Ultralight Backpacking Gear Checklist [2023]

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That is an Ultralight Backpacking Gear Checklist that may allow anybody to chop their base weight right down to a really light-weight 10lb / 4.5kg or much less.

I’ve hiked nearly 8000 miles / 13000km and really feel very comfy with ultralight backpacking gear. I full most of my mountain climbing and backpacking journeys with a base weight of round 13 lb / 6kg, however in very chilly climate that weight can enhance to round 20lb / 9 kg, particularly if I’m carrying snowshoes and winter clothes. 

There’s a sure pleasure that comes from carrying a light-weight backpacking setup. The flexibility to hike quicker, much less stress on the physique, and a lowered probability of accidents. In case you are studying this perhaps you need some concepts on what gear you would possibly want to scale back your base weight and transfer into ultralight mountain climbing. Hold studying the ultralight backpacking packing checklist to discover ways to scale back your base weight effectively under 10lb / 4.5kg.

Ultralight Mountain climbing Gear Checklist
Shelter, Trekking Poles, Backpack & Sleep System

With a complete weight of 5 lb / 2.28 kg, the backpack, trekking poles, and sleep system are the heaviest gadgets. However nonetheless very ultralight. And might be lighter for those who solely use one trekking pole to help the one-person tent.

Tents are getting lighter. There is no such thing as a have to take a tent weighing 2lb / 1kg as there may be a lot good high quality light-weight backpacking gear in the marketplace. As for sleeping pads, they’re getting very mild and compact however because the grams drop, so will the sturdiness and insulation. If going to locations under freezing don’t get the lightest choice as insulation is extra necessary. The extent of insulation might be discovered within the r-value, the upper the r-value the higher the insulation,

The identical with backpacks. Whether or not you select a sleeping bag or backpacking quilt, guarantee they’re additionally mild in weight. Most individuals discover a quilt works nice at temperatures above freezing however under that, a sleeping bag is healthier.

Trekking poles are elective for many backpackers. Should you want them for a trekking pole tent then they are often good to help with mountain climbing by taking a little bit of weight off your toes when mountain climbing. Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum however will shatter when it breaks, whereas aluminum could possibly be bent again into place and reused. At the very least till you get to the following city.

How does it evaluate to your ultralight backpacking gear checklist evaluate?

Cooking Gear

Some ultralight hikers wish to chilly soak meals and take away the necessity for stoves and pots. Solely needing a spork and one thing to rehydrate their meals. I’ve tried this technique and shortly realized it’s not for me. Having mentioned that, I’d encourage everybody to strive going ‘stoveless’ a minimum of as soon as to see how effectively it really works for you.

The load of the cooking setup under is available in at 6.1 oz / 171 grams or 10.6 oz / 299 grams for those who add the elective mags and knife that I listed under.

You can think about a bear canister, or bear bag when mountain climbing in bear nation to make sure your meals storage isn’t solely authorized however protected. In any other case, a stuff sack must be sufficient. Light-weight stuff sacks might be made from Sil-nylon or Dyneema and each are adequate to retailer meals.

Cup – Non-obligatory

Sea to Summit X-Mug

Weight: 2.5 oz / 72 grams
Most ultralight hikers and light-weight backpackers don’t use a cup or mug. For the gram counter, the cooking pot will double as a cup, or perhaps even the water bottle. I’ve used a mug for years as I appear to wish a scorching espresso within the morning. I presently use the Sea to Summit X-Mug.
Different Choices:
Snow Peak Titanium Cup

Assessment coming quickly: Greatest Backpacking Cups and Mugs

Knife – Non-obligatory

Gerber Mini Paraframe

Weight: 2 oz / 56 grams
Ultralight hikers might not use a knife, and lots of appear to discover a pair of scissors extra helpful! I like a small mild knife. I’ve used Multitools, Swiss Military Knives, and lots of different sorts over time. At the moment, I just like the Gerber Mini Paraframe. I used to make use of the very small Gerber knife nevertheless it doesn’t appear to be accessible anymore and I misplaced it!

Assessment coming quickly: Greatest Backpacking Knives

Water Remedy

No have to overthink water bottles, water filters, and easy methods to carry your water. Hold it easy with these two gadgets. Perhaps reuse a plastic water bottle too. Round 3.8 oz / 108 grams can be sufficient for most individuals. Perhaps just a little additional weight for backup water therapy like chemical tablets.

