Fastpacking Gear List Super Ultralight 2025
Last Updated: November 7, 2025
By Alan Dixon
By Jaeger Shaw
Adventure Alan’s Super Ultralight Fastpacking Gear List
For challenging, high-mileage adventures, we recommend the following six pound super ultralight fastpacking gear list. This kit is grounded in decades of super ultralight experience, and has been optimized for practicality, functionality, and minimalism. You’ll hike faster and farther with a purpose-driven 6 lb super ultralight kit, and without sacrificing warmth, comfort, or functionality.
The total base weight of this fastpacking gear list is just over six pounds. This was formerly a 5 pound fastpacking gear list, but the addition of one extra pound massively increased comfort and functionality. We prioritize user-friendly, three-season-compatible gear. This is not a hypothetical exercise in carrying the least amount of weight possible. This is what we actually want to use, and we feel safe and comfortable in doing so. Jump ahead ahead to view the list in table format.
Super Ultralight Benefits for Fastpacking
The benefits of super ultralight fastpacking are many. With less weight to carry, you will hike faster and more efficiently. It mimics being in phenomenally good endurance shape. Your backpack itself will feel less cluttered, easier to pack, and more comfortable on your shoulders. Super ultralight fastpacking allows you to experience more joy and less discomfort.
Shop for more backpacks in our guide to the best fastpacking packs. Want to save weight without cutting all of the luxuries? Check out our 9lb full comfort ultralight gear list.
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Zpacks Nero Ultra 38 Backpack
Zpacks Nero Ultra 38L Backpack
10.2 | $249
Zpacks Nero Ultra 38 is the perfect vessel for carrying a super ultralight kit. Constructed with waterproof and tough-as-nails Challenge Ultra fabric, the base pack is frameless, hipbelt-less, and weighs only 10.2 oz when fully stripped down. Yet it is still very comfortable and well-featured with 2.75″ wide shoulder straps, a foam sit pad back panel, and a full-sized set of side and rear external pockets. This fastpacking pack has proven very effective for us in managing base weights under ten pounds.
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 30
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 30
15.4 oz | $400
Quilts are the most effective way to sleep in the backcountry, and the Enlightened Equipment Enigma 30 with 950 fill power down and 7d nylon is the single best tool for minimizing total weight while maximizing warmth-to-weight. It is our pick for best quilt to use in a super ultralight fastpacking kit. The innovative U-shaped continuous baffle help prevent cold spots. A-grade materials, and a flawless minimalist design make this a near perfect quilt.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
13 oz | $210
Building on a legacy of excellence, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT delivers a higher R-Value (4.5 vs 4.2), an extra half inch of thickness (3″ vs 2.5″), and a quieter and less crinkly user-experience than its previous iteration. It’s warm enough for quilt users in shoulder season, without weighing down your pack. It’s overall quite comfortable, but side sleepers may find it does not adequately disperse body weight pressure. Read more in our full-length Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review.
Zpacks Plex Solo Lite
11.8 oz | $599
The Zpacks Plex Solo Lite is the lightest fully enclosed tent in the world! At its core, this is a single apex trekking pole shelter made with DCF. It is the exact same chassis as the original Plex Solo, but saves 2.1 oz ounces by utilizing a thinner floor material (DCF .75, down from DCF 1.0), and narrower guy line cordage (1.3mm, down from 2.0mm). The downsides to this type of type are its sloping sidewalls, but the total area and vestibule are great.
Teragon Pioneer 2
.25 oz | $25 (per stake)
The Teragon Gear Pioneer Stake, made of 3D printed titanium, is the best-in-class option for an eye-popping price. This Norwegian design represent overdue innovation in a category that has, until recently, been stagnant. At .25 oz for a 7″ stake, they have the best strength-to-weight, and holding power-to-weight ratio. The 3D-printing process allows for a narrow neck with a structurally reinforced head connection. This is the best of both worlds, because it hold guy lines perfectly without bending or snapping.
