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11 things to remember when ultralight backpacking in Utah

For those with experience, ultralight backpacking can be a way to refine your survival strategy, lightening your load so you can hike further and see more. It would be a mistake to think of ultralight backpacking as simply eliminating less necessary gear from your usual pack, though. To be successful — and stay safe — you’ll need to reevaluate the survival strategy your pack represents, from the ground up.  Here are some tips for successful backpacking in Utah, or anywhere else the trails take you.

Stay faithful to these essentials!

While it may be tempting to save a few ounces by skimping on your water supply or leaving your first-aid kit at home, the penalties for leaving these things off your list just aren’t worth the risk. There’s a reason they’re called essential. Stick to them:

 

1. Know how to navigate

Experienced navigators can toss the handheld GPS to lose a few ounces as long as your map and compass stay in the pack. Make sure the map is comprehensive, with topography and detailed trail info.

 

2. Protect yourself from the sun

Sunglasses that block UVB and UVA rays are essential, and they weigh almost nothing. A small tube of sunscreen (<2oz) will go a long way, especially if you supplement with breathable clothing that will minimize your skin’s exposure.

 

3. Insulate properly

Extra clothing is an insurance policy against wet and cold, which can creep up on you quickly wherever you are. It all depends on the season you’re hiking in and what weather you’re likely to encounter. A hat packs more heat-insulation for its weight than anything else. Extra socks should also be on the list, along with a lightweight jacket.

 

4. Bring the right illumination

A compact LED headlamp should add minimal weight to your ultralight pack. Energy-efficient LEDs are long lasting, so you can carry fewer backup batteries, and they are more rugged than bulbs with breakable filaments.

 

5. Carry a first aid kit

Bandages, disinfectant and blister-care are all basic to a first-aid kit. A kit for multiple people will need to be bigger, but you can go lighter with just a single-person kit. Make sure it’s comprehensive.

 

6. Know how you’d start a fire (in the proper place)

This is more than just a lighter or matches. You’ll need sustained fire-starter material, like kindling or dryer lint, that will burn long enough to help you get a fire going if you’re caught out in the cold. Lightweight alternatives might be long-burning chemical pellets.

 

7. Bring along some tools

Your number one tool should be a survival knife and multi-tool, since you’ll be using it for everything from cooking to first aid. A tiny, lightweight roll of duct tape is similarly indispensible for emergency repairs to your shoes, backpack and more.

 

8. Don’t get caught hungry

An extra day’s worth of food should go into every pack. Ultralighters can deal with this extra weight by choosing high-protein, dried foods that pack a lot of calories into a small package.

 

9. You’re gonna get thirsty

At least one water bottle and a collapsible water reservoir are non-negotiable for an ultralight pack. It’s up to you whether you want to carry the weight of a filter or opt for neutralizing chemical tablets.

 

10. How would you make an emergency shelter?

A light tarp or a minimalist tent will work for experienced wilderness travelers. A Mylar blanket (or space blanket) is super-light and helps your insulation layer to preserver your body heat.

 

These are simply the basics, not a recipe for the perfect ultralight pack. There are undoubtedly additional items that you’ll want to include, out of necessity or comfort. Consider the area in which you’ll be trekking and the conditions you’ll likely face.

 

11. Ask yourself a few questions

Interrogate yourself on each decision to determine whether you really should add or remove something from your pack:

• Can I replace this with a lighter version that serves the same function?
• Can I do without this comfort item, or will omitting it make my trip miserable?
• Do I have the skills to improvise if a problem arises and I don’t have this on hand?

Do you have experience ultralight backpacking? What tricks would you recommend to those looking to lighten their load?