That is an Ultralight Backpacking Gear Listing that can allow anybody to chop their base weight right down to a really light-weight 10lb / 4.5kg or much less.
I’ve hiked virtually 8000 miles / 13000km and really feel very snug with ultralight backpacking gear. I full most of my climbing and backpacking journeys with a base weight of round 13 lb / 6kg, however in very chilly climate that weight can improve 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 diminished likelihood of accidents. In case you are studying this possibly you need some concepts on what gear you may want to scale back your base weight and transfer into ultralight climbing. Maintain studying the ultralight backpacking packing listing to discover ways to scale back your base weight effectively beneath 10lb / 4.5kg.
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Ultralight Mountain climbing Gear Listing
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 objects. However nonetheless very ultralight. And will 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 must take a tent weighing 2lb / 1kg as there’s a lot good high quality light-weight backpacking gear available on the market. 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 extent of insulation will 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 beneath that, a sleeping bag is healthier.
Trekking poles are elective for many backpackers. In case you want them for a trekking pole tent then they are often good to help with climbing by taking a little bit of weight off your ft when climbing. Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum however will shatter when it breaks, whereas aluminum might be bent again into place and reused. At the least till you get to the subsequent city.
How does it examine to your ultralight backpacking gear listing examine?
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 methodology and shortly realized it’s not for me. Having mentioned that, I’d encourage everybody to strive going ‘stoveless’ at the least as soon as to see how effectively it really works for you.
The load of the cooking setup beneath 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 beneath.
You may take into account a bear canister, or bear bag when climbing in bear nation to make sure your meals storage shouldn’t be solely authorized however protected. In any other case, a stuff sack needs to be sufficient. Light-weight stuff sacks will be product of Sil-nylon or Dyneema and each are ok 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 possibly even the water bottle. I’ve used a mug for years as I appear to wish a sizzling espresso within the morning. I presently use the Sea to Summit X-Mug.
Different Choices:
Snow Peak Titanium Cup
Evaluation coming quickly: Finest Backpacking Cups and Mugs
Knife – Non-obligatory
Gerber Mini Paraframe
Weight: 2 oz / 56 grams
Ultralight hikers could 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 varieties through the years. Presently, 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!
Evaluation coming quickly: Finest Backpacking Knives
Water Remedy
No must overthink water bottles, water filters, and the way to carry your water. Maintain it easy with these two objects. Perhaps reuse a plastic water bottle too. Round 3.8 oz / 108 grams will likely be sufficient for most individuals. Perhaps a bit of further weight for backup water remedy 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 climbing and backpacking. It has a superb circulation price, filters the water fairly effectively, and is light-weight. It doesn’t matter what climbing path you’re on, you’re positive to seek out somebody carrying one in all these. I presently use the Lifestraw Flex Squeeze however favor the up to date Lifestraw Peak and Sawyer Squeeze.
Different Choices:
Lifestraw Peak
Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets
Learn extra: Finest Backpacking Water Filters
Water Storage / Water Bottle
Platypus Platy 2L Water Bladder
Weight: 1.3 oz / 37 grams
When it’s good to carry water, a water bladder is way lighter and extra environment friendly than virtually any fashion 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.
Evaluation coming quickly: Finest Backpacking Water Bottles and Water Storage
Clothes
Most of these things on the listing will likely be worn whereas 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 often include rain gear and insulation corresponding to a down jacket. And likewise extras like spare socks and underwear.
Base Layer Backside
Smartwool Traditional Thermal Merino Bottoms
100% Merino base layer with flatlock seams to make sure chafing is diminished. You possibly can hike in these all day if you need. Actually, when it’s chilly you might use a pair of shorts excessive and never take any 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
Evaluation coming quickly: Finest Backpacking Base Layer Bottoms
Mountain climbing Pants
Prana Stretch Zion II
Light-weight, snug, and with sufficient stretch to make strolling simple. I’ve used these climbing pants a number of instances and like them for climbing and backpacking. They’re nice in cooler climate and in addition are a superb possibility for these wanting safety from the solar and parts. I presently use the Kuhl Silencr and Kuhl Deceptr pants.
Different Choices:
Kuhl Silencr Pants
Kuhl Deceptr Pants
Learn extra: Finest Mountain climbing Pants
Sun shades
Oakley Flak 2.0
Do they appear good and never break the bank and defend your eyes from all of the dangerous rays? If the reply is sure then they are going to be ok. In case you are tight with cash an affordable pair will get you by, particularly if you’re the kind of one that loses all the pieces inside hours of shopping for them.
Different Choices:
Julbo Explorer 2.0
Smith Lowdown 2
Learn extra: Finest Mountain climbing Sun shades
Rain Jacket
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket
Weight: 5.9 oz / 168 grams
When making the leap to ultralight backpacking you’ll not want an enormous 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 may also be worn to mattress to help with insulation (sure, it really works).