La Sportiva Lumina 100
5.9 oz | $299
If you’re shopping for super ultralight down jackets, we recommend the new-for-2025 La Sportiva Lumina 100. It’s remarkably affordable as 1000 fill power puffies go, and not stingy with the plumes either. Compared to its peers from Montbell and Black Diamond in the sub-6-oz weight class, Lumina 100 costs less and has nearly 50% more down fill. That said, it still isn’t warm enough for use at or below freezing. The biggest drawback is that there’s no hood, but at least you get hand pockets!
Alpha Direct Hoodie
~5.0 oz | ~$100
A hoodie made with Polartec AD fleece is lighter weight, has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio, higher breathable, less water absorption, and a faster dry time than any competing alternative. However, it is also far less durable than average and has zero wind resistance. But they’re basically perfect for fastpacking and super ultralight backpacking. Use it respectfully and pair with a UL windbreaker or breathable rain shell for maximum modularity, versatility, and surprising warmth. Read more in our guide to the Best Alpha Direct Hoodies.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket
5.6 oz | $249
The Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket is the best and most breathable super ultralight hard shell, and it blows mainstream outdoor brands out of the water in terms of pure performance. The Vertice membrane comes with a whopping 56k breathability rating (Gore-Tex varietals score 15-20k). And despite that, it maintains a waterproof rating of 20k – only a bit lower than most Gore-Tex. The Vertice even has pit-zips, a remarkable feature-add, considering it weighs so little! Perfect for ultralight backpacking and fastpacking!
Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants
2.8 oz | $149
Fully waterproof, preposterously breathable, and only three ounces, the Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants are top tier rain pants for minimizing weight. Vertice has a breathability rating of 56k, that’s more than than triple Gore-Tex, perfect for high intensity movement. True, this isn’t the most durable pair of rain pants, but we find them to be sufficient for on-trail use and are the current best option for a super ultralight fastpacking gear list
Paka Trail 3/4 Crew Socks
1.7 | $24
For the ultimate blend of comfort and functionality, pull on a pair of Paka Trail 3/4 Crew socks, our editor’s choice award winning model for hiking socks. They have all of the right features, and are made with a dreamy blend of alpaca wool, Tencel, recycled nylon, and spandex that keep your feet comfortable, thermo-regulated, dry, blister-free, and less smelly, all day long. We’re even prepared to say that alpaca wool is superior to merino. A quarter height version is also available.
SkyGoat Camp Mitts
1.0 oz | $18
For ultralight and warm handwear, we recommend SkyGoat Fleece Camp Mittens, just one ounce per pair. The grid fleece is dreamy soft and highly breathable. These use a stow away system to secure the flip mitt; simply stuff the top of the flip mitt into the gap directly over back-of-hand. Lack of thumb convertibility is a dexterity bummer, but simplifying the system does keep cost and weight down.
Zpacks Octa Fleece Beanie
.6 oz | $30
Two major factors differentiate the Zpacks Octa Fleece Hat from a crowded field of warm beanies. Firstly, it’s made with brushed Octa, one of two best-in-class ultralight fleeces (see also Polartec Alpha Direct). Octa is soft, hyper breathable, ultralight, and high warmth-to-weight ratio thanks to the hollow core yarns and brushed interior surface that trap dead air to hold heat. Secondly, this is a really thoughtfully designed beanie! Zpacks gave us a double layer fleece around the circumference of the crown to keep your ears warm, and a single layer on the upper half to encourage breathability. Furthermore, it is asymmetrical, with elongation over the middle and back half to ensure the entirety of your ears are always protected. Going forward, this will be our default warm hat!
Soto Windmaster TriFlex
2.3 oz | $70
Soto Windmaster is one of the two best stove burners on the market (see also MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe), and its TriFlex stand configuration is the lightest weight version. The combination of its pressure regulation, cupped head, and high BTU output makes it highly resistant to cold and wind when other stoves fail. Normally, Windmaster is sold with the Four-Flex stand, but TriFlex is lighter and nests perfectly into the heat exchanger notched base of our preferred pot, the Fire Maple Petrel. Notably, most retailers don’t sell the TriFlex stand, but Zpacks does.
