Ultralight Backpacking in the Southwest

We didn’t invent ultralight backpacking! Rather, we assembled our “system” from a variety of sources. Ultralight backpacking seems to have originated from resourceful long-distance hikers like Ray Jardine, who logically figured out that they can hike a lot faster and farther if they didn’t have the burden of a heavy pack. The idea spilled over into recreational backpacking, where carrying a lighter pack also makes good sense. For a while, ultralighters had to make a lot of their own gear. But now there are numerous small and large companies providing a wide variety of light and ultralight gear. While the fundamental principles for ultralight backpacking are fairly standard, the gear and techniques are constantly evolving. Getting started can be perplexing. The challenge for someone new to ultralight backpacking is to sort through all of the information and gear choices available and assemble a system that works for them in their geographical area.

Our challenge in the Southwest was choosing appropriate gear and techniques and adjusting them for the many different kinds of terrain and associated climatic conditions. The Southwest has millions of acres of public lands, consisting of high mountains, high desert canyon country, and low desert cactus country. Elevations range from over 14,000' in Colorado to around 2500' in southern Arizona. The elevation basically determines the climate and vegetation of any given location. It’s a paradise for backpackers, and we backpack the year around in this four state area. Our area of concentration is the Four Corners Region, which consists of SW Colorado, SE Utah, NE Arizona, and NW New Mexico. We don’t claim to have been everywhere and to have all the answers, but we have assembled an ultralight backpacking system that works for us in the Southwest, and are willing to share our information. You can help us by offering your ideas and suggestions.