Ultimate Lightweight Backpacking Gear List
Do you feel like packing for backpacking trips is overwhelming? Are you always trying to figure out what you really need to pack for backpacking? Whether you are prepping for your very first backpacking trip, or trying to streamline your current backpacking gear set-up, you’ve come to the right place! I’m going to talk about all of the essentials you need in your backpack when you go out to the wilderness, including linking the gear I’ve used and tested over my 5,000+ miles of backpacking. If I’m talking about it here, it’s because I love it and it has served me well on my backpacking adventures.
I consider myself to be a lightweight - UL hiker. Do you need to have all the lightest weight gear to be a successful backpacker? Absolutely not! I do encourage you to bring only the essentials though. There’s no need to bring a lot of “luxuries” into the backcountry. But, you should keep your needs in mind. If that means you must bring a camp chair, go for it! This is your trip and experience, after all!
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Backpacking Essentials: The Big Four
Backpacking Pack
I’ve used so many packs over the years, from heavier classics like the Osprey Aura AG 65 to pared-down minimalist packs like the Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet. My current go-to pack that suits my needs for trips of all lengths is the Gossamer Gear Gorilla Pack. My version is the older 40L, and now it is made in a 50L. I’ve taken this pack thru-hiking on the John Muir Trail and Colorado Trail and many smaller trips in between. My favorite features are the easy-to-access water bottle side pockets, the super cushy shoulder straps, the big stretchy mesh back pocket, and that I can carry a bear canister comfortably in this pack. And it comes in under 2 lbs!
You can read my full review of the Gorilla here.
*Gear add: Waterproof Pack Liner. I am not a fan of using stuff sacks for all of my things. Stuff sacks generally weigh 1-3 oz per bag, and all of that weight adds up over time! I use these pack liners from Gossamer Gear, but you could also use a heavy-duty trash compactor bag to line your pack. Just put one of these in your pack and shove all of your items that must stay dry (like your sleeping bag and sleeping clothes) in there, roll down the top, and you’re good to go!
Backpacking Tent
I alternate between a single-person tent and a three-person tent for all of my backpacking trips. My Gossamer Gear The One has served me well on many trips in Yosemite, Colorado, and in windy Patagonia. It is super light, simple, and has all the space I need for solo adventures with all of my gear. I’m able to save so much weight with this tent because I already use trekking poles, which act as the tent’s poles. On trips with my best backpacking buddy (my mom), we opt to bring our Big Agnes Tiger Wall 3 for more space but at a very light weight.
I truly believe that single-wall, non-freestanding tents are awesome, and can work in many environments. Even in super rocky areas, I’ve been able to find a place to pitch my tent and use rocks in conjunction with my stakes to get a sturdy pitch. But, I understand people’s hesitation to them. If you need tent poles to be happy, the Tiger Wall is my pick! It also comes in one and two-person options. Otherwise, I love my Gossamer Gear, which also comes in a two-person version.
*Gear swap: I prefer to use the MSR mini groundhog stakes and a couple of Ti shepherd hook stakes instead of the stakes that come with both of these tents. The MSRs have amazing hold strength, and the shepherd hooks save some weight.
Sleeping Bag
I actually use a sleeping quilt, not a sleeping bag. I was always super uncomfortable in sleeping bags because I felt claustrophobic in them. I’d wake up in the middle of the night almost in a panic-attack-like state, grasping at the zipper, trying to loosen the evil grip of the bag on my body. When I learned about sleeping quilts that were just as warm, and at nearly half the weight, I was totally sold. I’ve been using the Katabatic Alsek 22 for a few years now, and I love it! The differential cut helps the down feathers stay in place, and the pad attachment system is easy to use and keeps me and the quilt secure on my sleeping pad.
Another quilt brand I’ve used in the past and like is Enlightened Equipment. The customizations you can do on these quilts are awesome! I just got a new 40ºF summer quilt from them and I’m stoked to use it!
If you still love the classic sleeping bag, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is one of the lightest bags you can get for the price and warmth. But if you want the lightest full bag you can find and money is no object, go for the Feathered Friends Egret 20. You won’t regret the quality, I promise. I use the Murre EX 0 as my winter bag and it’s one of my favorite pieces of gear in the whole world!
