the hike. Be sure you can find it on the way out.
192. If you’re hiking one of the long trails, become an expert at what to send to re-supply points.
Keep a supply of what you may need with your support person at home so you can call or send a
note and have it sent to your next supply point. Carry postage, or include it in your food drops in case
some of your supply points don’t sell postage. If you have postage, you can send unwanted gear
home.
193. Some people like to take a lightweight paperback for reading. One way to lighten your reading
material is to burn it as you read it.
194. If you need reading glasses, get a separate pair for backpacking. You’ll find that the very thin
ones, the kind you buy in a tube case, are very light. These are often sold in airport gift shops.
195. If you have trouble with foggy glasses, you may not need to carry a special anti-fogging liquid.
Try the old skier’s trick that is used on ski goggles – spit on them.
196. When you stop to rest and want a clean, dry surface, try using a Tyvek envelope or a small piece
of closed-cell foam.
197. You don’t want to leave your wallet in your car, so plan ahead and take only the cash you need,
your ID, a credit card or two, and possibly a phone card.
198. Leave your jewelry at home. It’s probably not that heavy, but you wouldn’t want to lose it out
there.
199. Find the lightweight camera that works best for you. Some of the disposable models are very
light. If you’re more serious about your photography, lighter models with more quality are available.
Take your digital scale when shopping.
200. Leave extra clothing in your car. When you return, if you’re especially wet or dirty, it’ll feel great.
201. Leave your cell phone in your car. You don’t need it hiking and probably won’t have coverage in
many areas. If it’s in your car, you can call home for messages as soon as your hike is over.
There you have it, 201 ultralight backpacking tips. Hike light. Have fun.
Bonus tips!!
1. Get a haircut!
2. Trim your nails!

Chapter 3: How I Started Hiking Lighter and How Only The Lightest Camping
Equipment & Hikelight Started
I suppose my conversion to lightweight backpacking started one sunny Saturday in 1960. My Boy
Scout troop went on a day hike near my hometown of Cottage Grove, Oregon.
It wasn’t a very hot day, and my backpack wasn’t very heavy. But those old canvas backpacks didn’t
fit very well and they were hot against your back. I noticed that George, one of the other scouts, car-
ried only a small brown sack with his lunch. After lunch, he smashed his soda can flat, folded the pa-
per sack, and put them both in his back pocket. So during the warm afternoon, he didn’t carry a thing!
George was as free as the breeze while I carried my uncomfortable and unnecessary pack. I ques-
tioned every little silly item I’d carried in my pack just to “be prepared.” The only thing I really needed
was the lunch.
So, from that point on as a scout I carried what I needed and nothing more. It didn’t take a great deal
of planning, and every outing was more fun.
About 12 years later, I was a very untrained scoutmaster. I could have avoided going on a 50-mile
hike with the scouts, but I wanted to go, and I wanted them to have the experience. We lived near the
Three Sisters Wilderness area, a gorgeous place for a 50-mile hike. As raw and untrained as I was
as a leader, I knew one thing for sure – I didn’t want to be a baby sitter for some boys who were ill
equipped and struggling to carry their packs.
By having training sessions and meetings with parents, we were well prepared for our adventure. The
trip was a total success and it increased my love for backpacking.
From that time on, I tried to spend a few days each year in the high Cascades. During good years, I
was able to get away for a few days and add to my miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. Gear wasn’t as
fancy then, but you could still pack light. My wife helped me sew some extra pockets on a fanny pack
and we made a foam sleeping bag. One of those old adventures was a weekend hike in the Mt. Hood
Wilderness where I carried 13 pounds. Some things worked better than others, but it was fun trying to
lighten up.
My kids went with me as soon as they were potty trained. I loved the simplicity of grabbing a pack
instead of loading a car with tons of items for some “car camping.”
My summer interest in backpacking lead to my winter hobby of figuring ways to lighten my backpack.
I enjoyed looking through all the backpacking equipment catalogs, but was frustrated at how much
“heavy stuff” I had to wade through to find a gem of lightweight backpacking gear. I started thinking of
putting together a catalog of all ultralight hiking gear.
I figured I could offer everything except food and footwear. By looking through the catalog, backpack-
ers could get an idea of how to reduce the weight of every piece of gear in their packs. Hikers could
treat my catalog like a buffet and choose what they liked.
