Pack light, hike far

Submitted photo

For the past decade, James Holloway has traded the comfort of four walls for the vast freedom of trails that stretch through America’s most breathtaking wilderness.

At 39, the seasoned backpacker from Flagstaff, Arizona, has logged thousands of miles in boots, with the latest being a seven-day trek through Glacier National Park in Montana — a journey he says “challenged everything I’ve learned in ten years.”

“I've made every mistake you can imagine."

“Overpacked, underprepared, bad boots, no water filter. But each time, I got better at stripping it all down to what really matters," says Holloway.

His minimalist approach has made him a go-to voice in the ultralight hiking community. We caught up with Holloway shortly after his return from Glacier National Park to get his take on smart packing, gear essentials, and why carrying less makes every hike more fulfilling.

Glacier National Park’s Highline Trail was the highlight of Holloway’s latest trip. Spanning alpine meadows, rocky ledges, and sweeping views of the Continental Divide, it’s a dream for experienced hikers — but it demands preparation.

“You can’t mess around up there,” he says. “Weather can flip in minutes, and the elevation hits harder than people expect.”

To stay agile and safe, Holloway carried just under 20 pounds — including food, water, and shelter. “Ten years ago, that pack would've been 45 pounds easy. Now, I move faster, stay out longer, and enjoy it way more.”

“You don’t need to carry gallons of water."

These filters remove bacteria and protozoa, making backcountry streams and lakes safe for drinking — and they weigh less than 3 ounces.

“Find flowing water sources and use a squeeze filter. I’ve used the Sawyer Squeeze for years — reliable, compact, and only a few ounces," Holloway advises.

Holloway swears by ultralight shelters like the Zpacks Duplex. “It’s under 2 pounds, fits in a backpack, and sets up with trekking poles. Perfect for solo hikes or a tight two-person setup.”

Other hikers prefer brands like Big Agnes or MSR, but for the weight-conscious, Dyneema fabric tents are the gold standard.

“Cut the extras. Do you need three shirts? No. One to wear, one for camp,” he says. “Toothpaste? Half a tube. Knife? One good one. You want multipurpose everything.”

His pro tip: Track what you never use on each trip and leave it home next time.

Despite his experience, Holloway says the trail always teaches something new. “In Glacier, I learned how quickly a beautiful morning can become a whiteout. That’s why I never skimp on layers and a solid map.”

He recommends always carrying a paper map and compass, even with GPS tools. “Batteries die. Skills don’t.”

When asked why he keeps returning to the wild, Holloway says,

“It reminds me how little I need to feel alive. Just boots, a path, and a clear sky.”

Whether you're a seasoned trekker or new to hiking, Holloway’s wisdom proves that going lighter doesn’t mean sacrificing safety or comfort — it means gaining freedom.