Ultralight Backpacking Gear List 9 Pound 2024
Last Updated: April 8, 2024
By Alan Dixon
By Jaeger Shaw
Adventure Alan’s 9 Pound Ultralight Gear List
Nine pounds of equipment is all a backpacker needs to be safe, warm, and comfortable in the backcountry, and this ultralight backpacking gear list has been evolving and improving for over a decade, and we’ve tested it from Alaska to Patagonia, and everywhere in between. If you want to carry less weight while increasing the quality and functionality of your kit, then you’ve come to the right place. Simply put, this is best-in-class gear.
In totality, this 3-season ultralight backpacking gear list includes everything you need to carry and wear into the backcountry. This is the set of items we pack to start, and then modify based on trip-specific needs. The sub-10-lb base weight counts the backpack and everything carried in it while hiking. It excludes worn, held, and situational items, as well as consumables like food, water, fuel, and sunscreen.
Scroll down to browse featured gear. Or, if you’re packing for a trip and would prefer a complete item-by-item checklist including consumables, jump to the bottom where you’ll find the 9 lb ultralight gear list in table format, including a few items that aren’t pictured. Lastly, don’t miss our 3 lb ultralight day hiking list, our affordable gear list, or our 5 lb super ultralight fastpacking list.
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Popular Ultralight Backpacking Gear
Zpacks Offset Duo
19.7 oz | $799
The Zpacks Offset Duo Tent is the best and most spacious 2P Zpacks brand tent to-date, and one of the very best trekking pole supported tents on the entire market. Offset Duo builds on the success of Zpacks’ flagship Duplex design by increasing its length and width, adding vents, zippered storm doors, magnetic roll-ups, a 32″ end strut, and ingeniously offsetting its trekking pole placement towards the head-end to maximize ceiling space directly above where users sit up. Learn more in our full length Zpacks Offset Duo Review.
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack
21.9 oz | $399
The magic of the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack is that you get a full external frame backpack at a super ultralight weight without any sacrifices other than the price tag. The pack is designed with Challenge Ultra 200 fabric, so it’s waterproof and has a better durability-to-weight ratio than Dyneema or Robic nylon.
We commend the Arc Haul’s old school full-external-arched-frame design for an incredible load transfer from shoulder to hips. While we feel it’s perfectly durable enough for typical on-trail hiking, it’s true ultralight backpacking gear and must be handled respectfully
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20
18.4 oz | $440
Quilts are the most effective way to sleep in the backcountry, and the Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 with 950 fill power down and 7d nylon is the single best tool for the job; our pick for best overall quilt. This versatile sleep system offers a stellar warmth-to-weight ratio, cold-spot-preventing U-baffles, A grade materials, and a flawless minimalist design. We strongly recommend this quilt. Truly an excellent piece of ultralight backpacking gear.
NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
14.1 oz | $200
Wow, the NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated is a dang impressive sleeping pad and our new preferred model. With an R-Value of 5.4, and weighing only 14.1 oz, it clocks the highest R-Value-to-weight-ratio among 3-season pads, besting the esteemed Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, despite being an ounce heavier in total. This is achieved with two suspended layers of thermal mirror film – ultralight insulation, but ultra efficient. You also get the industry standard, ultra comfy 3.5″ thick NEMO Spaceframe baffles and overall quiet sleep experience. What’s more, Tensor’s predecessors had been known for durability issues, but this is solved with the increase to 40d ripstop nylon underside, up from 20d. Great work, NEMO!
AnyGear 7075 Aluminum Tent Stakes
AnyGear 7075 Aluminum Tent Stakes
0.5 oz | $0.66 per stake
The starter stakes that came with your tent are OK. But we prefer these inexpensive & far stronger Y-stakes as they make tent pitching easier and more secure in rocky dirt. The ANYGEAR 7075 Aluminum Stakes have a Y neck and only a single notched rib at the head making them extremely resistant to bending and damage when pounding in with a rock.
Zpacks Goose Down Jacket
Zpacks Goose Down Jacket
6.8 oz | $399
The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket blows the hubcaps off competitors like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer. In particular, it’s almost two times warmer for the weight. This is because it’s filled with top-tier 950 fill power down (and more of it) vs mid-tier 800 fill. And they didn’t skimp on features either. The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket still has a drawcord hood, two pockets, full front zipper, and drawcord hem to seal out drafts. It isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s still a great performance to value ratio costing only marginally more than Ghost Whisperer. Read more in our full-length Zpacks Goose Down Jacket Review.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket
6.4 oz | $250
Choose the Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket because it is the most breathable ultralight rain shell with an unprecedented MVTR rating of 83,000. The three layer Visp weighs just 6.4 ounces in a unisex size medium, has a very layer-accomodating fit, and comes with most of the bells and whistles including pit zips for even more breathability. The only downside is no pockets, but hey, this is Alan’s preferred rain jacket and we know you’ll love it too!
Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants
Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants
3.2 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 an ultralight gear list.
Alpha Direct Hoodie
~5.0 oz | ~$100
A hoodie made with Alpha Direct 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.
Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings
3.5 oz | $80
Thanks to their exceptionally low total weight and high warmth-to-weight ratio, the sub four ounce Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings have become our preferred camp legwear for cool weather use. The brushed interior surface of these ultralight fleece tights makes them soft, cozy and warm. The TORAY fabric is 100% polyester, which has sufficient stretch and zero elastane to slow down dry time. Their only feature is the gusseted mesh crotch, but that’s fine by us! Note, these run small, so size up if in between.
Foxx River Ragg Half-Finger Gloves
1.9 oz | $17
Half-finger gloves like the Fox River Ragg offer a significant dexterity boost for only a modest sacrifice to overall warmth. They can be worn without impeding tasks like pitching a tent, using GPS, or operating a stove. Despite the lack of full coverage, the insulation on the rest of your hand will improve blood flow and circulate warmth to your fingertips. We view this as a worthwhile proposition for backpacking. Any fingerless gloves will do, but these are particularly affordable, durable, and comfortable. Biggest drawback is that the wool-nylon blend is a bit scratchy.
Alpha Direct Beanie
.7 oz | $30
Polartec Alpha Direct is the lightest weight and highest warmth-to-weight ratio among all genres of fleece. Therefore, it makes sense to choose an Alpha Direct Hat. Because Apha Direct beanies are only made by Ultralight Gear Cottage Industry brands, we recommend shopping around on Garage Grown Gear. 120gsm is a good fabric weight for this purpose. Also, you don’t need too much hat, considering this kit also has a sun hood, a fleece hood, and a down hood.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
2.1 oz | $40
Squeeze-based water filters are where it’s at, and Katadyn BeFree has the best flow and the most usable shape. Critically, the .6L size can be front-shoulder-strap mounted, which is the fastest and most efficient option for drinking from water sources as you pass by. It’s lighter and more compact than Sawyer Squeeze and MSR QuickDraw, albeit slightly less durable.
Outdoor Vitals Shoulder Strap Pocket
0.8 oz | $19
The Outdoor Vitals Shoulder Strap Pocket is our preferred holster for storing a .6L Katadyn BeFree water filter, and the two work in perfect synchronicity for a drink-from-the-source-as-you-go hydration strategy with the least possible amount of effort. This system is particularly ideal for people with inflexible shoulders who cannot reach back into their side pockets.
Pair of 1L Smartwater Bottles
Pair of 1L Smartwater Bottles
2.4 oz | $2 each
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.
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe
2.9 oz | $85
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is one of the two best stoves money can buy, and our editor’s choice award winner. It features a cupped head for wind resistance, pressure regulation for use in cold and with near-empty canisters, a built in ignitor, fold out arms with good balance, and high BTU output for quick boil times. Combine PRD with a heat exchanger pot to assemble a SuperStove system.
Firemaple Petrel Pot
5.7 oz | $24
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.
Bic Mini Lighter
0.4 oz | $2
Smaller lighters save weight, and are just as good at lighting stoves. The Bic Mini has been with us for decades and is always reliable.
TOAKS Titanium 450ml Mug
2.7 oz | $20
Built with sturdy, ultralight titanium, the TOAKS Titanium Single Wall 450 is our go-to camp mug. It holds 15 oz, is a great value, and may just last forever. Pro tip – ditch the orange mesh bag – you don’t need it.
TOAKS Titanium Spoon
0.7 oz | $11
It’s hard to imagine any backcountry spoon scoring better user ratings than the TOAKS Titanium. At time of publication it averages 4.7 out of 5 stars on 145 reviews at REI Co-op. The $11 price point is lower than we expect to see relative its ultralight and ultra durable titanium construction. Plus, it features an upward tilted bowl for ease of lifting food out of a meal bag.
Benchmade 533-04 Mini Bugout Grivory Knife
1.5 oz | $153
The Benchmade Mini Bugout is lightweight and made with extremely high quality CPM-S30V stainless-steel. Yes it’s spendy, but it stays sharper for longer in the backcountry, making quick work of food prep with a 2.8″ blade. The Grivory handle is lightweight and grippy, and has a secure locking mechanism for sure-fire cutting. Also great as an everyday carry.
BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel
.5 oz | $18
BoglerCo makes an exceptional ultralight trowel; superior to our previous top pick, the Deuce #2. BoglerCo’s is longer, lighter, stronger, digs better, and is more comfortable to press down on thanks to its plastic top. The serrated edge easily cuts through small roots. This trowel is miles ahead of the classic orange Coghlan’s design.
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.
Garmin inReach Messenger
4.0 oz | $300
Garmin inReach Messenger is the latest contender in the satellite communicator genre, and offers best-in-class battery life, signal receptivity, and nearly all of the most desirable features for just $300 and four ounces. As such, it takes our top slot award, narrowly beating out ZOLEO and inReach Mini 2.
Gaia GPS App
Gaia GPS App
0 oz | $40
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. And, if you subscribe to your first year of Gaia GPS by clicking the button below, they’ll give you 20% off! Considering that phone apps are weightless, we think this is some pretty great ultralight backpacking gear.
Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2
5.3 oz | $60
The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 has the best power-to-weight ratio of any 10k mAh battery we researched, and is also the lightest overall. It delivers at least two full 0-100% phone recharges, can charge two devices at once, and has a built-in USB-C port. The carbon fiber casing is lighter weight and superior to metals in cold weather. And the whole thing is water resistant! A clear best-in-class for its category.
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. The large size fits a puffy better and is comfier to sleep on.
HMG Roll Top Stuff Sack 25L
1.6 oz | $69
The HMG Roll-Top Stuff Sack in the 25L size capacity is our preferred workhorse dry bag for backpacking quilts and sleeping bag storage. The DCF11 construction is super durable and waterproof, and HMG has paid every attention to detail. The 25L volume is likely a bit overkill for summer, but only weighs .4 oz more than the 10L model, and easily flexes into the colder months without requiring you to buy a larger dry bag to store a 0 degree sleeping bag. If you’re going to splurge on a Dyneema dry bag, choose this one, at this size, because you can use it all year long for many years to come without ever over-compressing your down.
LOKSAK OPSAK Odor-Proof Barrier Bag 12×20
LOKSAK OPSAK 12×20
0.8 oz | $16 MSRP
Nesting perfectly in an Ursack Major Bear Bag, this giant, ultra-heavy-duty-Ziploc-style bag called LOKSAK OPSAK will keep your food dry when it rains, and prevent smells from escaping when properly closed. A necessary pairing to fully protect your food from the elements and animals. Each bag lasts 1-2 hiking seasons, depending on use.
Zpacks Belt Pouch
Zpacks Belt Pouch
0.8 oz | $29.95
Weighing less than an ounce, the Zpacks Belt Pouch offers an modular 1L storage system to add your hip belt for easy access to snacks and gear. We like how Zpacks hip belt pockets are replaceable, compared to built-in hip belt zipper pouches from other brands that are typically one of the first fail points due to heavy use and overloading. This is one of the hardest working 0.8 oz items in an ultralight backpacking gear kit.
Homemade First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit
2.5 oz | Homemade
The best first aid kits are homemade. Ours typically include some combination of the following: Leukotape, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, benzoin tincture, assorted bandages in different sizes, gel blister cover, 4×4″ gauze pads and gauze roll, neosporin, Benadryl, nitrile gloves, alcohol wipes, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, caffeine pills, heavy duty pain killer, personal prescriptions, nail clippers, tick removal, safety pin.
If you’re unable or unwilling to make your own first aid kit, these “ultralight watertight” bundles will do in a pinch.
Homemade Backpacking Repair Kit
Repair Kit
1.5 oz | Homemade
Our homemade repair kit includes duct tape, Therm-a-Rest glue dot and patch kit, Tenacious Tape, Krazy glue, alcohol wipes, zip ties, safety scissors, needle, and a spare sawyer gasket. Use floss for thread, and safety pins from first aid kit. We find this is all we need to make small fixes to ultralight backpacking gear.
HOKA Speedgoat 5
10.3 oz | $155
Our staff pick trail runner! The HOKA Speedgoat 5 is technical, cushioned, very sturdy, and very very grippy, even on challenging terrain. This shoe is great for hiking long days thanks for the comfortable cushion and wide toe box. The average overall width of shoe keeps feet from sloshing about on sloped terrain and provides accurate, stable footfalls. Perfect for everything from casual day hiking to super ultralight fastpacking, and everything in between. Read more in our full-length HOKA Speedgoat 5 Review.
Paka Performance Socks
1.7 | $24
For the ultimate blend of comfort and functionality, pull on a pair of Paka Performance 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.
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Trekking Poles
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
15.6 oz | $65
Sturdy, lightweight, durable, well-built, the CMT Carbon Fiber Collapsible Trekking Poles for $65 are an incredible deal on ultralight backpacking gear. Marginally lighter options from traditional brands go for $150-$250. These aren’t fancy, but we just can’t stress enough how preposterously good of a value proposition Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are.