A few of the items in the catalog/website today are much the same as they were in 1993. The silk
shirts, nylon shorts, belt, one of the Gerber knives, mess kit, towel, lexan utensils, plastic cup, water
purification tablets, Timberline filter, Campsuds, small containers, emergency blankets, whistle, small
zip-seal bags, windproof/waterproof matches, and first aid kit have stood the test of time with little or
no change. Other lightweight backpacking gear has had small changes and totally new items have
been added to the choices.
One thing has remained the same since 1993. We’re still small, by choice. If I’m out hiking or just out
of the office, you may not get instant service. I need to hike, too. But most times you’ll get fast service.
And you can still talk to the owner. I understand lightweight hiking and what you’re trying to accom-
plish.
It’s fun to hike light, and it’s rewarding to help other hikers reduce the weight of their backpacks and
have more fun.

Chapter 4: Hiking light -- After You Lighten up the Big 3, Tackle the Next Three --
Sleeping Pad, Rainwear, and Cooking Gear
When you decide to reduce the weight of everything in your pack, ultralight hikers will tell you to con-
centrate on the “big three,” your backpack, tent, and sleeping bag because that’s where you can trim
the most weight. Exchanging that seven-pound backpack for one that’s under two pounds is a great
start. And a sleeping bag and tent that are both under two pounds is fantastic. The weight of your big
three is now under five pounds!
You make that switch to a smaller pack with faith and determination, but there’s an uneasy feeling
that everything won’t fit in the new, slimmer pack. How do you get it all in? How do you get the overall
weight as low as possible?
If you can ruthlessly cut the weight of everything in your backpack in half, basic math tells you your
pack can go from 40 pounds to 20. You might say you can’t cut everything in half, but some items
can be cut by more than half. So, your overall goal of cutting your weight in half is reasonable. It may
seem tedious, but remember, do a good job of this just once, and the rewards will last forever. Your
pack will be waiting there in your closet, light as a feather, waiting for your next hike.
Consider the items you carry, one at a time. After your pack, bag, and tent some of the biggest items
to consider are what you might call “the next 3,” your sleeping pad, rainwear, and cooking gear.
Sleeping pads can be a challenging piece of gear to choose. You need to sleep well or the whole hik-
ing experience will be negative. A good, closed-cell foam pad insulates well and is one of the lightest
solutions. A full-size version can be in the 10 ounce range. The downside is the volume, but it can be
carried on the outside of your pack. If you need more comfort and not too much insulation, there’s
nothing like an air mattress. Even the self-inflating pads have less than half the thickness of air mat-
tresses. The weight for a full length air mattress can be as light as 19 ounces and you get 2 �” of loft.
If you’d like thickness and insulation, there are air mattresses with insulation in the tubes. You still get
2 1/2” of padding, synthetic insulation, the self inflating feature, a compact package that’s about a 5”
diameter cylinder by 10”, and it weighs only 22 ounces.
Like most backpacking gear, your rainwear is a “tradeoff” item. You can have some of the features,
but not all of them in one package. The good news is there are many choices. In warm weather where
hypothermia isn’t a problem, some people like to have a rain jacket and hike in shorts letting their legs
get wet. Another choice is a poncho or cape. Some of these even serve as a shelter. Poncho/tarps
and capes can be in the 7 to 11 ounce range.
Your rain pants can weigh less than four ounces when you use chaps that cover your legs but are
open to release the moisture your body creates at the midsection. Rainwear that’s not as strong as
nylon and doesn’t compact as well can weigh less than 10 ounces for a jacket and pants. Breathable
nylon-based rain jackets and pants can be less than 20 ounces. Your summer rainwear doesn’t need
insulation like a coat. If you need some insulation under the rain gear to keep warm, use light layers
that can multitask in other conditions. Your new, lighter raingear will pack smaller, too.
Let’s talk about kitchen items. Most backpackers can significantly cut the weight and bulk of their
cooking gear. By carrying a kettle instead of a full mess kit with frying pan and plate you slash over
half the weight. The � quart kettle by itself weighs less than five ounces. If you want to go even
lighter, you can get a titanium kettle. And if you’re carrying that age old favorite, the sierra cup – why?
It weighs over four ounces! Throw it as far as you can and take only the plastic cup that comes with
most mess kits. It’s less than an ounce. While you’re throwing, toss that metal spoon, fork, and knife
combo. In fact, why not ditch the fork and carry only a lexan spoon. Take a file and cut it down a little
and it will not only be a little lighter, it will fit inside your kettle. You probably don’t need the fork and for
cutting you can use your pocket knife.
