Women’s Backpacking Gear List (2024) — My Ultralight Approach
Lyman Lakes, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Washington
Whether you are a beginner researching your first set of gear or an experienced backpacker looking to upgrade, everyone can benefit from an ultralight approach to their backpacking gear.
Ultralight can mean something different for everyone. I see it as the hiker’s version of minimalist travel. On every trip, I try to bring only exactly what I need. No more, and no less. It’s not important to strive for an arbitrary base weight, and you can definitely be ultralight and still prioritize comfort and safety.
In this guide, I discuss my favorite gear as well as some tips and tricks I use to bring less. What works for you is a very personal choice that will take time to figure out, but I hope this list can be a helpful starting point, especially for the women hikers out there!
If you just want to see my list at a glance, head over to my LighterPack, aka the gear list that all the ultralight nerds use. And if you’re interested in photography while backpacking, check out my other post, a camera gear guide for ultralight backpackers.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Clicking them and making a purchase supports my blog at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. Thanks for your support!
Jump to Gear Section
Why Does Ultralight Matter?
Hiking with a heavy pack was one of the most intimidating aspects of backpacking for me when I started in 2019. Little did I know about the world of ultralight backpacking. These are just some of the benefits of a lighter pack:
Less strain on your joints and muscles. In turn, this lets me hike more comfortably, longer, and further. Plus, why make hiking harder than it already is by carrying extra weight?
Better balance and agility. I’m less likely to fall and injure myself, especially on hard terrain involving river crossings, downed trees, and scrambling.
Packing and unpacking is simpler and faster. For example, I don’t have to roll up my sleeping pad perfectly or over-compress my sleeping bag just so that they fit in their stuff sacks. I leave the stuff sacks at home so there’s less I need to keep track of!
Having an ultralight mindset does not mean removing the fun from backpacking. I still splurge on backcountry “luxuries”, like 3 lbs of camera gear. For you, luxuries might be a chair, a Kindle, games, alcohol, fresh fruit, etc. At the end of the day, having a lighter pack helps me enjoy my time in the outdoors more. If you’re making sacrifices that make you unhappy or uncomfortable, then it’s not worth it!
How about an inflatable flamingo for a luxury item? Rae Lakes Loop, California
How to Start
1. Make a Packing List
Create a list of your typical backpacking gear and weigh everything on a kitchen scale. I recommend using LighterPack. It’s free and popular with backpackers for creating and sharing packing lists. This process forces you to acknowledge the weight of every item that you pack, and it helps you see how the little things add up.
Here’s some common terminology that you’ll see in ultralight discussions:
Base weight is the weight of your pack without food and water, aka consumables.
Pack weight is the weight of your pack when you head out on trail. This does not include worn weight like the clothes you’re wearing, hiking shoes, and hiking sticks.
Total weight aka “skin-out weight” includes worn weight. I would argue total weight is less important than your pack weight because worn weight does not affect your pack’s comfort.
Prioritize minimizing your base weight. Base weight is a good benchmark because it does not vary as much trip to trip.
The general recommendation is to keep your pack weight under 20% of your body weight. A base weight of 10-20 lbs is a reasonable target for most people that will make it easy to stick to this.
2. Figure Out What To Leave Behind
Most people have heavy packs because they bring too much, not just because their gear is heavy. Having a minimalist mindset can get you a long way without needing to spend money on new gear.
Bring the right gear for a trip. Examples: carry fewer water bottles when water sources are abundant, opt for a cheap poncho over a rain jacket if no rain is in the forecast, use a lighter sleeping bag if you only backpack in the summer.
Evaluate your packing list after each trip. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”. Consider leaving unused items behind next time (with the exception of essential first aid and emergency gear).
Compare your list to other LighterPack lists (like mine!) to see what other people do.
Find multiple purposes for a single item, like using your down jacket as a pillow or eating from your cooking pot instead of a separate dish. See the Things I Don't Bring section for more ideas.
Share gear. If you are backpacking with friends, consider sharing gear! I share a tent, a stove, and a bear can if applicable.
Setting up camp above Yosemite Valley.
3. Consider Upgrading Your Gear
A good way to decide where to upgrade first is to consider $ per ounce, aka how many dollars you’re paying per ounce you save.
Save weight in certain categories first. A lightweight pot and stove from the Soto Amicus set weighs 8 oz and costs $50. A lightweight water filter like the Katadyn BeFree weighs 2.3 oz and costs $45. Compare this to getting a lighter sleeping bag, which is a much more expensive purchase.
Beware of diminishing returns. For example, if you currently have a Kelty Cosmic 20, a relatively lightweight sleeping bag, upgrading to an ultralight sleeping bag like the Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 will be $350 to shave off just 9 oz.
It will always be expensive to upgrade to a lighter setup when you already have perfectly usable, but heavier gear. That’s why my first tip is to be a minimalist, because that’s free!
Acquiring Gear
Starting backpacking is a big investment because of all the gear involved. Don’t worry too much about getting everything right from the start. Most of what I use now is different from what I took on my first season of backpacking! Here are some of my tips.
Borrow or rent. This helps you learn about gear you like without committing to it.