Temperature ratings can be confusing. What do you really need out there? I usually recommend women opt for bags rated around 20-30ºF and quilts rated 10-20ºF for three-season use in the mountain west. Where you end up buying in that range will depend on the average lows where you recreate, how warm you generally sleep, and how high of an R-value your sleeping pad has.
Katabatic Alsek quilt with the NeoAir Xlite pad
Sleeping Pads
I’ve been using the same sleeping pad for backpacking since 2017. The Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite Women’s has been my go-to through thick and thin. I’ve used it on all of my thru-hikes, and most of my smaller backpacking trips. I’ve tried out other pads occasionally, like using the foam Zlite when I backpack with my dogs, and trialing the Uberlite, but the Xlite just has the whole package! It is the lightest weight pad on the market for the warmth and thickness it provides.
Sadly, the women’s model doesn’t exist anymore. But, the unisex short model does, which is perfect for us gals under 5’6”. The short weighs 12 oz and has an R-value of 4.5, meaning it provides enough insulation for 4-season jaunts. The pad is also made in a rectangle version.
You can read my full review of the pad here.
Backpacking Essentials: Safety
Headlamp
Having a light is crucial when hiking! My favorite headlamp is the Nitcore NU25 with the shock cord strap. It weighs 1.6 oz, is rechargeable, has a great battery life, and comes with a red light!
Satellite Communications
While some might not consider this a necessity (I didn’t at one time), I totally do now. And if you ever need convincing, just listen to a few episodes of the Out Alive podcast. There are so many SARs that are saving lives because the team is alerted early to someone needing rescuing. When mountain rescues can take hours or even days, alerting SAR as early as possible is key in survival. Plus, it gives loved ones in the frontcountry a little more piece of mind.
My device of choice is the Garmin inReach Mini. I like the 2-way texting capabilities and being able to see that my message was sent.
First Aid Kit
You don’t need a ton of stuff in a backcountry first aid kit. That might sound counterintuitive, but think about it for a second: you have to actually know how to use the items in there in order for them to be effective. So while it may be tempting to bring a crazy medic kit, you most likely will not need it. My favorite first aid items are Leukotape, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Imodium, and burn cream. I also make sure I have a few squares of gauze and triple antibiotic ointment. A few vials of preservative-free eyedrops also have a home in my kit, in case I need to flush my eye. Nothing worse than a gnat flying into your eye and getting stuck in there (don’t ask). I also carry an aspirin in case I come across someone who may be having a cardiac event. You should also carry any required medication for members of your team, and if someone has an allergy, an EpiPen is a good idea.
If you don’t want to worry about creating your own kit, get one of these handy, pre-made options.
You can read about what’s in my Ditty Bag, including my FAK items in this blog post.
Want to learn more about wilderness first aid? Think about taking a class!
Maps
Whether you have a physical map and compass or you are using a GPS device, including on your smartphone, you should have some kind of topographical map of the area you are hiking in and know how to read it. I use GaiaGPS on my iPhone as my backcountry GPS. I always make sure to download the maps for offline use before going on my trip.
I love using CalTopo and GaiaGPS for planning my routes as well. CalTopo is a great free resource and you can print your own detailed topo maps at home!
Backpacking Essentials: Kitchen
Stove, Pot, and Fuel
I’m a big fan of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe as a solo backpacking stove. I’ve used lighter options (like the BRS 3000), but I think the extra 2 ounces is worth the improved stability, fuel efficiency, and boil time.
With solo stoves like these, you’ll pair them with a cook pot for the ultimate ultralight cooking setup. I can’t remember a time when I boiled more than 500 ml of water for a backpacking meal, so I opt for a small titanium pot like the Toaks 750 ml. I like titanium because it is super lightweight, conducts and withstands heat well, and doesn’t leave a metal aftertaste!
If you’re using a canister stove, you’ll want canister fuel sold in the propane/isobutane blend. I find that the small size is perfect for a long weekend out with fuel to spare. In perfect conditions, a small canister can boil a half liter of water 10 times.
