We love backpacking. But, the last thing you want to do is lug around a heavy pack along the trails, only to realize you never needed to pack all the items in it. This is why having the right ultralight backpacking checklist is so important.
Follow this guide to discover the only ultralight backpacking checklist you need, including some top tips to help you choose the right gear.
What is Ultralight Backpacking?
Ultralight backpacking is a style of hiking that focuses on minimizing the weight of your gear. The idea is to carry as little as possible to make hiking easier and more enjoyable. This means carefully choosing lightweight equipment and sometimes leaving non-essential items at home.
In ultralight backpacking, every piece of gear is scrutinized. You look for lighter alternatives and consider what you can do without.
For example, you might cut your toothbrush in half or skip bringing extra clothing layers to save weight.
This approach can make your backpacking experience more comfortable because it reduces the strain on your body. It’s also essential if you’re going fastpacking. However, ultralight packing is not for everyone.
Ultralight backpacking often means sacrificing some comfort and features that come with heavier gear. It can also be more expensive, as lighter gear is often made from advanced, costly materials.
In essence, ultralight backpacking is about finding a balance between carrying less and still having what you need to stay safe and somewhat comfortable on the trail.
Starting Your Ultralight Backpacking Gear Checklist
Building up your ultralight backpacking gear can be a lifelong process. However, when deciding on your ultralight backpacking gear checklist, here’s what you need to consider.
1. Assess Your Trip
Think about where you’re going. Ultralight backpacking isn’t suitable for every trip.
For example, if you’re heading into snowy mountains in winter, you’ll need more gear to stay warm and safe. However, if you’re trekking through a desert or on a long-distance summer trail, going ultralight can be perfect.
2. Make a List of Necessities
List the essentials you need. Focus on necessities, not luxuries. Here are the ten essentials you should consider. These are must-haves for any backpacking trip:
- Navigation tools (map and compass or GPS)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (matches, lighter, and stove)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter
3. Review Your Gear Categories
Instead of cutting out essential items, focus on finding lightweight options for each category:
- Sleep System: Choose a lightweight sleeping bag and pad with the right temperature rating. Consider a hammock or an ultralight tent.
- Cooking Equipment: Use a compact stove and a lightweight pot. Look for multipurpose items to save weight.
- Backpack: Select a lightweight backpack that still provides the support you need.
4. Smart Weight Saving Tips
- Clothing: Bring versatile, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying clothes. Layering helps you stay warm without carrying heavy items.
- Food and Water: Plan your meals carefully. Dehydrated meals and lightweight snacks are good choices. Use a water filter to refill your bottles from natural sources.
- Multi-Use Items: Look for gear that serves multiple purposes. For example, a bandana can be used as a towel, sun protection, or a makeshift bandage.
By following these steps, you can create an ultralight backpacking gear checklist that ensures you have what you need while keeping your pack as light as possible. This makes for a more enjoyable and less strenuous adventure.
Ultralight Backpacking Checklist
Now that you know what to consider when packing ultralight, here’s your ultralight backpacking checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable trip:
- Lightweight pack with a hip belt
- Raincover for your pack
- Sleeping shelter (tent, bivy, tarp, etc)
- Ground cover (tent footprint, Tyvek Wrap, etc)
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Waterproof compression sack for your sleeping bag (waterproof strongly recommended for down bags)
- Stove
- Cook pot
- Lightweight spork
- Lighter with waterproof matches or small magnesium and flint block backup
- Food and meals
- Odor-proof food storage (requirements differ based on where you are backpacking)
- Odor-proof trash storage
- Water-proof hang sack for your food
- Paracord for hanging, repairing, or other useful needs
- Water bottle/water bladder
- Water filtration method
- Small pocket knife
- Tent/sleep system repair kit (DIY: Nylon tape, duct tape, needle, thread, gorilla glue)
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (dry out dabs of traditional toothpaste to save weight)
- Hairbrush and hair ties (optional)
- Feminine hygiene products (as-needed. cup is the lightest)
- Toilet kit (lightweight shovel, TP, hand sanitiser)
- Headlamp
- Extra batteries
- Clothing as needed (one shirt or bottoms will last around 5 days)
- Essential layers (compressible puffy jacket, long-sleeved top baselayer, baselayer bottoms, fleece layer, gloves, beanie, pants). These items are weather dependent, but always pack at least one set of clothing for cooler-than-anticipated weather.
- Rain gear (lightweight, breathable rain jacket, rain/wind pants)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunhat, SPF lip balm, sunglasses)
- Extra socks for camp
- Trekking poles
- GPS device or phone with GPS map
- Map and compass backup
- Ultralight camping pillow (optional: a stuff sack filled with clothing works too)
- Camera (optional)
- Wireless charging bank (optional, recommended for longer journeys)
Make sure to adjust the list based on the specifics of your trip and personal preferences, but keep it as lightweight as possible to enhance your backpacking experience.
You can also check out our complete backpacking checklist for more details and ideas.
