Whether you’re new to backpacking or an old pro, there are always new ways to learn to save weight backpacking. You’ll likely be hiking lots of miles with a pack on your back; therefore, the lighter that pack is, the easier go of it you’ll have. Common mistakes made by beginners include packing more than you need, thus adding unnecessary pounds. So, consider this your official backpacking weight guide.

Remember this adage: ounces equal pounds. You may think something doesn’t weigh much, but lots of little things can add up quickly. The more experienced you become, you’ll find things you never really use and can be left behind. Additionally, you’ll find items that can serve multi-purpose uses. You’ll also discover the world of lightweight gear.

So, whether you want to learn how to save weight backpacking, or are seeing if you can add some new tips to your arsenal, here are some things I’ve picked up over time that hopefully can help you too. 

Recommendations to Save Weight Backpacking

If you’re looking for a backpacking weight guide, the standard recommendation you’ll see out there is to aim for 20% of your body weight or less. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, try for no more than a 40-pound pack. While 20% is probably a safe weight to strive for, it is by no means one-size-fits-all. It also doesn’t apply to ultralight backpacking, where backpackers aim for as little weight as possible.

In my mind, I’ve always aimed for 35 pounds or less. At 150 pounds, that is slightly more than the 20% rule, yet I find it doable. I can usually meet this pretty easily, with a mix of ultralight gear and heavier luxuries. I’m also generally in pretty good shape when I go out, but added weight can take a toll on your body over time. 

Additionally, if you’re backpacking with multiple people, some items can be divided up amongst the group, potentially resulting in less weight per person. Also, if there is a 200-pound man and a 100-pound woman, it would make sense that the man would carry more weight. 

There are many ways backpacking weight can add up quickly. There are some pretty extreme tips out there that may or may not make sense, but it doesn’t hurt to add them to have them in your back pocket just in case. 

How to save weight backpacking

There are a few different methods to save weight backpacking. These include:

• Packing fewer items.
• Using lightweight and ultra-lightweight equipment.
• Removing excess weight from your gear.

Save Weight Pack Less

The most obvious tactic for reducing weight is to pack less. Beginners (myself included when I started) often pack far more than is necessary, or they’ll even use. When packing, consider using items for multiple purposes or if a thing is even essential.

For example, if you’re going on a 3-day backpacking trip, you will not need three pairs of any items of clothing. It’s unnecessary, as being sweaty and dirty comes with the territory. Just remember to pack layers.

Another example is taking more food than you’ll eat or need. So while it’s good to have a slight excess in case something happens and you’re out longer than planned, you also don’t want to make it back to the trailhead with pounds of extra food. 

Lightweight and Ultra Lightweight Gear

In recent years, many outdoor gear manufacturers have been aiming for lighter and lighter weight gear. They’ve reduced weights using new fabrics to keep out rain and reduce weight. Carbon fiber is also lightweight for things like tents or trekking poles. The list goes on.

The downside to this lightweight gear is it typically costs a lot more than standard gear. If money isn’t a consideration, then, by all means, go crazy and buy the latest state-of-the-art backpacking gear designed to save weight. But if money is a consideration, perhaps there are other ways to save weight.

I’ve found a combination of more expensive lightweight gear and slightly heavier alternatives has allowed me some additional luxuries (ahem, carton of wine). Check out my favorite ultralight tent, the Nemo Dagger OSMO that gives me room for that wine.

Remove Excess Weight From Gear

My ex-husband was a hunting guide in Alaska, and one of the first weight-saving tips I learned from him was cutting off the handle of your toothbrush. This is one of the extreme examples I was talking about to save weight backpacking, but if we remember “ounces equal pounds,” it makes sense. They were going into some truly gnarly country, off-trail, and likely coming out with a heavy load of wild game in addition to their gear, so they did need to save every ounce they could.

I’ve learned several other tips in this regard that I’ll talk about. 

Weighing Your Pack

You’ll need to weigh your pack to know just how much you’ll be carrying and make adjustments if necessary. You’ll need a backpacking weight scale, and there are a few different kinds you can choose.

Bathroom Scale

The first is to use a good old-fashioned bathroom scale. It’s not the easiest method, but most people already have one, so it’s likely the cheapest. It involves weighing yourself, putting your pack on, and stepping back on. Subtract the first weight from the second weight, and this should theoretically give you a close approximation of your pack weight. The only caveat to this method is that scales are not very accurate and can continuously show varying weights, so you may only get to within a few pounds of where you think you’re aiming. 

Backpack/Luggage Scale

While I’ve never used this particular method, there are many options on the interweb for a backpack scale. These look like a handle with a way to attach it to your pack. You lift it, and a digital or manual scale will give you a weight reading. These are reasonably priced at around $10-15.

