Backpacking experts have long emphasized the importance of weight management for safety and endurance. According to the American Hiking Society, the average hiker carrying over 30 percent of their body weight experiences increased fatigue, slower pace, and a higher risk of injury. Gear experts analyzed over 1,000 backpacking trips in the U.S. and concluded that many commonly packed items add weight without improving safety, comfort, or efficiency. Below are ten items that hikers often overpack and why leaving them behind can make a big difference.
Skip the Cast-Iron Cookware
Cast-iron pans are heavy, often adding 4 to 6 pounds to your pack, and retain heat slowly, making them impractical for backcountry cooking. Ultralight alternatives such as titanium or anodized aluminum weigh under 1 pound and cook just as efficiently. Research from the Appalachian Mountain Club shows that hikers carrying heavy cookware reported 25 percent more fatigue over comparable distances. For most trips, a small, lightweight pot or pan suffices for boiling water, heating soups, or cooking dehydrated meals, making cast iron an unnecessary burden.
Ditch Full-Size Toiletry Bottles
Full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash contribute unnecessary weight and bulk. Studies by the Leave No Trace Center indicate that over 60 percent of hikers carry more toiletries than they actually use, creating space issues in smaller packs. Travel-size bottles or solid alternatives such as soap bars and toothpaste tablets weigh a fraction of the full-size version, are spill-proof, and reduce the chance of contaminating your pack. For multi-day trips, minimal hygiene items meet needs without adding unnecessary pounds.
Limit Yourself to Essential Clothing
Packing multiple outfits for every eventuality is tempting but inefficient. Data from a 2022 study by Backpacker Magazine found that hikers carrying more than three changes of clothes saw pack weight increase by up to 30 percent, slowing progress and causing strain. Layering moisture-wicking and weather-appropriate clothing allows flexibility while drastically reducing weight. Tees, one mid-layer, one insulating layer, and one pair of durable pants usually suffice for multi-day hikes, minimizing bulk without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Leave the Heavy DSLR Behind
Professional cameras can weigh 3 to 5 pounds with lenses and accessories, significantly adding to your load. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy notes that hikers who carried DSLRs often opted for shorter, less challenging routes due to weight. Modern smartphones or lightweight mirrorless cameras capture high-quality images while keeping your pack manageable. This allows you to prioritize hydration, food, and safety gear over photography equipment, optimizing both endurance and enjoyment.
Forget Folding Chairs
While a folding chair may seem comforting, it rarely justifies the weight, often 2 to 3 pounds, sometimes more. Studies in outdoor ergonomics show that hikers using lightweight sitting alternatives, such as foam pads or trekking poles for resting, conserve energy without adding bulk. Foam pads weigh under 0.5 pounds and still provide insulation from cold or damp ground. By leaving folding chairs at home, you reclaim space for higher-priority items like water, nutrition, or emergency gear.
Extra Shoes Are Overkill
Packing multiple pairs of shoes or boots adds unnecessary weight and space consumption. According to a 2021 study of long-distance hikers, carrying a second pair of footwear increased pack weight by an average of 2.5 pounds, with negligible functional benefit. High-quality, weather-appropriate boots or trail runners suffice for most trips, especially when combined with moisture-wicking socks and routine foot care. Extra shoes can stay at home unless your trip includes drastically different terrain that requires specialized footwear.
Skip the Books
Physical books are surprisingly heavy and occupy significant space. Even a single paperback can weigh 0.5 to 1 pound, which adds up over multi-day treks. Research from the University of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Program suggests that hikers who replaced printed books with e-readers or audio content reported improved energy and reduced fatigue, as weight and bulk decreased. For multi-day trips, digital reading options or journaling apps offer mental engagement without compromising pack efficiency.
Leave the Full Tent
Many novice hikers overpack full-size tents that exceed 5 to 7 pounds. Lightweight tents or tarp shelters weigh under 3 pounds, providing adequate protection while improving mobility. The National Park Service recommends assessing group size, expected weather, and campsite availability to determine shelter needs. Often, ultralight backpacking tents or shared shelters meet safety requirements without burdening your pack.
Skip Canned Foods
Canned goods are heavy and prone to denting, adding 1 to 3 pounds per item. Dehydrated meals or freeze-dried foods weigh a fraction, sometimes 80 to 90 percent less than the equivalent canned portions, and are easier to store. According to the Backpacking Light study, substituting canned foods with dehydrated alternatives allowed hikers to carry up to 5 pounds less on week-long treks, improving stamina and reducing injury risk.
Ditch the Pillows
Standard camping pillows are bulky and often unnecessary. Lightweight alternatives, such as inflatable or compressible pillows, weigh under 0.5 pounds, compared with 2 to 3 pounds for traditional models. Studies by outdoor gear experts show that eliminating heavy pillows reduces pack weight while still providing adequate neck support for quality rest. Using clothing or a small inflatable pillow can achieve similar comfort with minimal space and weight impact.
