Ultralight hiking is becoming more and more popular these days. Perhaps it’s the urge to test ones self by only carrying the bare minimum of what you need to survive out doors. Maybe people are just tired of carrying too much gear, or maybe its just a fad. Whatever the reason may be ultralight hiking is something every hiker should try at least once. I would almost bet that if you are an avid hiker that once you try hiking ultra light you will never want to go back to packing normal. Getting in to ultra light hiking can be a little confusing in the beginning. Here are some tips to help you get started in the ever so enchanting world of ultra light packing.

When people start cutting gear loose from their packing list because they want to get into ultralight hiking there repair kit and survival kits are usually the first things they toss out. This is fine if you are a 100 percent sure you know how to get by without either of them. But 98 percent of us don’t know how so instead of chucking those out all together try skimming them down to the bare bones and maybe adding things that have multiple uses. Here is a good basic repair kit for the new ultralight hiker.

Duct Tape

You will want to bring about four feet of this fix all piece of gear. The possibilities of what you can do with this stuff is almost limitless. I mean what was MacGyver’s favorite thing besides his trusty little pocket knife. You can use this to fix ripped clothing, a torn pack, waterproof band aid, patch a tent, or even make a wallet. To save space you can wrap this around a tent pole or to the inside of clothes or zip lock bags.

Zip Ties

It can’t hurt to take a small handful of these and throw them in your repair kit. You can use them individually to fix things like zipper pulls or string them together to make a large zip tie for who knows what.

Tent Pole Repair Tube

If your tent did not come with one you may want to order one from the manufacturer of your tent. I don’t think there’s any need to explain why you need this or what you can do with it.

Super Glue

This stuff is so small and can do so much that it’s almost silly not to take it. Super glue has its obvious usefulness by being able to repair things like glasses, boots, and even stoves. One thing you may not have know you could do with super glue is use it like a liquid band-aid. Hospitals in Europe have been doing this for years and America has recently started as well. Super glue can even be used instead of stitches in some cases. Make sure you study up on how to do this before you try it. If done improperly it can actually do some damage to you by causing infections.

Sandpaper

Yes sandpaper. Why you ask? Well glue doesn’t stick well to rough and dirty surfaces so if you combine your 2 by 2 inch squares of fine sandpaper with some alcohol pads you will be ready to clean and prime any surface that needs repairs. This fine sandpaper will work good on damaged boots or even a torn up backpack without ruining the surface area too much.

Safety Pins

You will want to carry a variety of sizes so that you have them for different problems that may arise. Carrying two of the larger safety pins and two smaller ones are all you really need. You can use the large ones for making a basic sling, help stop a large tear in your backpack or clothes, and to pop blisters. The smaller pair can be used for fixing and repairing your glasses, or for splinter. You can store these by pinning them to the inside of an outside pocket on your backpack.

Multitool

This is one of those things that I hardly ever use but would never leave home without it. Between this item and everything else you have in your repair kit you should be able to fix almost every problem you come across in the backcountry. There are lots of multitools out on the market today and may all look the same. Before you buy one look to make sure that it has wire cutters, pliers, and different types of screwdrivers.

Tent Cord

You can find this in the camping section of most large stores like wal-mart or target. It’s only a few bucks and you can never have enough rope when you’re hiking. Except when your ultra light hiking. There’s no need to bring all 50 feet of that rope unless you really want to. Instead just bring about 5 feet for broken shoelaces, fixing tent poles, or for anything else your heart desires.

Seam Grip

It can’t hurt to have a small bottle of this to fix everything from your jacket to your tent. Being wet can be the downfall of any hiker, so if you don’t check your gear regularly to make sure everything’s up to par carry some of this around.

Sewing Needle

There are two different sizes you are going to want to pick up. Since most of the gear you will want to repair are tuff fabrics you are going to want a size 16 to a size 18. In addition to these needles you should also pick up some heavy duty carpenters thread. This stuff is a lot thicker and stronger than that crap that comes in the little travel sewing kits. You can use your pliers on your multitool to thread the needles if you have a problem and also to help you pull the needle through tough fabric.

No matter how good your repair kit is, it’s almost pointless to have if you don’t know how to use it. Take some time to look through your kit and make sure you know how to make basic repairs with what you have.