Ultralight Makeover

the obvious shelter tip is a bivy bag. OR's weighs 22 ounces and costs barely $200 new. High end down bags cost $, but are more comfy and weigh nothing - my 30degree 850 fill bag weighs less than 20 ounces. I don't take a change of clothes, just one pair of spare socks. i really find it easy to keep food to 1.5 pounds per day and almost none of it requires cooking. dunno why you say 2 pounds. I've done 1 lb / day. My android phone is my camera, gps, mp3 player, ebook, etc. i put it on airplane mode and i take one of the new ultra light (8 ounces) solar rollout panels to recharge. my osprey hornet bag cost less than $150, holds 45 L and weighs 1.5 pounds (but it is fragile). coffee is instant (the starbucks tublets weigh the least). Even with a flask of tequila and powdered lemonade for 'ritas I have no trouble staying under 20 pounds. and that includes my leather gloves, pocket rocket ($35, 3 ounces) stove and a medium fuel can (lasts 3 nites / four days with plenty left over). It's actually easy. no camp shoes, solar shower, box wine or steak, but I do carry a tiny deck of cards, a candle, headlamp, adn the usual sunblock, tp, plastic spade, etc.

The Bible gives pretty succinct advice about backpacking ... "Keep your eye simple." My backpack is also my bug-out-bag and, although I am game to drop a pound where I can, that keeps it a tad on the heavy side. I suspect many others are in the same situation.

So far as being able to hike long distances, that is not a measure of how light your pack is: it is a measure of how strong and patient you are. You might sleep on yonder ridge tonight ... but the ridge will still be there when I arrive tomorrow. If it is not, I will hike on until find another ridge ... one you ran past in your haste.

I'm retired. If I'm not at my desk on Monday morning, who cares? MY concern is to take every thing into the woods that I will need to make the journey a round trip ... knowledge, practice and the necessary supplies.

to save weight I have started using a sterno. two cans lasted me 2 weeks and I still had plenty left over. They only weigh a few ounces each

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I suppose you could call me a backpacking veteran having spent the last 38 years at the sport. As with all internet postings my opinions are just that, as as such, are meant to help those who wish to benefit. I have learned over the years, that less is more when it comes to backpacking weight. My purpose in backpacking is to a) enjoy nature by hiking into more remote and otherwise un-assessable areas b) to get exercise and c) to be safe. Having said this, and with no affiliation with the manufacturers or ulterior motive, I have invested quite a bit of money to reduce weight. My advice? Replace one piece of gear at a time but have an ultralight mindset (think in terms of ounces not pounds) going forward. It works for me. Your major investment should be your pack, your shelter (learn to pitch a tarp), and your bag. (my weight is 7 lbs for those 3). I use a homemade alcohol stove and leave the comfort items at home! My base weight is just over 15 lbs and backpacking has become much more enjoyable as a result!

First aid kit, prevention? I didn't know that you couldn't get hurt if you only tried not to. Orthopedic surgeons would be very unhappy if that were true. And I'll be sure to never again share my ibuprofen and ace wrap with an injured ultra lighter. You may scoff at my heavy pack, but not being prepared is irresponsible. I'll take the extra 10 pounds.

Light does not have to be expensive. I purchased my cooking equipment at the dollar store. They (small saute pan and small sauce pan) are non-stick and made of lightweight aluminum and plastic. I even shaved some weight by trimming the plastic handles. A buck a piece! My stove is a glorified beercan alcohol stove I paid fifteen dollars for (cheaper than I could make it). My son has the latest and greatest and I'm easily a pound under his set up. That is just one example! Light doesn't necessarilly mean expensive. Think out of the box and check weights as you buy.

I am not a true ultra-lighter and I am a large person. However I have learned that lighter packs are more enjoyable. I have trimmed my over 70 pound pack for two nights to the 30-32 pound range for 5 nights including food (total weight). I still take a GPS because I like to record my trips and I take a book because I like that medium. I started trimming slowly and finally have a reasonable set of trade-offs. I start the current system with a RCI flash 65 pack at 3#2oz, a Sierra Designs stretch 30 degree bag at 2#8oz, thermarest prolite 4 pad at 24 oz, a Tarptent Moment tent at 29oz, a Montbell down jacket at 9oz, a Mountain Hardware shell at 15oz, Red Ledge rain pants and a host of other mixed brand items that do the job including titanium cooking and eating gear . My clothes are part of my "sleeping system", fabrics are mostly light synthetics, and multiple layers are the key. Shop for items on sale or close-out and look for multiple uses for most items. As I have "matured" and have issues with no cartilage left in my knees and some missing in my ankles, I find the difference between 42# and 32# to be amazing. A detailed gear list with actual weights helps with trade-offs.

