Ultralight Backpacking

Imagine being more comfortable, moving faster, covering more distance, using less energy and greatly improving your outdoor enjoyment, with less risk of injury. Learn strategies to gradually reduce your pack weight, focusing on clothing, gear, and food.

Contacts

Beth Lowe
Beth Lowe
Event Contact
  • Wed, Apr 8, 2026 from 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM
  • Tacoma Backpacking Subgroup
  • Tacoma
  • iCal Google
39 ( 40 capacity)
$25.00
$30.00

Participants in this clinic will learn ultralight strategies and techniques used by backpackers and thru-hikers to reduce their pack weight. It combines lecture, gear demonstration, and an opportunity to ask questions. The presentation focuses on a systematic approach to assess your clothing, gear, and food to fit the particular trip conditions and your personal goals. The emphasis of this clinic will focus on concepts and strategies rather than specific retail brands. 

Kurt Mallery is an accomplished hiker, backpacker, scrambler, and climber and has been with The Mountaineers since 1993. He hiked the JMT in 2017 and the PCT in 2018 where he earned his trail name "Day Hike" which was reflective of his pack weight. Kurt recently thru-hiked the Wonderland Trail while bagging several peaks with a comfortable, yet prepared load out. Join us to learn how he does it!

If you have ultralight backpacking experience and would like to assist in the gear demonstration, please contact Kurt.

Meeting place and time

Tacoma Program Center 6:30 to 8:30pm

Location
Tacoma Program Center
2302 N 30th St, Tacoma, WA 98403
Great Hall

Roster