Ultralight

The easiest way to lighten your pack isn’t to buy new gear, but to leave a few things you already have behind.

Just how much pack weight can one hiker cut? Our editor performs a far-out experiment in minimalism.

Is lighter really always better?

From trying to make a bivy sack out of Tyvek to tarping it in mosquito country, going too light can land hikers in a lot of trouble.

Out of every 100 people who attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, 73 will give up. Beat the odds—and save your budget—by following these rules from a gear shop owner who sees thousands of hikers every season.

Whether you’re walking thousands of miles or just a few, every ounce counts. Keep your pack weight down with this seven-step process from expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas.

Can a needle newbie sew a DIY backpack that promises to save weight and money?

Want to do ultralight right? Check out these tips.

A 12-step program for cutting weight.

Poles can prevent falls and stress injuries, particularly on rough terrain with big loads. But, the constant 'click click' can drive you nuts. They leave poked holes in soft trails, and on rock slabs trek pole tips skate dangerously. Here, a simple fix.

Packing smart is the easiest way to go ultralight. Use these tips and you'll be set.

Be ready for humidity; hot temps; storms; bugs galore Look for waterproof/breathable shells; synthetic, quick-drying fabrics; well-ventilated shelters

Expect hot, sunny days; chilly nights; dry conditions; sharp and abrasive terrain Get warm, wicking fabrics; breathable footwear; durable gear; minimalist shelter

Expect intense cold and wind; sudden storm bursts; steep and rocky scrambling. Get down insulation; sturdy shelter; supportive footwear.

If you're planning to try ultralight in the summer, in a rainforest, in the desert, or in an alpine environment check out these must-take lists.

Expect torrential rains; wet snow; big temp swings Get synthetic insulation (it's warmer when wet); breathable shells; quick-drying fabrics; waterproof footwear; well- ventilated shelters with big vestibules for gear and cooking

Ultralight defined. Plus, the most popular pieces of gear people either love or hate.

Your pack's excess straps weighing you down? Cut 'em off. Plus how to maximize the gear you do bring.

Leave this gear on the bedroom floor.

Learn what gear to ditch and what to keep so you don't sacrifice comfort. Plus, a little lightweight reading material.

Get started with these three simple tips.

Want to hike farther with less effort this summer? It's easy–just cut your pack weight in half with our foolproof 33-tip plan.

Going ultralight may be the ultimate get-out-quick scheme: It took me all of 60 minutes to shop and pack for a 5-day hike and all of 10 minutes to pitch or pack up my simple camp.

While hiking light may seem like a new trail trend, nearly 20 years ago, many outdoor manufacturers were beating the ultralight drum.

A techno-packer and a yard-sale minimalist go stride for stride to find out what kind of equipment is best for a good time. Or more importantly, does it really matter?

He rocked the world of climbing, challenged the accepted wisdom in sea kayaking, and now Ray Jardine turned his renegade way of thinking to backpacking.

Putting the Ray Jardine ultralight way to the test.