Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Ultralight Backpacking 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

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