Re-Evaluate Your Shelter System

One of the bulkiest and heaviest parts of your pack is your tent. A standard two-person tent with poles and footprint can weigh over 5 pounds.

Swap that out for:

• An ultralight tarp setup with trekking poles
  
  

• A bivy sack paired with a tarp
  
  

• A Dyneema tent with integrated rainfly and floor
  
  
  

Even with adequate weather protection, these systems can weigh under 2 pounds—saving you over 3 pounds instantly.

Minimize Sleeping Gear Weight

Many sleeping bags and pads are heavier than they need to be for the conditions. Down bags with a high fill-power rating are lighter and more compressible than synthetic ones. Pair with a closed-cell foam pad or an ultralight inflatable pad.

Look for a sleeping bag rated 10°F below expected nighttime lows and purchase backpacking gear that matches your route’s climate. Add a Daypack Dry Liner to keep everything warm and dry—especially helpful in alpine or snowy conditions.

Downsize Your Cook System

A traditional two-pot stove setup, fuel, utensils, and extras can weigh 2+ pounds. For most hikers, that’s overkill.

Switch to:

• A titanium mug or pot (1 per person)
  
  

• A compact stove like our Portable Mini Survival Stove
  
  

• A lightweight windscreen or fuel alternative
  
  
  

Or ditch the stove entirely and go no-cook with cold-soaked meals and protein bars. You’ll not only save weight but also cut down setup time—ideal for thru-hikers or minimalists.

If you’re still craving that trail-side coffee, pack the JoGo Portable Brewing Straw—a no-waste option for caffeine on the go.

Layer Wisely with Multi-Use Clothing

Bulky clothes add unnecessary pounds. Instead, follow this lightweight layering approach:

• Merino base layer
  
  

• Down or synthetic puffy jacket
  
  

• Ultralight rain shell
  
  
  

Merino wool dries fast, insulates even when damp, and resists odors—perfect for extended hikes. Our Merino Wool Socks are a great place to start if you want to buy camping socks online or upgrade your essentials.

Need extra warmth? Don’t double up—choose a higher-quality, better-rated puffy or jacket. It’ll pack smaller and weigh less.

Reconsider Footwear

Heavy hiking boots can weigh over 3 pounds. If your trail conditions allow, consider lightweight trail runners or midweight boots with waterproof membranes.

This alone could cut 1–2 pounds from your total gear weight, and even more from foot fatigue. Just remember: ankle support matters more on rocky or wet trails.

Don’t forget to dry your socks each night. Carry one pair and a backup. Keeping your feet healthy is worth its weight in gold.

Use Ultralight Storage Solutions

Pack organization matters. Instead of heavy pouches or plastic cases:

• Use dry bags and stuff sacks
  
  

• Store gear in zip-top plastic bags
  
  

• Use gear loops instead of rigid containers
  
  
  

Try our Pack Protectors and Daypack Dry Liners to keep items dry without adding bulk.

Want better gear access and load balance? Add a pair of Aarn Balance Pockets, which help organize water bottles, maps, gloves, or snacks while offsetting pack weight from your back to your front.

Limit Non-Essentials (But Keep the Safety Basics)

You don’t need a camp chair, heavy multitool, or hardcover book. Leave the extras. However, never skimp on safety.

Carry:

• A compact first aid kit
  
  

• One extra meal
  
  

• A Spot X Portable Satellite Messenger or GPS
  
  

• A paper map and compass
  
  
  

These provide peace of mind at a fraction of the weight. You can also find multipurpose tools that combine a knife, a light, and a whistle in one.

Streamline Food and Water

Food weight adds up fast. Instead of cans or bulky freeze-dried meals, go for calorie-dense foods like:

• Nut butters
  
  

• Energy bars
  
  

• Dehydrated meals in vacuum-sealed bags
  
  

• Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
  
  
  

Plan meals efficiently and repackage them to reduce volume. Use single-wall water bottles or bladders instead of hard bottles. If your trail has water sources, a filter or purification tablets can save you from carrying 2–4 extra liters at once.

Pack Light, Pack Smart

Lay out your gear before each trip and ask:

• Do I need this?
  
  

• Can something else serve this purpose?
  
  

• Can I borrow or rent it instead?
  
  
  

Minimalism doesn’t mean going without—it means choosing better. At Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA), our goal is to help you order camping equipment online that serves you without weighing you down.

Ready to invest in a system that supports your body and your hiking goals? Browse our lightweight options when you're looking to buy the best lightweight backpack or to shop ski gear backpacks online for alpine and winter adventures.

More Gear Tips: Where to Cut Weight You Didn’t Expect

Here are often-overlooked places where weight can sneak in:

• Sleeping bag stuff sacks: Replace with compression sacks or ditch entirely
  
  

• Trekking poles: Carbon fiber poles weigh a third of aluminum models
  
  

• Rain protection: Silnylon ponchos can cover both you and your pack
  
  

• Backup gear: Share communal gear with your hiking partner if possible
  
  

• Straps and buckles: Remove extras from your backpack or choose models with streamlined designs like the Aarn Load Limo Backpack or Aarn Effortless Rhythm Backpack
  
  
  

Every ounce adds up. The difference between a 28-pound pack and a 23-pound one is noticeable—especially after a few miles of uphill hiking.

Cold-Weather Additions (Without the Extra Bulk)

Hiking in colder weather? You’ll need extra warmth, but that doesn’t mean extra weight. Opt for:

• High fill-power down layers
  
  

• Lighter base layers with better thermal ratings
  
  

• Compact heating gear like the Survival Stove
  
  

• Footwear-compatible microspikes and ski straps (available in our ski gear line)
  
  
  

You can still hike light even when temps drop. Just plan accordingly and carry multi-use accessories like our Cooling Neckerchiefs, which also work as neck gaiters in colder temps.

Ultralight, Not Underprepared

Remember: there’s a difference between ultralight and underprepared.

Going light doesn’t mean skipping essentials—it means choosing the right gear, for the right trip, with the right goals in mind.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

At Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA), we stock curated gear made for minimalist and performance hikers alike. When you’re looking to buy comfortable trekking backpacks, explore our lightweight adventure gear store—we’ve got what you need to lighten your load, not your experience.

Final Gear Checklist to Drop 5+ Pounds

Here’s a quick recap of gear swaps and tips to hit that 5-pound goal:

• Backpack: Upgrade to a lightweight model with balance pockets
  
  

• Shelter: Choose an ultralight tarp or bivy setup
  
  

• Sleep System: Pick down insulation and compact pads
  
  

• Cook System: Go minimalist or no-cook
  
  

• Clothing: Smart layers, fewer items, no duplicates
  
  

• Footwear: Trail runners or lighter boots
  
  

• Food/Water: Calorie-dense, repackaged, efficient filters
  
  

• Extras: Only pack what serves multiple purposes
  
  
  

It’s possible—and smart—to carry less while enjoying more.

Ready to Lighten Your Load?

At Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA), we believe every mile should feel free, not burdensome. That's why our ultralight gear is thoughtfully designed to support your movement, reduce strain, and enhance every adventure—without compromise.

Whether you're searching for the best ultralight hiking backpacks, modular balance pockets, or efficient tools that help you shave off ounces without cutting corners, we’ve got you covered. Our selection of curated gear—including cold-weather and alpine-specific items—makes it easy to shop hiking daypacks online, buy camping socks online, and outfit your next adventure the smarter way.

Explore our collection today and take the first step toward a lighter, faster, and more fulfilling trail experience—with every ounce working in your favor.