Pack Less, Do More

Whether you’re packing for a weekend trek or a global adventure, there’s no doubt about the benefits of a lighter load. Carrying less weight feels good, feels freeing, feels right. But that doesn’t just mean counting ounces. Even a superlight product is heavier than not taking that gear at all. That’s why it pays to focus on bringing the items you need in the wild and nothing more. With less weight, and simply less stuff, it’s easier to maintain energy and stoke for extra miles, extra summits, extra fun.

Tips from a Pro

“I think a lot of people prepare for big, long adventures by packing out of fear—fear of being uncomfortable or missing something,” says Angela Liguori, a professional photographer and Fjällräven ambassador who has bounced around the world in search of big adventures. “But carrying less gives you more energy, more freedom to move quickly and go further, and also more enjoyment, especially when you’re out there for days.”

Liguori should know. She just finished the 40-mile Huemul Circuit through Patagonia’s backcountry. It’s an adventurous off-trail route that requires glacier traversing and multiple zip-line crossings of rivers. And Liguori had everything she needed for the trip on her back.

“Every pound matters, and it all adds up,” Liguori says, adding that she has a simple procedure for culling gear before a trip. She asks herself two questions:

❓What purpose does this piece of gear have? If it’s not an essential purpose, or if the gear is not versatile enough to serve more than one purpose, Liguori gives it a serious look before packing it.

❓How many times would I use this? If it’s going to get limited use, maybe you don’t need it at all. “Start simple, and trust your ability to adapt,” Liguori says.

Gear Pick

The Kajka X-Lätt 45L trekking pack gives you the platform you need to pack wisely on a multiday trip, whether you’re traversing the mountains of Patagonia or prepping for a week on the Appalachian Trail. It’s compact, so it naturally encourages minimalist packing for a multiday trek. And while Lätt means “light” in Swedish, it still has Fjällräven durability: The main compartment is built from armor-like Vinylon fabric around a birchwood frame. Plus, the inside pocket is detachable and can be used as a crossbody bag for short summit missions.

Kajka X-Lätt 45LFjällräven

In 1960, Åke Nordin founded Fjällräven in his basement in the town of Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden. Today the company’s timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment enjoys a global presence and can be found in over 70 countries. Fjällräven’s product range comprises outdoor clothing and accessories for men and women as well as backpacks, tents and sleeping bags. As a company, Fjällräven makes every effort to act responsibly towards people, wildlife and the environment and to encourage people to take an interest in outdoor life.