Buy the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe
Utensil
I’m a fan of the long-handled spoon! I don’t think sporks reach the nooks and crannies of the freeze-dried meal bags well enough, so I’m a spoon gal! The Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spoon is the perfect choice.
Knife
You shouldn’t need a mega big kitchen grade knife for cooking in the backcountry. You might need something more significant if you’re actually fishing and preparing them to eat, but I’m a backpacking meal gal, and the most I need to cut up is a roll of salami. I love my Spyderco Ladybug knife. It is super tiny, easy to fold and unfold, and nice and sharp right out of the box.
Lighter
Any lighter will do the trick! You’ll want one of these to light your stove. Even if your stove has an auto-ignite button, its a good idea to have a back-up lighter since the auto-ignites tend to fail at higher altitudes.
Water Filtration and Storage
I am a bottle fan when backpacking. I like bottles over reservoirs because they’re easier to access to refill, and I can monitor how much I’m drinking way easier than with a reservoir. When I’m winter camping, I’ll always bring Nalgene bottles since they can hold boiling water, but for summer trips, I use the handy dandy Smartwater bottle. A liter bottle weighs 1.5 oz, is strong, and I can fit two of them in my pack side pocket. I grew to love Smartwater bottles because of my thru-hiking background. They are simple to replace in town while resupplying if something happens.
If a hydration reservoir is the best fit for you, I’m a big fan of Hydrapak’s options, especially because they work incredibly well with their inline filter.
My water filter style of choice is a personal squeeze filter. There are so many on the market now! My favorite ones I’ve used are the Sawyer Squeeze, the Platypus Quickdraw, and the Hydrapak 28mm. These are my favorites because you can screw them directly onto Smartwater bottles. They all also work with a variety of filter bags, some with their own proprietary designs, but as long as the opening supports a 28mm cap, it’ll work!
I always bring a “dirty bag” for my dirty water along with my water bottles - which I usually keep clean, though sometimes I get lazy and turn them into dirty bottles. My favorite dirty bags have been from Hydrapak. I used the Seeker 2L on the JMT and it held up perfectly. Something I love about Hydrapak is that they realize that there are many filters on the market and actually want to help you use whatever filter you want! So their water collection bags are compatible with 42mm filters (like their 42mm filter, or the popular Katadyn BeFree), and they’re also usable with the 28mm filters I mentioned above when you get the Plug-N-Play cap with the 28mm adapter! I always appreciate it when brands come up with solutions for you.
The last thing I make sure I have when it comes to water filtration is a backup! I always have a few Aquatabs in my first aid kit in case something goes awry with my filter.
Buy the Hydrapak 28mm filter using code BACKCOUNTRYEMILY10 for 10% off!
Bear Canister
In areas where bear canisters are required, you’ve got to have one! Remember: a fed bear is a dead bear. My favorite canisters are the BearVault brand. They’ve released a bunch of new sizes recently, which is awesome! I own the BV450 and BV500 - the BV475 looks like a great compromise for mid-range trips. I can usually fit 4-5 days of food for one person in a BV450, depending on how much I’ve repackaged the food into less bulky ziplock bags.
Backpacking Essentials: Toiletries
Sunscreen
I love carrying around a small stick of Sunbum for my face. If you will be applying sunscreen to your arms or legs, you may want to bring a different size.
SPF Lip Balm
Absolutely crucial to have while backpacking! There is nothing worse than cracked, sunburned lips with no way to relieve them when you’re backpacking. The pain is annoying.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste & Floss
Get all the travel sized versions of these! Toothpaste tabs are also a great way to save even more weight. Just take the exact number you need for your trip! Floss is also great to use with a needle for any in-field sewing repairs you may need to take on (like ripped tent mesh).
Buy a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss!
Poop Kit - Trowel, TP, and a couple of Ziplock bags
I am a huge advocate of Leave No Trace, and I hope you are too! LNT advocates for us to dig a cathole 6” deep to do our business in. This is very hard to achieve with a rock or trekking pole - believe me. It’s so much easier to have a trowel. I store my bundle of clean toilet paper in a quart-sized ziplock, with a sandwich bag stuffed inside, which is for packing out the dirty toilet paper.
If you are backpacking in a place where you are required to pack your poop out, make sure you are using a Wag Bag!
