Lighten Up: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

After bumbling and fumbling my way through West Clear Creek last summer, I’m now in the process of shaving weight off my pack — piece by piece.

In the effort of backpack weight loss, most people will start with big ticket items like a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad. These can take whole pounds off your pack weight but their ultralight counterparts are very expensive. I’m starting small and…