Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

ultralight backpacks on rock Choose the lightest-weight versions of the items on this list that you can find, afford or feel comfortable with. Organizing your gear into systems can be a good way to remember to pack what you need.

Ultralight Backpacking Ultralight Backpacking
  • Hiking System

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  • Backpack

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  • Pack cover

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  • Trekking poles

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  • Navigation System

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  • Map

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  • Compass

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  • Cellphone (opt.)

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  • Solar/portable charger (opt.)

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  • GPS (opt.)

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  • Personal locator beacon (opt.)

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  • Route description

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  • Permits

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  • Shelter System

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  • Tent, tarp, bivy or hammock

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  • Guylines and stakes (if needed)

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  • Insect mesh for hammock (if needed)

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  • Ground cloth (opt.)

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  • Sleep System

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  • Sleeping bag

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  • Sleeping pad

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  • Pillow (opt.)

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  • Cooking System

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  • Stove

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  • Fuel

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  • Mini lighter and stormproof matches

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  • Mug and/or pot

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  • Spork

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  • 1” x 2” sponge

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  • Small metal drain screen for rinse water

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  • Food Storage System

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  • Food bag

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  • Stuff sack for hanging (opt.)

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  • Bear bag/bear canister (if required)

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  • Water System

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  • Water filtration system

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  • Purification drops or tablets

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  • Soft-sided water bottles

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  • Clothing Systems

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  • 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

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

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

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  • Hygiene/Toiletries System

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

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  • Hand sanitizer

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  • Toothpaste or baking soda

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  • Small toothbrush

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  • Biodegradable soap

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  • Toilet paper (2-4 squares per day)

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  • Pre-moistened wipes (2 per day)

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  • Sanitation trowel

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  • Menstrual products

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  • Women’s pee funnel

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

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  • Prescription medications

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  • First-Aid Kit

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  • Blister pads

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  • Gauze pads

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  • Bandages

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  • Antibiotic ointment (small packet)

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  • Pain-relief pills

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  • Miscellaneous

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  • Headlamp or microlight with fresh batteries

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  • Extra batteries (opt.)

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  • Safety whistle (with neck cord)

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  • Sunscreen

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  • Lip balm

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  • Sunglasses

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  • Hat with insect-mesh (opt.)

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  • Gaiters (if needed)

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  • Ice traction devices (if needed)

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  • Ice axe (if needed)

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  • Small amount of cash

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  • Credit card

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  • Itinerary copies (for friend + under car seat)

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  • Repair Kit

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  • Gear-repair and/or duct tape

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  • Sewing needle and nylon thread

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  • Razor blade or small knife

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  • Luxury Items

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  • Camera

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  • Binoculars

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  • Journal or sketchbook

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  • Pen or pencil

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