I’m a Hiking Expert, and These Are My 10 Favorite Tricks for Cutting Down Pack Weight — From $11
I’m no ultralight hiker. I’m all for lightweight hiking gear, but cutting off the end of my toothbrush to save half an ounce of weight in my backpack isn’t my idea of a good time. And you’ll never convince me that soaking a ramen pack in room-temperature water is better than just packing a camp stove. If you’re not familiar with the world of ultralight hiking, just know that it gets wild out there. Still, as a nature lover with hundreds of miles under my belt, I understand why hikers go through so much effort to reduce their pack’s base weight. As the expression goes, ounces turn to pounds, and pounds turn to pain, especially if you’re eyeing a multi-day backpacking trip.
For many hikers, swapping out a few pieces of gear will go a long way toward making your upcoming hikes a breeze. Through a combination of lightweight cookware, clever multipurpose tools, and weight-saving camping gear, these are some of my favorite tricks for taking the load off. Get ready to spend more time soaking up the views in the great outdoors and less time soaking in an Epsom salt bath at home — your back will thank you.
March 27, 2025
Alice Bennett
Title: Contributor
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Carrboro, NC
Alice Bennett is a climber, hiker, and nature aficionado who loves to help make the outdoors more accessible for everyone. She uses her thousands of miles of on-trail experience to write about the best outdoor gear for people of all skill levels.
ハイライト
5+ years of journalism experience
9+ years of outdoor industry experience
Experience
I've worked all over the outdoor industry — from retail stores and summer camps to on-river programs and organic farms. I've tried just about every brand out there, and I know how it performs, not just off the shelf, but also after weeks of heavy use. Because I've worn so many hats and worked in so many roles, I really value versatility and durability in my recommendations. I don't want the boot that's perfect for one specific hike. I want to be able to wear it everywhere!
Education
Alice graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. She holds a Wilderness First Responder Certification from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
About Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is a top travel media brand with a mission to inform and inspire passionate travelers. Our expert team includes a network of hundreds of writers and photographers across the globe, all providing a local eye on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. We reach an audience that takes 76 million round trips annually, offering valuable travel tips, ideas and inspiration, and products you need to get you to your destination — whether it’s a small town or big city, beach or lake, national park or theme park, road trip, cruise, or long-haul flight, and everything in between.
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