Buy on sale. Outdoor retailers will find any excuse to hold a sale. Watch out for holiday sales like REI Anniversary (around Memorial Day), Labor Day, and 4th of July, as well as clearance sales (how I got the REI Magma 30 and Therm-a-Rest XLite for 50% off!).
Buy used. If you know for sure what you want, you can buy used from other backpackers (no returns obviously) on Facebook Marketplace, Reddit’s Ultralight Gear Trade, and Facebook groups like Ultralight Outdoor Gear - Buy & Sell and USA - Backpacking Gear Flea Market for Women. Some retailers have also begun to offer used gear divisions like REI Re/Supply that do offer returns.
Buy quality gear from well-known brands. Quality gear will last you a long time and has better resale value if you ever choose to upgrade. I buy a lot of my gear from REI and Sports Basement. They have generous return policies, a huge selection, and it’s just nice to shop in-person sometimes.
Ultralight gear is more niche and may be hard to find at the usual retailers. Below are some ultralight-focused marketplaces and brands that I’m a fan of:
Garage Grown Gear - an online marketplace focused on cottage brands
Durston Gear - this brand has a cult following for its X-Mid tents and ultralight packs. The backpacker behind the company, Dan Durston, is also known for going above and beyond in customer service and responding to feedback in online forums.
Litesmith - for those random odds and ends like shock cord by the foot and tiny containers of many sizes
Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear - colorful, custom and semi-custom backpacking accessories
Gossamer Gear - known for their ultralight packs and tents
Montbell - a Japanese brand. I love that you can browse by weight.
A few notes before we get into my gear list:
For each item, I included the gear I use and alternatives popular with other backpackers. I won’t get into detailed comparisons or reviews, as that's not the focus of this post.
Most of the gear I use is from a past season. I'll provide a link to the current season's model, which may have slightly different specifications.
Even though I listed the full retail price, I got many of these items on sale. If you’re not in a rush to buy, I highly recommend waiting for sales, which can save you 30-50%!
Our camp somewhere above Cathedral Lakes in Tuolumne, Yosemite
The Big 4: Pack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag and Pad
In backpacking gear discussions, you may come across the term "big 4”. This refers to the 4 heaviest items: backpack, shelter, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Replacing these will likely provide the largest reductions in weight, but generally also at the highest cost. If heavier gear is all you can afford now, I would try to reduce weight in other categories before the big 4.
For each item, I give an approximate weight target so you know where your gear falls from ultralight, lightweight, to traditional.
Pack
Ultralight: < 2 lbs | Lightweight: 2-3.5 lbs | Traditional: > 3.5 lbs
Packs are a tricky category to reduce weight. It’s a category where lighter is not always better. Your pack choice is highly dependent on the weight and volume of your other gear.
Tip: I recommend that your pack be the last item in the Big 4 that you upgrade. This way, you can better determine the volume and support you need in your new pack based on the weight and volume of your upgraded gear.
Traditional packs. Examples include the Osprey Aura AG 65 and the Gregory Deva 60 which weigh a whopping 4.5 lbs each. Traditional packs have heavy-duty fabrics and frames, as well as extra bells and whistles such as sleeping bag compartments, adjustable torsos, contoured mesh backs, hydration bladder sleeves, or integrated day packs. High volumes encourage overpacking, and all the features make these packs expensive and heavy.
Lightweight packs. Lightweight, framed packs in the 2-3.5 lbs range are in my opinion the best choice for most backpackers. These packs reduce weight by removing nonessential features and using lighter fabrics, but still prioritize comfort by keeping padded hip belts and supportive frames that transfer the load to your hips.
Ultralight packs. Most suitable for people with lower base weights (<10-12 lbs). Some of these packs are frameless and have no hip belt or just a minimal, non-padded one.
My fully loaded 40L Kakwa pack for a 3 day backpacking trip.
What I use
Durston Kakwa 40 Backpack (26.5 oz, $250)
The Durston Kakwa pack prioritizes minimalism but has several features that make the pack much more comfortable and functional than its ultralight competitors: a padded hip belt with hip belt pockets, shoulder strap pockets, 1 zippered side pocket for small items, and a sturdy U-shaped frame that makes it comfortable even with heavier loads. The price is reasonable for its feature set and the fact that it uses the newer ultralight and waterproof Ultra 200 fabric. The pack is also offered in a more versatile 55L size.
Alternatives
Lightweight
ULA OHM (2 lbs 1.8 oz, $260) - a no-nonsense framed pack made with extremely durable fabric. Very popular pack on the PCT.
Granite Gear Crown3 60 (2 lbs 6.4 oz, $240) - a minimalist, high-volume pack with a removable frame. I used the Crown2 60 for many years before switching to the Durston Kakwa.
REI Flash 55 (2 lbs 11 oz, $200) - a stripped down pack sold by REI, which means you get the benefit of REI’s return policy and in-person try ons. It’s frequently discounted in REI sales.
Osprey Eja 58 (2 lbs 11 oz, $260) - a lightweight offering from Osprey with the familiar look and feel of an Osprey pack
Ultralight
REI Flash Air (1 lb 13 oz, $299) - REI’s first foray into ultralight packs, and it comes with REI’s generous return policy if it doesn’t work out for you!
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 (31.2 oz, $285) - removable frame and full of pockets.
