Lighter Pack, Better Hike: A Beginner's Guide to Lightweight Hiking
By TrailKit · Published 20 September 2026
Carrying less weight makes every hour on the trail more enjoyable — less strain on your knees, less fatigue by the end of the day, and more energy left to actually enjoy the views.
Start with the big three
Your backpack, shelter and sleep system usually make up the bulk of your pack weight. Before agonizing over smaller items, look at these first: a lighter pack, a lighter tent, and a lighter sleeping bag or quilt will save you more weight than swapping a dozen small accessories.
Weigh before you buy
It’s easy to guess wrong about which items are actually heavy. Lay everything out, weigh it item by item, and you’ll often find one or two surprisingly heavy items you hadn’t thought about.
Don’t sacrifice safety to save grams
Lightweight hiking is about cutting unnecessary weight, not skipping essentials. A first aid kit, appropriate layers for the weather, and enough food and water should never be the first things you cut.
Practical next steps
Start with our guide to lightweight hiking backpacks if your current pack is holding you back, then work through your shelter and sleep system next.
FAQ
How much should my hiking pack weigh?
For a weekend trip, many hikers aim for a base weight (excluding food and water) of 6-9kg. Ultralight hikers push this lower, but comfort and safety should come first.
What''s the easiest way to start reducing pack weight?
Weigh everything you currently carry, identify your heaviest items (usually your pack, shelter and sleep system), and look for lighter alternatives there first — the "big three" give the biggest weight savings.