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Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Ultralight Backpacking

• Hiking System

• Backpack

• Pack cover

• Trekking poles

• Navigation System

• Map

• Compass

• Cellphone (opt.)

• Solar/portable charger (opt.)

• GPS (opt.)

• Personal locator beacon (opt.)

• Route description

• Permits

• Shelter System

• Tent, tarp, bivy or hammock

• Guylines and stakes (if needed)

• Insect mesh for hammock (if needed)

• Ground cloth (opt.)

• Sleep System

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Pillow (opt.)

• Cooking System

• Stove

• Fuel

• Mini lighter and stormproof matches

• Mug and/or pot

• Spork

• 1” x 2” sponge

• Small metal drain screen for rinse water

• Food Storage System

• Food bag

• Stuff sack for hanging (opt.)

• Bear bag/bear canister (if required)

• Water System

• Water filtration system

• Purification drops or tablets

• Soft-sided water bottles

• Clothing Systems

• For Hiking:   Hiking or trail-running shoes, Synthetic or wool T-shirt, Hiking or running shorts (1 pair), Hiking pants (1 pair), Synthetic or wool underwear (2 pairs), Sports bra, Synthetic or wool socks (2 pairs), Sun-protective hat, Sun-protective gloves (opt.), Bandana

• For Camp:    Long-underwear top, Long-underwear bottoms, Warm hat, Wool or synthetic socks for sleep, Puffy insulated jacket or vest, Sandals (opt.)

• For Foul Weather:   Waterproof rain jacket, Waterproof rain pants, Warm gloves, Waterproof gloves/mitts

• Hygiene/Toiletries System

• Zip-top bags (varied sizes for waste, food, etc.)

• Hand sanitizer

• Toothpaste or baking soda

• Small toothbrush

• Biodegradable soap

• Toilet paper (2-4 squares per day)

• Pre-moistened wipes (2 per day)

• Sanitation trowel

• Menstrual products

• Women’s pee funnel

• Women’s pee rag (1/4 cotton bandana)

• Prescription medications

• First-Aid Kit

• Blister pads

• Gauze pads

• Bandages

• Antibiotic ointment (small packet)

• Pain-relief pills

• Miscellaneous

• Headlamp or microlight with fresh batteries

• Extra batteries (opt.)

• Safety whistle (with neck cord)

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Sunglasses

• Hat with insect-mesh (opt.)

• Gaiters (if needed)

• Ice traction devices (if needed)

• Ice axe (if needed)

• Small amount of cash

• Credit card

• Itinerary copies (for friend + under car seat)

• Repair Kit

• Gear-repair and/or duct tape

• Sewing needle and nylon thread

• Razor blade or small knife

• Luxury Items

• Camera

• Binoculars

• Journal or sketchbook

• Pen or pencil