Firemaple Petrel Pot
5.7 oz | $26
The new Firemaple Petrel Pot is exciting because it is one of, if not the first standalone heat exchanger pots with built-in stove arm notches. The HX improves stove boil time and fuel economy by trapping heat and blocking wind. It features a superb Tritan plastic lid, with a flip up lid-locking handle. Petrel actually holds 800ml, but 600ml to the conservative fill line. It is one of the very best pots on the market for solo use, and likely the single most compact, held back only by its slightly-too-narrow-to-be-optimal diameter.
TOAKS Light Titanium Mug 450
1.7 oz | $23
The TOAKS Light Titanium Mug 450 is, as-promised, the lightest titanium mug we’ve ever seen, about 50% lighter than its peer group average. This is achieved with .3mm thick walls. It fits 15.2 ounces, and even has ounce and millimeter marks.
Sea to Summit Frontier Spoon
.4 oz | $13
At just 0.4 ounces, the Sea to Summit Frontier is the lightest long handle spoon we’ve tested, and replaces the beloved Alpha Light Spoon in S2S’s lineup. Long enough to easily reach into freeze dried meal bags, but not quite as strong as titanium.
HydraPak UltraFlask + Filter Cap
2.3 oz | $50
HydraPak’s signature soft bottle, the UltraFlask, is already a mainstay in the running world due to its premier bite valve and vest-pocket-accommodating cylindrical shape. And the new-for-2025 HydraPak UltraFlask + Filter Cap is the best soft flask squeeze filter for running-based fastpacking. It is seemingly identical in filtration tech to Katadyn’s hollow fiber BeFree, and is the most efficient squeeze unit on the market for drinking out of directly. See more in our dedicated HydraPak UltraFlask + Filter Cap Review.
Zpacks Water Bottle Sleeve
0.6 oz | $30
The Zpacks Water Bottle Sleeve stands out for being the lightest weight model in our round-up. This is thanks in part to its loop-and-toggle strap attachment mechanism, an unusual outlier in a world dominated by nylon webbing-plus-snap-clips. Nonetheless, you also get dual horizontal elastic bands for sway reduction, and an enlarged opening perimeter for easy in/out. A third loop can be pulled over the neck of your bottle to lock it in place. Fits Katadyn BeFree and Smartwater up to 1L.
Pair of 1L Smartwater Bottles
Pair of 1L Smartwater Bottles
1.2 oz | $2 per bottle
Ditch those heavy Nalgenes for a significantly lighter water storage unit. We prefer to use 1L Smartwater bottles. Incredibly durable for a “single use product,” this thru hiker favorite fits the Sawyer filter and can last an entire season of backpacking or longer. Also works for storing on a shoulder holster, and slides in and out of side pockets better than wide bottles.
Gerber LST Ultralight Knife
0.6 oz | $26
With an impeccably sharp 2” blade and weighing a scant .6 oz, the Gerber LST Knife is great for basic backcountry food prep and general-purpose cutting; a perfect piece of super ultralight fastpacking gear.
Zpacks Ultralight Travel Toothbrush
.6 oz | $5
Literally any sub-one-ounce toothbrush will get the job done and the Zpacks Ultralight Travel Toothbrush is fine. We recommend avoiding models with half handles.
