GEAR LISTS
Great Backpacking Gear
I have put these gear lists in order of how current and applicable they are most readers. Thus, most readers will not need to read further than the first table of gear lists. As you go further down the page you will get into more specialized gear lists, e.g. a canyoneering gear list, or historical gear lists, e.g. a group of gear lists that chronicle Colin’s and my 8 year journey to a 40 pound pack weight reduction; from a 55 pound packs in 1999 to a 15 pound packs in 2007. Enjoy!
These Two Great Lightweight Backpacking Gear Lists, 5 Pound or 9 Pound, will save you a lot of pack-weight but still keep a smile on your face. You will most likely be warmer, more comfortable, and sleep better than most campers carrying 2 to 3 times the weight in conventional/heavier backpacking gear.
These two great lightweight backpacking gear lists are suitable for most backpackers on most 3-season trips (spring, summer, and fall) in the lower 48 states of the US as well as most trekking (backpacking) trips world-wide. They will do you proud for:
5 pound Practical Light Backpacking Gear List | 9 Pound – Full Comfort – Lightweight Gear List | |
---|---|---|
3 day wt | 11 to 13 lb* total pack weight for 3 days (*total wt includes gear, food, fuel & water) | 15 to 20+ lb* total pack weight for 3 days (*total wt includes gear, food, stove fuel & water) |
Purpose | To travel as light as possible but be warm, dry & safe. Focused on efficiency. Whatever you like to do: enjoying great views, photography, swimming, fishing, getting extra camp time, or hiking long miles, this will give you more time to do it. Capable of 100+ miles w/o resupply | Travel light while retaining all the convenience and comfort of “traditional” backpacking gear. e.g. a freestanding tent vs. a tarp and a canister vs. alcohol stove. Gear is familiar and easy to use. Good for trekking almost anywhere worldwide. |
Gear Sources | Uses some exciting, lighter & innovative gear from cottage manufacturers like Hyperlite Mountain Gear, ULA Packs, Mountain Laurel Designs, and Hammock Gear: (may need to wait a few weeks for some gear) | Uses more conventional gear (sometimes heavier) from mainstream commercial vendors like REI. Gear usually available off-the-shelf. |
Pack | Under 1 pound: Frameless, with a good hip-belt & durable fabric. (Options for a frame pack for longer trips w/heavier loads.) | 2 pounds or under: Solid internal frame. Larger volume. Can carry a bear canister. From REI: Osprey Exos 48 Pack |
Shelter | Around ½ lb/person: usually a tarp or a shared pyramid shelter | Around 1 to 2 lb/person: freestanding tent (an ultralight one), or a TarpTent |
Other | Less “other stuff.” Minimal light | A few more comfort & convenience items |
Lbs | Title | Sea* | Description/Applicability |
---|---|---|---|
8 | Appalachian Trail Lightweight (uses a hammock) | 3+ | This list is fine tuned to the climate and terrain of the Appalachian trail. As such, it is a bit lighter than the regionally generic 9 Pound – Full Comfort – Lightweight Backpacking Gear List. |
*Sea = Seasons that the gear list is applicable to. 2+ seasons is Summer and the warmer portions of Spring and Fall. 3 Seasons is Spring, Summer and Fall. 3+ Seasons is Spring, Summer and Fall and potentially adds the warmer shoulders of Winter.
Lbs | Title | Sea* | Description/Applicability |
---|---|---|---|
4.7 | Super Ultralight Sierras | 2+ | An aggressively light list, but still safe and practical. It capitalizes on the relatively dry climate of the summer Sierras. E.g. it uses a tarp for shelter. [older list. not all gear is current.] |
4.2 | Super UL Olympic Mountains | 3 | Worked well in spring snow conditions and moderate glacier travel; climbing a significant portion of Mount Olympus. Did well with moderate to high bug pressure. [older list. not all gear is current.] |
2.4 | Extreme UL Appalachian Trail | 2+ | A fringe list. For most, if not all readers it’s probably here only for theoretical/entertainment purposes. Nonetheless, it shows just how little gear you can actually get by with. It does work! [older list. not all gear is current.] |
6.6 | List for sustained cold rain PDF | 3 | For sustained cold rain, 3 or more days. Climates like the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, etc. |
Lbs | Title | Sea* | Description/Applicability |
---|---|---|---|
Serious Lightweight Cameras | 3 | Current: The very best of lightweight backpacking cameras and photography gear. | |
May 2009 Lightweight Backpacking Photography Gear List | 3+ | Older list: Save 4.8 lb and $3,650. A Lightweight Backpacking Photography Gear List for serious photography. And a detailed discussion of how to reduce the weight of camera gear. | |
Pack lb | Title | Description/Applicability |
---|---|---|
55 | 1999 Killer Heavyweight Pack | A poster child for what not to take backpacking. Never again! |
25 | 2001 Lightweight Pack | Huge improvement in happiness and mobility! Look at Detailed Table of Weight Savings from 1999 to 2001 |
15 | 2007 Super Ultralight Sierras | Joy! Warm, comfortable, and supremely mobile. PDF Gear List |
40 | Lb saved | Approximately 1/4 of the weight of the Original 55 pack! |
At under 5 pounds for my current base pack weight (technically Super Ultralight – SUL) I’m on the lower end of ultralight backpacking. My equipment list is intended work for me in the conditions as described at the end of this page. It should not be relied upon in extreme environmental conditions, especially by those unfamiliar with ultralight backpacking techniques.
You should not attempt to emulate mine, or any other ultralight equipment list, unless you are an experienced backpacker and have a good idea of what you’re doing. Not having the right equipment, and/or unfamiliarity with ultralight backpacking techniques, could result in serious problems, injury, or even death. Work up to lighter equipment a bit at a time with judicious testing on short outings. Take plenty of backup equipment until you have confidence that your ultralight equipment will keep you warm and safe. This takes time. Don’t rush it.
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