The Ultimate Ultralight Backpacking Gear List [2023]

Making an ultralight backpacking gear list for backpacking might seem overwhelming, but I’ve listed all the essentials below.

The list includes sleeping pads, an ultralight backpack, camping tents and some other lightweight accessories that will come in handy when you go camping.

Ultralight Backpacking Gear List

# 1 – Osprey Exos 48 Men’s Ultralight Backpacking Backpack

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The most important item you need on your ultralight backpacking list is your backpack. You do not want a backpack that is too heavy because that will just take away from how much other weight and gear you can pack.

There are two size options for this bag. One is the small/medium size, which weighs 2.76 pounds and is 48 liters large. The other is the large/x-large size which weighs 2.85 pounds and is 51 liters large.

You can also choose between Tungsten Gray or Blue Ribbon for the color of this backpack.

# 2 – Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

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Another beneficial backpack to have when you go camping or hiking is the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack. This bag is great to take on day trips when you do not want to take your entire backpack with all your gear.

The backpack weighs just three ounces or 0.18 pounds. I like that when you are not using it, you can pack it down into a small carrying case that easily fits in a larger backpack.

It can hold around 18 liters and has a stretchy mesh pocket on the side.

Here are the color options for this backpack:

• Electric Lime
• Venturi Blue
• Poopy Orange
• Tropic Teal
• Shadow Gray

# 3 – MSR Freelite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent

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Next up on the ultralight backpacking gear list is a tent. The tent is another one of the most important items you need when you go camping, and it is usually one of the heaviest and bulkiest items that hikers and backpackers need.

However, it is possible to find a lightweight tent that still keeps you safe from the elements at night. A great option is the MSR Freelite 2-person tent. The tent only weighs two pounds but still has durable poles, stitching, and materials.

I like that this tent is lightweight but still has plenty of space for two people to comfortably sleep and store their gear.

# 4 – Camping Sleeping Pad, Ultralight Camping Mat with Pillow Built-in Foot Pump Inflatable Sleeping Pads Compact for Camping Backpacking Hiking Traveling Tent

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Next up is the FUN PAC Ultralight Camping Mat, which self-inflates for maximum comfort. It only weighs one and a half pounds and will inflate in a minute or less, thanks to the built-in foot pump.

I like that it is 79 inches long, so nearly everyone will find that the sleeping pad is big enough for a comfortable night’s rest. It also inflates to be four inches thick, so you have plenty of padding between you and the ground.

The sleeping pad is heavy-duty and will last for a long time. It also helps keep you warm thanks to the nylon material.

# 5 – TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow – ALUFT 2.0 Compressible, Compact, Comfortable, Ergonomic Inflating Pillows for Neck & Lumbar Support

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The sleeping pad above comes with a built-in pillow, but if you opt for a different sleeping pad or a sleeping bag, you might want to pack a pillow. The TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow is an inflatable pillow that you just need to inflate with three to five breaths.

It only weighs 3.9 ounces and rolls up to fit in a carrying bag the size of your fist. The back side of the pillow has a latch design so the pillow does not move while you are using it.

It is also made of a durable fabric that is waterproof, so you can rely on this pillow in any weather.

Here are the color options for this pillow:

• Orange
• Black
• Green
• Navy Blue
• Teal Blue

# 6 – iClimb 3M Thinsulate Insulation Warm Camping Blanket Ultralight Compact (Dark Grey)

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Another important item to have with your ultralight backpacking list is a camping blanket. The iClimb 3M Thinsulate blanket weighs just over one pound and folds up into a compact pouch when you are not using it.

I like the durable fabric this blanket is made of, which is water-resistant and windproof. There is also a hooded option which helps you keep your head warm.

You can use this as a normal blanket or tie one end together to make it into a sleeping bag.

Here are the color options for the lightweight camping blanket:

• Dark gray
• Black
• Blue
• Green
• Light gray

# 7 – Odoland 6pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit with Lightweight Pot, Stove, Spork, and Carry Mesh Bag

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Another great item to have on your ultralight gear list is a cooking set. The Odoland 6pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit only weighs one pound for all the pieces.