Nitecore NU25 UL 400 Headlamp
1.6 oz | $37
If you don’t have a rechargeable headlamp yet, now is the time to upgrade. The Nitecore NU25 UL 400 Headlamp is our go-to for super ultralight fastpacking endeavors. But it works just as well as for short backpacks and as an emergency light for a day hiking kit. NU25 has a good battery, basic controls including locking, red or white light, different levels of brightness, and can generate up to 400 lumens of light. The two thin straps are marginally less comfortable than a wider one.
iPhone 16 Pro
7.0 oz | $999+
We have nearly two decades of experience with Apple iPhones and find the battery life, app reliability, user-friendliness, durability, and cameras to be top notch. For hikers, the titanium casing and emergency satellite network SoS feature are great bonuses, and fastpackers will appreciate the weight savings of not having to carry a dedicated SatComm device. The iPhone 16 Pro series is worth investing in over the base model because it offers a 5x optical telephoto zoom, upgraded from 2x. This is important for capturing wild life, faraway hikers, and plenty of other scenes you’re likely to encounter in the backcountry.
Nitecore NB Air 5000
3.1 oz | $40
The Nitecore NB Air 5000 is the lightest weight 5k mAh unit on the market, and the best way to carry one full phone recharge into the backcountry. In the 5k mAh category, it immediately invalidates all competing options from the likes of BioLite and InfinityLab, both of which are significantly heavier, more expensive, and lack power indicators and IPX ratings.
Gaia GPS App
Gaia GPS App
0 oz | $60
Available on iPhone or Android, Gaia GPS offers a Google Maps-like experience, but pinpoints you on topographic maps with trails and routing. No cell service or internet is required, so long as you download the maps in advance. It’s much lighter, more affordable, and user-friendly than dedicated GPS units. Gaia GPS is our primary backcountry navigation tool, backed up by paper maps. Considering that phone apps are weightless, we think this is some pretty great ultralight backpacking gear.
Suunto M-3D Compass
Suunto M-3 D Leader Compass
1.6 oz | $65
The Suunto M-3D is a simple and durable lightweight compass with all of the essential features, including declination adjustment. Should always carry along with paper maps as a backup to GPS.
Paper Topo Map
Paper Topo Map
.5 oz | Variable
A paper topo map is still important! We prefer printed topographic quadrangles at 1:24.000. Store in a Ziploc bag. High quality prints can be purchased on waterproof paper. You can also use online mapping software like Gaia GPS or CalTopo to print your maps freely. Nat Geo maps are nice, but heavy.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
1.7 oz | $59
We love the 9L Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow for dry gear storage and improving quality of sleep. A great 2-for-1 and an ideal piece of ultralight backpacking gear. Constructed with waterproof durable Dyneema, zipper access, and a reversible fleece interior lining for pillow-mode. It gives a lot of utility for 1.7 ounces.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sack
0.7 oz | $49
For storing frequently accessed items like sunscreen, bug head net, or extra socks, we recommend the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sacks in the 9L size, DCF11. They also make great food bags. These bags are constructed with waterproof, durable, ultralight Dyneema fabric and will outlast multiple generations of cheaper sil-nylon bags.
Zpacks Large Rectangular Dry Bag 14L
1.1 oz | $45
Compared to HMG, Zpacks Dry Bags are bit less expensive, a bit lighter weight (due to slightly smaller buckling hardware), come in a wider array of sizes in the small-to-medium capacity, but max out at 14L.
Minimalist First Aid & Repair Kit
2.5 oz | $ Variable
For super ultralight fastpacking, we carry a minimalist first aid plus repair combo kit. First Aid: Leukotape, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, assorted bandages, Petpto Bismol, Immodium, caffeine, Benadryl, Neosporin, gauzes, latex gloves. Repair: duct tape, tenacious tape, Therm-a-Rest patch kit, alcohol wipes, safety pin, needle, zip tie, krazy glue
HOKA Challenger 8
20.2 oz | $155
New-for-2025 HOKA Challenger 8s are the cushiest trail runners we’ve ever hiked in; perfect for shrugging off foot pain on high mileage days. Now with a 42mm stack height, widened forefoot, and more aggressive chevron lugs, version eight is the comfiest Challenger yet. Note, for technical terrain, mud, scree, excessively steep slopes, or off trail travel, we still recommend the maximum traction choice of HOKA Speedgoats. Read more in our comprehensive HOKA Challenger 8 review.
