Ultralight Trekking Guide

In this guide, we will go through all the important topics you need on your way to your own lightweight setup. What ultralight trekking is all about, how to systematically save weight, what really counts for the Big Four (backpack, sleeping system, sleeping mat, shelter), how to reduce food, hygiene, and electronics to the essentials, and what a concrete packing list for a three-day trip looks like. With experience from ten years on long trails and the workshop perspective of someone who builds UL backpacks himself.

What is ultralight trekking?

Ultralight trekking (UL for short) refers to trekking when the Basis weight that the equipment weighs.

For classification into the other trekking classes:

The base weight is therefore the key figure because it is always carried, regardless of the tour length or the chosen provisions. Anyone who reduces their setup to 5 kg will carry approximately 7 kg on a weekend tour, and perhaps 12 kg on a three-week self-sufficient tour with full provisions. Anyone starting with a base weight of 12 kg will quickly reach 18 to 22 kg on the same tour. Over 30 days, this makes a significant difference when hiking.

Why it's worth hiking lighter

Easier hiking means, in practice, above all, enjoying the natural experience more intensely and relaxed. A lower backpack weight ensures greater freedom of movement and less strain on joints and back. It reduces the risk of overexertion and injuries, allows for longer daily stages, provides more flexibility in route choice, and makes the landscape an immediate, stress-free experience.

Many who have travelled with a base weight of five kilos describe it as rediscovering the joy of being on the road: more energy on day 5 and day 15, more spontaneity in planning daily stages, honest recovery in the evening instead of exhaustion. Those who reduce to the essentials gain freedom and comfort.

Specifically, UL trekking brings these advantages:

• More energy Less baggage means longer daily stages or relaxed hiking with more enjoyment.
• Less strain The back, shoulders, knees, and the entire musculoskeletal system benefit. Bladder problems and tension occur less frequently.
• More restful nights: A lighter setup often leads to better recovery and increased performance the next morning.
• More security and flexibility Travelling light improves your sure-footedness, especially in challenging terrain.
• Minimalism in practice: Less luggage means more freedom and space for real experiences instead of managing your own gear.

The aim is not to save every last gram, but to reduce as much weight as possible without compromising on safety or comfort. Ultralight trekking is not an expensive trend, but a process. Not every item of equipment needs to be replaced immediately. Much can be optimised, combined or made yourself, key phrase „MYOG“ (Make Your Own Gear).

The Philosophy Behind Minimalism

Ultralight trekking is more than just saving weight; it's a conscious decision for the essential. The philosophy is based on three pillars.

Minimalism. Every piece of equipment is critically examined and must offer genuine added value. Anything that is only brought along „just in case“ is recognised for what it is: extra weight that you carry with you every metre without ever using it.

Functionality. Function takes precedence over anything superfluous, with multifunctional equipment being preferred. A buff that doubles as a hat, headband, scarf, and sleep mask replaces four individual items. A rain jacket that also functions as a windbreaker makes a separate windbreaker redundant.

Thirst for adventure. Instead of carrying excess baggage, it's about experiencing nature directly, responding flexibly to situations, and focusing on what truly matters: the outdoor experience.

Myths and prejudices surrounding ultralight trekking

There are many misconceptions surrounding UL trekking. Four of them are particularly persistent.

Myth 1: Ultralight gear is unsafe or not durable. In practice, modern UL kit is technically mature and, when used correctly, can be extremely durable. Materials such as Ultra 200X, Dyneema Composite Fabric or X-Pac VX21 are in some respects comparable to the heavy Cordura fabrics used in trekking rucksacks from the 1990s. What UL materials cannot withstand is rough handling and incorrect loading. With a little care, good UL gear will last for years.

Myth 2: Lightweight is only for professionals or extreme athletes. In fact, all hikers benefit from a lower weight, whether they are beginners or experienced. Beginners, in particular, notice the difference most clearly because their muscles are not yet accustomed to heavy loads. A shorter day's hike with a five-kilo base weight is simply more enjoyable than a long one with twelve.