Arc Haul Ultra 40L/60L (20.0 oz/20.9 oz, $400) - carbon fiber frame, ventilated back, padded hip belt.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 (32 oz, $349) - a framed pack that uses a thicker DCF fabric for increased durability.
Mountain Laurel Designs Burn 38L (16.5 oz, $325) - ultra-minimalist, frameless pack with padded hip belt. Only recommended for loads <25 lbs.
My friend using the REI Flash 55 pack.
Shelter
Ultralight: < 2.5 lbs | Lightweight: 2.5-4 lbs | Traditional: > 4 lbs (for 2 person tents)
Shelters are a HUGE topic. While ultralighters may venture beyond tents to tarps, hammocks, or bivys, I'll focus on tents since they're what I and most people are familiar with. Here is a quick look at decisions you might encounter.
Freestanding vs non-freestanding. Freestanding tents stand on their own. They don’t need to be staked out to hold their shape, making them easier to set up. Non-freestanding tents have a bit more of a learning curve to get a good pitch, but many are lighter and more compact.
Double-wall vs single-wall. A double-wall tent has a mesh inner tent and a rainfly. Single-wall tents just have one waterproof wall so they are lighter. Managing condensation may be a challenge with single-wall tents since the condensation forms inside your tent rather than on the rainfly.
Trekking pole vs non-trekking pole tent. Trekking pole tents are pitched using trekking poles. This means you save the weight of the tent poles since you’re probably already carrying trekking poles. Trekking pole tents are always non-freestanding.
The most ultralight of tents achieve their weight by being single-wall (usually made of expensive DCF), non-freestanding, and trekking-pole.
Setting up the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at Nelson Lake, Yosemite
What I use
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (3 lb 1 oz, $550)
This popular lightweight 2-person Big Agnes tent is freestanding and double-wall. I’ve been using it since my first season of backpacking in 2019. People will often say to “size up” with tents and get a 3-person tent for 2 people, but I regularly use this with one other person and it’s spacious enough for both of us and our packs. It’s the perfect balance of weight, durability, and roominess thanks to its nearly vertical walls.
Alternatives
Lightweight
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Solution-Dyed Tent (2 lbs 8 oz, $430) - A double-wall, semi-freestanding tent that is a lighter but slightly less durable alternative to the Copper Spur.
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 (3 lbs 4 oz, $550) - Very comparable to the Copper Spur. Very popular tent as well.
Ultralight
Durston Gear X-Mid 2 (2 lbs 6.4 oz, $300) - A double-wall, spacious trekking-pole tent at a great price.
Durston X-Mid Pro 2 (1 lb 6.2 oz, $679) - The pro version of the X-Mid 2 uses the DCF fabric and a single-wall design to achieve an extremely light tent.
Gossamer Gear The Two (1 lb 13 oz, $320) - A single-wall trekking-pole tent.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and Tiger Wall UL3 behind it on the Lost Coast Trail in California
Sleeping Bag
Ultralight: < 2 lbs | Lightweight: 2-3 lbs | Traditional: > 3 lbs
The lighter the sleeping bag is for a given temperature rating, the more expensive it is. Reducing weight in this category usually means spending a lot of money, so my tip is to buy a sleeping bag that is only as warm as you need. For summer backpacking, a sleeping bag rated to 30F is usually enough, but if you backpack into shoulder season then you may need 20F.
Down vs synthetic. Down bags cost more, but are usually lighter, compress smaller, and last longer. It’s definitely worth the investment if you can swing the cost.
Sleeping bag vs quilt. Quilts are lighter, more compact, and cheaper than their equivalent sleeping bag. How? They are used like a blanket and insulate you only on top since the underside of a sleeping bag is compressed and does nothing to insulate you. Your sleeping pad is actually what provides bottom insulation. Quilts are not for everyone though. They can be drafty and cold and don’t have hoods, so you need to insulate your head/neck some other way. Others prefer quilts since they’re less restrictive.
Temperature ratings tip: sleeping bags have both a comfort (higher) and limit (lower) rating. Women should refer to the comfort rating because women need more insulation to stay warm. If a sleeping bag has both a women’s and men’s version, then the women’s bag will be warmer and heavier than the men’s version. For example, the women’s Kelty Cosmic 20 has a 20F comfort rating and is over a pound heavier than the men’s Kelty Cosmic 20 which has a 31F comfort rating.
What I use
REI Magma 30 - Short (1 lb 6.8 oz, $379, 34F)
The REI Magma 30 is an 850 fill-power down sleeping bag. It’s a steal for a sleeping bag of this temperature rating and weight especially when it’s often steeply discounted (25%+ off!) in REI sales.
Alternatives
Lightweight Sleeping Bags
Kelty Cosmic 20 - Men's Short (2 lbs 3 oz, $150, 31F) - Hands-down the lightest down sleeping bag I’ve seen for this price and warmth. I recommend saving the 1 lb and $40 and going with the men’s version over the women’s version if you’re sleeping at above freezing temperatures.
REI Magma 15 (2 lbs 1.9 oz, $429, 21F) - the warmer version of the Magma 30
Ultralight Sleeping Bags
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Sleeping Quilt (1 lb 4.7 oz, $355, 30F) - Enlightened Equipment is known for its down quilts. The website offers many customization options and the weight of each customization.
