Are you ready to lose all that weight and enter the fast-paced world of ultralight backpacking? Can you see yourself gliding elf like through the wilderness, carrying only what is essential? But how do you know if the items on your ultralight backpacking gear list are essential, or just dead weight?
Here at The Adventure Junkies, we understand the minimalist’s dilemma: How do you balance gear-weight -loss with the human need for a bit of comfort on the trail? Turns out, it’s easier than you might think.
There are a lot of gear out there designed specifically for ultralight backpackers, and replacing just a few big items will help you slim down quickly. We’ve put together this gear list to help you decide what to keep and what to replace, and whether to pack it in or leave it behind.
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HOW TO USE THIS PACKING LIST
Before we discover the essentials of packing for an ultralight backpacking adventure, here’s a run down on how to get the most out of this list. Next to each item you will see a few categories. Here’s what they mean.
PURPOSE: What the gear is designed for, and why you would consider taking it with you.
ESSENTIAL ITEM: It’s difficult to know if you’re going to need something, so sometimes you end up throwing in everything. This is the opposite of what ultralight backpacking is about.
In this world, every ounce of weight must prove itself worthy. We’ve whittled it all down to what we consider to be the bare essentials, but these will always vary according to where you’re going, and when.
PRICE RANGE: While ultralight gear is typically pricier than standard backpacking equipment, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to lighten your load. Note that all price ranges are listed in US dollars.
LOOK FOR: Some quick tips on how to choose the best gear.
OUR PICK: Our choice based on the value and quality of the item.
LEARN MORE: A full article on how to choose that particular piece of gear and the best models of the year.
1. CARRYING
45-55L BACKPACK
PURPOSE: Carrying all of your stuff into and out of the wilderness.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $170-$500
LOOK FOR: Ultralight packs typically weigh no more than 2.5 lbs.
OUR PICK: Osprey Exos 48
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Backpacks of the Year >>
RAIN COVER
PURPOSE: Keeps your pack dry in the rain.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Only if you expect rain
PRICE RANGE: $30-$60
LOOK FOR: Durable and fits your pack
OUR PICK: Osprey Ultralight Rain Cover
LEARN MORE: Best Backpack Rain Covers of the Year >>
DRY BAG
PURPOSE: Keeps important items dry.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your needs.
PRICE RANGE: $15-$50
LOOK FOR: Waterproof and roomy
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Ultralight Dry Bag
2. SLEEPING
SLEEPING BAG
PURPOSE: Keeps you warm and comfortable while sleeping.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $200-$500
LOOK FOR: Sufficient temperature rating for climate, small pack size and ultralight weight — under 2 lbs.
OUR PICK: Sea To Summit Spark SP II
LEARN MORE: Best Sleeping Bags of the Year >>
SLEEPING BAG LINER
PURPOSE: Adds extra warmth to sleeping bag.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $30-$100
LOOK FOR: Comfortable material
OUR PICK: Sea To Summit Reactor Thermolite Liner
LEARN MORE: Best Sleeping Bag Liners of the Year >>
SLEEPING PAD
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Provides warmth and cushioning.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50-$400
LOOK FOR: Ultralight, comfort, small pack size.
OUR PICK: OutdoorsmanLab Ultralight Sleeping Pad
LEARN MORE: Best Sleeping Pads of the Year >>
TARP
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Protects you and your gear from the elements.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your preference.
PRICE RANGE: $50-$150
LOOK FOR: Durable, ultralight and small pack size.
OUR PICK: Aqua Quest Guide Tarp
LEARN MORE: Best Backpacking Tarps of the Year >>
HAMMOCK
PURPOSE: Sleeping and staying out of the elements.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your preference.
PRICE RANGE: $150-$400
LOOK FOR: Durable, ultralight and small pack size.
OUR PICK: Hennessy Explorer Ultralight
LEARN MORE: Best Camping Hammocks of the Year >>
TENT
PURPOSE: Sleeping, storing gear and staying out of the elements.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depends on your preference.
