There’s a big secret in the backpacking industry, and it’s one that’s usually only discovered after a healthy dose of type 2 fun and suffering. Spend enough time around trailheads and it will be obvious: people who go on long distance trips to remote destinations are almost certainly carrying significantly LESS gear than the average person heading into the woods for a quick weekend.
Sure, some of the weight difference is due to expensive ultralight gear. But for the most part, the discrepancy can be attributed to one thing: packing less stuff. Seasoned backcountry travelers know that difficult terrain requires a light kit and pack accordingly.
Whether you’re a newbie looking for a few hard-earned tips or a veteran trying to dial in your setup, here are 10 things to leave behind on your next backcountry trip
1. Ditch your brain
No, not that brain. Many internal frame packs are designed with a brain – the very top compartment that gives a backpack its recognizable dome shape. This might seem like a handy spot to stash miscellaneous gear (like a headlight or rain jacket). However, the extra space is just that – an extra 10 liters or so of room that allows you to throw in things you don’t need. If you’re having a difficult time dropping pack weight, we’ve found that the best place to start is with a smaller pack!
If you look at most ultralight backpacks, you’ll notice a conspicuous absence of brains. Luckily, many packs have the option to remove the brain compartment. Ditch yours before your next trip – it will force you to bring less.
2. Say goodbye to heavy boots
This might be a controversial take, but I’ll stand by it: if you spend a majority of your backcountry time on an established trail, you never need to wear hiking boots. Period. Instead, opt for lightweight trail running shoes.
Why? Well, when it comes to energy expenditure, an extra pound on your feet is equivalent to carrying 5 extra pounds on your back. Over the course of a long backpacking trip, this will make a huge difference in your muscular fatigue and general ability to move through the mountains.
I’ve backpacked extensively with trail runners through just about every condition imaginable. In extreme terrain (steep, off-trail scree and alpine mountaineering come to mind) they may not always be the best choice, but they still get the job done. In a standard mountain environment, the pros far outweigh the cons. Plus, they dry quickly, which is an added bonus for anglers who might be wading.
3. Skip the full-size toiletries
This might be extremely obvious, but skip the full-size toiletries! Toothpaste, sunscreen, contact solution, and hand sanitizer all come in tiny travel bottles.
While you’re at it, try to reign in your toiletry kit. Once you’ve packed the essentials for good hygiene, resist bringing more! A healthy dose of sun and sweat sounds like a great skincare routine to me.
4. No more mess kit
All you’ll need for eating: a titanium pot with a lid and a spork. Make sure you can boil water in your pot and you’re good to go with this minimal setup
5. No need for extra socks and underwear
If your trip is going to be longer than two days – congratulations, you’ll be re-wearing some undergarments.
Invest in high-quality wool or synthetic underwear and socks. They’ll stand up better to wear and tear and are more resistant to bad odor. Wearing shorts and pants with built-in liners is a great way to cut down even further on your underwear needs.
6. Drop the camp chair
When in the backcountry, you can prioritize comfort on the trail or comfort at camp. It’s usually difficult to do both. Opting to bring a chair clearly prioritizes time spent in camp. Which – if you’re planning a hefty trip that involves fishing – probably won’t be long. Better to shed weight for the hours you’ll spend on trail.
In the absence of a chair, let me introduce you to an essential piece of camp gear: the humble foam pad. In addition to being a fine sleeping pad, a roll of foam (I prefer the ¾ length cut) is a perfect surface to use for spreading out camp gear. Unlike its expensive inflatable cousin, a foam pad can be thrown over pretty much any ground cover and will never pop. Sit in comfort during a quick break or while cooking dinner. This low-tech piece of equipment lasts forever and is far more practical (not to mention lighter) than a camp chair.
7. Don't bring extra shorts/pants/shirts
See: extra socks and underwear. One of each should do the trick! If they get dirty, take a swim.
8. Leave the regular water bottles at home
Shave some weight by carrying plastic Smartwater bottles. They’re lighter than just about anything comparable, are durable, and their threads fit nicely on most squeeze filters.
9. Forget the stove
Ok, ok – that was a bit of click bait. I’m not saying don’t bring a stove at all (although the cold-soaking crowd might beg to differ) but I am saying you shouldn’t bring anything larger than the palm of your hand. Stoves in the backcountry are used for one thing: boiling water.
Given this simple task, there’s no need to carry something that can’t slide into your pocket. Yes, larger stoves are more efficient, but in my mind their weight is simply not worth a quicker boil. The one exception might be a group trip where many people are sharing a single stove and need lots of hot water.
I’ve used this $16, 26 gram BRS stove to prepare thousands of meals and it has yet to let me down
10. Don't pack your front-country fishing kit
When it comes to the backcountry, your regular trout kit is definitely overkill. But, just because you’re bringing less doesn’t mean you have to settle for lower quality.
With a bit of good research before hitting the trail, you should be able to confidently leave half your supplies at home. Narrow down your fly selection, tippet size, rod, and reel. If the weather is decent, ditch the boots and waders. Leave your full-sized pack back as well – you really only need something to hold the essentials. If you’re really trying to get your backcountry fishing setup dialed in, be sure to check out our collapsible backcountry net and minimalist pack before your next adventure.
Some of these suggestions might feel a bit goofy. Will it really make that much difference to use a smaller tube of toothpaste? On its own, no. However – ounces make pounds! If you decide to bring too many “small extras,” you’ll end up with a pack that’s far too heavy. Get rid of these 10 things and you’re well on your way to a light pack and an epic trek.