Myth 3: Ultralight backpacking is inevitably expensive. That’s only partly true. Top-quality gear comes at a price (a high-quality down quilt can easily cost 400 euros, and an UL tent made from Dyneema fabric 700+ euros), but by making smart choices, buying second-hand or opting for DIY solutions, you can save a considerable amount of money. A well-maintained down sleeping bag lasts 10 to 15 years, which puts the initial cost into perspective over time.

Myth 4: Ultralight means going without comfort. The reverse is true. Anyone who arrives at the campsite in the evening feeling less exhausted gets more out of the evening and has a more restful night. Anyone who wakes up in the morning with less tension gets more out of the following day. Comfort and weight are only seemingly in contradiction. Ultimately, ultralight trekking is not a dogma, but an individual approach that redefines freedom and comfort.

Your path to your own setup

Entering into ultralight trekking is a process that can be implemented in several manageable steps. It is not about replacing all your equipment from one day to the next. Saving weight step by step and increasingly adapting your gear to your own needs leads more sustainably to your goal.

Inventory: how to weigh and document your gear

Before you replace or leave anything behind, weigh all your items of equipment first, ideally with simple kitchen scales. Create a list in Excel, in a notebook or using a tool like LighterPack (free online) and calculate your base weight. Important: only equipment, no consumables such as food, water or fuel.

Interacting with other trekking enthusiasts, such as in ultralight forums or Facebook groups, helps when evaluating specific equipment details. What does a sensible headtorch actually weigh? How heavy is a good water filter? Such comparative values are more valuable than your own gut feeling.

Decluttering and optimising: what really belongs in your luggage

Often, a glance at the last tour is enough. What was used, what stayed in the rucksack? Raditionally declutter after every tour and ask yourself three questions about every item: Do I really need this? Does it serve a specific purpose on this tour? Is there a lighter or multifunctional alternative?

Typical candidates for elimination:

• Books, heavy bags, hardshell cases: Kindle or mobile library instead of novel, Ziploc instead of hardshell case.
• Superfluous spare clothing: Merino wool instead of cotton, because merino stays odourless for several days and dries quickly.
• Normal towels: a microfibre towel weighs 30 to 60 g, a normal one 200 to 400 g.
• Multitool with too many gadgets: a small penknife or Victorinox Classic is enough for 95 percent of all repairs.

What remains is your individually adjusted, optimised gear, ready for greater comfort and enjoyment on your next trips.

The Big Four: this is where you save the most weight

The biggest step towards ultralight trekking is achieved by optimising the so-called Big Four, meaning the four heaviest and at the same time most important equipment groups for multi-day trips: rucksack, tent or tarp, sleeping bag or quilt, and sleeping mat. While many trekkers used to start with a base weight of 10 to 12 kg, targeted adjustments in these four categories can often save several kilograms without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Ultralight rucksack

The rucksack is the heart of any trekking equipment. Whilst traditional models with heavy aluminium frames and thick padding quickly weigh 2 to 3 kg, modern Ultralight rucksacks often weighing only 400 to 700 grams while offering enough stability and comfort for tours lasting up to several weeks.

UL models like the Agilist deliberately omit superfluous features and instead rely on clever material choice, efficient design and a minimalist carrying system. Especially with base weights of up to 7 kg, an elaborate carrying frame is no longer necessary: this reduces weight and encourages a consciously frugal packing style.

A rucksack volume of 35 to 55 litres is usually ideal for ultralight trekking. This leaves little room for unnecessary extras, and automatically encourages you to reduce your gear to the essentials. When choosing one, make sure there is sufficient padding on the shoulder and hip straps, which correct back length and high-quality, weather-resistant materials. This ensures that comfort remains high even on long stages and you will get long-term enjoyment out of your backpack.

Sleep system: sleeping bag, quilt, sleeping mat

Sleeping bags and quilts

A lightweight and warm sleeping area is essential for restful nights on tour. Modern Sleeping bags with high-quality down or synthetic fillings often weigh between 500 and 800 grams while offering reliable protection against the cold down to freezing point.

quilts go a step further: they dispense with a traditional zip and the insulated back section, as this is compressed anyway when lying down and no longer provides any insulation in this form. This saves weight and volume without sacrificing comfort. Sleepwear or the sleeping mat take over the insulation task on the underside. Quilts are particularly popular with advanced UL hikers because a 5-degree comfort quilt with down can weigh under 500 g.