Feathered Friends Egret UL 30 Small (1 lb 7.5 oz, $529, 30F) - Feathered Friends is known for its premium down sleeping bags. It should be warmer than the REI Magma since it has more down fill (higher fill weight), but it’s in a completely different price range.
The REI Magma 30 with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X Lite sleeping pad.
Sleeping Pad
Ultralight: < 1 lb | Lightweight: 1-2 lbs | Traditional: > 2 lbs
While your sleeping bag insulates you from the outside air, your sleeping pad insulates you from the ground. I would recommend going with the lightest sleeping pad that is comfortable enough for you.
Foam vs inflatable. These are the 2 broad categories of sleeping pads. Inflatable sleeping pads can be more comfortable and insulating, but are expensive. Foam pads are cheap, indestructible, and require no setup, but some people find them too thin to be comfortable. Their bulkiness is also inconvenient if your backpacking trip involves a flight.
Foam pads are strapped to the outside of the pack. They make a great sit/nap pad during the day.
What I use
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X Lite Regular Short (11.5 oz, $200, R-value 4.5)
This inflatable pad is my choice for most trips. The Therm-a-Rest X Lite has an unbeatable warmth to weight ratio. Plus, there’s a wide size for only 1 lb if the regular is too narrow for you! I use the Nylofume pack liner trick to inflate my sleeping pad and leave the included pump sack at home.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad (14 oz, $58, R-value 2)
I also own this foam pad. It’s not as cushioned as an inflatable pad, but I sometimes bring a foam pad over an inflatable pad because it’s great for lounging around on at camp or during lunch breaks. For colder weather trips, I bring both sleeping pads for extra warmth and stack the foam one on top.
Alternatives
Lightweight Sleeping Pads
Insulated Klymit Static V (1 lb 8 oz, $90, R-value 4.4) - A budget, but heavier inflatable sleeping pad.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Short Mummy (1 lb, $189, R-value 3.2)
Big Agnes Rapide SL (1 lb 1 oz, $150, R-value 4.2) - A thick and cushy rectangular sleeping pad.
Ultralight Sleeping Pads
Nemo Switchback (14.5 oz, $55, R-value 2) - Basically the same as the Z Lite, but it folds down a bit more compact.
Nemo Tensor Insulated (13.9 oz, $190, R-value 4.2) - A popular competitor to the X Lite. Some people find the dimpled surface more comfortable than the horizontal baffles of the X Lite.
Clothing
After the Big 4, clothes are the heaviest chunk of your base weight. Many people can reduce weight here by not packing redundant clothing. Extra clothes are a luxury, not a necessity. For every hiking trip, I wear one set of hiking clothes and pack one set of sleep clothes. I do not pack more clothing for longer trips, with the exception of socks and underwear.
The layering system of base layer, mid layers (fleece and insulated jacket), and shell layer is all you need for 3-season backpacking. If you run cold, pack warmer layers rather than more layers. For example, swap out the sun hoodie for a merino wool base layer and bring a heavier-weight fleece or warmer down jacket. This is what I do when I go winter backpacking.
My list below is for 3-season backpacking in alpine and subalpine climates. Daytime temperatures are 50-70F. Night temperatures are above freezing.
Note: The suggested weights are just a guide as weight is dependent on clothing size. I usually wear a women’s size S in tops and size 2-4 in bottoms.
Base Layer
Suggested weight: < 10 oz
I wear a sun hoodie as my base layer. I am obsessed with it. I don’t have to slather sunblock over my arms and back, and the hood is also surprisingly useful. I wear my hood in the morning when I haven’t gotten around to putting on sunscreen yet, under my hat if my neck feels too hot, when my head is a little cold, and when it’s buggy.
What I use
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody (5.2 oz, $59)
The fabric is soft, it looks (reasonably) cute, and the hood is the perfect size.
Alternatives
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody (4.2 oz, $65)
REI Sahara Shade Hoodie (6.4 oz, $50)
Mid Layer
Suggested weight: < 10 oz
I wear a fleece during the day while hiking or during breaks. I find that a puffy isn’t good for this purpose as it is too warm and not breathable to be an active layer. Even when the temperature isn’t cold enough to layer the fleece and puffy at the same time, I still like the versatility of having both.
What I use
Patagonia Micro D 1/4 Zip (6.4 oz, $69)
My mid layer will always be a fleece because it’s breathable, lightweight, and durable. This Patagonia fleece is the perfect snugness to go over my base layer and under my down jacket. I also like the Microdini Half-Zip Fleece Pullover, which has a zipper chest pocket.
Alternatives
Quechua MH100 Hiking Fleece (6.7 oz, $20)
Patagonia R1 Fleece Pullover (9.7 oz, $139)
Wearing the Microdini Half-Zip Fleece Pullover and Patagonia Micro D Fleece Joggers
Insulated Layer
Suggested weight: < 1 lb
Down is the best choice for an insulated layer. It’s super warm for its weight, which is what you need in a layer that you wear wear at camp when you’re not moving. Synthetic insulated layers like the Arc’teryx Atom LT are less warm, but function decently as an active layer. I’ve seen people skip the mid layer when using a synthetic jacket.
