Nos conseils pour randonner léger : astuce pour un trekking ultra-léger ! - Planète Rando

Our tips for hiking light: tips for ultra-light trekking!

Written by: Manuel Pinard

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Time to read 7 min

Are you planning a hike in France? Walking in the high mountains to discover the landscapes or go on an adventure? This article is for you! Since hiking is a physical sport in its own right, it's advisable to have suitable and very lightweight equipment. Because yes, walking means lightness, you certainly wouldn't want to deprive yourself of the notion of freedom and pleasure during a hike. Here are some tips for hiking light, while still having the essentials.


“To travel happily, travel light”

Saint-Exupéry

Lightweight hiking is a practice highly appreciated by hikers wishing to make the most of their experience in the great outdoors. Lighten your load backpack , or rather reducing the weight of your bag, allows you to hike more easily, have fun and adapt more easily to altitude and varied terrain. In this article, we will share our tips for a very light trek by helping you reduce the weight of your equipment and choose your equipment list for an ultra-light trek. We will also cover essential equipment, tips for a lightweight first aid kit, the advantages of a backpack ultralight, and the best kits for ultralight hiking

The benefits of ultralight hiking

The benefits of ultralight hiking are numerous, including reducing the weight of your hiking pack, making it easier to walk long distances. In addition, the weight saving helps reduce fatigue and muscle pain at the end of the hike, avoiding the need to carry heavier equipment. Ultralight hiking, thanks to the difference in weight, promotes greater freedom of movement for more enjoyable and less tiring Nordic walking. Opting for a very lightweight hike also allows a walker to cover greater distances and discover remote places more easily. In addition, this practice of hiking light as a bird is more environmentally friendly, as it encourages reducing the consumption of natural resources and minimizing its impact on nature. Finally, ultralight hiking allows you to focus more on what matters, getting rid of the superfluous and concentrating on the experience of hiking itself. In short, ultralight hiking offers many benefits on a physical, mental, and environmental level.

Fewer kilos means more safety

When you go on a multi-day hike, you tend to want to take everything with you, including the "just in case" supplies. Yes, it's true, you have to be prepared for every eventuality. Leaving to face the unexpected, it would be better to equip yourself as much as possible. However, the hiker's greatest enemy, especially when hiking, is the bulky hiking bag ready to burst. This only adds extra weight, which will tire you out more during the hike in the wilderness. Because it requires more effort. With extra weight, you will be less mobile, less free to move.

The first piece of advice is to lighten your load as much as possible, by choosing the most essential hiking equipment, comfortable and lighter hiking clothes and shoes so as not to slow you down.

Weigh before you go!

Before going hiking, it is important to take into account the weight of your backpack Traveling light can make your experience much more enjoyable, while also reducing the risk of injuries related to carrying heavy loads. To avoid overloading yourself, start by making a list of everything you think you'll need. Then, examine each item on the list and ask yourself if it's actually necessary. Perhaps you can do without some items or replace them with lighter, more compact options. For example, opt for clothing made from synthetic materials that dry quickly and take up less space. Also, try to minimize the number of pairs of shoes and clothing you bring. Finally, invest in quality camping and hiking gear that's designed to be both lightweight and functional. By following these tips, you'll be able to fully enjoy your hike in nature without being weighed down by unnecessary loads. This will also give you more energy to cover longer distances and fully enjoy the beauty around you.

Look for versatility, consistency

When hiking light, it's essential to look for versatility and consistency in your choice of equipment. By choosing items that serve multiple purposes, you can minimize the total weight of your backpack while still having everything you need. For example, choosing clothing that can be worn in multiple ways, such as pants that convert into shorts, helps you avoid carrying extra items. Similarly, investing in quality, durable products helps you avoid having to carry spares. Consistency is also important when hiking light, as it is essential that every item you bring truly contributes to safety and comfort. By eliminating unnecessary gadgets and prioritizing lightweight, compact items, you can significantly reduce the weight of your backpack without compromising the enjoyment of hiking. Ultimately, seeking versatility and consistency for lightweight hiking requires some planning and forethought, but it's worth it to fully enjoy the outdoor experience.