Sleeping mats

A good sleeping mat not only ensures a comfortable night's sleep, but also provides reliable protection against the cold from the ground. Ultra-light air mattresses Weighing between 300 and 500 grams and measuring 5 to 7 cm thick, they offer remarkable comfort, take up very little space and can be stowed away compactly. The latest top-of-the-range models weigh less than 400 g and are a real blessing, particularly for side sleepers.

EVA foam mats They are particularly robust, good value for money and ultra-light (200 to 350 g), but offer less comfort. They’re ideal for minimalists and as a stopgap, but after a few weeks you’ll feel every stone.

The R-value The R-value of a sleeping mat indicates how well it insulates. For most three-season trips, an R-value of 2 to 3 is sufficient. If you plan to be out and about in spring or autumn when temperatures are still below freezing, you should opt for an R-value of 4 or higher.

Shelter and accommodation: tent, tarp, bivvy

Your accommodation isn’t just shelter from the weather; it also determines your flexibility, weight and pack size. Ultralight tents With a single-wall design, lightweight materials and a compact pack size, they now often weigh less than 1,000 g for solo trips and less than 1,500 g for two people. Popular materials include silnylon, Dyneema composite fabric (DCF) and coated polyester.

Tarps are the most minimalist option: simple tarps weighing between 200 and 400 g. You’ll need a bit of experience to pitch them, as securing them with trekking poles and pegs takes some practice. In return, they offer maximum flexibility and the most immersive experience of nature (you’re effectively sleeping under the open sky, but with a roof). If you combine a tarp with a Bivy (a type of bivvy bag), you achieve light and robust weather protection with a minimal total weight. 350 g tarp plus 200 g bivvy make 550 g for a full protection system, compared to 1,500 g for a standard tent.

Further equipment in detail

Clothing: the layering principle and protection against the weather

When it comes to clothing, every gram counts – without compromising on functionality. The classic layering principle has proven its worth: a combination of lightweight, breathable Base layer (for example, a merino shirt), a Insulating layer (a fleece or a light down jacket) and one that is as compact as possible Weather protection (Hardshell or wind jacket). It’s important to have multifunctional items of clothing that save space and weight. A rain jacket can also serve as a windbreaker, whilst a Buff can be used as a hat, headband or scarf.

It’s better to invest in a few high-quality items that you can use in a variety of ways. Merino wool has proven its worth in the UL sector, as it regulates temperature, is odour-neutral and remains comfortable to wear even after several days. A merino shirt can easily be worn for a week, whereas a cotton shirt becomes a problem for the nose after just two days.

Cooking and catering

When it comes to ultralight trekking, the same principle applies in the kitchen: less is more. The aim is a simple, reliable and, as far as possible, lightweight cooking and food system that reliably provides you with energy, but weighs little and takes up little space.

UL stoves and cooking systems. Modern ultralight stoves often weigh only 20 to 100 grams. Popular choices include small gas stoves (the BRS-3000T at 25 g, the Soto Windmaster at 67 g), spirit burners (Trangia, DIY soda-can stoves) or Esbit systems using solid fuel. Particularly minimalist are „no-cook“ setups, which dispense with cooking altogether, which works well for short trips or in warm weather.

Food selection. The key is to have a high energy content whilst keeping the weight as low as possible. Freeze-dried trekking meals, couscous, instant mashed potato, porridge, nuts, dried fruit, energy bars and hard cheese are particularly suitable. Ready meals from the supermarket, which only need hot water added, are also a good choice. Rule of thumb: 4,000 to 4,500 kilocalories per kilogram of food weight.

Depending on the length of your trip and your personal preferences, you could also opt for „cold meals“. This saves fuel and time, but often limits the variety of food on offer. The key to this is „cold-soaking“: couscous or instant muesli are simply soaked in cold water and are ready to eat after 30 to 60 minutes.

