Weighing In On Lightweight Trekking
Åke Nordin founded Fjällräven on the principles of quality, function, and lightweight – lightweight being of especial importance because it allowed him to move more freely in nature, stay out longer, and explore more with less body strain. Contributing to our mission of getting more people to move with nature, these founding principles have guided our product development ever since.
Lightweight makes gains
Over the years, nature enthusiasts across all activities have increasingly opted for lighter weight outdoor gear. Amongst trekkers, some even define themselves based on the weight of their gear and have built communities around their interest. Fjällräven Friend Anders Nord is one of them. A security contractor, he is an active member of the 25,000-person online community Ultralight in Sweden.
For Anders, the recent explosion in interest in lightweight outdoor products makes perfect sense. ‘They make it easier to get out and do things,’ he says, adding, ‘Consider trekking. It makes a huge difference for your body to carry a 10 kg backpack instead of a 20 kg one. You have more energy to take in your surroundings, hang out with friends in the evening, and start every morning with a smile.’
Why go lighter?
Inclusion: To allow people with different abilities to go trekking.
Exploration: To get out more, to make it easier to find unbeaten paths, and to go further.
Development: To focus more on the functions and features that matter most to users.
Exploration: To get out more, to make it easier to find unbeaten paths, and to go further.
Development: To focus more on the functions and features that matter most to users.
From heavy news to a renewed lightweight strategy
With the opinions of people in the outdoor community directly informing our product development, we’ve continuously grown our collection of lightweight products. In conversations with our CEO Martin Axelhed however, Ultralight in Sweden informed us that within communities aspiring for lighter weight trekking, our sturdy gear, with its hardwearing materials and construction, is perceived as too heavy. Unconvinced the average person needs this for a trek, Ultralight in Sweden shared with us their views on exploring nature with comfort and inclusivity in mind. We listened and swiftly began to further develop our lightweight strategy to include even more people in nature. Launching in Spring/Summer 2026, the products will carry Fjällräven’s DNA of sustainability and functionality but are lighter due to updates in materials and features.
Weighing in on lightweight trekking
In the meantime, as the interest in lightweight and ultra lightweight trekking grows, it’s important to understand how to choose and use products to minimise weight, while meeting your comfort needs.
If you are just getting started with trekking, Anders advocates investing in products that are most comfortable for you, rather than the lightest. ‘If you have a backpack that is 200 g heavier than mine, but it fits you perfectly, then it’s the right backpack for you,’ he says.‘There’s no point in having a lightweight backpack you don’t use.’
Our Global Events Manager Carl Hård afSegerstad, an expert trekker himself, agrees:
‘I firmly believe that any outdoor equipment is better than no equipment, and no equipment is better than what the user makes of it. To start exploring the outdoors, I suggest using what you have and then invest time and understanding into lightweight gear. When necessary, you can replace your current equipment with lightweight options. A backpack, I can imagine, will be high on a lot of people’s wish lists.’
Are your ‘big 3’ items under 3 kg?
Shelter: tent and/or tarp
Sleeping: Sleeping bag and mat/pad
Carrying: Backpack
Sleeping: Sleeping bag and mat/pad
Carrying: Backpack
In terms of lightweight products’ drawbacks, Anders admits some gear needs to be handled with care and some products, like trekking trainers, may wear out a little quicker. Carl adds, however, that the longevity of lightweight gear (as with any gear) comes with knowledge and experience. ‘All equipment breaks sooner or later,’ he says, adding ‘Gear made with lighter fabrics, thinner webbings, and smaller details can be more prone to breakage from wear and tear, and accident, but mindful usage and care will increase their lifespan.’
Pack your way to lighter trekking
For Anders, there’s no better activity than trekking to get started with lightweight gear. His goal for a multi-day trek is five kilograms. ‘Even if you’re out for several days on the trail, you have everything you need,’ he says. ‘A backpack, two-person tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, rain gear, kitchen, insulated clothes…it’s all there!’
Carl on the other hand, explains that the base weight of his gear depends on the mission of his trek. Base weight includes everything in your backpack except consumables like food, water, and fuel, and as he says, ‘I am not interested in comparing my base weight against others, or the definition of what others perceive as “lightweight” trekking. Of course, if conditions allow, and there is a lighter backpack with the same volume and carry comfort as my usual backpack, I’ll happily use it. The same reasoning applies to all the items in my base weight.’
Trekking backpack weight
Traditional trekking: 13.5 kg (9 kg base weight)
Lightweight trekking: 9 kg (4.5 kg base weight)
Ultra lightweight trekking: 4.5 kg total
Base weight = all your gear minus food, water, and fuel
Lightweight trekking: 9 kg (4.5 kg base weight)
Ultra lightweight trekking: 4.5 kg total
Base weight = all your gear minus food, water, and fuel
To manage weight, Carl uses the ‘3 for 3’ method, which aims for the ‘big three’ items in your backpack to add up to three kilograms or less. The big three items include shelter (tend and/or tarp), sleeping gear (sleeping bag and mat/pad), and backpack. If they add up to less than three kilograms, you’re free to continue lowering the weight of the rest of your gear and gain back fillable weight. ‘It’s the sum of the products you pack and how you use them that count,’ he says.‘If you use a comfy sleeping pad, you make up for its weight with the other two items. On the trail, feeling well-equipped but comfortable is all about personal preference. To make the most of your time there, be ready to make some compromises while getting ready.’