What I use
Montbell Superior Down Parka (7.3 oz, $249)
This Montbell down jacket is not as warm as some of the alternatives, but it’s warm enough for my uses. I also prefer the diamond baffle design over the horizontal baffles found on every other down jacket (this is mostly just a silly aesthetic reason though).
Alternatives
Decathlon Forclaz MT100 (9.7 oz, $100)
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (7.8 oz, $360)
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (12.1 oz, $329)
Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody (10.2 oz, $400)
EE Torrid Jacket (8.3 oz, $274) - synthetic fill
Wearing the Montbell Superior Down Parka
Shell
Suggested weight: < 1 lb
A shell protects you from precipitation and wind. If wet, cold, or windy weather is forecasted, I bring a shell jacket. If the forecast is clear, I only bring a lightweight poncho.
The 2-layer Gore-Tex Montbell Versalite is a very popular ultralight rain jacket. Pit-zips increase breathability and prevent overheating. I personally use a 3-layer Gore-Tex shell, the Arc’teryx Beta LT, which is more durable and warm. I also use it for skiing and winter backpacking.
What I use
Arc’teryx Beta LT (12.3 oz, $450)
Alternatives
Montbell Versalite (5.8 oz, $249)
Outdoor Research Aspire II (11.3 oz, $225)
Frog Toggs poncho (9 oz, $13)
Frog Toggs UL2 (5.5 oz, $20)
Bottoms
Suggested weight: < 14 oz
Pants come with pockets and provide protection against sun, overgrown vegetation, mosquitoes, etc. A nylon and spandex blend gives a good balance of durability, stretch, and breathability. Shorts have their time and place too. I like them on warm and/or rainy trips (like on the Kalalau Trail in Kauai).
What about rain pants you might be wondering? I usually backpack in drier climates where rain is not heavy or sustained, so pants that dry quickly are sufficient. More on this below in my Things I Sometimes Bring section.
Tip: if you’re buying pants online, looking at the weight helps approximate thickness. I overheat easily so I look for pants in the 6-8 oz range (women’s, size S) for summer alpine trips.
What I use
Arc’teryx Sabria Pants (5.8 oz)
Arc’teryx Alroy Shorts 4.5”
Unfortunately, both the pants and shorts I wear are discontinued. The current season Gamma Lightweight Pants (7.9 oz, $160) are comparable and come in short, regular, and tall lengths!
Alternative Pants
Arc’teryx Gamma Pant (10.5 oz, $200)
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants (7.1 oz, $85)
OR Ferrosi Pants (8.9 oz, $99)
REI Trailmade Pants (8.1 oz, $70)
Alternative Shorts
OR Ferrosi 5” Shorts (7.4 oz, $79)
Arc’teryx Aestas Short 5.5” (3.4 oz, $80)
Patagonia Baggies (5 oz, $59)
Wearing the Arc’teryx Sabria Pants and Montbell Superior Down Parka
Sleep Clothes
Suggested weight: < 1 lb total
Changing into a spare shirt and pants at the end of the day helps keep your sleeping bag clean, and spare clothing is nice to have in case you get wet. To be honest, most of the time I sleep in the same sun hoodie that I hiked in. But I always bring sleep pants because my hiking pants get dusty and dirty.
What I use
Lululemon Align Pant (5.3 oz, $98)
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Joggers for winter (8.4 oz, $99)
Hiking Socks
Merino wool is sweat-wicking and odor-resistant, which makes it an excellent material for hiking socks. I usually hike in the same pair of socks for multiple days and change into my spare pair to sleep.
What I use
Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks (2.2 oz, $20-25)
These socks are merino wool, cushioned in all the right places, come in fun patterns, and have a lifetime warranty. The midweight socks are thicker and have more cushioning. The lightweight socks are good for warmer weather.
Hiking Gear
These items are usually worn weight since I use them while hiking. However, worn weight is still important because it’s still weight that your body carries, just not in your pack.
Shoes
I like “hiking shoes”, aka shoes that are somewhere between trail runners and hiking boots. Hiking shoes are more rigid and offer stability and protection, but can still be low cut and lightweight compared to boots.
What I use
Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Gore-Tex (1 lb 7.5 oz, $155)
These are the successor to the Salomon X Ultra 3s that I wore out 2 pairs of before they were discontinued. I like the quick-lace system on the Salomon X Ultras. It makes putting on and taking off my shoes very fast, and reduces bulk.
Wearing the Salomon X Ultra 3 Gore-Tex on top of Half Dome.
Hiking Sticks
Hiking sticks are a requirement for me. They help with balance and make my arms do some work so that hiking becomes more of a full-body activity.
What I use
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Poles (15.6 oz, $55)
These hiking sticks are lighter than more expensive poles at REI and have all the features I need. They have moisture-absorbing cork grips and an easy-to-use locking mechanism. They also come with all the tips that you will ever need, and a carrying case. I’ve checked my sticks in just the carrying case since hiking sticks aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage, and they survived just fine.
Alternatives
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles (11.6 oz, $210) Several of my friends use these. They are much more compact and even lighter than the Cascade Mountain Tech ones, but definitely a splurge.
Using hiking sticks on the Kalalau Trail in Kauai
Sunglasses
This is a requirement when hiking over snow on a sunny day, and also nice to have in general when hiking above treeline.