Here are the items in this set:

•  Two non-stick aluminum pots
• One camping stove
• One spork
• One cleaning cloth
• 1 carry bag

I like this set because you can pack it all into one piece, with everything inside the pots, which then easily fit into the carrying bag. You can even fit a small gas tank inside the carrying pack to make packing even easier.

Despite being so light, the pots are built with solid aluminum that conducts heat quickly.

# 8 – Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports & Beach Towel. Fast Drying – Super Absorbent – Ultra Compact

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Another helpful item to have in your backpack is a microfiber towel. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is lightweight, compact, and dries quickly. If you will be swimming or bathing on your hiking trips, this is a great item to have with you.

I like that this towel comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can choose the right one for you. Even the largest towel weighs under one pound.

Here are the sizes and weight options for this lightweight towel:

• X-small: 12×24 Inches/0.13 pounds
• Small: 16×30 Inches/0.2006 pounds
• Medium: 20×24 Inches/0.28 pounds
• Large: 24×48 Inches/0.4 pounds
• X-Large: 30×60 Inches/0.61 pounds
• XX-Large: 40×72 Inches/0.8995 pounds

Here are all the color options for this towel:

• Blue
• Army green
• Brick red
• Gray
• Green
• Marine blue
• Mint
• Navy blue
• Orange
• Purple
• Yellow

# 9 – Mini First Aid Kit, 110 Pieces Small First Aid Kit – Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors

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One of the most important things on your ultralight backpacking gear list is a first aid kit. One of the best options is the General Medi Mini First Aid Kit. This 110-piece kit has all the essentials and only weighs .35 pounds.

Everything conveniently fits into a bag the size of your hand, so you will have no problem putting it into your backpack.

Here is a general list of what is included in this first aid kit:

• Saline
• Emergency blanket
• CPR respirator
• Gauze
• Plaster
• Safety pins
• Tourniquet
• Tweezers
• Cotton swabs
• Bandages
• Gloves
• Tape
• First aid guide
• Wipes
• Scissors

# 10 – Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design

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Finally, get an Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel that makes digging in the ground much easier. Having a trowel can make going to the bathroom in the woods easier and can also save you when you need a hole for tent stakes or other gear.

The trowel only weighs .06 pounds but is very durable. I like the added features on the trowel, including a sawtooth blade and a long handle, which makes holding it easy.

You can get this lightweight trowel in a one or two-pack and a variety of colors.

Table – Ultralight Backpacking Gear List

The table below has the prices and weights for all the ultralight gear that every backpacker needs.

Gear List	Price	Weight
Osprey Exos 48 Men’s Ultralight Backpacking Backpack	$239.95	2.76-2.85 pounds
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack	$32.77+	0.18 pounds
MSR Freelite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent	$449.95	2 pounds
Camping Sleeping Pad, Ultralight Camping Mat with Pillow Built-in Foot Pump Inflatable Sleeping Pads Compact for Camping Backpacking Hiking Traveling Tent	$36.99	1.5 pounds
TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow – ALUFT 2.0 Compressible, Compact, Comfortable, Ergonomic Inflating Pillows for Neck & Lumbar Support	$25.99	3.9 ounces
iClimb 3M Thinsulate Insulation Warm Camping Blanket Ultralight Compact (Dark Grey)	$49.99-$54.99	1.2 pounds
Odoland 6pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit with Lightweight Pot, Stove, Spork, and Carry Mesh Bag	$29.99	1 pound
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports & Beach Towel. Fast Drying – Super Absorbent – Ultra Compact	$14.45	0.13-0.8995 pounds
Mini First Aid Kit, 110 Pieces Small First Aid Kit – Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors	$13.88	0.35 pounds
Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design	$15.99+	0.06 pounds

Verdict

All the gear above is essential if you want to go backpacking but keep your bag light.

You will need a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and more for a successful backpacking trip.

Using the ultralight backpacking gear list above, you can hike and camp without hurting your bag from it being too heavy.