Lighten up: Don’t do the heavy lifting

When it comes to weight-loss zeal, Jenny Craig has nothing on backpackinglight.com, home to some of the most fanatic pound-shedders on the planet. This site, dedicated to the fast-growing world of lightweight backpacking, will help you take a load off with 6-ounce carbon fiber trekking poles or a down sleeping bag weighing all of 1 pound.

The site was founded by Ryan Jordan, a bioscience engineer, fast-packer and alpinist based in Bozeman, Mont., after years of teaching himself and others how to cut the typical burden of 30 to 35 pounds (before food and water) at least in half. “There can be some calculated risk and pushing of limits along the way,” he says, “but there is also safety in packing light, because you’re not taxing your body so much.”

Site content offers independent reviews on ultra-lightweight gear and authoritative technical articles. Your knees may one day thank you for logging on.

-- Jordan Rane