There are many choices in lightweight backpacking stoves. Some of the lightest stoves are titanium
butane/propane burning models that are as light as 2 � ounces. The fuel canisters are only seven
ounces. Another lightweight stove choice is the homemade alcohol stoves made from soda cans.
These weigh less than two ounces. The denatured alcohol that they use is readily available and can
be carried in very light containers. If you like to include a towel as part of your kitchen, you can take
a small piece of the rayon “campers” towels that are highly absorbent and dry quickly. A small piece
of scouring pad can be included. Everything will fit inside your kettle that also holds your new, lighter
stove, matches, and trimmed-down lexan spoon.
For carrying water, the lightest way is plastic soda or water bottles. If you can use potable aqua
tablets to treat your water, you can save the weight of your filter. Check out all the options for water
purification, and choose the one that fits your needs and the area in which you’ll be hiking. Be open to
trying lighter choices.
Enjoy your lighter sleeping pad, rainwear, and kitchen gear. And notice how well they fit in a smaller,
lighter backpack.

Chapter 5: Hiking light -- Sweat the Small Stuff and Reduce the Weight of Every-
thing in Your Backpack
All your life people have said “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s usually good advice. But in light-
weight backpacking it’s a great idea to “sweat the small stuff.”
You can trim the most weight from the larger items you carry such as your tent, sleeping bag, and the
backpack itself. Then you move on to the sleeping pad, rainwear, and cooking gear. But don’t stop
there. All the remaining little items add up, too. If you ruthlessly trim them, you can carry significantly
less weight. You’ll enjoy the freedom, and you can maintain comfort. In some ways you’ll have more
comfort, not just from weight savings, but because of the smaller size and simplicity of the gear.
Remember that every lightweight technique is an option. Pick and choose what works for you. Every
backpacker is different. Do it your way.
Have you ever been ready to leave for a backpacking trip and grabbed something at the last minute?
Maybe you packed a flashlight or extra shirt that weighed 6 ounces. That seems pretty light. It surely
wasn’t going to ruin your hike. Not by itself anyway. But in lightweight backpacking the thing to re-
member is that every single item adds up.
In my backpack I carry a sandwich size ziplock bag that weighs less than 6 ounces – and it holds 27
items. That’s 27 pieces of gear that weigh the same as many hiker’s flashlight. Read through the list
and see how you can trim weight and enjoy a lighter, simpler backpack.

Item	Weight	Notes
Compass	0.1 oz	It’s the tiny insert portion of a keychain compass
Whistle	0.1 oz	Tiny cylinder-shaped aluminum style
Mirror	0.2 oz	For signaling & grooming. acrylic, trimmed small
Comb	0.1 oz	Cut in half of course!
Book Matches	0.3 oz	2 full regular books
Safety Matches	0.3 oz	Some wind & waterproof in a 2x3” ziplock bag
Soap, Biodegradable	0.3 oz	For body & dishes, small amount in 1/4 oz. container
Sunscreen	0.3 oz	Liquid style, small amount in 1/4 oz. container
Pen	0.1 oz	Thick style refill will work
Paper	0.2 oz	A few “sheets” in 3x5” ziplock--fire starter too!
5 Rubber Bands	0.2 oz	Extras for repair, wraps air mat-tress, etc...
Toothbrush	0.1 oz	Trim handle, then drill holes for fun!
Tooth Powder	0.1 oz	Lighter than toothpaste...
Floss	0.1 oz	In a 3x5” ziplock, great for re-pairs too
SPF Lip Balm	0.2 oz	Look for a thinner, lighter brand than usual
Benadryl Cream	0.4 oz	Added to first aid kit, relieves bug bites a little
20 Ibuprofen	0.2 oz	Backpacker pain reliever of choice in 2x3” ziplock
12 Aspirin	0.1 oz	Extras for altitude headaches in 2x3” ziplock
8 Loperamide	0.1 oz	For diarrhea, trimmed and put in 2x3” ziplock
6, 1” Brass Safety Pins	0.1 oz	For equipment repairs and treating blisters
30 Potable Aqua Tabs	0.3 oz	In amber 1-dram bottle, 1.1 oz if in original bottle
Light Nylon Cord	0.2 oz	For repair or general use, 25 ft. in 3x5” ziplock
Gerber Micro Knife	0.4 oz	Very light, high quality
2 Princeton Pulsar IIs	0.4 oz	Enough light for camp use, includes a backup
Extra Set of Batteries	0.2 oz	Extra set for both. Insures many hours of light
Favorite scriptures	0.1 oz	40 years in wilderness, must pack light!