What I use
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses - Viale (0.8 oz, $160) but they have other styles too
I love my Ombraz sunglasses. When I take them off, they hang around my neck and I barely notice them. They are super light, comfortable, and don’t slip (even on my low nose bridge!). The sunglasses are compact and virtually indestructible (they’re also warrantied for life). I really can’t rave about them enough!
Hat
What I use
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat (3.5 oz, $99)
REI Co-Op On the Trail Cap ($33)
For a broad brim hat with a cord, the Tilley is a classic. If you’re more of a ball cap kind of a girl, I recommend the REI Co-Op On the Trail Cap because it’s so lightweight, packable, and comfortable.
Gaiters
What I use
Trail running gaiters (1.3 oz, $20)
These unisex trail running style gaiters attach to my shoe using a hook and a velcro sticker. Nothing gets in my shoes and I basically don’t notice they are there. I love the ones from UltraGam on Etsy because her prints are so cute, and the fit is great! They are very similar to Dirty Girl Gaiters which are another popular choice.
Trail running gaiters from UltraGam on Etsy
Backcountry Kitchen
A minimal backcountry kitchen only requires a stove, pot, and utensil. Some hardcore ultralighters don’t even bring a cookset and only cold-soak their food. I think hot food is always worth the weight, especially since cooking gear can be shared when backpacking in groups. Unlike other categories of gear, lightweight cookwear is inexpensive and can save you a lot of weight.
Stove
Soto Amicus Stove including pots (2.8 oz, $50) or by itself
This stove is part of the Soto Amicus cookset combo. It’s similar to the MSR Pocket Rocket. I recommend these stoves over the integrated stove/pot systems like the JetBoil MiniMo or MSR WindBurner. They might boil water much faster and perform better in wind, but that is not worth the cost and weight. If your stove does not have an igniter, bring a lighter like the 0.4 oz Bic Mini Lighter.
Alternatives
MSR Pocket Rocket (2.6 oz, $60)
Fuel Canister
MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister - 3.9 oz. / 110g (7.4 oz, $6)
The smaller 3.9 oz size canisters are plenty for most of my trips. Don’t bring an 8 oz one if you don’t need it.
Pot
Soto Amicus Pot (4.8 oz, $50) (part of a kit)
I bring the 1L pot in the Soto Amicus cookset combo. The 1L is a good size if you’re cooking food inside of it. If you’re only boiling water, you could probably get away with a pot as small as 650 mL. The ultralight community also swears by TOAKS, which offers titanium pots in many sizes.
Alternatives
TOAKS Titanium 750 mL Pot (3.6 oz, $26)
TOAKS Titanium 650 mL Pot (2.8 oz, $37)
Utensil
Sea to Summit Long Handled Spoon (0.4 oz, $12)
I thought a dedicated backpacking spoon was so unnecessary until I tried it. The long handle makes eating out of freeze-dried meal bags much easier, and the angle of the spoon is delightfully ergonomic. It’s also my cooking utensil since metal can handle high heat. If you don’t want to buy a utensil just for backpacking, lightweight spoons that you might already have at home like a wooden, bamboo, or plastic spoon also work.
Mug
Sea to Summit Cool Grip X-Tumbler (2.4 oz, $15)
I consider this a luxury item since I can just drink from my pot directly, but a mug lets me have a hot drink with my meal when I’m eating out of my pot. This silicone mug collapses flat and is not hot to touch even with boiling liquids. I also like the measurements on the inside of the mug so I can add the right amount of water to my freeze-dried backpacking meals.
Food Bag
Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack (1.6 oz, $24)
I use a rolltop bag to keep all my food together. It is waterproof, durable, lightweight, and it has a handle which makes it possible to hang it when needed. The Osprey dry sacks come in sizes from 3L to 35L. I use the 12L size for all my backpacking trips.
The Soto Amicus stove and pot
Backcountry Bathroom
Trowel
TheTentLab The Deuce #3 UL Backcountry Trowel (1 oz, $16)
A must if the trail does not have pit toilets. Please Leave No Trace and dig a 6-8 inch cathole for your poop at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. A trowel weighs next to nothing, and digging a cathole is very hard to do properly without one.
Pee Funnel
pStyle (1.6 oz, $12)
Ladies, this little plastic device is a game-changer. Peeing in the outdoors as a woman is not great if your legs are sore, there are mosquitoes, or you can’t go off-trail far enough to find privacy. With this pee funnel, you can just unzip your pants, or pull down the front of your waistband, and go. Afterwards, I rinse the funnel with a small amount of water, and then store it in a cloth drawstring that goes on the outside of my pack. I also don’t wipe when I use this because the back edge of the pStyle works as a squeegee if you know what I mean.
Toilet Paper
I bring toilet paper for going number 2. The downside of this is it’s possible to run out, and packing it out is gross (but DO NOT bury it or leave it behind, because that is even more gross). Some people go TP-less by using a backcountry bidet, but I personally have not tried this yet. For going number 1, I know many who swear by the Kula Cloth.
Toiletries
I pack toiletries in a quart-sized Ziploc freezer bag along with my most commonly used first-aid like Band-Aids and pills. Ditty bags like these Gossamer Gear ones will last longer, but a Ziploc bag can be reused many times. Hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and lip balm go in external backpack pockets for easy access.
