Ultralight Backpacking & Thru Hiking Gear List [2022] BikeHikeSafari

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This is an Ultralight Backpacking Gear List that can allow anybody to chop their base weight all the way 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 mountaineering 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 is a sure pleasure that comes from carrying a light-weight backpacking setup. The capability to hike sooner, have much less stress on the physique and have a decreased likelihood of accidents. If you might be studying this possibly you need some concepts on what gear you may want to scale back your base weight and transfer into ultralight mountaineering. Keep studying to discover ways to cut back your base weight effectively beneath 10lb / 4.5kg.

Ultralight Hiking Gear List
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. But nonetheless very ultralight. And might be lighter if you happen to solely use one trekking pole to assist the one-person tent.

Tents are getting lighter. There is not any 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 beneath freezing don’t get the lightest possibility as insulation is extra vital. The stage of insulation might be discovered within the r-value, the upper the r-value the higher the insulation,

The identical with backpacks. Whether 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 beneath that, a sleeping bag is healthier.

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

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

Tent

Zpacks Plex Solo

Weight: 13.9 oz / 395 g
The lightest ultralight tent in the marketplace in 2022 and ought to be part of your ultralight backpacking gear record. It is large enough for solo backpackers and sturdy sufficient to final a few thru-hikes whereas withstanding dangerous climate very effectively. It wants one trekking pole to arrange. I presently use the Zpacks Triplex.
Other Options:
2P: Zpacks Duolight
3P: Zpacks Triplex

Read extra: Ultralight Backpacking Tents

Cooking Gear

Some ultralight hikers wish to chilly soak meals and take away the necessity for stoves and pots. Only needing a spork and one thing to rehydrate their meals. I’ve tried this methodology and shortly realized it’s not for me. Having stated that, I might encourage everybody to attempt going ‘stoveless’ not less than as soon as to see how effectively it really works for you.

The weight of the cooking setup beneath is available in at 6.1 oz / 171 grams or 10.6 oz / 299 grams if you happen to add the non-compulsory mags and knife that I listed beneath.

You may contemplate a bear canister, or bear bag when mountaineering in bear nation to make sure your meals storage shouldn’t be solely authorized however protected. Otherwise, a stuff sack ought to be sufficient. Lightweight stuff sacks might be made from Sil-nylon or Dyneema and each are adequate to retailer meals.

Cup – Optional

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 possibly even the water bottle. I’ve used a mug for years as I appear to want a sizzling espresso within the morning. I presently use the Sea to Summit X-Mug.
Other Options:
Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Cup 450

Review coming quickly: Best Backpacking Cups and Mugs

Knife – Optional

Gerber Mini Paraframe

Weight: 2 oz / 56 grams
Ultralight hikers might not use a knife, and plenty of appear to discover a pair of scissors extra helpful! I like a small mild knife. I’ve used Multitools, Swiss Army Knives, and plenty of different sorts through the years. Currently, I just like the Gerber Mini Paraframe. I used to make use of the very small Gerber knife however it doesn’t appear to be obtainable anymore and I misplaced it!

Review coming quickly: Best Backpacking Knives

Water Treatment

No have to overthink water bottles, water filters, and easy methods to carry your water. Keep it easy with these two gadgets. Maybe reuse a plastic water bottle too. Around 3.8 oz / 108 grams shall be sufficient for most individuals. Maybe a bit 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 mountaineering and backpacking. It has an excellent circulate fee, filters the water fairly effectively, and is light-weight. It doesn’t matter what mountaineering path you might be on, you might be positive to seek out somebody carrying considered one of these. I presently use the Lifestraw Flex Squeeze however favor the up to date Lifestraw Peak and Sawyer Squeeze.
Other Options:
Lifestraw Peak
Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets

Read extra: Best Backpacking Water Filters

Water Storage / Water Bottle

Platypus Platy 2L Water Bladder

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

Review coming quickly: Best Backpacking Water Bottles and Water Storage

Clothing

Most of these things on the record shall be worn whereas mountaineering and backpacking so they aren’t usually added to the general base weight. There is packed clothes and worn clothes. Packed clothes would often encompass rain gear and insulation resembling a down jacket. And additionally extras like spare socks and underwear.

Base Layer Bottom

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Bottoms

100% Merino base layer with flatlock seams to make sure chafing is decreased. You can hike in these all day in order for you. In reality, when it’s chilly you would use a pair of shorts excessive and never take any mountaineering pants with you. Due to the fragile nature of the material, that is solely a good suggestion on marked trails with no sharp branches to tear the material.
Other Options:
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Bottoms

Review coming quickly: Best Backpacking Base Layer Bottoms

Hiking Pants

Prana Stretch Zion II

Lightweight, comfy, and with sufficient stretch to make strolling simple. I’ve used these mountaineering pants a number of occasions and like them for mountaineering and backpacking. They are nice in cooler climate and in addition are an excellent possibility for these wanting safety from the solar and components. I presently use the Kuhl Silencr and Kuhl Deceptr pants.
Other Options:
Kuhl Silencr Pants
Kuhl Deceptr Pants

