Tackling the Myths Around Ultralight Tramping
- kiwiultralight
- Mar 7
- 7 min read
Author: Cody Howell, Co-Founder of Kiwi Ultralight
Originally published in Wilderness Magazine February 2024
The global popularity of ultralight tramping has surged over the past couple of decades, but New Zealand has been slow to keep up with modern advancements in gear and mindset. Two major issues act as roadblocks: 1. The margin for importing cutting-edge gear from overseas remains tight, and 2. A trend of exceptionalism and traditionalism that has led trampers to believe that modern gear not made in New Zealand will not properly handle New Zealand Conditions.
Kiwi Ultralight exists to address both of these issues, through on-the-ground design and manufacturing coupled with education and encouragement to help you Adventure Better.
In this post, I’ll be delving into some of the most persistent myths about ultralight tramping in New Zealand, breaking them down with practical advice, real-world examples, and an honest look at the benefits and challenges. If you’ve ever wondered whether ultralight tramping is right for you, keep reading as we explore four key misconceptions about it.
To clarify, ultralight refers to a base weight (the weight of everything except food, water, and fuel) of <4.5kg (10lbs). But ultralight is not one-size-fits-all - it’s about minimizing unnecessary weight without sacrificing safety or comfort.
The benefits are clear: lighter packs, less strain on the body, and the ability to go further and see more with greater ease.
Myth 1: The New Zealand Environment Makes Ultralight Unwise or Unsafe
One of the most common myths about ultralight tramping is one that's specific to New Zealand - that its ever-changing weather and challenging terrain make it unsafe to reduce pack weight below some arbitrary cutoff.
I wonder if carrying a 65L pack full of rocks would make people assume I was more prepared than when they see me carrying a tiny pack full of modern ultrlaight gear.
While New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable, it's no different than many other tramping environments around the world where ultralight gear is often used. As always, preparation is key.
Challenges in New Zealand’s Wilderness:
Rapid Weather Changes: The weather can shift dramatically from bright sunshine to pouring rain or even snow within hours.
River Crossings: Many tracks require crossing rivers, and the depth, flow, and temperature can fluctuate quickly. Often, crossing rivers will require finding alternate routes across that may to you kilometers off trail.
Exposed Alpine Environments: Many of the best trails traverse high, exposed ridges with little shelter. The wind and weather can be intense here, and your shelter and gear need to be up to the challenge.
How to Combat These Challenges:
Layering Systems: Proper layering with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof shells will keep you comfortable across diverse conditions.
Reliable Shelter: Choose a tent or tarp that can withstand strong winds and heavy rain. Lightweight doesn’t mean flimsy - it’s about choosing the right materials that protect without unnecessary bulk.
Navigation Skills: In areas where weather can obscure your visibility, proficiency in map reading and GPS is essential. Ultralight gear doesn’t replace the need for skill.
Emergency Preparedness: Always carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) or a satellite communicator, and make sure you’re trained in basic first aid.
Ultimately, ultralight tramping isn’t about being reckless; it’s about making informed, skill-based decisions to improve your outdoor experience. No amount of gear will save the unprepared.
Myth 2: Ultralight Gear is Only for Fastpackers or Extreme Athletes
A common belief about ultralight gear is that it’s reserved for the fastpackers or extreme athletes who can zip across trails with barely anything in their packs. In reality, ultralight is for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors with more comfort, less strain, and greater enjoyment.
Here's a sample of the diverse range of people who benefit from ultralight principles:
Thru-Hikers: It goes without saying, but long-distance hikers need to carry everything for weeks or months on end. A lighter pack means less strain on joints, more energy for each day’s trek, and less risk of injury.
Hunters: For hunters carrying heavy game, an ultralight kit can make the journey out from the bush more manageable.
Packrafters: When combining the weight of a raft with the usual hiking essentials, ultralight principles become crucial for maintaining balance and stability in the pack.
Older Trampers or Those with Joint Issues: Ultralight gear helps reduce the physical strain on the body, enabling older trampers or those with joint problems to keep moving with greater ease.
Weekend Warriors: Even short-term trampers can enjoy the benefits of a lighter pack. Ultralight gear makes a weekend hike less strenuous, freeing you to focus on the beauty of the trail rather than the weight on your back. In fact, lighter gear may be especially useful if you're not trail-fit!
The "Packing Your Fears" Phenomenon: We all know the tendency to overpack for fear of being unprepared. It’s easy to fall into the trap of packing “just in case” items that never get used. The psychological burden of carrying unnecessary weight can detract from the overall experience, leading to fatigue, discomfort, and frustration. When you embrace ultralight philosophy, you’ll not only lighten your pack, but your mental load as well.
