5 Ultralight Gear Hacks Using Nothing More Than Cordage

Most dedicated ultralighters know the standard hacks: Bring a foam sit pad. Switch to Smartwater bottles. Cut your toothbrush in half. But for saving weight, there are few techniques so versatile and cheap as grabbing a few lengths of cord and a trusty guide to knots. Some hacks are best with static cord, while others require the elasticity of shock cord. Cut a couple yards of each to solve some of backpacking gear’s most annoying imperfections.

Continue reading to learn more about ultralight gear hacks, written by Nathan Pipenberg.

Escritor

Nathan Pipenberg

Nathan’s work focuses on travel, the outdoors, and environmental issues.

/

Backpacker: 5 Ultralight Gear Hacks Using Nothing More Than Cordage

Nathan Pipenberg

Last updated:

October 21, 2025

| 5 min read

5 Ultralight Gear Hacks Using Nothing More Than Cordage

Most dedicated ultralighters know the standard hacks: Bring a foam sit pad. Switch to Smartwater bottles. Cut your toothbrush in half. But for saving weight, there are few techniques so versatile and cheap as grabbing a few lengths of cord and a trusty guide to knots. Some hacks are best with static cord, while others require the elasticity of shock cord. Cut a couple yards of each to solve some of backpacking gear’s most annoying imperfections.

Continue reading to learn more about ultralight gear hacks, written by Nathan Pipenberg.

Escritor

Nathan Pipenberg

Nathan’s work focuses on travel, the outdoors, and environmental issues.

/

Escritor

Nathan Pipenberg

Nathan’s work focuses on travel, the outdoors, and environmental issues.

See author bio

Menciones en los medios de comunicación

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

Antimusic: It's Time to Get Outside (And Take These Items With You)

May 7, 2026

NY Mag: The Strategist: The 10 Very Best Tents for Camping and Backpacking

May 7, 2026

Treeline Review: The Presidential Traverse Hiking, Backpacking, and Trail Running Guide

May 7, 2026

Backpacker: 8 Items Thru-Hikers Are Ditching Mid-Trek These

May 7, 2026

browse all articles

HomeBlogMenciones en los medios de comunicación

Backpacker: 5 Ultralight Gear Hacks Using Nothing More Than Cordage

Nathan Pipenberg

Last updated:

September 4, 2025

| 5 min read

5 Ultralight Gear Hacks Using Nothing More Than Cordage

Most dedicated ultralighters know the standard hacks: Bring a foam sit pad. Switch to Smartwater bottles. Cut your toothbrush in half. But for saving weight, there are few techniques so versatile and cheap as grabbing a few lengths of cord and a trusty guide to knots. Some hacks are best with static cord, while others require the elasticity of shock cord. Cut a couple yards of each to solve some of backpacking gear’s most annoying imperfections.

Continue reading to learn more about ultralight gear hacks, written by Nathan Pipenberg.

Escritor

Nathan Pipenberg

Nathan’s work focuses on travel, the outdoors, and environmental issues.

/

Escritor

Nathan Pipenberg

Nathan’s work focuses on travel, the outdoors, and environmental issues.

learn about the author

Menciones en los medios de comunicación

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.

browse all articles

Menciones en los medios de comunicación

May 6, 2026

6 Min