In the following sections, we’ll cover some key insights and tips to help you choose the best ultralight backpacking gear.
Choosing an Ultralight Backpacking Pack (Without Sacrificing Comfort)
Choosing an ultralight backpacking pack that doesn’t sacrifice comfort involves a few key considerations.
First, ensure the pack fits well. A properly fitted pack distributes weight more comfortably, preventing shoulder, knee, and hip pain, even with a light load.
Focus on essential features and avoid packs with multiple-access zippers or extra compartments that add unnecessary weight. A simple design with a single-access main compartment and a hip belt pocket is often sufficient. Removing non-essential parts, like the pack’s brain (top compartment), can further reduce weight without losing comfort.
Always try on the pack before buying, loading it with weight to see how it feels. Adjust the straps and hip belt for a good fit.
With the right adjustments, an ultralight pack can still offer excellent support and even weight distribution, making your hiking experience more enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Ultralight Sleep System
Choosing the right ultralight sleep system can significantly reduce your pack weight and improve your backpacking experience.
Start with a sleeping bag or quilt. Down insulation is lighter than synthetic and compresses better, making it a top choice for ultralight backpacking. Quilts are even lighter than sleeping bags and can be just as warm, though they might take some getting used to.
Next, consider your sleeping pad. Closed-cell foam pads are lightweight and durable, perfect for warmer weather. For more comfort and warmth, opt for an air-filled sleeping pad, which offers better insulation and cushioning without adding much weight.
Upgrading your sleep system by choosing a down bag or quilt and a lightweight sleeping pad can make a big difference in your overall pack weight, helping you achieve an ultralight setup without sacrificing comfort.
Tent, Tarp, or Bivvy?
When deciding between a tent, tarp, or bivvy for ultralight backpacking, consider your needs and the conditions you’ll face.
Choosing a tent is usually the heaviest option but offers the most protection from the elements and bugs. It’s a good choice if you need a reliable shelter in varying weather.
A tarp is much lighter and more budget-friendly. It’s great for fair-weather backpacking and desert adventures. You can use a simple tarp setup with tent poles or sticks to create a shelter.
It’s a good idea to practice setting up a tarp at home before using it in the wild. This way, you’ll know how to pitch it quickly and securely.
A bivvy bag is the lightest and simplest option, essentially a waterproof cover for your sleeping bag. It’s excellent for minimalists and those who don’t mind tight spaces. Bivvies are best in mild weather and where bug protection is less of a concern.
Choosing the right shelter depends on your comfort preferences and the weather conditions. Each option has its advantages, and practising setup beforehand ensures you’re prepared for your trip.
Ultralight Cooking Setup
Creating an ultralight camping cooking setup can help you reduce weight and save space in your pack.
Start with an ultralight stove, which is much lighter and more compact than standard backpacking stoves. This smaller size allows for a lighter and smaller pack overall.
Ultralight stoves require some practice to use efficiently. Always cook on a flat, stable surface, and keep away from fire hazards. Never cook inside your tent or under your tarp to avoid accidents. Practising at home will help you get comfortable with the stove and ensure you can set up a stable camp kitchen in the wild.
In addition to the stove, opt for lightweight cooking gear. A single pot that doubles as a mug and bowl can save weight and space. Choose utensils made from lightweight materials like titanium or plastic. Planning simple, one-pot meals can also minimize the need for extra cooking tools.
Water Filtration for Ultralight Backpacking
Switching to a lighter water filtration method can significantly reduce your pack weight. Instead of using a bulky pump filter or heavy purification system, consider a personal fill-and-squeeze filter. These filters are compact, lightweight, and effective at purifying water.
A fill-and-squeeze filter is easy to use. You simply fill the bag with water, attach the filter, and squeeze the clean water into your bottle or directly drink from it. They are economical and take up very little space in your pack.
These filters are also affordable, making them a great option for ultralight backpacking. They provide reliable performance without adding unnecessary weight.
Ultralight Backpacking Clothing and More
Choosing the right clothing for ultralight backpacking is crucial for comfort and safety. Pack essential layers like a hat, beanie, gloves, puffy jacket, and hiking socks to stay warm and dry.
Opt for lightweight, natural materials like merino wool and down, which are lighter than synthetics but may cost more. These materials are breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, making them ideal for backpacking.
Here are a couple of tips to save weight on personal essentials:
- Dehydrate toothpaste into bite-sized bits or use chewable toothpaste tablets.
- Wear underwear inside out to double its use.
- Bring extra shirts, pants, and shorts only for longer journeys (more than 5 days).
By following these tips, you can trim weight from your backpacking gear without sacrificing comfort or safety. A lighter pack means you can hike further and enjoy your backpacking adventures more.
Conclusion
Narrowing down your perfect ultralight backpacking checklist takes time and practice. Try different gear, test it out in different situations, and have as many adventures as you can. The more you get out there, the better you’ll get at ultralight backpacking.