PRICE RANGE: $200-$800
LOOK FOR: Ultralight, small pack size, suitable size for number of people, suitable for climate.
OUR PICK: Nemo Dagger 2P Ultralight Tent
LEARN MORE: Best Backpacking Tents of the Year >>
3. NAVIGATING
COMPASS
PURPOSE: Finding where you are going
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $15-$200
LOOK FOR: Easy to use
OUR PICK: Suunto M3
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Compasses of the Year >>
MAP & TRAIL GUIDES
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Finding where you are going.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5-$20
LOOK FOR: Durable & easy to read.
OUR PICK: National Geographic
MAP HOLDER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keeps your map handy and dry.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20-$50
LOOK FOR: Waterproof
OUR PICK: Aqua Quest Trail Map Case
GPS DEVICE
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Navigation
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $200-$800
LOOK FOR: Easy to use and long battery life.
OUR PICK: Garmin GPSMAP 64st
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking GPS Devices of the Year >>
Photo by istockphoto.com/portfolio/littlew00dy
4. COOKING
BACKPACKING STOVE
PURPOSE: Cooking food
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50-$300
LOOK FOR: Ultralight and reliable
OUR PICK: Jetboil MiniMo
LEARN MORE: Best Backpacking Stoves of the Year >>
FUEL
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Runs your stove.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10-$30
LOOK FOR: Works with your stove.
OUR PICK: JetBoil Jet Power
LIGHTER
PURPOSE: Lighting your stove.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5-$20
LOOK FOR: Ultralight and reliable.
OUR PICK: MSR Strike Igniter
SPORK
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Eating
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10-$30
LOOK FOR: Ultralight and durable
OUR PICK:Light My Fire Titanium Spork
COOKWARE & DISHES
PURPOSE: Cooking and eating.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Cookwear Yes, Dishes No
PRICE RANGE: $20-$200
LOOK FOR: Ultralight, durable and versatile.
OUR PICK: GSI Minimalist
LEARN MORE: Best Backpacking Cookware Sets of the Year >>
5. EATING & DRINKING
MEALS
PURPOSE: Fueling your body.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $1-$10 Per Person
LOOK FOR: Sufficient calories, taste
OUR PICK: Mountain House Freeze Dried Food
LEARN MORE: Best Freeze Dried Food Packages of the Year >>
SNACKS
PURPOSE: Fueling your body.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $1-$5
LOOK FOR: Fruits, nuts, peanut butter.
OUR PICK: Cliff Bars
WATER FILTER
PURPOSE: Clean water
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes, if you’re going somewhere with water.
PRICE RANGE: $20-$100
LOOK FOR: Ultralight and easy to use.
OUR PICK: MSR Trailshot Microfilter
LEARN MORE: Best Backpacking Water Filters of the Year >>
WATER PURIFIER
PURPOSE: Purify water
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes, if your’e going somewhere with water.
PRICE RANGE: $10 -$50
LOOK FOR: Ultralight and easy to use.
