Why PackWizard for Weight Cutting?

PackWizard is a powerful tool for ultralight backpackers. Its gear database, weight tracking, and sharing features let you analyze your setup, identify heavy items, and get community feedback to optimize your pack. By inputting my gear, I could see exactly where my weight was coming from and make smart swaps to hit a sub-12-pound base weight.

Step-by-Step: Cutting Weight with PackWizard

Here's how I used PackWizard to create my ultralight summer setup, with specific examples from my gear list and tips you can apply to your own.

1. Start with the Big 3: Shelter, Sleep System, and Pack

The "Big 3" (shelter, sleep system, and backpack) are often the heaviest items, so they're the first place to cut weight. PackWizard's weight tracker helped me choose ultralight options and see their impact.

Zpacks Duplex Lite Tent 15.9 oz
At under a pound, this is the lightest two-person tent available. While this is a snug fit for two it works perfectly for me, my wife, and our miniature schnauzer. Its quick setup and weather resistance were perfect for summer.

Tip: Use PackWizard to compare shelter weights. If you use trekking poles, consider a trekking pole tent to cut the weight and bulk of tent poles in your pack. Check the database for options like the Zpacks Duplex or tarps.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 950fp 621 g / 21.9 oz
Quilts are lighter than traditional sleeping bags. This 20°F quilt saved ~10 oz compared to a 32 oz bag I used previously, and its 950-fill down packed small.

Nemo Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad 240 g / 8.5 oz
At just 8.5 oz, this pad is half the weight of standard inflatable pads (15-20 oz). Its 2.4 R-value was enough for summer, and PackWizard helped me confirm its weight savings.

Big Sky Deluxe Pillow 131 g / 4.6 oz
This pillow added comfort for minimal weight. I have skipped pillows in the past, but I have found it worth the 4.6 oz for better sleep.

Tip: Sleep can make or break an otherwise good trip. Ultimately bad sleep is the reason why many people don't like camping. The best way to get good sleep while camping is to as closely mimic your sleep situation at home as possible. If you don't sleep in a cocoon at home, consider moving away from a traditional mummy bag to a bed style sleeping bag or quilt.

Gossamer Gear Skala 38 Pack 411 g / 14.5 oz
This 38L pack is featherlight yet durable. I ditched a 2-pound pack for this, saving over a pound. PackWizard's weight breakdown showed how much this swap impacted my total.

Tip: Your backpack should be the last thing you buy, or consider changing. You need something that can accommodate both the size and weight of your other gear. If you move to an ultralight backpack and the rest of your system is too heavy you're gonna have a bad time and possible back and shoulder problems.

2. Streamline Your Cook System

Cooking gear can add up fast. PackWizard helped me keep my cook system under 6 oz total by choosing minimalist gear.

TOAKS Light Titanium 550ml Pot 71 g / 2.5 oz
This pot replaced a 5 oz pot, saving ~3 oz. Its small size was perfect for solo meals.

Tip: Use PackWizard to find titanium pots under 3 oz for boiling water only.

Vargo Outdoors Alcohol Fuel Bottle 28 g / 1 oz
This tiny bottle replaced a 2 oz fuel canister, saving an ounce. PackWizard's precision helped me track these small wins.

Zelph Fancee Feest Stove 23 g / 0.8 oz
This alcohol stove is lighter than canister stoves (3-4 oz). With a homemade wind screen (11 g / 0.4 oz) and ranger band to keep my whole cook system together (4 g / 0.1 oz), my setup was ultra-efficient.

Tip: Compare stove weights in PackWizard. Alcohol stoves under 1 oz are ideal for ultralight. However they have a steep learning curve and take longer to boil water. Canister stoves are more plug and play in design but heavier in weight. Choose your own adventure.

Snow Peak Titanium Spork 15 g / 0.5 oz
Titanium can sometimes be expensive, but is extremely durable and I usually find it worth the weight savings. You can go lighter, but I prefer the added durability.

Big Sky International Food Pouch 40 g / 1.4 oz
This pouch is used to keep your food hot while rehydrating, you can cut weight by cutting this item. For me it's a nice luxury.

3. Optimize Hydration

Water systems can be heavy if not chosen carefully. PackWizard helped me keep mine light and functional.

Hardside Hydration Swig Rig 119 g / 4.2 oz
This hydration system has been a game-changer, well worth the added weight. Previously, I struggled to drink enough water on trails because I disliked stopping to grab my bottle, and I've always avoided water bladders for various reasons. This solution combines the best of both, creating the perfect hydration setup for me.

Nalgene 48oz Wide Mouth Ultralite Bottle 134.75 g / 4.8 oz
Ultralight backpackers often choose single-use bottles like Smartwater (around 1-1.5 oz for 1L) to save weight compared to reusable bottles. However, these single-use plastics can leach over 100 chemicals into drinking water, especially when exposed to sunlight on a backpack's exterior. To avoid this, I've opted for a reusable HDPE Nalgene bottle (about 3.8 oz for 1L), which is roughly half the weight of a standard Tritan Nalgene (about 6.2 oz for 1L). The added weight is worth it for a safer, durable hydration solution.

