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Step 2: The big three

The big three

This is a term we often use here at Backpackinglight.com. It refers to the three items in your pack that almost always account for most of the weight: the tent, the sleeping system and the backpack. They're hard to get around - you need them for shelter, sleep and to carry everything else.

The sleeping system usually includes the sleeping bag or quilt, sleeping mat and sometimes pillow or other sleeping accessories. Together with the tent and backpack, these three form the basis of your pack, and therefore this is also where you can usually make the biggest difference in total weight.

A good starting point is the general target of three (3) kilos for your big three together. If we take the example above where the weight of the big three is 5.96 kilograms, a target of three kilograms means almost halving the weight. That difference is immediately noticeable - both on your back and on how light and agile your hike feels.

The beauty is that you rarely have to compromise as much as you might think. The process of prioritizing and upgrading your big three is often one of the most fun parts of building a lighter pack. Our experience is clear: with the right choices, you rarely have to sacrifice comfort, safety or durability to get a significantly lighter backpack.



The Hilleberg Enan is a great example of a tent balanced between light weight, function and durability. Weighing around 1.2 kilograms, it is significantly lighter than many traditional hiking tents, while retaining the robustness and weatherproofing that Hilleberg is known for.

The tent is a one-person tent in tunnel construction, which provides a good combination of low weight, stability in wind and relatively good internal volume for its size. For solo hikers who want to keep the weight down without compromising too much on comfort, the Enan is therefore a very popular choice.

It is also noticeable in real use. The Hilleberg Enan was the most popular tent among long-distance hikers on the Green Belt 2024, where many hikers prioritize reliable equipment with as little weight as possible for several months on the trail. The combination of low weight, easy set-up and Hilleberg's well-known quality makes many people choose this particular tent.

As part of the Big Three, a tent like the Enan can make a big difference. If your tent weighs around 1.2 kilos instead of, say, 2.5-3 kilos, you've already saved over a kilo in your pack - without having to compromise on protection from the elements.

This was one example

The Hilleberg Enan is just one example of how you can start working with the Big Three. By choosing products that balance light weight, function and durability, you can quickly reduce the weight of your pack without compromising on safety or comfort.

The important thing is not to choose exactly the same products as someone else, but to understand the principle. When you start looking at tents, sleeping systems and backpacks with weight in mind, you'll often find that small changes can make a big difference.

Moving on to step 3: Make changes

Now it's time to review your own equipment. Look at your big three and think about:

  • Which of these weighs the most?

  • Is there a lighter alternative?

  • Can I replace a product without losing functionality that is important to me?

Often, replacing one or two of the big three is enough to make a clear difference in overall weight.

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