Are These 5 Classic Ultralight Hacks Still Worth Your Time?

When I dragged my 45-pound pack over Colorado’s Electric Pass on my first overnight after misreading the trail profile, the notion of ultralight wasn’t even a flicker in my mind. But between that hike in 2011 and my first thru-hike in 2015, the weight-saving ethos had steadily gained traction in the thru-hiking world. The most hardcore Appalachian Trail ultralighters carried 30-liter glorified sacks and wouldn’t be caught dead with a hip belt.

Continue reading to learn more about ultralight hacks, written by Maggie Slepian.

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Maggie Slepian
She has backpacked thousands of miles around the US, and is an avid bikepacker, climber, and mountain biker.
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Backpacker: Are These Classic Ultralight Hacks Still Worth Your Time

Woman in hiking gear standing outdoors with trekking poles and mountains in background.
Maggie Slepian
Last updated:
August 10, 2026
|  5 min read

Are These 5 Classic Ultralight Hacks Still Worth Your Time?

When I dragged my 45-pound pack over Colorado’s Electric Pass on my first overnight after misreading the trail profile, the notion of ultralight wasn’t even a flicker in my mind. But between that hike in 2011 and my first thru-hike in 2015, the weight-saving ethos had steadily gained traction in the thru-hiking world. The most hardcore Appalachian Trail ultralighters carried 30-liter glorified sacks and wouldn’t be caught dead with a hip belt.

Continue reading to learn more about ultralight hacks, written by Maggie Slepian.

Maggie Slepian
Media Mentionsn from Maggie Slepian
Maggie Slepian
She has backpacked thousands of miles around the US, and is an avid bikepacker, climber, and mountain biker.
/
Sit wèb
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Maggie Slepian
She has backpacked thousands of miles around the US, and is an avid bikepacker, climber, and mountain biker.
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Backpacker: Are These Classic Ultralight Hacks Still Worth Your Time

Backpacker: Are These Classic Ultralight Hacks Still Worth Your Time

Woman in hiking gear standing outdoors with trekking poles and mountains in background.
Maggie Slepian
Last updated:
August 3, 2026
|  5 min read

Are These 5 Classic Ultralight Hacks Still Worth Your Time?

When I dragged my 45-pound pack over Colorado’s Electric Pass on my first overnight after misreading the trail profile, the notion of ultralight wasn’t even a flicker in my mind. But between that hike in 2011 and my first thru-hike in 2015, the weight-saving ethos had steadily gained traction in the thru-hiking world. The most hardcore Appalachian Trail ultralighters carried 30-liter glorified sacks and wouldn’t be caught dead with a hip belt.

Continue reading to learn more about ultralight hacks, written by Maggie Slepian.

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Media Mentionsn from Maggie Slepian
Maggie Slepian
She has backpacked thousands of miles around the US, and is an avid bikepacker, climber, and mountain biker.
/
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Media Mentionsn from Maggie Slepian
Maggie Slepian
She has backpacked thousands of miles around the US, and is an avid bikepacker, climber, and mountain biker.
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Popular posts
Medya Mansyone
View all blog articles
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.
News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.
NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.
Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the BackyardTM. What keeps you outdoors?
Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.
Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.
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