What Is Ultralight Backpacking?

Ultralight backpacking is all about minimizing pack weight without sacrificing the essentials. Most ultralight hikers aim to keep their base weight (everything in your pack minus food, water, and fuel) under 10 pounds. The idea is simple: carry less, move more efficiently, and reduce strain on your body so you can go farther, faster, and with less fatigue.

Getting into ultralight backpacking usually means investing in premium gear—tents under 2 pounds, featherweight packs, titanium cook sets, and quilts instead of sleeping bags. But here’s the catch: that gear can get expensive. Ultralight seldom means "ultracheap".

That’s why hacks like the one below are such a win. They’re accessible, effective, and free. Yeehaw!

Why a Free Ultralight Hack Matters

Most ultralight backpacking gear is notoriously pricey. Swapping out your shelter or pack system often means dropping hundreds of dollars. So when you find a way to lighten your load without spending a dime, it’s worth celebrating.

This sleeping pad modification costs nothing, works with gear you probably already own, and can save up to 1.5 pounds from your base weight. That’s a major win, especially if you’re just getting started with ultralight systems and want to experiment before upgrading your gear.

Looking to shave off some trail weight without giving up comfort? You’re in the right place.

Hey y’all, it’s Pepper here. I'm always on the lookout for smart ultralight hacks to lighten your load—turning heavy hauls into breezy strolls so you can keep that pep in your step. (Get it? Because I’m Pepper Steps? Yeah... okay.)

Today we’re talking about one of the most underrated ultralight backpacking gear items in your kit: the closed-cell foam sleeping pad. More specifically, how a simple, fast modification can save you up to 1.5 pounds from your base weight.

A wild Pepper, sitting inside her tent, while cutting down her sleeping pad to a torso-length to save weight. She is becoming an Ultralight Guru.

The Sleeping Pad: A Secret Ultralight Weapon

If you're using a closed-cell foam pad like the NEMO Switchback (10.5 oz / 297.67 g), you’re already doing better than most. Foam pads are ultralight , nearly indestructible, and multi-use. But even so, you might be carrying more than you need.

Here’s the mod: cut your pad down to torso-length. That’s it.

By trimming your pad to fit just your shoulders to hips, you can shave off up to 6 ounces (170 grams)—and no, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to do it. It’s one of the easiest ways to join the ultralight backpacking club without spending a dime.

What About My Legs?

Valid question. But don’t worry, there’s a simple solution. Use your backpack and spare clothing (like a puffy or rain jacket) to cushion and insulate your legs. It’s a classic ultralight backpacking trick, and you won’t even notice the difference after a night or two.

Pepper Pro Tip: stack your food bag or extra gear under your feet if you're a back sleeper. Your gear works double-time, and you stay cozy while staying ultralight.

For the visual learners: A video on this Ultralight Backpacking hack!

Want to Save Even More Weight?

If your backpack has a removable frame—or if you’re using a frameless ultralight pack like the Nashville Pack Cutaway—you can go a step further. (If you want free shipping on a pack from Nashville Pack, use my discount code, peppersteps!)

Remove the internal frame and instead slide your foam pad inside the pack to act as your back panel. This setup keeps the structure you need while eliminating redundant materials. Many ultralight backpackers use this trick to reduce their base weight without sacrificing comfort or function. Depending on your gear, this foam-pad-as-frame approach can save up to 1.5 pounds total! That’s a big deal in the ultralight world.

Why Every Ounce Counts

A pound or so may not sound like much, but ultralight backpacking is all about cumulative savings. A few ounces here and there can reduce fatigue, improve your pace, and let you hike longer days more comfortably. Less weight on your back means less stress on your body. And let’s be real: it also means more smiles (and fewer blisters and regrets).

Ready to Try This Ultralight Hack?

If you’ve got a foam pad and a pair of scissors, you’ve already got everything you need to make this ultralight mod. Try the torso-length cut on your next overnight and see how your body feels after day two. You might be surprised at how little you miss the extra material—and how much easier your hike feels as you become increasingly ultralight! Let me know if you try it out. I’d love to hear how much weight you end up saving and how this ultralight trick works for you.

HAPPY (ultralight) STEPPIN'!

-PEPPER 👣