The Ultralight Backpacker : The Complete Guide to Simplicity and Comfort on the Trail

by Ryel Kestenbaum

Developed primarily for long-distance treks, the ultralight method is considered by many traditional backpackers as too austere. Author Ryel Kestenbaum shows that thanks to recent improvements in equipment design and manufacture, as well as in food processing, ultralight backpacking now offers a safe and comfortable alternative to traditional backpacking methods. In The Ultralight Backpacker, he dispels the myths surrounding this rapidly growing trend. Kestenbaum acquaints readers with the ultralight philosophy and shows how backpackers can once and for all do away with heavy packs and move quickly and comfortably on the trail, whether on a day-trip or season-long trek. He also provides the most complete survey available of ultralight equipment, clothing, and footwear, along with tips on how to select the right gear for each reader’s unique interests, needs, and personality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors

139 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2001

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book were a bit more updated I would've given it a 5 rating. The idea is that "every ounce counts" and that we can more fully enjoy nature once we remove more of our self-imposed boundaries between us and nature.

Ryel seems to know his stuff when it comes to the UL approach. He shares with the reader some creative ideas to help lighten your load without having to spend a lot of money in the process. I like that he considers different pieces of gear, pros and cons of each piece, and allows the reader to decide for themselves what might work best in their individual situation. He shares some good website recommendations and even some sample gear lists.

With Ryel's help and that of some good buddies I've been able to get my base pack weight (minus consumables, for 4-7 days) down to 9.6 pounds and can still be extremely comfortable. I don't have to sacrifice my tent, thermarest or other creature comforts. But I have learned that the cans of Dinty Moore Beef Stew had to go!!

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really great discussion of how to backpack without carrying a lot of weight. This is the way my dad backpacks and the way he taught us to backpack as kids. And the equipment has come a long way since the 1970s and 80s. Kestenbaum writes about specific products and has recommendations on everything- tents/tarps, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, raingear/clothes, food, and cookstoves. Sometimes he goes for the expensive gear but often he tells you why you don't need things like prepackaged meals and Gortex hiking boots. I don't agree with every item he chose but I think he's coming at camping from the right attitude and he suggested a lot of stuff I wouldn't have thought of on my own.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some delightfully absurd tips for how to lighten your backpacking load including:

Cutting excess materials from cloths, pack, tent, et cetera

Trimming your toothbrush and cooking spoon & drilling holes in the handles

Not bringing utensils and eating with sticks

Not wearing underwear

I understand the Ultralight mentality, and will thusly end my review now.

[Mark Mullee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simpler way to backpack. He gives many great ideas for trimming down the weight of a pack. Also great advice on choosing gear, though I think he goes a little too far in his vilification of heavy hiking boots. I like my bricks.

[Christy Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent suggestions.