Cnoc Outdoors Vecto 2L Water Container 82 g / 2.9 oz
This is my dirty water bag and is far superior to the sawyer water bags. Sawyer has actually started shipping these with the full size squeeze filter.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System 92 g / 3.2 oz
At 3.2 oz, this filter is lighter than pump systems (8+ oz). It is reliable and fast.

4. Lighten Electronics

Electronics can sneakily add weight. PackWizard helped me balance utility and ounces.

BioLite Charge PD40 Powerbank 272 g / 9.6 oz
This was my heaviest essential electronic, but it powered my devices for 4 days. I might try a 5 oz powerbank next time, as PackWizard flagged its weight.

Tip: Use PackWizard to find powerbanks under 6 oz for short trips.

Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp 86 g / 3 oz
This headlamp was bright and versatile. I considered a 1 oz model but valued the extra lumens.

Olight Baton 3 Flashlight 54 g / 1.9 oz
This backup light was light enough to justify.

Tip: Many hikers skip backup lights, for me i value having a small handheld flashlight

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Camera 304 g / 10.7 oz
My heaviest non-essential, I film for instagram and youtube. So this is worth the weight for me.

Tip: Evaluate "luxury" items in PackWizard. Cut them if they push your base weight over target.

Google Pixel 9 Cell Phone 8 oz
My navigation and backup camera.

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator 151 g / 5.3 oz
Essential for safety, this was worth its weight for remote areas.

Tip: There's no reason not to carry an emergency communication device these days. It could save your life.

5. Minimize Hygiene and First Aid

Small items add up. PackWizard's ditty bag category helped me keep these under control.

The TentLab Deuce #2 Trowel 16 g / 0.6 oz
This trowel is lighter than plastic ones (1-2 oz). You need a trowel to dig a proper cathole.

CuloClean Ultralight Portable Bidet 11 g / 0.4 oz
At 0.4 oz, this replaced heavier hygiene solutions.

Pika Outdoors Summit Suds Powdered Soap 39 g / 1.4 oz
This biodegradable soap was lighter than liquid options.

Tip: Biodegradable does not mean safe to use in a body of water. Wash your hands with treated water 200 ft from the nearest water source.

5.11 Skyweight Utility Chest Pack 434 g / 15.3 oz
This item serves as my ditty bag, and I prefer it due to the access it gives me to essential items I might need during the day on the trail. That way i dont have to stop and take off my backpack just to get a snack or first aid item.

First Aid & Navigation Items
Trauma Shears 37 g / 1.3 oz, Brunton 8010 Eco Compass 37 g / 1.3 oz, Trader Joe's Sun Stick 25 g / 0.9 oz, SOL Emergency Blanket 60 g / 2.1 oz, Assorted Bandages 10 g / 0.4 oz, Assorted Meds 14 g / 0.5 oz
I have done a WFR training so I carry a little heavier of a first aid kit than most. If you dont have the training to use it dont bring it. If you think its essential, get the training to use it properly.

6. Pare Down Miscellaneous and Clothing

Clothing and miscellaneous items can bloat your pack. PackWizard helped me keep these lean.

Spyderco Delica 4 Pocket Knife 66 g / 2.3 oz
This lightweight knife replaced a 4 oz multi-tool, saving nearly 2 oz.

Tip: Find knives under 3 oz in PackWizard.

Leki Cross Trail Trekking Poles 497 g / 17.5 oz
These were my heaviest item. PackWizard highlighted them as a weight-saving opportunity—I might try 10 oz poles next. However these also serve dual purpose as my tent poles.

Tip: Compare pole weights in PackWizard. Aim for under 12 oz.

Flask 108 g / 3.8 oz
A luxury item I kept, but PackWizard showed it's a candidate for cutting if needed.

Clothing System
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants 161 g / 5.7 oz, Patagonia Nanopuff Pants 380 g / 13.4 oz, Under Armour UA Vanish Elite Shorts 157 g / 5.5 oz, Altra Lone Peak 7 Shoes 645 g / 22.8 oz, Rab Phantom Rain Jacket 118 g / 4.2 oz, Zpacks Mirage Sun Hoody 199 g / 7 oz, Zpacks Octa Fleece Hoody 147 g / 5.2 oz
My clothing is minimal but functional. I opted to use my rain jacket to add additional warmth to my fleece if needed rather than bring a heavier jacket.

How My Setup Performed

My ultralight gear excelled this summer. The Zpacks Duplex Lite tent is a little tight for 2 but we knew that going in, the Enigma Quilt kept me cozy, and the Skala pack was comfortable on long days. The Sawyer Squeeze and Cnoc Vecto made hydration easy, and my electronics ensured safety and navigation. PackWizard helped me identify weight culprits (chest pack, trekking poles, shoes), and I may consider swapping them out.