There’s something deeply satisfying about pitching your shelter far from any road, town, or trailhead. No crowds, no noise, just you, your kit, and the open land. But let’s be honest: dragging a heavy pack over hills, through bog, and up ridgelines can suck the joy out of even the most scenic wild camp. The good news? With a few tweaks, you can carry less, move better, and still enjoy the essentials (and even a few luxuries).
If you’ve ever struggled under a 20-kilo pack and thought, “There’s got to be a better way,” you’re not alone. Most of us start out packing too much, and too heavy. Over time, experience (and sore shoulders) teach us to choose more wisely.
Let’s start with the big-ticket items: shelter, sleep system, and pack. These three usually account for most of the weight you carry, and they offer the biggest opportunity to slim down. A traditional two-person tent can easily top two or three kilos, but swap it for an ultralight one-person tent or tarp and you could save half that weight. Many solo campers even ditch the tent entirely in dry weather and sleep under the stars with a bivvy bag.
Next, take a look at your sleep system. Quilts are lighter than sleeping bags, and when paired with a decent mat, they still keep you warm down to the same temperatures. Inflatable mats with high insulation ratings weigh far less than they used to, and ditching the pillow in favour of a stuff sack full of clothes is a classic ultralight trick that saves both space and grams.
And if your pack still weighs over two kilos, it’s worth reconsidering. Once your kit is slimmed down, you simply don’t need a huge frame or padded hip belt anymore. A frameless pack under 1.2kg is often more than enough and feels more agile on rough ground.
One of the most surprising additions to a light pack? A camping chair. No, not the big canvas ones you’d use at a festival. We’re talking about ultralight chairs that weigh around 400–500g but give you a proper backrest and a warm, dry seat at camp. For long days on the trail, that comfort might make the difference between a rushed dinner and a relaxed evening under the stars.
On the cooking front, minimalism works wonders. Ditch the pan set and spork collection. A titanium mug and a tiny stove will get you fed. If you’re willing to go a step further, you can skip the stove entirely. Cold-soaking couscous or instant oats works surprisingly well and removes the need for fuel, pot, or stove altogether.
When it comes to water, many of us overdo it. Don’t lug litres unnecessarily. Plan your route around refill points, and carry a filter or purification tablets instead. Soft bottles or collapsible flasks weigh less and pack smaller than hard bottles.
Clothing is where “just in case” thinking creeps in. You don’t need a fresh outfit for each day. One base layer for hiking, one for sleeping, and a lightweight down or synthetic jacket for warmth. A good shell handles wind and rain. Leave the cotton behind, it holds moisture and weighs you down.
You might be surprised how much space opens up once you pare things down. Food, for instance, is another easy win. Choose calorie-dense options like nuts, nut butter, and dehydrated meals. Repackage everything into ziplock bags, bulk packaging is dead weight.
Finally, weigh everything. Literally. Use a digital scale and start a spreadsheet. You’ll soon spot which bits of kit are worth their weight and which are just baggage. Many wild campers aim for a base weight (gear minus food and water) under 7kg. Under 5kg if you're keen.
In the end, going light is about finding your sweet spot. You’re not racing anyone, but the lighter your pack, the more freedom you have to roam. The less you carry, the more you notice. The less you worry, the more you enjoy. That’s the real magic of wild camping: not just surviving out there, but actually loving every step of it.
