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.
I think ultralight backpacking is the best kind, my pack weight is only 13 lbs without food
cool
i got a pack that weights 3.5 0z a aleeping bag that is 12 0z and a tent that is 1 lb 3 0z from terra nova.
I noticed that food, patrol gear and water weren’t factored in…..
i added it up and got about 9.89 pounds- thats pretty light for a camping trip!
looks like too much stuff to bring if you ask me
I like this list because my troop is leaving for Philmont this fall and gave me good ideas to use!
How many pounds did all this add up to?