Why I think ultralight is more important for women

Base weight may be «a thing.» In some circles there is a lot of emphasis on ultralight (base weight less than 10 pounds), which can seem so unattainable and downright ridiculous when you’re just starting out. Not to mention it’s expensive. It can quickly become a competition, and not in a good way.

But on the other hand, there may be very valid and smart reasons to weigh everything, count ounces, and get serious about ultralighting before your first hike.

While planning the Colorado Trail, I encountered several first-time hikers, many of whom are struggling to reduce their pack weight. The CT is a popular hike for beginners, but it’s no joke. Lots of vertical gain. Hot. Some long water transports and a couple of long food transports. And yet, several times I’ve heard hikers who have a base weight of 30 to 40 pounds say they have creature comforts they don’t want to give up.

A base weight of 30 pounds for a 6’2″ man is one thing. It’s completely different for a 5’2″ woman.

Now, we all have different shapes and sizes. Different levels of physical fitness. A wide range of ages. And I believe wholeheartedly in the strength and determination of women. Women have infinitely proven that we are strong on the trails. Intelligent and mentally strong.

So if you want to set yourself up for success, here’s why I think base weight is even more important for WOMEN, especially petite ones.

The smaller you are physically, the lighter your base weight should be

As a 5’2″ woman, it’s been even more important for me to take base weight seriously and move toward lighter weight gear. It’s not so much about being one of the cool kids with fancy gear, but rather being realistic with how much weight my body can handle day after day during a long hike.

The common rule of thumb is to try to keep your base weight between 10% and 15% of your body weight.

Without focusing on what is or is not considered “ultralight” or if it even careful about being ultralight… instead, take a step back and consider your body. Do you want to take care of your knees for many years? Do you care about protecting your body from strains and injuries?

Push up to 10% (or less) of your body weight if:

• you are walking at a higher altitude
• there is a lot of vertical gain
• It will be hot with a lot of sun exposure
• there are longer water transports or longer food transports
• you’re not 25 anymore

That means a 200-pound man can easily handle a base weight of 20 pounds. While my 115-pound friend is more likely to be successful if she reduces her base weight to less than 12 pounds. You can do it, friend!

Who is designing this equipment?

Ladies, please note that many gear that is marketed as lightweight may be men’s lightweight and not lightweight. enough for us. Shocking, I know….

Luckily our clothes are usually smaller and lighter than men’s clothes. But everything else needs a lot of scrutiny.

First, opt for the small 1-person tent if it fits. All those hikers and weekend warriors talking about 2-person tents… they’re mostly guys! Don’t let those YouTubers tempt you into buying a 2-person tent if you’re a 5’4″ woman! Hang in there. Adopt a cozy 1-person tent and save weight!

And honestly, petite women are the ones most likely to fit comfortably under a single tarp. Some of my favorite badass backpackers (shout out to Stitches, as well as several Skurka Adventure female guides I know) sport a tarp and/or bivy. I wholeheartedly recommend getting an inexpensive tarp (I bought the Gossamer Gear single tarp, which is extremely beginner-friendly) and trying it out on a short trip. You can always resell it on Facebook if you don’t like it.

Sleeping pads are another item that is sized appropriately for the average male body. There used to be sleeping mats of shorter lengths, but now they are hard to find. However, there are many videos showing how to shorten a sleeping pad. Look for sleeping bags and comforters that offer customization for shorter lengths.

And guess what? When you get down to a base weight of 12 pounds, you will definitely be able to reduce the size of your backpack to a smaller, lighter one.

it’s a trip

It’s a safe trip. Weigh everything on a kitchen scale and update it when you can. I have sold a lot of my original backpacking gear over the last 2 years. I sold my 24 ounce sleeping pad and got one on sale that weighs 19 ounces. I sold my 22oz quilt and 30oz tent and bought lighter ones. Backpacks are ripe for saving weight. Keep an eye out for deals and search Facebook Marketplace for used gear and make new purchases when you can save significant bucks at a decent price.

Pack less things. If an item (or a set of items like a poop kit, first aid kit, equipment repair kit, toiletries) weighs 3 ounces (or more), I really examine whether I need it or can simplify it, especially all items. Less extra clothes. Reduce bags of stuff. Limit “just in case” items. Every gram matters. Be safe and prioritize what’s really important, but as the saying goes, don’t pack in your fears (or at least, don’t pack in ALL your fears, pick one).

I’m still learning and perfecting my equipment. Am I ultralight? No. Not yet. What I can say is that my base weight is less than 10% of my body weight and that feels great.

The great thing about the Colorado Trail, and many other beginner hikes, is that going through towns makes it easier to visit them to get something or have something shipped to you along the way. Or better yet, mail things you don’t actually need at home to lighten your load on the road!

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