Recent Comments

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.

11 Comments on Ultralight Backpacking Sample Gear List

  1. I think ultralight backpacking is the best kind, my pack weight is only 13 lbs without food

  2. cool

  3. billy bob joe // April 16, 2011 at 1:09 am // Reply

    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.

  4. owatagoosiam // April 13, 2011 at 12:58 pm // Reply

    I noticed that food, patrol gear and water weren’t factored in…..

  5. i added it up and got about 9.89 pounds- thats pretty light for a camping trip!

  6. looks like too much stuff to bring if you ask me

  7. I like this list because my troop is leaving for Philmont this fall and gave me good ideas to use!

  8. How many pounds did all this add up to?

Leave a Comment

Please don't use your real name.