Every hiker remembers their first long trek with an overloaded pack. Heavy gear slows you down, increases fatigue, and leads to sore joints—or worse, injury. That’s why pack weight reduction is one of the most important strategies for anyone looking to enjoy the trail longer and stronger.

At Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA), we design ultralight systems that help you move naturally and efficiently. Whether you're planning a multi-day hike or just a weekend trip, trimming ounces where it counts makes a big difference.

Why Cutting Pack Weight Changes the Game

Reducing your pack weight isn’t just about making your load feel lighter—it directly impacts your endurance, speed, and safety.

Lighter packs:

• Reduce joint strain and back pain

• Lower the risk of slips, trips, and falls

• Improve posture and natural movement

• Let you hike farther with less effort

If you're feeling worn down halfway through your day hike, it's time to reassess your gear. Start with simple swaps using lightweight backpacking gear to lighten your load.

Easy Swaps for Major Weight Savings

You don’t need to ditch everything. Just make smarter decisions.

1. Ditch Bulky Shelter:

Trade your heavy tent for an ultralight tarp, bivy, or sub-3 lb tent. Browse our ultralight hiking gear section for more space-efficient solutions.

2. Rethink Your Sleep System:

Foam pads may be heavier than they look. Upgrade to an inflatable or hybrid pad and a compressible ultralight sleeping bag.

3. Streamline Clothing:

Pack versatile, moisture-wicking layers instead of multiple changes. And don’t forget to buy camping socks online that dry fast and weigh less.

4. Minimize Cooking Gear:

Choose compact stoves (ideally wood burning) like our portable mini stove and leave the extra pots at home. Dehydrated meals and titanium utensils can cut pounds from your kitchen setup.

5. Cut the “Just in Case” Items:

We all carry them—spare gear we rarely use. Be honest with yourself. If it hasn’t left your pack in three trips, it probably shouldn’t come.

And if you’re shopping for a new pack, it’s time to buy a lightweight backpack that’s designed for balance and performance, such as our Balance Packs by Aarn.

How to Weigh and Track Your Gear

Start a spreadsheet or use an app like LighterPack. Weigh every item (yes, even your chapstick) and categorize them into base weight, food, and water.

This habit:

• Helps identify heavy outliers

• Encourages you to pack with purpose

• Shows your pack weight progress over time

Many hikers use a “10% rule”—your total pack weight shouldn’t exceed 10% of your body weight for optimal comfort. That’s where ultralight hiking gear shines.

If you’re ready to ditch the backache and keep going longer, now’s the time to upgrade your setup with Light Hiking Gear (formerly Aarn USA). Our innovative designs prioritize movement, posture, and comfort—making it easier than ever to reduce weight without sacrificing performance.

Explore our collections to shop for ski gear, backpacks, order camping equipment, or purchase backpacking gear that’s truly trail-tested. We also offer a range of comfortable hiking backpacks designed for serious hikers who know that every ounce counts.

From ultralight systems to ergonomic load balance features, our gear is built to transform your hiking experience. Step into your next adventure lighter, stronger, and more confident than ever.

Check out our complete gear range or contact us to learn more.