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 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 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 diminished likelihood of accidents. If you’re studying this possibly you need some concepts on what gear you may want to scale back your base weight and transfer into ultralight climbing. Keep studying to learn to cut back your base weight properly 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 objects. But nonetheless very ultralight. And might be lighter should you solely use one trekking pole to help the one-person tent.

Tents are getting lighter. There is not any must 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 choice 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 similar with backpacks. Whether you select a sleeping bag or backpacking quilt, guarantee they’re additionally mild in weight. Most folks discover a quilt works nice at temperatures above freezing however beneath that, a sleeping bag is best.

Trekking poles are non-obligatory for many backpackers. If 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 toes 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 least till you get to the subsequent 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 unhealthy climate very properly. It wants one trekking pole to arrange. I at the moment use the Zpacks Triplex.
Other Options:
2P: Zpacks Duolight
3P: Zpacks Triplex

Read extra: Ultralight Backpacking Tents

Cooking Gear

Some ultralight hikers prefer 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 rapidly realized it isn’t for me. Having stated that, I’d encourage everybody to strive going ‘stoveless’ at the least as soon as to see how properly 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 should you add the non-obligatory mags and knife that I listed beneath.

You may contemplate a bear canister, or bear bag when climbing 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 manufactured 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 scorching espresso within the morning. I at the moment 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 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 Army Knives, and lots of different sorts over time. Currently, 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 obtainable anymore and I misplaced it!

Review coming quickly: Best Backpacking Knives

Water Treatment

No must overthink water bottles, water filters, and carry your water. Keep it easy with these two objects. Maybe reuse a plastic water bottle too. Around 3.8 oz / 108 grams can be sufficient for most individuals. Maybe slightly additional 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 an excellent move fee, filters the water fairly properly, and is light-weight. It doesn’t matter what climbing path you’re on, you’re positive to search out somebody carrying considered one of these. I at the moment 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 could 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 at the moment use the 2L Platypus Bladder.

Review coming quickly: Best Backpacking Water Bottles and Water Storage

Clothing

Most of these things on the record can be worn whereas climbing and backpacking so they aren’t usually added to the general base weight. There is packed clothes and worn clothes. Packed clothes would often include 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 diminished. You can hike in these all day if you’d like. In truth, when it’s chilly you can use a pair of shorts excessive and never take any climbing 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, snug, and with sufficient stretch to make strolling straightforward. I’ve used these climbing pants a number of occasions and like them for climbing and backpacking. They are nice in cooler climate and likewise are an excellent choice for these wanting safety from the solar and components. I at the moment 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’re tight with cash an inexpensive pair will get you by, particularly if you’re the kind of one that loses the whole lot 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 bounce to ultralight backpacking you’ll not want a giant 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 properly 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 can 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 aren’t too heavy and could be a lifesaver in chilly moist climate. The OR Helium is ideal despite the fact that there are a lot lighter choices for individuals who actually wish to depend the grams. I take advantage of the OR Helium and have for a few years.
Other Options:
Zpacks Vertice
Arc’teryx Beta AR

Read extra: Best Rain Pants

If you wish 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 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 – Optional

Dirty Girl Gaiters

Gaiters are thought of 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. But many love them for protecting sand and rocks out of their socks and sneakers. The Dirty Girl Gaiters are among the many hottest.
Other Options:
Altra Trail Gaiters

Read extra: Best Gaiters for Backpacking

Cameras, Navigation, And Electronics

The electronics that you just keep on the path will range so much from individual to individual. If you’re large on social media or have a Youtube Channel you can be carrying extra in the best way of cameras and backup batteries than some who simply take pictures with their smartphone.

For most, a smartphone and backup battery financial institution are the naked minimal and crucial for pictures, navigation, GPS, and make contact with with the skin world. The weight of a telephone and backup battery financial institution can be round 1 lb. 2.2 oz / 524 grams however you possibly can 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 nevertheless it is without doubt one of the lightest. And on the earth 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. But for the minimalist, the Petzl E+Lite is finest. When 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.
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 climbing watch that may do virtually something. With maps, GPS, climate, and extra, it will possibly additionally inform the time. With the photo voltaic, it will possibly 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 if you find yourself out of mobile phone vary to speak with residence, get climate, or alert emergency providers of your location. If you’re injured or incapacitated simply press a button and assist can be on the best way. It has good battery life however as with electronics make sure 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 chances are you’ll must ‘gear up’ and get some specialist winter gear. An Ice Axe is often 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 if you’re thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail.

First Aid Kit and Misc

The first help equipment might be as primary as you need. Just guarantee you’ve gotten what you’ll need within the type of sufficient private treatment to your deliberate journey. As for the remaining here’s what I often take. It will improve the pack weight a bit however I take advantage of a lot of the first help provides beneath regularly. The commonest issues you’ll need 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 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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