I was browsing through messages on Facebook when CoreVibe popped up with the question, “Are you ready to try an ultralight backpack?” I thought, why not? So, I clicked on the link expecting some helpful advice, but the video that immediately popped up suggested I cut open my backpack to reduce the weight. I was really disappointed. I was so excited to learn about ultralight backpacking and the first thing they told me was to grab a pair of scissors and cut open my backpack. This was so disappointing. If I wasn’t already interested in ultralight backpacking, I probably wouldn’t have taken it seriously again.
Of course, ultralight backpackers are known for being creative when it comes to shedding unnecessary weight. Streamlining gear is part of that. But honestly, after spending time with seasoned ultralight backpacking hikers, I’ve never seen anyone cut down their gear like they do. While I understand the creativity behind lightening the load (yes, I’m going for the pun here), that’s definitely not how I would introduce ultralight backpacking to a beginner hiker. Ultralight backpacking hiking is much more than just cutting back on gear. It requires us to choose the most streamlined and efficient gear that not only reduces the weight of our packs, but also ensures that we stay comfortable on the trail without compromising our comfort while camping. That’s really the point.
There’s also a frustrating stereotype about ultralight backpacking, “So, you’re the kind of person who cuts off clothing labels to save weight, right?” It seems like we’re all a bunch of map-cutting, toothbrush-chopping, label-ripping fanatics. In reality, the main way to reduce weight lies in choosing lighter, more efficient gear. For example, choose an ultralight backpack to begin with.
Let’s be clear, tearing apart an old backpack is not the best way to do this. For starters, you’re pretty much reducing the value of the backpack to zero. Instead, you can easily sell it on Craigslist or a gear swap page and use the money to buy a new ultralight backpack. These backpacks are usually cheaper than traditional backpacks, and they’re fully functional and much lighter in weight-even when compared to a modified traditional backpack. In our gear recommendation guide, we’ve highlighted five great lightweight backpacks at great prices. Even the heaviest backpack in the guide is about a pound lighter than the modified backpack in the video.
In addition, modifying a backpack reduces its functionality. At the end of the video, the backpack has almost no usable features. It loses many key elements, such as the mesh exterior pockets for drying wet clothing (a must-have for any veteran UL hiker) and the hip pockets (which are unquestionable). Sure, traditional backpacks may have a few extra frills, but cutting them off doesn’t make the pack any more practical. I’ve seen people cut harnesses or drawstrings too short, which is not advisable. These small changes may affect the long-term usability of the gear.
Finally, cutting a backpack may affect its durability. Backpacks experience a lot of wear and tear while traveling. When you start cutting off sections that are specifically designed for load bearing, you are destroying the overall strength of the backpack. This will only lead to rips and tears.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not against modifying gear – I’ve done quite a bit of tweaking myself. If you have a worn out backpack that’s barely holding up, and you just want to try it out, go for it. Or, if you have the experience to do the mods without damaging your gear, then do it. But thinking back to when I first started experimenting with ultralight backpacking, if someone had told me to cut my pack open to reduce the weight a little, I would have thought they were crazy.
Honestly, there are so many ways to lighten the load that there’s no need to take such extreme measures. The key is choosing the right gear that balances weight, comfort and durability. So before you move the scissors, consider whether this is the best approach for your next adventure.
Thoughts on modifying your pack to reduce weight
Have you ever thought about cutting the weight of your gear? If so, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Some people even go so far as to take their backpacks apart to reduce weight. Would you consider doing this? How did it turn out? Feel free to share your thoughts with me and I’d be happy to publish them.
Having the right gear is crucial for anyone considering camping and backpacking. Check out this list of camping essentials and get ready for your next outdoor adventure.
Barrett Hartman:
When I first started backpacking again, I was still carrying all my old and bulky gear. There’s a story behind why I stopped traveling, but that’s not the point now.
I started reading about PCT and AT hikers cutting back on backpacking sections to lighten the load. So, early on in my resumption of hiking, I decided to give it a try. Big mistake! I ended up cutting the two compression straps too short, and every time I needed to open the pack, the compression straps slipped off the buckles. This meant I had to re-thread the straps while holding the compression straps in place to make sure everything was secured.
I also removed some padding and a couple pockets. That was a disaster. The lack of padding made it uncomfortable to carry, the cuts near the pockets caused them to tear further, and the pack was essentially unusable.
A few years later, I bought a 50-liter, less-than-2-pound pack that didn’t require any cutouts at all. I upgraded my entire rig: a lighter tent, a lighter sleeping system, a lighter cooking system, and multi-purpose items. Careful planning of gear and gradual upgrades resulted in more weight reduction and more comfortable travel than impulsive clipping.
Interestingly, that weight reduction did allow me to buy a new backpack, which lost another 2.5 pounds. Thanks for your wonderful blog posts and videos, they’ve been very helpful on my journey.
Cheers!
Barrett.
Chad Poindexter (Stick’s blog):
I’ll admit, I did cut the toothbrush handle short and punched holes in it, and removed the tags and drawstrings from my clothes. But I’ve never actually cut open a backpack. If I did, I’d just go for the minimalist backpack and modify it myself to suit my needs.
That said, I do think backpacks can get out of hand quickly. For newbies, I wouldn’t recommend remodeling a backpack willy-nilly. If you are more experienced, I would still recommend using the backpack a few times to get a feel for how useful it is before making any irreversible changes.
Brian Green (Brian’s Backpacking Blog):
I would suggest, use it a few times, get a feel for it, and then make changes! I’m not afraid to cut back on the capacity of my backpack, after all, it’s just gear. You can always use it the way you want to. ✂️
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