Ultralight Backpacking Sample Gear List

When practicing the art of ultralight backpacking, every ounce counts. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a list of every single item you’ll be carrying, along with the weight of each item. That way you can easily tell what’s weighing you down.

Here is a sample packing list from a backpacker who participated in an ultralight trek last summer based out of the Montana Council’s Montana High Adventure Base.

• Down Balaclava, 2.05 oz
• Sunglasses, 0.82 oz
• Sun Hat, 1.97 oz
• Mosquito Head Net, 0.33 oz
• Base Layer Clothing, 5 oz
• Down Jacket, 7.67 oz
• Rain Jacket, 7.69 oz
• Wool Shirt, 5.06 oz
• Down Gloves, 1.45 oz
• Hiking Pants, 10 oz
• Rain Pants, 3.57 oz
• Down Pants, 10.64 oz
• Boxer Briefs, 4.21 oz
• Trail Shoes, 7.8 oz
• Wool Socks, 2.51 oz
• Gaiters,  1.89 oz
• Down Quilt, 17.8 oz
• Sleeping Pad, 8.7 oz
• Bivy Sack, 5.10 oz
• Pillow, 0.93 oz
• Backpack, 1 pound, 13 oz
• Pack Liner, 1.32 oz
• Stuff Sacks, 0.67 oz
• LED Flashlight, .28 oz
• Sunscreen, 0.32 oz
• Lip Protection, 0.34 oz
• Compass, 0.95 oz
• Whistle, 0.29 oz
• Notebook, 2.08 oz
• Bandana, 1.09 oz
• Mug, 1.75 oz
• Spoon, 0.27 oz
• Water Bottle, 1.3 oz
• Trekking Poles, 8.39 oz
• Bug Spray, 0.30 oz
• Pocketknife, 1.49 oz

For more information about ultralight backpacking, see the “Faster, Farther, Stronger and Lighter” article in the April 2011 issue of Boys’ Life magazine.