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A bushwalker quickly learns the importance of not carrying too much. A pack that is too heavy means a trip not enjoyed, not completed, or a sore back.
Significant improvements in materials technology and design have occurred in recent years, resulting in much lighter gear becoming available.
Advances in digital technology and communications have resulted in precise navigation tools, access to good weather forecasts and reliable communications almost anywhere.
Freeze-dried foods, which have continued to improve, make it possible to eat meals that are easy and more fuel efficient to prepare.
Ultralight bushwalking makes the most of these opportunities.
How light?
Enthusiasts aim to carry a base weight of under 4.5kg. This is the total weight of pack, shelter, sleeping bag and pad, spare clothes, waterproofs, cooking equipment, etc. Base weight will vary depending on the nature of the trip and season. For a lower base weight, tradeoffs around comfort and warmth are required.
Consumables, like food, water and fuel are additional, and kept to the minimum necessary for the trip.
Where can weight be reduced?
The biggest weight savings are found with the larger, bulkier items. These items are also the most costly and not everyone’s budget will allow for purchase of all items at once. Buying a modest amount of lightweight gear can still make a big difference.
- Pack: lightweight materials, no internal metal frame.
- Shelter: lightweight tent, or simply a tent fly, tarp, hammock or bivi sac.
- Mat: just big enough and made of lightweight materials.
- Sleeping bag: minimum size and fill necessary, lightweight fabric.
- Clothing: one spare set at most.
- Rainwear: spray shell, poncho or light weight jacket
- Footwear: trail runners rather than walking boots.
- Stove/cook set: very light weight options available.
- Water treatment: purification tablets are the lightest option.
All other gear should be considered in terms of safety and purpose, minimising weight where possible by replacing with lighter options, taking less or sharing more.
Some considerations
- Footwear: trail runners are very comfortable in easy terrain but not as good when it gets rough or in muddy/rocky terrain. Feet are more exposed to injury.
- Cost: ultralight gear can be more expensive due to specialised materials used.
- Durability: lighter fabrics can be more prone to damage, may require careful handling, and might not wear as well.
- Comfort: in camp will have fewer clothes, lighter sleeping bag, smaller shelter.
First trips
Initially, trips should be in benign terrain and in fine weather, so that experience is gained, before progressing to more challenging trips as experience is gained, and more specialist gear is acquired.
Alternatively, undertake some trips with experienced bushwalkers who use ultralight gear or hire a set of ultralight gear to try out.
Margin of safety
The capacity to deal with a contingency such as severe weather, delay due to an injury or slower than expected progress, poor track conditions or a more serious emergency is constrained by the gear, clothing, food and water being carried.
For example, an unseasonal storm with high winds, cold and snowfall arrives. Is the tent, mat, sleeping bag, clothing and footwear adequate to continue as planned?
Ultralight gear can be a factor in limiting the options if plans need to change. The safety margin may be reduced. So it is especially important to be alert to the weather and changing circumstances.