Water treatment on the go. When travelling, water is one of the heaviest items in your rucksack (1 litre weighs 1 kg). You should therefore make use of natural water sources wherever possible. Modern water filters (Sawyer Mini, Katadyn BeFree) usually weigh less than 100 g and offer reliable protection against germs and bacteria. For regions with few water sources, it is advisable to plan your water supply particularly carefully.

Check your route in advance for water sources and make a note of alternatives for dry sections. Compact, flexible water bottles (CNOC, Evernew, collapsible bottles) save a lot of space and weight compared to traditional hard-plastic bottles.

Hygiene and health whilst travelling

Hygiene is also important when ultra-light trekking, but it doesn’t have to weigh much. The essentials can be reduced to just a few grams: a small, quick-drying microfibre towel, a compact toothbrush (with the handle trimmed if necessary), small amounts of toothpaste (a sample pack or DentTabs), a little soap (Dr Bronner’s in a mini bottle) and toilet paper or wet wipes in a Ziploc bag.

Many utensils can be reduced or used multi-functionally. A bar of soap replaces shower gel and shampoo. Hand sanitiser weighs almost nothing and helps in an emergency. For multi-day tours, small amounts decanted into mini bottles are enough. For nature's call while on the move, ultra-light, folding trowels (such as the Deuce of Spades at 17 g), biodegradable paper and small rubbish bags for used paper are suitable to keep nature clean.

Skip large wash bags: a single zip-lock bag is usually enough and saves both weight and space. Toiletries that serve multiple purposes (soap for body, clothes and dishes) reduce the total weight even further.

Electronics and navigation

When it comes to electronics, minimalism is also the name of the game. A lightweight Headlamp (Petzl e+Lite or Nitecore NU25) weighs barely more than 30 grams and is enough for nights at the campsite. For a smartphone, GPS or camera, a small one is recommended Power bank with 5,000 to 10,000 mAh. Charging and connecting cables can be replaced by combo cables; a single USB-C cable with Lightning and micro-USB adapters replaces three individual cables.

For navigation, the smartphone with offline maps (Komoot, Locus, Maps.me, OsmAnd) is often sufficient. Anyone who wants to navigate independently of the battery can supplement this with a printed map or a small compass. Backup batteries should be reduced to a minimum.

Small parts and comfort extras

A small Multitool or pocket knife (Victorinox Classic at 21 g) is enough for most repairs on the go. Add a few metres Gaffer tape (wrapped round a pen or your trekking poles), a needle and thread, a spare tent peg, some string and a mini carabiner. That way, you’ll be prepared for minor emergencies without having to carry around unnecessary weight.

Comfort doesn’t have to be heavy. An ultra-light Seat cushion (for example, foam or a piece of sleeping mat cut to size, weighing 30 to 50 g) makes a huge difference during breaks. Earplugs They ensure a restful night’s sleep, especially on windy nights or at busy campsites. A buff or tube scarf can be used as a pillow, a neckerchief, sun protection or a sleep mask.

The lightest extras are often the ones you’ll appreciate most when you’re out and about. Try out different small items and only pack the ones that really add value for you.

Packing and organising your rucksack

Being organised saves time and stress. Ultra-light dry bags protect your sleeping bag, clothes and electronic devices from damp. ziplock bag are ideal for food, toiletries or small items of kit. Instead of lots of small bags, one large compartment for clothes and a smaller one for sleeping gear are often enough. Anything that needs to be within easy reach (snacks, head torch, map, rain jacket) should be kept in easily accessible pockets on or inside the rucksack.

A colour-coding system (for example, using different colours for different bags) makes it easier to find things and saves time when packing and unpacking. Ziplocs and dry bags should be checked regularly to ensure they are watertight and replaced if necessary.

Quick gear tips to take away with you

Nine specific areas that almost every hiker can tweak to save the next 200 g:

• Saving water: Choose routes with natural water sources and use simple filters (Katadyn BeFree, Sawyer Mini).
• Minimise the number of laundry changes: Merino shirts can be worn for many days without developing odours. Two shirts are almost always enough.
• Choose your packaging wisely: Ziploc bags instead of hard-shell pack sacks – that saves 50 to 100 g.
• Portioning small items: Sample packs of toothpaste or tablets such as DentTabs.
• Trim and customise: Get rid of unnecessary straps and labels, but please do so sensibly. Anything that can’t be replaced should stay on.
• Slimming down your hiking guide: Take only the relevant pages with you, digitise them or scan them.
• Save on dry bags: Lightweight rubber bands or bags are often completely sufficient instead of expensive stuff sacks.
• MYOG (Make Your Own Gear): DIY solutions for stoves, windbreaks or handy little gadgets. Saves money and weight.
• Prioritise meals: Eat the heaviest food first, and make sure you have a good mix of high-calorie and light trekking food.

