Ultralight backpacking is generally defined by a base weight of your pack (the weight of your gear without food, water, or fuel) that falls below a specific threshold. Here are the common weight categories in backpacking to help understand what is considered ultralight:

Backpacking Weight Categories

1. Traditional Backpacking:

   • Base Weight: Over 20 pounds (9 kg)
   • Description: Includes heavier gear, with a focus on comfort and durability rather than weight reduction. Often includes multiple changes of clothes, luxury items, and bulkier gear.

2. Lightweight Backpacking:

   • Base Weight: 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg)
   • Description: Aimed at reducing pack weight by using lighter gear but still maintaining a level of comfort and convenience. This approach balances weight and durability, suitable for most backpackers.

3. Ultralight Backpacking:

   • Base Weight: 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kg)
   • Description: Focuses on minimizing weight as much as possible while still carrying the essential gear for safety and comfort. Requires careful gear selection and often sacrifices some durability and luxury for lighter alternatives.

4. Super Ultralight Backpacking:

   • Base Weight: Less than 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
   • Description: Extreme form of ultralight backpacking that involves carrying the absolute minimum amount of gear. Often chosen by highly experienced backpackers willing to make significant sacrifices in comfort to achieve the lightest possible load.

Understanding Base Weight

• Base Weight includes all your essential gear like your backpack, shelter, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, and any other equipment you carry, but excludes consumables like food, water, and fuel.
• Reducing your base weight often involves investing in specialized, lightweight gear and adopting a minimalist approach to packing.

Is Ultralight Worth It?

Going ultralight can significantly improve your backpacking experience by reducing fatigue, increasing your speed on the trail, and making long hikes more comfortable. However, it often requires making strategic choices about what to carry and may involve higher upfront costs for lighter gear.

Conclusion

Ultralight backpacking is generally defined as having a base weight between 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kg). If your base weight falls within this range, you are considered to be practicing ultralight backpacking. Achieving this weight typically requires careful gear selection, prioritizing items that offer the best balance of weight, functionality, and durability.