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
2.5 oz | $30
A simple UPF 50 sun cap gets the job done best. The Outdoor Research Swift Cap is comprised of a lightweight, breathable mesh, with a 3-panel nylon layer on the crown to block the harshest UV. It also has a moisture wicking sweat band and adjustable at the back. We’ve worn this one all around the world.
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!
Mens Kuhl Renegade Convertible Pants
15.2 oz | $109
There’s so much to like about the Men’s KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants. You want the best cargo pockets in the biz? Check. The most durable pants fabric for bushwhacking and scrambling? Check. Zip off lower legs to convert to shorts? Check. Add in a dash of stretch and a comfortable, roomy fit and these Renegades make for some of the best hiking pants imaginable. 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.
Womens 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.
Arcade Belts
Arcade Belts
2.5 oz | $32
Arcade Belts could be a big upgrade for hikers. It’s made of polyester webbing that is soft to the touch and stretchy, so it doesn’t dig into your skin or bite, even when you have it pulled taught. Adjusting this belt is straightforward, the clasp is very secure, it holds tightness, and does an excellent job of keeping pants up. Highly recommended if you’re still using something old, heavy, leather, or otherwise uncomfortable.
COROS APEX 2 Pro
2.0 oz | $450
If you are serious about your outdoor adventuring and training, then the COROS APEX 2 Pro is the right watch for you. Over the past two years we’ve run this watch through the wringer, guiding in Alaska, mountaineering, nordic skiing, ocean kayak racing, trail running, mountain biking, etc. The verdict? This an exceptional performer in the field and our favorite outdoor smartwatch. In particular, its battery life blows the competition away with 200 hours of in-field GPS tracking. As such, it’s a perfect choice for those who play and train hard in the backcountry, especially for multiple days at a time. Read more in our full-length COROS APEX 2 Pro Review.
iPhone 15 Pro
6.6 oz | $999
We have decades of experience with apple iPhones and find the battery life, app reliability, durability, and cameras to be top notch. For hikers, the titanium casing and emergency satellite network SoS feature are great bonuses. The iPhone 15 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.
CTUG Ultralight Wallet
0.5 oz | $16
For storing cards, cash, permits, and other valuables in a reusable, highly water-resistant, slim, zippered case, choose the Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Ultralight Wallet. We used to use Ziploc bags, but this is wasteful, and they’re prone to breaking. While highly durable and water resistant, this wallet is not seam taped, nor submersible.
Tifosi Swank Sunglasses
Tifosi Swank Sunglasses
1.0 oz | $30
Backpacking is hard on shades. They tend to get scratched, lost, crushed, or otherwise damaged. That’s why we recommend a basic, functional, and more economical option like the Tifosi Swank Sunglasses. They look great and you can replace them without breaking the bank. But you may never have to as they polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof, 20x more impact resistant than glass, and provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. The frames are similarly durable.
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.
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.
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.
Ursack Major Bear Sack
Ursack Major Bear Sack 10L
7.6 oz | $90
Unless a canister is strictly required by land management, we always prefer the Ursack Major Bear Sack, now made with ballistic grade Spectra. It’s lightweight, comfy to carry, and does actually protect your food in the overwhelming majority of bear encounters. We recommend pairing it with the Loksak Opsac bag as a smell-proof, waterproof, liner system. When full, it holds about 4-5 day worth of food.
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
Kahtoola MICROspikes
11 oz | $75
Often copied but never equaled, the Kahtoola MICROspikes are the go-to option for walking on steep snowy and icy terrain. They have incredible traction, last forever, and are the preferred option of PCT thru hikers in the Sierra Nevada mountains during high snow years.
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.
Bonus Material
Want to see more recommendations per item? Check out our Staff Picks Guide to the Best Backpacking Gear.
Want to go even lighter? Check out our 5 Pound Super Ultralight Backpacking Gear List.
Carry your weight comfortably with our guide to the best backpacks for backpacking.
Stay dry with our guide to rain jackets for hiking.
Stay warm with our guide to down jackets and pants for backpacking
9 Pound Ultralight Gear List Conclusion
As you’ve now read, this is a true ultralight backpacking gear list with a sub 10 lb base weight. From dry storage to first aid, we’ve counted every single gram to compile a true guide for those looking to shave pack weight. While fancy, ultralight gear is a factor in this guide, the ethos of minimalism also drives this list. Everything you need to stay warm, dry, comfortable, and safe while backpacking is included here for 3 season trips.
If you have any questions about any of the ultralight gear listed (or not listed), let us know in the comments below!
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