I would also bring the smallest, travel-sized versions of toiletries you can find, or repackage them into mini containers from Litesmith.
Total: 6 oz
Toothpaste - The smallest one you can find. Or toothpaste tablets, but those are bulkier than just a small toothpaste.
Toothbrush - A toothbrush with a half-size handle is compact and lighter. Search travel-sized toothbrush!
Floss - I just bring a normal-sized floss since it’s really small and light already.
Sea to Summit Soap leaves - You must use soap 200+ feet from a water source to follow Leave No Trace principles. Soap is strictly better than hand sanitizer at removing grime. Hand sanitizer also does not protect you from norovirus, which is why norovirus outbreaks are not uncommon in the backcountry. I hold my water filter in between my legs to get a steady stream of water to rinse my hands. For women: I also use a small amount of soap to wash down there. It makes periods in the backcountry a little more bearable.
Hand sanitizer - I have a hand sanitizer keychain on my backpack (mine is from Daiso). Hand sanitizer is for convenience, but I use soap after the bathroom.
Sunscreen - I have a small sunscreen for my face, neck, and hands. The rest of my body is protected by long clothing.
Panty liners - I use one a day when I’m not on my period. Changing into a clean one at the end of the day almost feels like changing into fresh underwear.
Lip balm
Water
I usually backpack in areas with lots of water, so I have a carrying capacity of 2L of water: a 1L Smartwater bottle, and my 1L BeFree water filter.
Water Filter
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter (2.3 oz, $45)
This water filter is incredibly simple to use. Just fill the flexible flask with water and squeeze. Because the filter nests inside the flask and the flask itself is flexible, it is very compact compared to other filters where the filter screws on to the outside of the water reservoir (Sawyer) or gravity filters where there’s multiple parts (Platypus GravityWorks).
Water Bottle
1L Smartwater bottle (or any similarly-shaped bottle) (1.5 oz, $1-3)
Smartwater bottles have a cult following among ultralight backpackers. Their tall and slim shape makes them easy to fit in my backpack side pocket and easy to grab with one hand while wearing my backpack. They’re also extremely durable and very much reusable.
The only time I will carry a Nalgene, which weighs 6.5 oz, is if I’m winter backpacking and want the option of putting a boiling-water-filled Nalgene in my sleeping bag to keep me warm at night.
Electronics
Phone
Who doesn’t bring a phone backpacking these days? I use an iPhone Mini 13 (4.8 oz) for photos and navigation.
Power Bank
Anker PowerCore 10000mAh Portable Charger (6.2 oz, $26)
I don’t bring a power bank on overnight trips, but for anything longer I like to have one. It charges my phone, Garmin watch, camera, and headlamp. A 10000 mAh power bank tops up my phone for multiple days. Don’t bring a larger power bank than you need!
Alternatives
Nitecore NB1000 (5.3 oz, $60)
Headlamp
Nitecore NU25 400 UL (1.6 oz, $37)
This headlamp used to only be sold with a bulky headband, so ultralight backpackers DIYed a shock cord headband replacement (pictured below). Nitecore eventually started offering a shock cord version on their website. The shock cord headband makes this headlamp so compact and easy to fit into any pocket. The light is USB rechargeable, has 3 brightness settings and a red light, lasts plenty long, and is so small and light. I have no alternatives to suggest because it has no competition.
Miscellaneous
Pack Liner
Nylofume Pack Liner (0.9 oz, $2.50)
A pack liner is just a giant waterproof bag that goes inside your pack. Putting important things like your sleeping bag and extra clothes inside a pack liner is extra insurance that nothing gets wet. Even with waterproof fabrics or a rain cover, water can still seep in through the stitching of a pack. Using a pack liner is cheaper and lighter than using multiple individual dry sacks. My pack liner also doubles as a pump sack for my inflatable sleeping pad (I talk more about this in the Things I Don’t Bring section).
First Aid Kit
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit (2.6 oz, $22.45)
I use a premade first aid kit and removed/replaced things to make it more useful to me. I’m no expert in this area, but at a minimum I like to have: assorted bandages, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and Leukotape for blister prevention.
Head Net
Coghlan's No See Um Headnet (0.6 oz, $8)
A head net weighs close to nothing and is priceless on trips that are buggy. No more worrying about accidentally breathing in bugs or getting bites on your face. I also use mine to secure my pillow to my sleeping pad, so it’s dual purpose!
Glasses and Glasses Case
Zippered glasses case (1.6 oz, $10) or polypropylene case ($6)
I actually got LASIK (expensive ultralight tip), but when I used to wear contacts, I would always bring glasses for the evening and mornings. Certain glasses cases can be quite heavy. I prefer zippered glasses cases, which are usually pretty light, or this polypropylene case from Muji.
Things I Sometimes Bring
Bear Can
BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister (2 lbs 1.6 oz, $84)
Bear cans are required in many wilderness areas. Examples in California include: Yosemite National Park, Desolation Wilderness, and Kings Canyon National Park. Bear cans keep your food safe from wildlife, and keep wildlife safe.
The BV450 fits my food for up to 4-5 day trips, and it can be shared between 2 on shorter trips. BearVault also makes other sizes: the largest BV500, the in-between size BV475, and the smallest BV425.