Paka Trail 3/4 Crew Socks
1.7 | $24
For the ultimate blend of comfort and functionality, pull on a pair of Paka Trail 3/4 Crew socks, our editor’s choice award winning model for hiking socks. They have all of the right features, and are made with a dreamy blend of alpaca wool, Tencel, recycled nylon, and spandex that keep your feet comfortable, thermo-regulated, dry, blister-free, and less smelly, all day long. We’re even prepared to say that alpaca wool is superior to merino. A quarter height version is also available.
Gossamer Gear LT5
9.9 oz | $195
The Gossamer Gear LT5s are an exceptional pair of carbon trekking poles. Compared to nearly all others, they are lighter, stronger, and have less reverberation. We love the comfy foam handles. The biggest drawback to this design is that it employs twist lock adjustability, instead of the more reliable flip locking.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
5.2 oz | $75
For a majority of three season hiking, we recommend the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie. This sun hoody is incredibly light, stretchy, comfortable, breathable, airy, quick drying, moisture wicking, and rated to UPF 15-20 (depending on color). This shirt does it all, and is perfect compliment to an ultralight backpacking gear kit. Pack a sun hoody and you’ll find that you will save weight carrying less sunscreen and also get less sun burns. We’ve worn this shirt around the world and are always impressed. What’s more, it’s built with eco-friendly recycled polyester!
Chicken Tramper Switchpack 1L
2.5 oz | $55
Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG) makes many of our favorite ultralight accessories, and their fanny packs are no exception. Available in two sizes and a myriad of fun color combos, the 1.0L and 2.5L models are highly water resistant, durable, minimalist, and lightweight. The interior compartment has an open-top lycra pouch along the inside face, and we love the user of spacer mesh for a bit of padding and breathability on the exterior back. Unlike most others, the CTUG fanny packs have waist belt adjusters on both sides.
Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts
4.0 oz | $79 M’s | $69 W’s
We love the wearing the Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts because they offer the best blend of stretch, comfort, breathability, and zippered pocket security. This is a great all-purpose pair of shorts that’s particularly good for hiking, but also great for trail running and athleisure. Pro tip – cut the liners out and use your preferred underwear. Read our full-length Patagonia Multi-Trails Shorts Review.
Men’s Kuhl Renegade Pants
15 oz | $99
There’s so much to like about the Men’s KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants. But most importantly, tons of discreet cargo pocket storage, immaculate durability for bushwhacking and scrambling, UPF 50, roomy fit, quick-dry fabric, and a dash of stretch for comfort. Our only knock is that they’re a bit heavier than average, but it’s not a huge deal since you wear them rather than carry them.
Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants
14 oz | $99
The Women’s KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Pants offer spandex-free stretch, which doesn’t sag or bag. But more importantly, they have much sought-after dual cargo pockets on the thighs for handy storage of knickknacks like lip balm or a small tube of sunscreen. As the namesake implies, they have mid-calf snaps for converting into a capri. A functional and flattering design from KUHL. There’s no question as to why these pants get rave reviews.
Path Projects Saguaro
2.4 oz | $38
The Path Proejcts Saguaro is our preferred cap thanks to the hyper ventilated mesh side panels, UV protective top, and extra wide brim. If you’re still hiking in a trucker cup, this represents a sizable performance upgrade.
Boderry Voyager Watch
2.6 oz | $97
Boderry Voyager offers the most bang-for-your buck of any field watch, and nothing else even comes close. This watch combines extremely accurate SEIKO automatic movement with a rugged, Bertucci-inspired titanium case with four o’clock crown, and has nearly all of the most desirable features and performance traits with very few drawbacks. Most major brands would sell a watch of this quality for $300-400, but Boderry, a relatively new Chinese company, offers it for just under $100 on Amazon.
Glacier Gloves Ascension Bay Sun Gloves
1.7 oz | $22
The Glacier Gloves Ascension Bay are our editor’s choice best sun gloves for hiking as they’re the most durable, longest lasting, and least expensive pair in the round-up. The entire Adventure Alan & Co team prefers this model, and we recommend it very highly. It comes in a basic light gray colorway, as well as a cool water camo print with thru-hiker fashion appeal and fisherman functionality.
