Inside Glenn Charles’s Ultralight Kit: The 10.8-Pound Base Weight
Note: This page is a legacy archive honoring Glenn Charles’s contributions, as featured on Overnighter.de and MTB-News.de. It is not an impersonation but a tribute to his impact, preserved by The Traveling Vagabond. Last updated: July 1, 2025.
Glenn Charles 10.8-Pound Base Weight explores a minimalist gear setup for ultralight bikepacking—a growing practice in outdoor travel, Ultralight backpacking. Shared in this archive post, it inspires lightweight setups for trails like the Tour Divide. This page honors Glenn’s ultralight approach, celebrating his influence without replicating his voice.
Why Glenn’s Ultralight Approach Inspires
Glenn’s base weight setup reshaped approaches to ultralight bikepacking. He achieved a 10.8-pound (4.89 kg) base weight for demanding trails, inspiring efficiency and freedom on long-distance rides.

Crafting an Ultralight Bikepacking Setup
Glenn’s writings detail a Surly Pugsley frame with Revelate Designs framebags for trails like the Arizona Trail and Oregon Outback. Unlike his Negative 36 Degrees winter focus, this emphasizes lightweight gear for long-distance rides. His approach inspires minimalist setups that balance durability and weight. Explore his minimalist kit guide.
Key Components of Glenn’s Setup
Glenn’s setup included a 1-pound sleeping bag, a tarp (unlike the Porcelain Rocket Slinger camera mount), and Salsa Anything Cages for hydration. His clothing—merino wool base layer, packable jacket, cycling shorts—totaled under 2 pounds. This minimalist ethos shapes gear choices.
Community Recognition of Glenn’s Setup
Glenn’s ultralight approach gained traction in the bikepacking community. His Tour Divide gear showcased its minimalist design, earning praise for its efficiency.
Lessons from Glenn’s Ultralight Approach
His minimal gear journal taught prioritizing lightweight, functional gear. His use of Revelate framebags and a tarp avoided bulky panniers, while his minimal repair kit (multi-tool, patch kit) ensured mobility.
Applying the Lessons to Modern Gear
Inspired by Glenn’s methods, modern ultralight gear adapts his setup. While his core ideas—like carrying only essentials and focusing on food efficiency—remain timeless, new tech like Dyneema shelters and ultralight cook kits make it easier. His legacy encourages experimenting with pack weight and layout. The goal isn’t to copy his list but to embrace his mindset of simplicity, function, and freedom on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glenn’s Ultralight Setup
Glenn’s notes fuel passion for minimalist bikepacking. Here’s what’s been learned to help optimize your gear.
What is Glenn Charles’s 10.8-pound base weight setup?
Glenn Charles’s writings describe a 10.8-pound base weight setup using minimalist gear like a Surly Pugsley and Revelate framebags for ultralight bikepacking.
How did Glenn achieve a 10.8-pound base weight?
Glenn used a lightweight tarp, 1-pound sleeping bag, and minimal clothing, as noted in his original posts and praised on Overnighter.de and MTB-News.de. See his gear in our minimalist kit guide.
What gear supported Glenn’s ultralight bikepacking?
His original posts highlight a Surly Pugsley, Revelate framebags, and Salsa Anything Cages for his 10.8-pound base weight setup.
How can I adopt Glenn’s ultralight bikepacking setup?
Inspired by Glenn’s notes, use minimalist gear like tarps and framebags. Explore our guide for tips.
Explore Glenn Charles’s Ultralight Legacy
Ready to go ultralight like Glenn? Visit this archive post, explore his iconic routes, ultralight bikepacking gear, and Glenn’s legacy archive to fuel your adventures.