<10-pound Base Weight
This pack list should end up being less than 10 pounds (not including food or water). We’d only recommend this gear system for people with plenty of backpacking experience. All of the gear is ultralight, but the things you carry are minimal and the goal is to have as light a pack as possible. This means forgoing a cush sleeping pad, carrying a pack with less capacity, and probably not cooking your meals.
This is by no means a complete list, but we have the basics to get you started. We’ve included a few essential layering items, but not shoes—you’re on your own for footwear, since it’s just so specific. We will say that we like Altras, Hokas, and Salomons for long-distance hiking, and we rarely wear hiking boots. Go for the trail runners. You’re welcome.
Also! Much like the trails on this site, will only recommend gear that we have personally used, and we’re always open to questions. Hit us up for more details. We’ve hiked a lot.
Pack
LiteAF 35L Curve
Capacity: 35L
Weight: 16 ounces (average)
LiteAF is leading the charge with fully customizable DCF packs. Choose everything from pocket placement to torso size to closure type, as well as a variety of insane prints. These packs are ultralight without sacrificing the comfort of suspension, and they were built with thru-hikers in mind.
Sleeping Bag
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 30
Weight: 1lb, 3 ounces
Temperature Rating: 30 degrees
These quilts are super lofty, sewn right here in the US, and come from a longtime favorite brand for backpackers. Choose from different custom options, and if you sleep cold, get a wider version to avoid drafts. Quilts vs mummy bags is a whole
Sleeping Pad
NEMO Switchback
Weight: 10 ounces for the shorty
R-Value: 2
The full-size option weighs 14 ounces, the short option weighs 10 ounces. You can also use the pad from your pack if you’re really saving ounces. Closed-cell foam isn’t as cush (or warm) as inflatable pads, but it saves the hassle of blowing them up at night, and they can double as a sit pad.
Tent
Six Moon Designs Deschutes Plus
Weight: 1 pound
Type: Solo tarp tent
This is a no-frills tarp that includes a hanging bug net. Use one pole and six stakes to set it up, and be sure to have a ground cloth (or Tyvek) since there is no floor. We like this for how much space you have inside, and it offers somewhat more protection than a simple tarp setup with no hanging mesh.
Clothing
Insulated Jacket: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex
Weighing 8 ounces and just as warm as more expensive down counterparts, this jacket is filled with synthetic Climashield insulation and has a deep hood and elastic cuffs for more draft protection.
Rain Jacket: Enlightened Equipment Visp
Less than five ounces and constructed with a three-layer, ePFTE waterproof design. Sleek and simple, you won’t even find pockets on here. Despite the low weight, the jacket stands up to long-distance backpacking
Socks: Darn Tough Hiking Socks
There’s a lot of sock competition out there, but Darn Tough consistently comes out on top with fit, blister prevention, and durability. Micro crew or crew height is your best bet for keeping debris out of your shoes.
Base Layers: REI Co-op Merino Midweight
Really just putting this model here for consistency. You’re really good with any merino base layers… Costco makes them, your local outdoor shop probably has a brand. Look for a 250 weight for a good midrange. Shirt here.
The Rest of the Basics
Headlamp: BioLite Headlamp 330
This newly designed, rechargeable headlamp weighs just over 2 ounces. The light unit is integrated into a wide, comfortable headband. Great for running as well, since it doesn’t bounce.
Filter: Sawyer Squeeze
We’d recommend this filter for any gear list. Inexpensive, fast flow, and screws onto most standard water bottles, like SmartWater or Life Water.
Cookset: None
That’s right, there’s no cookset on this gear list. If you’re really going ultralight, skip the hot meals and the stove / pot. If you want to cold soak, a Talenti gelato container (with a screw-on lid) is your best bet. Other than that, get ready for tortillas, pepperoni, and lots of handfuls of Goldfish.
Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear LT5
Ultralight and super comfortable. These carbon poles reduce the feeling of impact and are easy to adjust. We recommend these mostly for on-trail use and not as much for rocky, technical trails.