Use lighterpack

When it comes to backpacking, being able to carry the necessary gear while remaining lightweight and mobile is essential. This is where Lighterpack comes in, an online tool that allows adventurers to plan and organize their gear efficiently. Using Lighterpack, anyone can create detailed lists of their gear, indicating the weight of each item. This not only helps visualize the total weight of the gear, but also allows them to consciously consider what is essential and what can be left behind. Lighterpack's user-friendly interface also allows users to categorize their gear by type (such as cooking, camping, or hiking) and mark items as "optional" or "unnecessary." This way, you can optimize their load, taking only what they really need for their outdoor adventure.

We offer lists of equipment packs on lighterpack, discover our advice and our complete range of equipment!

What equipment for lightweight hiking?

For ultralight trekking, it is essential to choose the right equipment and reduce the weight of your gear. Opt for a backpack light and choose the lightest accessories possible. Lightening your hiking bag will greatly contribute to your comfort while walking.


First, opt for lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing, such as polyester underwear and nylon pants. Next, choose lightweight but sturdy footwear with good grip to prevent slipping. For shelter, consider a lightweight nylon or silnylon tent, or even a simple bivouac if conditions permit. As for bedding, a compressible down sleeping bag and a lightweight sleeping pad will allow you to spend comfortable nights without adding too much weight. Finally, don't forget to pack a lightweight and compact camping stove to cook your meals, as well as a water bottle or bladder to stay hydrated throughout your hike. By gathering all this lightweight and compact gear, you'll be able to fully enjoy nature without unnecessarily weighing you down, while remaining well-equipped to face the unexpected.

Our selection of ultralight equipment

Ultralight trekking pack

The "ultralight" trekking pack is the ideal equipment for hikers looking for lightness and practicality during their outdoor adventures. Made from lightweight and durable materials, this backpack minimizes the weight carried by the hiker while providing enough space to carry the necessary equipment. Its ergonomic design and compression straps effectively distribute the load and ensure optimal comfort during long walks. In addition, its multiple compartments and pockets provide efficient organization for easy access to essential equipment. In addition to its practicality, this "ultralight" trekking pack is also affordable, making it an economical choice for hiking enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank.

Whether for a day hike or a multi-day trek, this backpack Ultralight is an ideal companion for all outdoor adventures. Ultimately, this ultralight trekking pack is the perfect accessory for those who want to enjoy nature in a lightweight way and without compromising on quality.

"Backpacker" day hike pack

The "backpacker" day hike pack is the perfect piece of equipment for outdoor hiking enthusiasts.

This pack includes all the essentials for a successful day of hiking. It consists of a backpack large capacity, perfect for carrying all the necessary items, as well as an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the route. In addition, the pack includes a first aid kit to deal with possible minor injuries, as well as a headlamp for late-day hikes. Finally, for a well-deserved break, a survival blanket is also included to rest comfortably in the great outdoors. By choosing the "backpacker" day hike pack, adventurers can set off on an excursion with confidence, knowing that they are equipped to face all eventualities. With quality equipment and particular attention paid to practicality and comfort, this pack is an ideal choice for hiking enthusiasts who want to fully enjoy nature while remaining well prepared.

Whether you're hiking in the mountains, in the forest, or along a coastal path, the "baroudeur" day hike pack is an inseparable companion for all your outdoor adventures.

What to put in your lightweight hiking backpack?

This is one of the essential points that requires a good deal of thought before setting off on a hike or mountain trek. For safety reasons, we would like to take everything, but that's not possible. Choose to bring only the essentials and a reasonable or sufficient quantity of products for a lightweight backpack.

Choosing a hiking backpack

Opt for an ultra-lightweight, streamlined model. We tend to think that a hiking bag should have multiple pockets, multiple paddings, and frames, but this isn't necessarily true.


The more compartments a travel bag has, the more likely you'll want to fill them up to add a few extra grams. Instead, opt for a small, ultra-lightweight hiking bag that's practical and versatile, suitable for both men and women. Choose a good, waterproof backpack that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

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