Making an ultralight backpacking gear list for backpacking might seem overwhelming, but Iโve 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
- # 2 – Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
- # 3 – MSR Freelite 2-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent
- # 4 – Camping Sleeping Pad, Ultralight Camping Mat with Pillow Built-in Foot Pump Inflatable Sleeping Pads Compact for Camping Backpacking Hiking Traveling Tent
- # 5 – TREKOLOGY Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow – ALUFT 2.0 Compressible, Compact, Comfortable, Ergonomic Inflating Pillows for Neck & Lumbar Support
- # 6 – iClimb 3M Thinsulate Insulation Warm Camping Blanket Ultralight Compact (Dark Grey)
- # 7 – Odoland 6pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit with Lightweight Pot, Stove, Spork, and Carry Mesh Bag
- # 8 – Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports & Beach Towel. Fast Drying – Super Absorbent – Ultra Compact
- # 9 – Mini First Aid Kit, 110 Pieces Small First Aid Kit – Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors
- # 10 – Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design
- Table – Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
- Verdict
Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
# 1 – Osprey Exos 48 Men’s Ultralight Backpacking Backpack
- Ultralight, AirSpeed injection-molded ladder adjustment system provides 4" of torso adjustability of a customizable fit
- ExoForm harness features seamless layered mesh to provide improved comfort and cushioning
- Removable floating lid with top- and under-lid zippered pockets and integrated flapJacket cover for lidless use
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
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration
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
- The FreeLite is a semi-freestanding, ultralight 2-person tent designed for backpackers who want to shed weight without sacrificing space and features; minimum weight is 2 lbs. (0.91 kg)
- Roomy rectangular floorplan and 39 in. (1.00 m) of head room; two large side-entry vestibules to store gear; interior pockets and overhead gear lofts
- Waterproof DuraShield-coated rainfly and floor with taped seams keep the elements outside where they belong
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
- ใExtra Wide & 4" Thickใ This self-inflating camping pad is up to 79*27.5*4 inches, after inflating keeps you away from the uneven ground and hard rocks. The extra thick air cells and built-in pillow are designed to relieve back and neck pressure, ensuring maximum comfort and warm for your sleep all night!
- ใ30s Inflate & 1s DeflateใSave your time and efforts! Built-in pump needs only 30-60s to fully-inflate the camping mat, just simply step or press on it. No longer needs to inflate with your mouth or a pump. Only 1 sec to quickly deflate. The upgraded air release valve has double-layer valves. Never worry about air leaking!
- ใDurable 40D Nylonใ Camping sleeping pad made of outdoor-grade 40D nylon and inner TPU sealing coating. Durable, hard wearing, no tearing and easy to clean. Ergonomic design allows you to sleep comfortablely even in rough outdoor environments. Our inflatable camping mattress have undergone strict quality inspection, so please use them with confidence.
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 nightโs 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
- Small in Size - Big on Comfort! This is the most compact & lightweight inflatable camp pillow on the market โ folds down to 5x2 inches, smaller than a soda can! Inflates to a comfortable pillow for head or lumbar support. Deflating back down in only seconds. This backpacking pillow can easily be carried in your backpack or pocket for convenient access. Weighing a mere 3.9oz (110g), lighter than a can of soda!
- New in 2.0! Now More Durable Than Ever! Enhanced design with latest highly durable elastic TPU fabric that boasts water resistance. So, whether sleeping under the stars in the mountains, in your boat on the open seas, tenting at your favorite national park or staying at a hotel on holidayโyour Aluft comfort travel pillow is the perfect travel companion.
- New in 2.0! Sleep Without Worry with Our Propitiatory Dot and Latch Design - No more slipping off your pillow in the middle of the night! The new Aluft 2.0 pillow back contain rubber anti-slipping dots to increase frictions between your pillow and the sleeping mat. A latch strap pairs well with air inflatable sleeping pads canfurther prevent your pillow from moving around while you sleep. All these features are designed with your ultimate comfort in mind!
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)
- 3M Thinsulate Insulation Filling, warm yet lightweight, powerful yet thin. It helps trap body heat, while allowing moisture to escape; Featherless, ECO-FRIDENDLY, a kinder alternative to feathers; Water Resistant, 100% Polyester, synthetic fibers absorb less than 1% of their weight in water; 20D nylon fabric, soft, skin-friendly, ultralight, durable, and windproof
- Multifunctional. With the buttons and elastic straps, this blanket can be used as quilt, poncho, shawl, temporary sleeping bag. You can also put two blankets together and make it one two-person sleeping bag. Keeping you cozy while sitting around the fire or on your couch, lying in hammocks, reading books, tailgating, cooking meals. Perfect for camping, backpacking, hiking, mountaineering, traveling, lounging, picnics, beach trips, concert events, airplane trips, and other outdoor activities.
- Ultralight, only 16 oz; Compact, Packed size 10.2โ ร 7.5โ ร 3.1โ; Large enough for big guys, unfold size 6โ1โ ร 4โ7โ; Internal carry bag included, easy to carry everywhere
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
- Best Money Ever Spent: The 6 pcs camping cookware kit includes 2 aluminum non-stick pots + 1 camping stove + 1 spork + 1 cleaning cloth+ 1 Carry bag.
- Convenient & Incredibly Durable: The camp stove can be folded to save space. So do the handles on the pots. Build with non-toxic anodized aluminum and strong structure, each pot is solid and lightweight. It conducts heat quickly and is a must-have survival gear that built to last for long time.
- All-In-One Package: All the stuffs can be packed together, so as your gas tank. This set is special designed for daily backing, small size and enough space for your gas tank.
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
- FAST DRYING - much comfortable for next use & convenient to pack. BEAUTIFUL COLOR - much suitable for multi use daily.
- SKIN FRIENDLY - remarkable soft suede like feel on your skin and face.SUPER ABSORBENT-will absorb water 5 times more than its' weight but dry fast
- ULTRA COMPACT & LIGHT WEIGHT - easy to carry and space saving. HANG SNAP LOOP - practical & easy to hang anywhere and dry. CARRY BAG - reusable
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
- Security And Reliability - All of our first aid products carry certificate of conformity to ensure conformance to global standards wherever they are used.
- Contents โ Packed with 110 Pieces useful and valuable hospital grade first aid supplies - See the product images and the product description below for a full list of contents. We are confident that you will find that there are more and higher quality contents in our kits than any other on the market.
- Design - For maximum efficiency and portability, this basic first aid kit weighs only 0.35 pound and features a compact, travel-friendly design. Perfect for cars , schools , boat , children and more
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
- ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ, ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ%โ A MUST HAVE ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING GEAR - Having a quality trowel on hand when you need it the most is a MUST. And guess what?We have just the right ultralight trowelmade out of high-quality aluminumdesigned to be resistant to rust and corrosion as well as breakageeven in wet conditions and will last a lifetime.
- โ DIG A HOLE QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY - Made specifically for ultralight backpackers, this compact and lightweight ultralight multitool gear will be able to easily dig a hole into hard ground, through roots, and even through rocky soil without leaving any trace behind, which makes it perfect for most hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as well.
- โ PERFECT SURVIVAL SHOVEL -The sharp edges slice through tough ground and roots where other tools can't and get the job done as quickly as possible, while letting you get on with the rest of your day and enjoy it.
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.
Sean is an accomplished backpacker with over 10 years of experience exploring the great outdoors. He has a passion for hiking, camping and off-grid living.