Every gram counts: even small measures add up to noticeable hundreds of grams.

Tour planning and preparation

Careful planning is particularly important in ultralight trekking. With minimal luggage, there is less room for spontaneous changes because you don't have three spare jackets and a second pair of shoes with you. Good preparation creates security, flexibility and maximum enjoyment.

Route selection: Germany, Alps, long-distance walking trails

There are now over 140 officially designated trekking sites in Germany that enable legal and close-to-nature overnight stays in the forest. Examples include the trekking camps in the Palatinate Forest, the Sauerland, the Franconian Forest, the Upper Danube Nature Park and the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park.

Trekking sites often feature basic amenities such as wooden platforms, compost toilets or fire pits. They must be booked in advance and can usually only be used for a single night. Depending on the region, reservations are made via the respective tourism platform and cost between 5 and 15 euros per night.

Well-suited long-distance hiking trails with infrastructure and supply points are the Westweg in the Black Forest, the Rothaarsteig, or routes like the E5 and the Via Alpina in the Alps. In Scandinavia or Scotland, on the other hand, independent planning and self-sufficient provisioning are more important, where it can sometimes be 30 km to the next supply point.

Seasonal adjustments

The season determines the temperature, weather conditions and equipment. In Spring cool nights are normal, so it's better to plan for a warmer sleep system and an insulation layer. In Summer a very lightweight setup is possible, for which protection against heat, mosquitoes and thunderstorms is relevant. In Autumn reliable weather protection and, where appropriate, spare clothing are needed. Winter trekking using ultralight gear is only suitable for very experienced trekkers, and many trekking sites are closed in the cold season anyway.

Check the opening times of the trekking sites in advance (usually May to October), check the weather data and adjust your equipment accordingly. In spring and autumn, it's better to plan for a few hundred grams of reserve weight, as these are the times when the weather is most unpredictable.

Weather, water sources and infrastructure along the way

One of the biggest challenges for ultralight trekkers is resupplying, especially with water. Trekking pitches usually do not have a drinking water source on site. Therefore, you should plan your route carefully and research water sources such as wells, lakes or mountain huts in advance.

Digital maps often provide special filters for trekking or bivouac sites and also show shops or transport stops along the route. OsmAnd is particularly useful here because the OpenStreetMap data in many regions is more detailed than commercial maps.

Safety in ultralight trekking

Even in UL trekking, safety must never be sacrificed for the sake of the last gram saved. Well-thought-out, minimalist emergency equipment belongs in every rucksack.

Emergency equipment: what is essential

Seven things should be on every tour, regardless of the route and the season:

• First aid kit: small, individually stocked, with plasters, sterile compresses, tape, blister plasters, painkillers and personal medication.
• Whistle usually integrated into the rucksack's chest strap, weighs almost nothing, and can save lives in an emergency.
• Emergency blanket it warms in cases of hypothermia and serves as a signal device. 50 g that you hopefully will never need.
• Head torch with spare battery: ideally with a red light function for the night without losing night vision.
• Multitool or knife: small, robust, with blade and scissors.
• Lighter or waterproof matches: Waterproofed, always to hand.
• Emergency numbers: Jotted down quickly, digitally and on paper. In the event of a dead battery, the paper is available.

Adapt your first-aid kit to your route and personal needs. The more remote the area, the more important spare plasters, disinfectant and, if necessary, a few extra grams of bandage material are.

Risk assessment versus weight saving

Ultralight does not mean saving every gram at all costs. The art lies in carefully balancing comfort and safety against one another. Before every trip, consider: where is real risk reduction necessary, where is minimalism justifiable? In familiar regions or on well-known paths, the setup can be more minimalist; in remote, alpine, or lonely areas, redundancy and reserves are mandatory.