Horse Packing Scale

I used to pack horses and mules and have a TrailMax Packer’s Scale. It’s got a hook on one end that you hook onto a pack loop. You then lift the pack off the ground, holding it away from your body, and push the bottom tab up to where it stops. It can be a little difficult to explain and do, but it seems far more accurate than the digital options, and unless something better comes along, it will remain my go-to option. 

It seems they may not be making them anymore, so the closest thing I can find is this fish scale. It can weigh up to 50 pounds, and it works the same as the packers scale does. 

Tips to Save Weight Backpacking

So without further adieu, here are some additional ways to save weight backpacking and get our pounds down to a reasonable number.

Remove Tags

It may be another extreme option and won’t add up to much. However, there is gear that comes with quite large tags. Additionally, in the bottom of carrying bags for things like sleeping pads or tents, I’ve found excessively large and weighty instructions that don’t need to be taken into the backcountry.

So even if it seems like it won’t amount to much, it doesn’t hurt to go through your gear carefully and make sure you’re not hauling anything you won’t need or use. But, of course, if you get all the way in and then discover it, you can always use it to start a fire.

Remove Excess Packaging

Lots of food comes in multiple packaging layers that aren’t necessary to keep it fresh. For example, you’ll find food sealed in plastic, then put inside cardboard packaging. Because the food is sealed in plastic, it is not necessary to pack the cardboard too. 

Sometimes there will be items that come in multiples, like batteries. Only bring the number you’ll need to replace one set. If your headlamp needs three, don’t bring the 4-pack and the cardboard and plastic. Put the three you’ll need into a plastic baggy with some of your other necessities. 

Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Food

Aside from heavy packaging, water and liquids add weight to much of the food we carry around. Rather than packing around a heavy can of chili, consider freeze-dried backpacking food.

There are so many excellent, delicious options on the market today. The skies the limit for a wonderful backcountry meal that tastes good and is reasonably nutritious. Since you’ll need to take a water filter and container or bottle anyway, you’ll add the water when you are ready to eat your meal to rehydrate it rather than pack that weight around.

Travel Sized Toiletries

This one seems obvious, but sometimes people don’t think of it. It’s easier to throw your daily deodorant in your pack and not think twice. But let’s face it, even if you are stinky and sweaty, you won’t need the entire tube. Most brands make travel sizes, and Native even has a mini deodorant these days that weighs almost nothing. 

You can also take travel-sized toothpaste and carry a small comb instead of a hairbrush. 

Share the Load

As mentioned before, if you’re going with multiple people or just one other person, you can split the load. It may mean taking just one JetBoil to be used between the two of you or splitting the tent pieces into two separate burdens you each carry. So while there are items you’ll each need, like a sleeping bag, there are many other items where you will only need one between all of you. Therefore, don’t take more than necessary.

With that said, make sure you have a backup option for critical things like water filtration. 

Take Fewer Clothes

Depending on the time of year and weather, you may be able to get away with fewer pieces of clothing. For example, if you’re backpacking in the summer when it’s plenty warm out, you will likely be able to wash some of the sweat and grime out of your clothes in the creek and let them dry. 

Whether or not you hang out in your birthday suit in the meantime is up to you, but the point is you don’t need to haul around a bunch of spare shirts when you can take two, swap them out and give the other a quick wash. 

Lightweight Gear 

Some of the areas to consider lightweight gear include:

• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Cook Setup
• Fuel (don’t take more than you’ll need)
• Water Filtration System 

There are so many good options on the market. I sprung for an ultralight tent, the Nemo Dagger Ultralight. I also carry a Lightweight Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bag. These are my most significant lightweight purchases. 

Areas that aren’t as expensive to cut weight are your water filtration system. The Sawyer Mini Filter comes with a lightweight water pouch to filter water into. Rather than carrying a heavy Nalgene bottle, these lightweight bags can save a lot of weight. I recommend bringing a spare, though, just in case one gets punctured. However, as little as they weigh, you’ll still save weight. 

Final Thoughts to Save Weight Backpacking

If you’re going to venture into the backcountry with a pack on your back, weight does matter. Your body and feet will be screaming at you if you’ve overpacked, like Cheryl Strayed in Wild when she first starts her PCT journey. However, with some study and practice, you’ll have it down to a science in no time. 

Carefully assess what items in your pack can do double duty, how you can ditch excess weight, and where you can add lightweight gear. Share the load if you are able. 

Learning how to save weight backpacking will be one of the smartest things you do if you’re planning on spending much time out there doing it. When you’re 20 miles in and shuffling down the trail, you’ll be grateful you took the time to lighten your load. 

But make sure you factor in some creature comforts. By saving weight in other areas, you may just be able to sneak in that carton of wine for a cocktail around the campfire when you finally get to kick back and relax!