Don't forget to check out the cottage manufacturers like Gossamer Gear, Tarptent, MLD, Six Moons, and Trail Designs.

Don't forget to check out the cottage manufacturers like Gossamer Gear, Tarptent, MLD, Six Moons, and Trail Designs.

I think the biggest issue with controlling my pack weight is the clothing. If you choose clothing that is moisture wicking and fast drying then you really only need the clothes on your back and some extra socks in addition to your rain gear. I also built a spreadsheet with all of my gear and its accurate weight so when I'm planning a trip I can calculate before hand what the weight of my pack is going to be. It helps me keep from dragging along stuff I don't need and is also a great checklist so I don't forget any essential gear. As for Eron's last comment I agree somewhat but its easy enough to see through the commercial aspects of the article. Our whole economy thrives on people never being satisfied with what they have and wanting to "upgrade"! I think user reviews are the best shopping tools out there and I use them constantly to make purchasing decisions. Backpacker has lead me to some amazing gear and when they recommend something the user's reviews 98% of the time back up their suggestions.

Sorry girl, but you sound like a walking, talking, sold my soul commercial advertisement on this one.
I am more inclined to be concerned about weight on a long trek. Weekends - my focus is on meditation of the walk and time in camp. Not interested in breaking the world speed record for 10 miles. I am interested in contemplation and just being grateful that I have a wilderness to go to. I am interested in lying in a comfortable tent (with sweetie sometimes) and listening to the rain doing its percussion symphony on the fly. Love to hike in the rain ('long as not too cold) - get wet - celebrate the fact that it feels good; then settle in for the night comfy-dry in my 4 pound tent.
I bring a couple extra meals because I can't make up my mind at home what I want......I enjoy celebrating the fact that I don't have to.
I carry camera and binocs because the wildlife and flora watching and recording is part of the contemplation. On a recent weekend outing to the Dolly Sods wilderness, I carried a 43 pound pack - which included my sweetie's equipment because she doesn't have a pack (we do a lot of day hikes together - she has a day pack she carried a few personals and our cook pot, but no trekking pack, yet). That would horrify many of you "lighties" would it not? I didn't even feel the load. I routinely have carried 50+ pounds on fishing backpacks. Could I lighten it? sure - but why? Just because I can? You don't think I can evaluate my own pain and determine whether I need to?
I do cook fairly light, but I am satisfied with a 3-5 year old system. I don't feel the push to upgrade every year. I did get a warm weather down bag to replace my do-it-all cold weather and that I think was smart play. My pack is sturdy, I tried on ultralites and my back hurt. My current pack actually braces a bad back and I can walk all day with it and 40+ pounds!
I like having "old faithful" gear with me. It is comforting.
I pay attention to weight, a lot of attention - but I never, ever, compromise my purpose in getting out with weight considerations.
Don't mean to be overly critical of your post, but really, does every bit of "advice" in solving a problem (btw you do a good job convincing people who do not have a problem that they do) have to include a plug to spend another fortune overhauling one's system?
Anyway, still enjoy reading you so carry on. Just lighten up from time to time, OK?

So use chemicals and chug water at each source. That won't work 'cause all chemicals have a contact time, with chlorine taking longer than iodine and both ruining the taste of delicious mountain water. The SteriPEN is a good idea except that it doesn't work in murky/silty/glacial water and it depends upon batteries and a light bulb.
As for extra food, well I know the slogan "everything weighs something" but an extra lightweight meal isn't exactly a stone and it seems responsible to me to be prepared. I don't know how many 3-day hikes turn into epics but I'd prefer that none of mine do. People get lost or injured and bad weather has caught me many many times.
Going light is fine. I've removed at least 15 pounds from my pack over the past couple of years by shopping REI used-gear sales and finding other bargains. But I know a woman who doesn't carry sunglasses in order to cut down on weight. Does that make sense?