Pee Cloth
I used to use a bandana as a pee cloth until Kula Cloth came along! Every woman should have a Kula Cloth in her potty kit. It is such an amazing piece of gear! So much nicer feeling than a bandana, and can be folded in half to keep the wipe side clean. It’s super easy to rinse the wipe side with water (away from water sources, of course!) to keep it from getting stinky too.
Hand Sanitizer
Absolutely necessary to keep the germs at bay. Use your hand sanitizer every time after going to the bathroom and before prepping your food. You can always use biodegradable soap too, but make sure you are not using it in water sources.
Bug Spray
Mosquito and tick bites are annoying and uncomfortable, plus, mosquitos can carry disease. Having bug spray during high bug pressure times of the year is crucial for comfort outside! I prefer using Picaridin since it won’t melt your gear (vs. DEET).
Wilderness Wipes
This is one of the items on here that could definitely be considered a luxury item. You don’t need wipes, but I really like to have them to clean up sensitive areas on my body that are prone to rash when sweat and dirt combine. I take the small ones along to use on my face, armpits, underboob, crotch, and butt (in that order) each night while getting ready for bed. You can save weight with these by laying a few out to dry before your trip, and then rehydrating them with a small squirt of water in the backcountry. I put them in my dirty TP bag after I’ve used them.
I carry my First Aid Kit and some of my toiletries in a small waterproof dry bag, like this one.
Backpacking Essentials: Clothing
Clothing always seems to be a hot topic when prepping for a backpacking trip. And it’s something that is really easy to overpack. I have experimented with so many different clothing pieces on my quest to find the perfect system for me. In general though, I bring one hiking outfit, one sleeping outfit, and weatherproofing layers. And I never pack cotton items. Cotton holds onto moisture, which causes chafing, and can lead to hypothermia.
Hiking Top
My current go-to hiking top is a sun hoody. I’ve tried many different brands and styles, and my favorite so far has been the REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie. I love the size of the hood and the neckline - it doesn’t feel like it is choking me. The fabric wicks sweat well, and there are thumbholes to help protect your hands from the sun. Plus, the fit is flattering on my body.
Hiking Shorts
In the summer, I prefer hiking in shorts. I despise the feeling of sweat running down my leg trapped inside of pant fabric, so shorts are necessary! I am loving the Janji Pace 7” shorts. The silicone on the inside prevents the fabric from rolling up my thigh, which is a huge win. And, there are large pockets on each outer thigh. For a more breathable short option, I’m really excited to try out the Patagonia Trailfarer Short. I think this could be the short I’ve been searching for: 4.5” inseam, high rise, no liner, wide leg opening… sounds like a dream for this large-thighed lady!
Hiking Pants
In the shoulder season and winter, I prefer to hike in pants or leggings. My current favorites are the Athleta Headland Hybrid Cargo II Tight for cooler weather and the Kuhl Freeflex Dash Pant. Both of these lack a zipper and button fly, which is crucial for me. Zippers and buttons can break outside. Not having them on an article of clothing that I want to stay on my body is a godsend! Plus, stretchy waists are way more comfortable, in my opinion.
Insulated Jacket
For three-season weather, my Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer is my go-to down puffy jacket. It is super light, packs down incredibly small, and gives just enough warmth for cooler mornings and evenings in the mountains. I do prefer down just because it has the best warmth-to-weight ratio and packs down smaller than synthetic options.
If you run cold though, I would recommend a different jacket. The Arc’teryx Cerium or the Patagonia Micropuff would be excellent alternatives that are warmer than the Ghost Whisperer.
Rain Jacket
I like to remind everyone that there is no perfect rain gear. The technology just doesn’t exist for a lightweight, breathable in all climates rain shell. With that being said…
Even if there is no rain in the forecast, I will always bring a rain jacket. It can also act as a windbreaker and an extra warmth layer, even in the case of no rain. My go-to is the Montbell Versalite for an excellent ultralight 2-layer rain shell. To have 2 hand pockets, 2 full pit zips, and be fully waterproof at 7 oz is a tall order, and the Montbell Versalite holds up remarkably.