Different Choices:
Out of doors Analysis Helium
Learn extra: Finest Rain Jackets
Rain Pants
Out of doors Analysis Helium
Weight: 6.7oz / 190g
In lots of instances, a pair of rain pants will likely be overkill and never wanted however for many these instances are uncommon. Take rain pants. They work as a superb pair of wind pants too. They aren’t too heavy and generally is a lifesaver in chilly moist climate. The OR Helium is ideal although there are a lot lighter choices for individuals who actually wish to rely the grams. I take advantage of the OR Helium and have for a few years.
Different Choices:
Zpacks Vertice
Arc’teryx Beta AR
Learn extra: Finest Rain Pants
Footwear- Socks – Gaiters
If you wish to save weight and hike with rather less stress in your ft then take into account path runners. Ultralight hikers love them and as you aren’t carrying very heavy hundreds there’s much less stress in your ft, ankles, and knees. As your ft really feel higher there’s much less want for camp sneakers, simply loosen the shoe laces when at camp.
Gaiters – Non-obligatory
Soiled Woman Gaiters

Gaiters are thought-about by many, together with myself, to be luxurious objects. I discover them to be very helpful in snow and dust however not for common light-weight climbing and backpacking. However many love them for protecting sand and rocks out of their socks and sneakers. The Soiled Woman Gaiters are among the many hottest.
Different Choices:
Altra Path Gaiters
Learn extra: Finest Gaiters for Backpacking
Cameras, Navigation, And Electronics
The electronics that you just keep it up the path will fluctuate loads from individual to individual. In case you are massive on social media or have a Youtube Channel you may be carrying extra in the best way of cameras and backup batteries than some who simply take images with their smartphone.
For many, a smartphone and backup battery financial institution are the naked minimal and crucial for images, navigation, GPS, and speak to with the skin world. The load of a cellphone and backup battery financial institution will likely be round 1 lb. 2.2 oz / 524 grams however you may go a lot lighter is you select.
Smartphone
Apple IPhone 14 Professional
Weight: 7.2 oz / 204 grams
With an ideal digital camera and the power to make use of the latest 5G information for the ultrafast connection. The digital camera is superior, and so is the power to hyperlink with navigation apps by way of the built-in GPS.
Different Choices:
Learn extra: Finest Digicam for Backpacking
Headlamps – Non-obligatory
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 earth 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. However for the minimalist, the Petzl E+Lite is greatest. When climbing in summer time 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: Finest Headlamps
Watch – Non-obligatory
Coros Vertix 2 Evaluation
Weight: 3.14 oz / 89 grams
The Coros Vertix 2 2 is the sort of climbing watch that may do virtually something. With maps, GPS, climate, and extra, it will probably additionally inform the time. With nice battery life, it will probably final fairly some time between costs. However it’s costly. In case you are an information nerd then you’ll love this watch or one of many others talked about beneath.
Different Choices:
Suunto 9 Baro
Learn extra: Finest 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 machine. Use satellites when you’re out of mobile phone vary to speak with house, get climate, or alert emergency companies of your location. In case you are injured or incapacitated simply press a button and assist will likely be on the best way. It has good battery life however as with electronics you’ll want to take a backup battery financial institution.
Different Choices:
Zoleo Satellite tv for pc Communicator
Learn extra: Finest Satellite tv for pc Messenger
Winter Mountain climbing Gear
When the white fluffy stuff begins to fall from the sky it’s possible you’ll must ‘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 machine within the type of microspikes and for some, possibly even snowshoes, particularly if you’re thru-hiking the Continental Divide Path.
First Help Equipment and Misc
The first support package will be as primary as you need. Simply guarantee you could have what you will have within the type of sufficient private remedy to your deliberate journey. As for the remaining here’s what I often take. It’ll improve the pack weight a bit however I take advantage of a lot of the first support provides beneath frequently. The commonest issues you will have are objects 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 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
- Rest room tissue
- Hand sanitizer
- Rest room paper
Whole 13oz / 375 grams
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Regularly Requested Questions
Ultralight backpacking is the power to chop extra weight from the quantity of substances you carry when going backpacking. Most ultralight backpackers will carry lower than 10 kilos as their base weight.
Lower than 10 kilos is an efficient base weight for ultralight backpacking. It’ll require light-weight gear and the power to not take objects which can be pointless.
Base weight is all of the objects in your backpack that you’ll carry with you on a regular basis, corresponding to a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, prepare dinner gear, and extra clothes not being worn. Consumables are the objects corresponding to water, meals, and gas.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Evaluation Course of
The creator, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small unbiased adventurer and outside gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari shouldn’t be half of a big weblog community and is proudly unbiased. All opinions on this website are unbiased and trustworthy gear opinions of outside merchandise by the creator.
The creator, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an out of doors retail retailer and could be very skilled in what’s vital when utilizing and testing gear for opinions like this.
BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for opinions and they don’t settle for sponsored opinions on this web site. All of the feedback concerning the gear opinions are from the creator based mostly on his years of expertise. Hope this unbiased overview was useful for you.