Ultralight Backpacking Gear: Cutting Weight Without Sacrificing Comfort

When you think of ultralight backpacking, visions of minimalist adventurers shaving ounces off toothbrush handles might come to mind. And yet, there I was on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with a 40-pound pack. Yes, 40 pounds—nearly double the standard ultralight loadout. Why? Because my job as a content creator demanded it. Let me explain how I managed to carry work essentials like a drone, iPad, and camera gear while still leveraging ultralight gear choices to save weight elsewhere.

The Weight-Saving Ultralight Gear That Made It Possible

1. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Fanny Pack

I never considered myself a "fanny pack guy," but the Hyperlite fanny pack changed my game. By moving heavy items like three Nitecore 20,000mAh battery banks to my waist, I reduced the strain on my back and achieved better weight distribution. This durable, lightweight accessory was a workhorse, surviving countless miles and even a zipper fail.

2. Cowboy Camping Setup

Ditching a full tent for cowboy camping allowed me to shave several pounds from my load. My setup included:

• Zpacks Pocket Tarp: A minimalist shelter for when the weather didn’t cooperate.

• Tyvek Groundsheet: Multi-functional, rugged, and waterproof—a must-have for cowboy camping.

• Zpacks Poncho: Dual-purpose as rain protection and a clean surface for gear storage.

3. Choosing Ultralight Big Three

• Backpack: Nashville Pack Cutaway 30, made of revolutionary ULULA fabric, was my go-to ultralight option.

• Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation with 950-fill down kept me warm without the bulk.

• Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NXT offered comfort while keeping weight low.

What I Carried and Why

Despite cutting weight, I had to carry several "luxuries" essential for my work:

1. Camera Gear

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 became my best friend. Compact, lightweight, and capable of stunning 4K footage, it allowed me to document every moment of the trail.

2. Battery Banks

With three Nitecore 20,000mAh banks, I powered my devices for days between trail towns.

3. iPad with Keyboard

Editing videos and writing on an iPhone just didn’t cut it. The iPad provided a portable solution for producing professional content on the trail.

Embracing the Hybrid Approach

Let’s be honest—ultralight purists might scoff at my 40-pound "ultralight" loadout. But here’s the thing: ultralight backpacking isn’t about strict rules; it’s about making smart decisions that work for you. I balanced weight savings with functional additions, ensuring I could do my job and still enjoy the trail.

Gear Up for Your Adventure

Want to see my full PCT gear list? Click here to explore everything I carried.

Thinking about your next adventure but need a fun group to join? Check out my upcoming trips here!

Remember: it’s your hike. Carry what works for you, whether it’s a drone, an espresso machine, or an extra pair of socks. Happy trails!