Water Filter

Sawyer Squeeze

Weight: 2.5 oz / 71 grams
The ever-popular Sawyer Squeeze. I used this filter for 1000s of miles of mountain climbing and backpacking. It has a great move fee, filters the water fairly effectively, and is light-weight. It doesn’t matter what mountain climbing path you’re on, you’re positive to search out somebody carrying one in every of these. I presently use the Lifestraw Flex Squeeze however choose the up to date Lifestraw Peak and Sawyer Squeeze.
Different Choices:
Lifestraw Peak
Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets

Learn extra: Greatest Backpacking Water Filters

Water Storage / Water Bottle

Platypus Platy 2L Water Bladder

Weight: 1.3 oz / 37 grams
When you might want to carry water, a water bladder is way lighter and extra environment friendly than nearly any fashion of water bottle. And the perfect of those is the Platypus bladder. And the Sawyer Squeeze will screw solely the bottle. I presently use the 2L Platypus Bladder.

Assessment coming quickly: Greatest Backpacking Water Bottles and Water Storage

Clothes

Most of this stuff on the checklist can be worn whereas mountain climbing and backpacking so they aren’t usually added to the general base weight. There may be packed clothes and worn clothes. Packed clothes would normally encompass rain gear and insulation resembling a down jacket. And in addition extras like spare socks and underwear.

Base Layer Backside

Smartwool Basic Thermal Merino Bottoms

100% Merino base layer with flatlock seams to make sure chafing is lowered. You may hike in these all day if you’d like. In truth, when it’s chilly you could possibly use a pair of shorts excessive and never take any mountain climbing pants with you. Because of the delicate nature of the material, that is solely a good suggestion on marked trails with no sharp branches to tear the material.
Different Choices:
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Bottoms

Assessment coming quickly: Greatest Backpacking Base Layer Bottoms

Mountain climbing Pants

Prana Stretch Zion II

Light-weight, comfy, and with sufficient stretch to make strolling straightforward. I’ve used these mountain climbing pants a number of instances and like them for mountain climbing and backpacking. They’re nice in cooler climate and in addition are a great choice for these wanting safety from the solar and components. I presently use the Kuhl Silencr and Kuhl Deceptr pants.
Different Choices:
Kuhl Silencr Pants
Kuhl Deceptr Pants

Learn extra: Greatest Mountain climbing Pants

Sun shades

Oakley Flak 2.0

Do they give the impression of being good and never break the bank and shield your eyes from all of the dangerous rays? If the reply is sure then they are going to be adequate. In case you are tight with cash an inexpensive pair will get you by, particularly if you’re the kind of one that loses every part inside hours of shopping for them.
Different Choices:
Julbo Explorer 2.0
Smith Lowdown 2

Learn extra: Greatest Mountain climbing Sun shades

Rain Jacket

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket

Weight: 5.9 oz / 168 grams
When making the bounce to ultralight backpacking you’ll not want a giant heavy three-layer rain jacket. An ultralight rain jacket with pit zips to vent warmth just like the Zpacks Vertice is ideal. Being so mild and skinny it additionally works effectively as a windbreaker on these chilly mornings and can be worn to mattress to help with insulation (sure, it really works).
Different Choices:
Out of doors Analysis Helium

Learn extra: Greatest Rain Jackets

Rain Pants

Out of doors Analysis Helium

Weight: 6.7oz / 190g
In lots of instances, a pair of rain pants can be overkill and never wanted however for many these instances are uncommon. Take rain pants. They work as a great pair of wind pants too. They don’t seem to be too heavy and could be a lifesaver in chilly moist climate. The OR Helium is ideal although there are a lot lighter choices for many who actually wish to depend the grams. I exploit the OR Helium and have for a few years.
Different Choices:
Zpacks Vertice
Arc’teryx Beta AR

Learn extra: Greatest Rain Pants

Footwear- Socks – Gaiters

If you wish to save weight and hike with rather less stress in your toes then think about path runners. Ultralight hikers love them and as you aren’t carrying very heavy masses there may be much less stress in your toes, ankles, and knees. As your toes really feel higher there may be much less want for camp sneakers, simply loosen the shoe laces when at camp.