Benefits of Reduced Weight Beyond Speed:
Reduced Injury Risk: Lighter packs reduce the strain on your joints and muscles, lowering the likelihood of injury, especially on longer hikes.
Increased Energy: Without the constant weight dragging you down, you’ll have more energy for the unexpected challenges that come up on the trail.
Enhanced Scenery Enjoyment: With a lighter pack, you can stop shoe-gazing and instead take in the environment without feeling like you're struggling to carry the weight.
Myth 3: Ultralight Gear is Always Expensive
One of the biggest misconceptions about ultralight gear is that it’s always expensive, especially since many high-end, specialized fabrics come with a hefty price tag. This is especially true when everything has to be imported from long distances.
While there’s no denying that some ultralight gear can be pricey, plenty of budget-friendly alternatives that allow you to lighten your pack without breaking the bank. We do our best to keep our gear competitively priced even against lower quality, big box store products, but most new gear is far from cheap - we believe you should get what you pay for. That said, here are some tips that will help you save some money while still reducing pack weight meaningfully.
Budget-Friendly Strategies:
DIY Gear: Many ultralight items can be made at home. Stuff sacks, pot cozies, and simple tarps can all be crafted with some basic skills and a few materials.
Unconventional Alternatives: Pack liners are a great example of this. Sure you can buy the name-brand version, but the black sack you use for rubbish is probably lighter and costs almost nothing. The same idea can go for all sorts of items. Just leaving things at home is free and that includes all those stuff sacks. And if you need hot drinks, use the same pot you cook in, and couples can share cooking gear. But if you're really keen, save hundreds by finding meals you can "cold-soak" instead of cook.
Second-Hand Gear: The second-hand market is a goldmine for great ultralight gear that’s been well-maintained by people who, by the nature of the gear they're selling, have probably taken good care of said gear.
Cost vs. Weight: Ultimately, it’s about understanding the trade-off between cost and weight. How much are you willing to pay for each gram saved? An ultralight rain jacket, for instance, can be a worthwhile investment at $400-plus, but there are also plenty of affordable options that perform just as well. Making your own silnylon rain jacket for $40 may be just the DIY project that changes your life.
Myth 4: Going Ultralight is Just About Competition for the Lightest Weight
Another myth is that ultralight hiking is all about who can carry the lightest pack; but in reality, going ultralight is more of a puzzle than a competition.
It’s about finding the right balance between comfort, safety, and functionality that suits your needs. Ultralight is not a one-size-fits-all approach - it’s highly personal. What works for one person might not work for another.
We have another article all about ultralight philosophy HERE.
Factors to Consider When Finding Your Ideal Base Weight:
Trip Duration: Longer trips might require more gear than overnight trips, but this should plateau. You rarely need more than one change of clothes between chances to wash, for example. After your kit is dialed in, food is the only thing that should really change.
Weather & Terrain: High-alpine areas or regions prone to frequent rain or snow may require specific gear choices, like waterproof shells, spikes, etc.
Personal Preferences & Experience: Some people prioritize comfort items like a thicker sleeping pad or a warmer sleeping bag. Once you have your most minimalist kit, add back in 1-2 comfort items (I choose an inflatable pillow and earbuds, for example).
Ultralight tramping is about making intentional choices based on your preferences. The goal isn’t to carry the lightest pack - it’s to enjoy the experience more fully, with the right gear that meets your needs and enhances your hike.
We have a Gear Guide that might help you with that!
Critically, not every trip may be suitable for ultralight weights. If you need an ice axe and crampons, the next consideration should be to reduce the weight of everything else and do the best you can. The 10lb weight cut-off is far less important than having a safe and incredible experience.
Conclusion
Ultralight tramping, when done responsibly, opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It’s not about being extreme - it’s about reducing weight in a thoughtful way to increase comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Whether you’re tackling Te Araroa, hunting in the bush, or just looking for a more comfortable weekend adventure, ultralight principles can transform the way you experience the outdoors.
These principles are for everyone!
If you’ve been holding onto any of these myths or doubts, I encourage you to challenge your assumptions, embrace the ultralight philosophy, and see how it might work for you. Remember, it’s all about education, preparation, and experience.
Do you have any questions about getting started? Feel free to reach out for a pack shakedown, we'll help you make some progress!
The original version of the article can be found on the Wilderness Magazine website. This version has been updated and republished with permission. The above has been expanded to include more information than space allowed in the original.
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