Ultralight Trekking: The Right Gear for Walking Without the Weight

Ultralight trekking isn't a discipline for extremists: it's common sense applied to the mountains. Less weight on your shoulders, more kilometres in your legs, more pleasure in the walking. And you don't need expensive equipment: you need the right equipment.

The backpack is the starting point. For day hikes, 20–25 litres is enough. For multi-day trekking with overnight stays in mountain huts, 35–40 litres. The empty weight of the pack should stay under one and a half kilograms: every gram of the bag itself is dead weight.

Shoes are the most important investment. For non-technical trails in good conditions, trail runners have replaced heavy boots: they're lighter, dry faster and adapt better to the foot. For rocky terrain or snow, mid-cut shoes with a Vibram sole are needed. In any case, never break in new shoes on a trip: wear them in beforehand.

Trekking poles make an enormous difference, especially on descents. They reduce the load on the knees by 25–30% and improve balance on uneven ground. Carbon folding models weigh less than 400 grams the pair and tuck into the backpack when not needed.

Clothing follows the layering principle. First layer: technical moisture-wicking top (no cotton, which becomes cold when wet). Second layer: light fleece or softshell. Third layer: waterproof and breathable jacket, kept in the pack even when it's sunny. In the mountains, weather changes fast.

For water, a one-litre bottle and a portable filter or purification tablets. Water sources are frequent along Italian trails, but not always safe. A Sawyer filter weighs 60 grams and lasts for thousands of litres.

The ideal packed lunch: nuts and dried fruit, hard cheese, wholegrain bread, an energy bar. Calorie-dense food that's light to carry. Avoid elaborate sandwiches that fall apart in the pack.

Minimum safety protocol: a whistle (integrated in many backpacks), an emergency thermal blanket (weighs 50 grams), a small first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, elastic bandage), phone fully charged with offline maps. Always let someone know the route you intend to take.

For maps, the Komoot app is excellent for Italian trails: it shows elevation, times, water points and difficulty ratings. Download the offline map before you set out. Alternatively, the CAI maps at 1:25,000 scale remain unbeaten for detail and reliability.

The total pack weight for a day hike should stay under 6–7 kg, water included. For multi-day trekking with hut overnight stays, under 10 kg. If you're carrying more, you're probably bringing something you don't need.

Going light isn't deprivation: it's freedom. When the pack doesn't weigh, you walk with pleasure. And when you walk with pleasure, you notice the trail, the forest, the light. Which is, after all, the whole reason you set out.