Gaiters – Non-obligatory

Soiled Lady Gaiters

Gaiters are thought of by many, together with myself, to be luxurious gadgets. I discover them to be very helpful in snow and dirt however not for normal light-weight mountain climbing and backpacking. However many love them for retaining sand and rocks out of their socks and sneakers. The Soiled Lady Gaiters are among the many hottest.
Different Choices:
Altra Path Gaiters

Learn extra: Greatest Gaiters for Backpacking

Cameras, Navigation, And Electronics

The electronics that you simply keep on the path will fluctuate so much from individual to individual. In case you are massive on social media or have a Youtube Channel you’ll be carrying extra in the way in which of cameras and backup batteries than some who simply take pictures with their smartphone.

For many, a smartphone and backup battery financial institution are the naked minimal and essential for pictures, navigation, GPS, and speak to with the surface world. The load of a telephone and backup battery financial institution can be round 1 lb. 2.2 oz / 524 grams however you’ll be able to go a lot lighter is you select.

Smartphone

Apple IPhone 14 Professional

Weight: 7.2 oz / 204 grams
With an amazing digital camera and the flexibility to make use of the latest 5G knowledge for the ultrafast connection. The digital camera is superior, and so is the flexibility to hyperlink with navigation apps by way of the built-in GPS.
Different Choices:

Learn extra: Greatest Digital camera for Backpacking

Headlamps – Non-obligatory

Petzl E+Lite

Weight: 0.9 oz / 26 grams
The Petzl E+Lite isn’t my favourite headlamp nevertheless it is without doubt one of the lightest. And on the planet of ultralight thru-hiking and backpacking, it’s a good choice. My desire is a headlamp with rechargeable batteries and a bit higher quantity of sunshine. However for the minimalist, the Petzl E+Lite is greatest. When mountain climbing in summer season with lengthy hours of daylight I discover the sunshine on a smartphone is sufficient, and so do many different ultralight backpackers.
Different Choices:
PETZL Actik Core 450
Nitecore NU25

Learn extra: Greatest Headlamps

Watch – Non-obligatory

Coros Vertix 2 Assessment

Weight: 3.14 oz / 89 grams
The Coros Vertix 2 2 is the type of mountain climbing watch that may do nearly something. With maps, GPS, climate, and extra, it may additionally inform the time. With nice battery life, it may final fairly some time between prices. However it’s costly. In case you are a knowledge nerd then you’ll love this watch or one of many others talked about under.
Different Choices:
Suunto 9 Baro

Learn extra: Greatest GPS Mountain climbing Watches

Satellite tv for pc Messenger – Non-obligatory

Garmin InReach Mini 2

Weight: 3.5 oz / 100 grams
The Garmin InReach 2 is a really mild two-way Satellite tv for pc Messenger system. Use satellites when you’re out of mobile phone vary to speak with residence, get climate, or alert emergency providers of your location. In case you are injured or incapacitated simply press a button and assist can be on the way in which. It has good battery life however as with electronics make sure to take a backup battery financial institution.
Different Choices:
Zoleo Satellite tv for pc Communicator

Learn extra: Greatest Satellite tv for pc Messenger

Winter Mountain climbing Gear

When the white fluffy stuff begins to fall from the sky you could have to ‘gear up’ and get some specialist winter gear. An Ice Axe is usually used on early-season journeys within the mountains and is a part of most light-weight backpacking gear lists. So is a few type of traction system within the type of microspikes and for some, perhaps even snowshoes, particularly if you’re thru-hiking the Continental Divide Path.

First Assist Equipment and Misc

The first assist equipment might be as fundamental as you need. Simply guarantee you may have what you will have within the type of sufficient private remedy on your deliberate journey. As for the remainder here’s what I normally take. It should enhance the pack weight a bit however I exploit many of the first assist provides under frequently. The most typical issues you will have are gadgets to deal with blisters or splinters with solar safety additionally being necessary. You can pack them in a stuff sack or use a zipper lock bag.

• Plastic zip lock luggage
• Cash / ID / Credit score Playing cards
• Blister pads
• Strapping Tape
• Giardia anti-biotic
• Foot an infection anti-biotic
• Ibuprofen
• tweezers
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Security Pin
• Needle
• Deet insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Bathroom tissue
• Hand sanitizer
• Bathroom paper

Complete 13oz / 375 grams

Regularly Requested Questions

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