The BV450 (left) next to a BV500 (right).
Satellite Communicator
Garmin Inreach Mini 2 (3.5 oz, $400)
For many people, satellite communicator is basically synonymous to a Garmin Inreach Mini 2. It’s expensive and requires an (also expensive) monthly subscription, but you can’t put a price on being able to call for help in an emergency. I only “sometimes bring” this because I don’t feel it’s as necessary when I’m on well-trafficked trails and backpack in groups. I would absolutely bring it on a solo trip or in more remote places where help is farther away.
Camp Shoes
Classic Crocs (12 oz, $38) or Teva Hurricane Drift (10 oz, $45)
On a typical backpacking trip, I spend most of the day hiking rather than chilling at camp, so I don’t find myself missing camp shoes. I bring camp shoes as: camp shoes when I expect my hiking shoes to get wet, stream crossing shoes, and as hut shoes on hut-to-hut trips. If your use case for camp shoes is to let your feet air out at camp, consider bringing something less rugged but lighter like flip flops or Xero sandals.
Rain Pants
I usually backpack in dry climates where rain is not heavy or sustained. It’s not an issue if my hiking pants get wet since they dry quickly once the rain stops. For cold, wet, and windy weather, I would recommend rain pants. Rain skirts are a good option too since they are easier to put on, ventilate better, and still provide ample rain (but not wind) protection by covering your upper legs.
What I recommend
REI Trailmade Rain Pants (7.1 oz, $70)
Montbell Versalite Pants (2.9 oz, $169)
Montbell Rain Wrap (2.5 oz, $49)
Pear Lake, Sequoia National Park, California
Things I Don't Bring (Or What to Bring Instead)
This section is last but certainly not least. Even though some of these items seem so minuscule in weight, the weight adds up!
I know what works for me will not work for everyone. Some of these may be luxury items that will never be worth giving up for you, but at least give it a try at some point. Maybe you’ll realize there are things that you can get by without.
Stuff sacks/packing cubes/cases - I don’t bring these not just to save weight, but because packing is easier when there’s fewer things to keep track of. Common examples:
Sleeping bag sack (0.8 oz): I put my pack liner into my pack first, then my sleeping bag goes at the bottom. Without a stuff sack, my sleeping bag can conform to whatever shape I need it to be, and only gets compressed as much as it needs to be.
Sleeping pad sack (0.6 oz): I roughly fold my deflated sleeping pad up and pack it flat against my pack. It’s easier than having to get all the air out of it in order to fit it neatly into a stuff sack!
Packing cube for clothes (1-3 oz): I put extra clothes in my sleeping bag. Packing cubes are unnecessary when everything gets dumped out of my pack at once when I’m setting up camp.
Dishes (2-4 oz) - If you are eating freeze-dried meals, you really don’t need dishes at all. If I’m cooking, I eat directly out of my pot. If you need a dish because you’re sharing food, then consider these ultralight, collapsible dishes like these Fozzils Snapfold ones.
Water bladder (5-8 oz) - Bladders are expensive, heavy, and inconvenient. They make it hard to keep track of how much water you have left, are difficult to refill on trail, are a hassle to use at camp; the list of negatives goes on. If you prefer drinking from a straw, consider using this bottle straw adapter for the best of both worlds.
Reusable water bottles/Nalgenes (3-6 oz each) - Reusable water bottles are great for everyday use, but I don’t bring them backpacking. Smartwater bottles are the crowd favorite and are durable enough to reuse for multiple trips. Or consider a soft water bottle like this Platypus one.
Extra water (2.2 lbs per liter) - Water is easily the heaviest thing in your pack. You can safely carry less water by being knowledgable about the water sources on your route. I carry just 0.5L - 1L of water at a time when water is plentiful.
Sleeping pad pump sack (2 oz) - Instead of bringing the included pump sack for my XLite, I use my pack liner. This is what I’m doing in the photo below, but the YouTube video will explain it better.
Using my pack liner instead of a sleeping pad pump sack to blow up my sleeping pad.
Sleeping bag liner (4-10 oz) - If you’re using a sleeping liner to keep your sleeping bag clean and not because you need the extra warmth, just bring sleep clothes instead. Sleep clothes at least serves double-duty as spare clothes.
Pillow (2-10 oz) - I use my down jacket instead of bringing a separate pillow. (If you hike with a buff, stuffing your down jacket into the buff works well as an alternative to folding the jacket). Down compresses nicely, and I actually prefer it to the inflatable backpacking pillow I tried. You can also add more clothes underneath the down jacket for extra height. If you can’t get good sleep without a pillow, then this is absolutely not a place you should cut weight!
My down jacket pillow! I use the bug head net that I already bring to help keep the pillow in place.
Pack cover (4-6 oz) - Pack covers are expensive, heavy, fly off in windy conditions, and still allow water to get in through the seams of your pack. Instead, pack liners are a foolproof way of keeping your gear dry. Some packs can get quite heavy when wet, so you may still want to use a pack cover for that reason.
Extra clothes - It is very easy to overpack when it comes to clothing, but I encourage you to try to keep it minimal. Besides your hiking outfit, insulating layers, and shell layer, I would at most bring 1 extra set of clothes to sleep in.