I think the biggest issue with controlling my pack weight is the clothing. If you choose clothing that is moisture wicking and fast drying then you really only need the clothes on your back and some extra socks in addition to your rain gear. I also built a spreadsheet with all of my gear and its accurate weight so when I'm planning a trip I can calculate before hand what the weight of my pack is going to be. It helps me keep from dragging along stuff I don't need and is also a great checklist so I don't forget any essential gear. As for Eron's last comment I agree somewhat but its easy enough to see through the commercial aspects of the article. Our whole economy thrives on people never being satisfied with what they have and wanting to "upgrade"! I think user reviews are the best shopping tools out there and I use them constantly to make purchasing decisions. Backpacker has lead me to some amazing gear and when they recommend something the user's reviews 98% of the time back up their suggestions.

If you want to save weight, be comfortable, and have still have protection...you might want to use a hammock and tarp. I've been using them for years and they are great.

Thank you for those right on comments Eron. I agree. I find that Goodwill hunting and Craigslist help build up my gear list on a much smaller budget.

I agree with Eron. However, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet for quality gear. I like Tarptents and own a one person Contrail and a 2 person Double Rainbow, both in the $200 or so range, but I picked up an almost new Montbell 30 degree Super Stretch down bag for $125 on Ebay, a ga $120 shell for $8 at a resale shop. I always hit resale shops, ya never know what you might find. I waited and bought my originally priced $200 REI UL-45 backpack for $55 from the REI discount store, and just last week picked up a discontinued ACT Lite 65+10 backpack for under $160, about $60 or so off the original price.
I use $14 Wally World trekking poles, and when i once fell while boulder hopping and broke one, I improvised and used a high-tek wooden stick I tied a wrist strap around. I paid $50 for a new SPOT PLB when the newer models came out instead of the I think near $200 original price. I guess what I'm saying is sometimes you do have to spend more for quality gear, but you can also save a lot of $$$ by shopping wisely.

The last post implies that someone is spending $1200-$1500 for a weekend in the woods. If you just want to spend a weekend in the woods, tag along with a friend and don't spend a dime on gear. If you're like me and want a lifetime of weekends in the woods, invest wisely and realize that the better, lighter gear touted in Backpacker will last many years. Just because they highlight the best doesn't mean you've got to buy it - do your own research. With some smart shopping and calculated compromises, my backpacking system cost about $1200 for 3-man tent, sturdy pack, sleep, kitchen, & essentials. It weighs about 16 lbs w/o food, water, or clothes, and so far has given me 60 nights of wonderful over the past 3 years. Minus food, my cost is $20 per night and falling - partly because I took their advice and bought lightweight, high-quality gear instead of taking the cheaper route.

There are lighter, and cheaper, options for ultralight tents than the ones listed here. For example, Six Moons Designs makes the skyscape trekker, pitched using two trekking poles and a minimum of three stakes, for $225 at 1 lb. 8 oz. It is a full, double-walled tent,and rather like a palace inside. No, I am not affiliated with Six Moons, I just happen to love their tents. (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/tents.html)

So after running the numbers on this article you have just suggested I spend $1211.99 to $1521.99 to reduce my overall pack weight for a weekend camping system. The pros of Backpacker Magazine are the great photos, maps and informative articles about places to hike. The cons of Backpacker Magazine are the relentless product pushing articles designed to please the advortizers and meet the bottom line. If you see no problem with spending this kind of money on a camping/hiking set up then you should have no problem with spending your golden years eating cat food. There are plenty of low cost alternatives to the "IT" items that this magazine tries to convince you that you must have in order to enjoy the great outdoors. I'm glad Backpacker was not around in the early yearsa of this country, otherwise thousands of settlers may have been convinced that they could not venture beyond the rim of civilization because they would not survive without a $600.00 ArcTeryx jacket. Instead your readers should use what will get them through and spend all that extra money on their 401K or IRA. Then they could retire early and actually have the time and money to go out and enjoy the wild instead of working to pay off their gear inflated credit cards. I wish you would give info about gear that was not the most expensive alternative on the market.