Read extra: Best Hiking Pants

Sunglasses

Oakley Flak 2.0

Do they appear 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. If you might be tight with cash an affordable pair will get you by, particularly in case you are the kind of one that loses every part inside hours of shopping for them.
Other Options:
Julbo Explorer 2.0
Smith Lowdown 2

Read extra: Best Hiking Sunglasses

Rain Jacket

Enlightened Equipment Visp Jacket Review

Weight: 5oz / 142 grams (with out Pit Zips)
When making the leap to ultralight backpacking you’ll not want an enormous heavy three-layer rain jacket. An ultralight rain jacket with the choice of pit zips to vent warmth just like the Enlightened Equipment Visp is ideal. Being so mild and skinny it additionally works effectively as a windbreaker on these chilly mornings and will also be worn to mattress to help with insulation (sure, it really works).
Other Options:
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium

Read extra: Best Rain Jackets

Rain Pants

Outdoor Research Helium

Weight: 6.7oz / 190g
In many circumstances, a pair of rain pants shall be overkill and never wanted however for many these circumstances are uncommon. Take rain pants. They work as an excellent pair of wind pants too. They will not be too heavy and is usually a lifesaver in chilly moist climate. The OR Helium is ideal though there are a lot lighter choices for many who actually need to depend the grams. I exploit the OR Helium and have for a few years.
Other Options:
Zpacks Vertice
Arc’teryx Beta AR

Read extra: Best Rain Pants

If you need to save weight and hike with rather less stress in your toes then contemplate path runners. Ultralight hikers love them and as you aren’t carrying very heavy hundreds 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 footwear, simply loosen the shoe laces when at camp.

Gaiters – Optional

Dirty Girl 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 basic light-weight mountaineering and backpacking. But many love them for maintaining sand and rocks out of their socks and footwear. The Dirty Girl Gaiters are among the many hottest.
Other Options:
Altra Trail Gaiters

Read extra: Best Gaiters for Backpacking

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Cameras, Navigation, And Electronics

The electronics that you just keep it up the path will fluctuate lots from individual to individual. If you might be massive on social media or have a Youtube Channel you’ll be carrying extra in the best way of cameras and backup batteries than some who simply take images with their smartphone.

For most, a smartphone and backup battery financial institution are the naked minimal and essential for images, navigation, GPS, and phone with the skin world. The weight of a cellphone and backup battery financial institution shall be round 1 lb. 2.2 oz / 524 grams however you may go a lot lighter is you select.

Headlamps – Optional

Petzl E+Lite

Weight: 0.9 oz / 26 grams
The Petzl E+Lite shouldn’t be my favourite headlamp however it is among the lightest. And on the planet of ultralight thru-hiking and backpacking, it’s a good possibility. My choice is a headlamp with rechargeable batteries and a bit higher quantity of sunshine. But for the minimalist, the Petzl E+Lite is finest. When mountaineering in summer time with lengthy hours of daylight I discover the sunshine on a smartphone is sufficient, and so do many different ultralight backpackers.
Other Options:
PETZL Actik Core 450
Nitecore NU25

Read extra: Best Headlamps

Watch – Optional

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Weight: 1.87 oz / 53 grams
The Garmin Instinct Solar 2 is the form of mountaineering watch that may do nearly something. With maps, GPS, climate, and extra, it may well additionally inform the time. With the photo voltaic, it may well final fairly some time between prices. But it’s costly. If you’re a information nerd then you’ll love this watch or one of many others talked about beneath.
Other Options:
Coros Vertix 2
Suunto 9 Baro

Read extra: Best GPS Hiking Watches

Satellite Messenger – Optional

Garmin InAttain Mini 2

Weight: 3.5 oz / 100 grams
The Garmin InAttain 2 is a really mild two-way Satellite Messenger system. Use satellites when you’re out of mobile phone vary to speak with house, get climate, or alert emergency companies of your location. If you might be injured or incapacitated simply press a button and assist shall be on the best way. It has good battery life however as with electronics you’ll want to take a backup battery financial institution.
Other Options:
Zoleo Satellite Communicator
Somewear Labs Global Hotspot

Read extra: Best Satellite Messenger

Winter Hiking 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, possibly even snowshoes, particularly in case you are thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail.

First Aid Kit and Misc

The first assist package might be as fundamental as you need. Just guarantee you’ve what you will want within the type of sufficient private treatment to your deliberate journey. As for the remainder here’s what I often take. It will enhance the pack weight a bit however I exploit a lot of the first assist provides beneath frequently. The most typical issues you will want are gadgets to deal with blisters or splinters with solar safety additionally being vital. You may pack them in a stuff sack or use a zipper lock bag.

• Plastic zip lock baggage
• Money / ID / Credit Cards
• Blister pads
• Strapping Tape
• Giardia anti-biotic
• Foot an infection anti-biotic
• Ibuprofen
• tweezers
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Safety Pin
• Needle
• Deet insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Toilet tissue
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper

Total 13oz / 375 grams

Frequently Asked Questions

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