OUR PICK: SteriPen Ultra
LEARN MORE: Best Backpacking Water Purifiers of the Year >>
WATER BLADDER
PURPOSE: Carrying Water
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes, If You’re Going Somewhere Without Water
PRICE RANGE: $10-$30
LOOK FOR: Fits Inot Your Pack & Holds Enought Water
OUR PICK: CamelBak Antidote
6. CLOTHING FOR HOT WEATHER
HIKING SHIRT
PURPOSE: Wicking Sweat, Blocking Sun, Covering Upper Body
ESSENTIAL ITEM: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $15-$80
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Fit, UPF
OUR MEN’S PICK: Ex Officio Sol Cool
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Icebreaker Tech Lite
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Shirts of the Year >>
QUICK DRY SHORTS OR PANTS
PURPOSE: Block Sun, Wicking Sweat, Covering Lower Body
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20-$100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Fit & UPF
OUR MEN’S PICK: Prana Stretch Zion Shorts
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Prana Tess Shorts
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Shorts of the Year >> | Best Hiking Pants of the Year >>
WICKING UNDERWEAR
PURPOSE: Keeping You Comfortable And Dry Beneath Your Clothes
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10-$50
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Fit & Quick Dry Material
OUR MEN’S PICK: ExOfficio Men’s Give-and-Go
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Icebreaker Sprite Hot Pants
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Underwear of the Year >>
Photo by istockphoto.com/portfolio/redwedge
7. CLOTHING FOR COLD WEATHER
THERMAL BASE LAYER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keeps Your Upper Body Warm & Dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50-$150
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Fit & Quick Dry Material
OUR MEN’S PICK: Arc’teryx Phase AR LS
OUR WOMENS PICK: Arc’teryx Phase SV
LEARN MORE: Best Base Layers of the Year >>
THERMAL LEGGINGS
PURPOSE: Keeps Your Lower Body Warm & Dry
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20-$100
LOOK FOR: Confort, Fit & Quick Dry Material
OUR MEN’S PICK: Arc’teryx Phase AR Bottom
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Icebreaker Oasis
LEARN MORE: Best Long Johns of the Year >>
FLEECE JACKET
PURPOSE: Keeps You Warm In Camp And On The Trail
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50-$250
LOOK FOR: Comfort. Warmth & Fit
OUR MEN’S PICK: Arc’teryx Fortrex Hoodie
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Arc’teryx Fortrez Hoodie
LEARN MORE: Best Fleece Jackets of the Year >>
BEANIE
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keeps Your Head Warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10-$30
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Warmth & Fit
OUR PICK: Icebreaker Pocket Hat
GLOVES
PURPOSE: Keeps Your Hands Warm
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10-$40
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Warmth & Fit
OUR MEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Versaliner
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Versaliner
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Gloves of the Year >>
8. RAIN GEAR
WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET
PURPOSE: Keeps Your Upper Body Dry In The Rain
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $100-$400
LOOK FOR: Fit, Waterproof Material, Pockets
OUR MEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Helium II
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Helium II
LEARN MORE: Best Rain Jackets of the Year >>
WATERPROOF RAIN PANTS
PURPOSE: Keep Your Lower Body Dry In The Rain
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $100-$400
LOOK FOR: Fit, Waterproof Material
OUR MEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Helium
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Helium
LEARN MORE: Best Rain Pants of the Year >>
WATERPROOF GLOVES
PURPOSE: Keep Your Hands Warm and Dry In Rain
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $30-$100
LOOK FOR: Comfort, Waterproof Material
OUR MEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Arete
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Outdoor Research Arete
9. FOOTWEAR
TRAIL RUNNERS
PURPOSE: Encase Your Feet So You Can Hike
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $50-$150
LOOK FOR: Light, Durable, Comfortable
OUR MEN’S PICK: Merrill Grassbow Air
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Merrill Grassbow Air
SANDALS
PURPOSE: Camp Shoes & Walking Through Water
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Only If Your’e Hiking Through Water
PRICE RANGE: $50-$150
LOOK FOR: Light, Comfortable & Durable Straps
OUR MEN’S PICK: Chaco Classic Sport
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Chaco Classic Sport
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Sandals of the Year >>
SOCKS
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Protect Your Feet
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10-30
LOOK FOR: Comfort & Appropriate For Your Shoe
OUR MEN’S PICK: Darn Tough Vermont Socks
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Darn Tough Vermont Socks
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Socks of the Year >>
LINERS
PURPOSE: Help Prevent Blisters
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $10-$50
LOOK FOR: Comfort & Fit
OUR PICK: Inji Liner Toe Socks
GAITERS
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keep Rocks and Stickers Out Of Your Trail Runners
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $20-$100
LOOK FOR: Ultralight & Durable
OUR PICK: Outdoor Research Sparkplugs
LEARN MORE: Best Hiking Gaiters of the Year >>
10. PERSONAL ITEMS & ACCESSORIES
11. SAFETY
- First-Aid Kit
- Solar Charger
- Whistle
- Permits
- Cash
- Credit Card
- Phone
READ MORE
For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads