Are You Ultralight Curious? These Are the 9 Essentials You Need.

By mile two of a backpacking trek, I often start rethinking my packing habits. Maybe I didn’t need the camp shoes. Or those rolls of Oreos. Or the book I swore I’d read by the lake. I used to think that a heavy pack was just part of the deal, the price of being prepared for every condition and version of myself: the diva, the snacker, the reader.

However, as materials and designs improve, outdoor gear brands are shaving ounces without stripping away the creature comforts that used to justify a heavier pack. While I’m not about to become the kind of hiker who sleeps on pine needles and snaps my toothbrush in half, there’s no longer an excuse to haul my old school, overweight rucksack around in 2026. As we head into prime backpacking season, I want to challenge myself to lighten my load a little.

Continue reading to learn more about essentials for ultralight backpacking, written by Amelia Arvesen.