Solo trekkers in particular should never skimp too much on emergency equipment and communication. It is better to plan for a few extra grams for an emergency blanket, spare battery or power bank than to be left without them in an emergency.

First aid, navigation, communication

A solid basic knowledge of first aid, navigation and communication is important for every trip. Familiarise yourself with your equipment, practice using a map, compass and GPS beforehand, and regularly brush up on simple first-aid procedures.

First aid. Applying plasters correctly, putting on pressure bandages, recognising and treating hypothermia and hyperthermia, recovery position. A first-aid course before the first long trip is a sensible investment.

Orientation. Save offline maps on your smartphone, take a traditional compass, note down important waypoints on paper. A day when the phone fails comes sooner than expected.

Communication. Inform a contact person in advance about the planned route, know SMS or emergency numbers in case of emergency, use a whistle or light. The European emergency number 112 works reliably in most mountainous regions of Europe.

Regularly check the battery level of your electronics and keep the most important contacts and locations available offline. A small piece of paper with emergency numbers, blood group and allergies can be crucial in an emergency.

Travelling sustainably

Anyone who spends time outdoors has a responsibility towards nature, wildlife and other outdoor enthusiasts. Ultralight trekking and sustainability are not mutually exclusive; on the contrary, less and better gear often means a lower environmental impact.

Leave No Trace principles

The Leave No Trace- Principles help to minimise traces in nature and preserve valuable natural spaces:

• Only pitch tents in designated areas or trekking campsites.
• Always take your rubbish (including organic waste) with you, the famous „pack it in, pack it out“.
• Dispose of toilet paper and sanitary products in an environmentally friendly manner, and use the toilet at least 50 m away from bodies of water.
• Respect plants, animals and rocks, and do not damage or take anything.
• Avoid noise, show consideration for wildlife and other hikers.
• Only light fires where it is explicitly permitted, and strictly avoid flying sparks.

A small bin bag weighs next to nothing, but helps to keep your trek consistently clean. It’s also ideal for picking up other walkers’ rubbish along the way – it’s good for the environment and the bag itself weighs just three grams.

Sustainable materials and production

High-quality UL gear is not only lightweight but also durable. Materials such as Ultra 200X, Dyneema composite fabric or high-quality down will last 10 to 15 years and withstand tens of thousands of kilometres of wear and tear, provided they are looked after properly. It’s an investment that, over the years, works out cheaper than a budget rucksack that ends up in the bin after just two seasons.

When making a choice, it is worth taking a look at the manufacturer: where is production carried out, under what conditions, and with what materials? A repair service, spare parts and a clear commitment to durability are better indicators of sustainability than the marketing label on the packaging.

Repair rather than replace

Every outdoor product eventually breaks; that is part of the adventure. Sustainable trekking means extending the lifespan of gear instead of replacing it immediately. Minor damage to a rucksack, tent, clothing or sleeping mat can often be repaired yourself with a repair kit, needle and thread or tape. Many manufacturers (also WeitLäufer) offer repair services so that favourite items can survive many more tours.

Example packing list for a 3-day trip (spring or summer)

The following packing list is a tried-and-tested example of a three-day ultralight trekking trip in a temperate climate. It can be customised and is intended to serve as a guide. Weights are realistic averages from the current UL market.

With a base weight of just under 4 kg, this setup is solid UL territory. Anyone going even lighter can tweak their sleep system (quilt instead of sleeping bag: minus 200 g), shelter (tarp instead of tent: minus 400 g) and electronics (smaller power bank: minus 100 g) and quickly get down to 3.3 to 3.5 kg. Important: after every trip, review what was actually needed and what was superfluous. That way, the setup is optimised step by step to your personal optimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ultralight trekking is not a dogma, but an invitation to question your gear and optimise it for your own needs. Every step towards less weight means more flexibility, more experience and often more enjoyment along the way. You don't have to start tomorrow with a 4 kg base weight; a few hundred grams per trip is enough to begin with. Over time, a setup evolves that truly suits you: light enough to tackle all the trips on your bucket list, and comfortable enough to enjoy them.