For a less expensive option, Frog Toggs Ultralite2 is a fully waterproof, but not very breathable option. It still works though! I used it on the PCT for the first half of the trail.
Baselayer Top and Bottom
The Patagonia Capilene Air top and bottom are some of the lightest and nicest base layers on the market. Patagonia no longer makes my favorite lightweight base layers, but these are my close second place pick! They are very cozy to curl up in after a long day of hiking! And the nearly 50/50 merino/synthetic blend offers some stink resistance!
Sports Bra & Underwear
I love the Patagonia Barely Bra when backpacking. There’s not a ton of support, but it’s super comfy and not restrictive at all. Plus, there are no plastic bits!
My go-to backpacking underwear is the Icebreaker Siren Bikini. They are pricey, but merino wool underwear is a game-changer! The stink prevention is real and awesome!
Hiking Socks
Injinji is my favorite because I am prone to toe blisters. The Injinjis basically cure this for me, which was a game-changer for hiking and backpacking! I will usually bring two pairs to alternate between on hikes longer than 2 nights.
I also bring a pair of socks purely for sleeping, aka my “sacred socks”. Darn Toughs are my favorite for this.
For both of these socks, I find that midweight padding is ideal. Midweight styles supply a little more padding to your heel and ball of the foot, which can mitigate foot pain. You’ll also want to ensure you are buying socks that are tall enough so you don’t get dirt and small rocks wedged between the sock and your ankle. Buying a sock that is taller than the shoe you are wearing usually combats this!
Hiking Shoes
I am a fan of trail runners for most on-trail hiking and backpacking. I like the more flexible sole and how lightweight they are. I also opt for non-waterproof shoes because they are way more breathable, which helps prevent blisters, and they will actually dry if they do get wet on a creek crossing. Trail runners may not work for everyone when backpacking. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend wearing them if your pack is going to consistently be over 35-40 lbs. I highly recommend getting fitted for a hiking boot or trail runner in person at a store like REI.
The Altra Lone Peak is my favorite trail runner because it accommodates my wide foot well and allows plenty of room for my toes to not feel squished.
Accessories
A hat and sunglasses are necessary for even more sun protection, in my opinion. I’ll also bring lightweight gloves and a beanie if the low temperatures are in the 40s or lower. A buff is another great, versatile piece of gear! It can be used as sun protection and warmth around your neck and your ears, and in hot climates, it’s perfect for dunking in water and creating a cool balaclava around your whole head and neck!
You can read about my PCT Clothing System here, where I talk about clothing for thru-hiking.
It’s called fashion, hunny.
Backpacking Essentials: The Extras You Might Want To Bring
Pillow
While not necessary at all, sometimes a pillow can be nice, especially if you have neck problems. If the rolled-up puffy as a pillow doesn’t work for you, treat yourself with this ultralight alternative from Sea to Summit.
Camp Shoes
Camp Sandals can be a nice luxury item, especially if you foresee yourself hanging around at camp a lot. I’d recommend only bringing a really lightweight option, but some people want something more sturdy, especially if they want to use them for stream crossings. I personally don’t advise this, but it is commonly done.
I’m a big fan of the Birkenstock EVA foam sandals!
PackTowel
A super small towel can be great for wiping condensation off of the inside of your tent. Or you may want a slightly larger towel for drying yourself off after swimming. I prefer to find a nice rock and let the sun do its thing, but to each their own!
Trekking Poles
I find trekking poles to be a necessity. Not only do they act as my tent poles for my non-freestanding tent, but they make climbing and descending on steep trails much easier for me, and hopefully my joints will thank me later on in life. Plus, they keep my hands from swelling up and feeling like they’re going to burst.
My favorite trekking poles are the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles.
Powerbank
We are living in the 21st century, after all. If you are bringing electronics on your hike, you’ll probably want a way to charge them, especially if you are relying on your electronics for safety and/or navigation. I love the Anker powerbanks. The 10,000 mAh size is about what you need for a 3-4 day trip. The 10,000mAh charges my iPhone 13 Pro approx. 2 full times.
If you are bringing electronics, I’d recommend a waterproof dry bag for holding them in, even with a waterproof pack liner inside your backpack.
