Road to Lightweight Backpacking: A Hiker’s Option for Longevity

Less Weight, More Adventure: A Hiker’s Option for Longevity

When I first started hiking in 2002, I carried a traditional backpacking load—heavy, bulky, and straining on my body. Like many, I built my gear collection from ukay-ukay (thrifted) finds. But over time, I realized something: every gram I carried was a gram I had to lift thousands of times with every step. If I wanted to prolong my hiking journey, I had to rethink my approach.

The Turning Point: Discovering Lightweight Backpacking

In 2010, my outdoor life took a pivotal turn during a climb to Mt. Kanlaon. Instead of a bulky pack, I challenged myself to fit all my essentials—including a tent—inside a daypack. This was my introduction to the world of lightweight and ultralight backpacking. Since then, I have been slowly transitioning, replacing heavy items with lighter alternatives whenever my budget allowed. Ultralight gear is expensive, but lightweight packing is a mindset anyone can adopt.

One of my most disciplined climbs was Mt. Mantalingahan, a 4-day, 3-night expedition. I was meticulous, weighing my gear down to the very gram, bringing my base weight to just around 8.5kg. This experience taught me that strategic packing makes a significant difference—not just in comfort but in long-term health.

The Trade-offs: Sacrificing Comfort, Not Safety

Lightweight packing does require sacrifices. It removes some of the comforts that traditional backpackers enjoy, but the trade-off is worth it. However, while comfort can be reduced, essentials should never be compromised—especially safety and emergency gear. The mountains are unpredictable, and no matter how experienced we are, we can never conquer them. Nature can take us out in an instant. That is why I always prioritize emergency and safety equipment. We should always be thankful and humbled by the mountains we've climbed, respecting them by being prepared.

The Benefits of Carrying Less

Carrying less minimizes strain on your body. Every extra kilogram increases stress on your knees, back, and joints. Over time, this leads to fatigue and potential injuries. Less weight also means less energy exerted, allowing you to hike longer distances and recover faster. Many hikers experience back, knee, or foot issues from carrying too much weight. Therapy is expensive—but losing the ability to climb is even more costly. A lighter pack makes you more mobile, especially in technical terrains or emergency situations.

How to Start Your Lightweight Journey

Starting your lightweight journey takes patience. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start by replacing the heaviest items first—your pack, shelter, and sleep system. Weighing your gear with a digital scale helps you see how every unnecessary gram adds up over a long trail. Prioritizing multi-use items is key. A lightweight rain poncho can also serve as a rain tarp. A pot can be used as a bowl. Reducing redundancy makes a big impact. While ultralight gear can be costly, a smart packing mindset costs nothing. Learning what to bring and what to leave behind makes a huge difference.

A Lifelong Journey in the Mountains

To young and new hikers, take care of your body. Hiking is not just about reaching the summit—it’s about a lifelong journey in the mountains. Start light, stay mindful, and hike for decades, not just for years. If I can still hike in my midlife, so can you—as long as you choose to go light.

"Saka Hangtud Kaya Pa"