I only brought a backpack on my recent 10-day trip to Guatemala. To help you pack lighter, here are my favorite multifunctional gear and essentials to maximize bag space.

Ultralight gear for hiking is having a major moment and for ... it's often designed with lighter fabrics or minimalist features that aren’t really optimized to winter conditions,” says Preston.

Since backpacking is a minimalist venture, my wardrobe usually consists of one specialized outfit I can rely on to keep me warm, dry, and otherwise comfortable for days on end in the elements.