Tifosi Rail Photochromic
1.0 oz | $89
When it comes to sunglasses, we highly recommend photochromic shield lenses, and specially the Tifosi Rail. The adaptive light filtration mechanism darkens in bright light and clears in low light, allowing you maintain great visibility while keeping your eyes protected from wind, dust, debris, and UV all day long. Photochromic lenses are normally quite expensive, but Tifosi’s are shockingly affordable. We specifically love the Rail because of the fully rimless frames that maximize peripheral vision and comfortably adapt to the shape of your head.
Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Standard Ultralight Wallet, Sealed
0.3 oz | $20
The CTUG Standard UL, made with waterproof, durable X-Pac fabric, is our preferred hiking wallet for long distance adventures. Three sizes and two levels of water resistance are offered, and our pick is the standard size with bonded seams. Standard give you enough wiggle room inside for a bit of rummaging, or storing bulkier items like a key fob. The bonded seams are only $4 extra and highly recommended for a huge boost to water resistance.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent
0.5 oz | $10
The efficacy of DEET without harsh chemicals. Sawyer Picardin Insect Repellent is our go-to skin protection against mosquitos and ticks. We prefer the lotion to the spray-on, which lasts 8-14 hours. And you don’t need to carry much, since you’re only applying once or twice per day. Buy the 4 oz container and decant half an ounce into an empty hand sanitizer bottle. That’s more than enough for an entire hiking season.
Sea To Summit Mosquito Head Net
Sea To Summit Mosquito Head Net
1.0 oz | $15 MSRP
Weighing only one oz and totally bug-proof, you barely notice the Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net. Yet in early summer, it might be the hardest working piece of ultralight backpacking gear you carry. It’s comfy see through, and outperforms bug repellent sprays and lotions. We like the version treated with InsectShield permethrin to further ward off mosquitos. This is a must-bring in June and July in the mountains.
Adotek Ultralight Food Locker, Grizzly Bear Resistant
6.7 oz | $155
The Adotek Ultralight Food Locker Grizzly Bear Edition is a moderate upgrade to Ursack Major bear sacks in basically every way, and the new best IGBC-Certified, soft-sided bear resistant food storage solution on the market. Compared to a 15L Ursack Major XL, the 14L Adotek is $30 more expensive, 2.1 ounces lighter, and made with waterproof and non-absorbent DCF fabric. Its white color improves visibility of contents, and the wider shape fits into packs better and makes rummaging around inside easier.
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
11 oz | $48
Much like first aid, bear spray is one piece of gear you never want to have to use. Counter Assault Bear Deterrent has been the gold standard in scaring off curious ursine for decades now, and we trust this product. The lock mechanism is very secure.
Kahtoola MICROspikes® Ghost
6.8 oz | $104
Kahtoola MICROspikes® Ghost represents a huge upgrade over the base model, offering comparable steel spike traction in a 43% lighter weight package. This is due to this use of a majority TPU base that replaces heavy steel chains. As original MICROspikes® were already the default choice and Ghost is seemingly even better, we are one season of testing away from crowning them the new best-in-class snow traction accessory.
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe
7.1 oz | $120
For periodically ascending steep-but-non-technical snowy passes and peaks, the ultralight C.AM.P. Corsa Ice Axe is all you need. It serves the primary purposes of self arrest and acting as balance point, while also saving more pack weight than any other ice axe when stowed. We think it’s the best ice axe for hiking and backpacking.
Super Ultralight Fastpacking Gear List Conclusion
Thank you for reading our super ultralight fastpacking gear list, which we hope inspired you to carry lighter gear without sacrificing comfort. Sub-ten-pound baseweights make hiking easier and more enjoyable, so whether you’re crushing mileage or soaking in the scenery, we know you’ll have a good trip with this kit. Happy trails!
