Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

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.

Hiking System

• Backpack

• Pack cover

• Trekking poles

Navigation System

• Map

• Compass

• Cellphone

• Solar/portable charger

• GPS

• Personal locator beacon

• Route description

• Permits

Shelter System

• Tent, tarp, bivy or hammock

• Guylines and stakes (if needed)

• Insect mesh for hammock (if needed)

• Ground cloth 

Sleep System

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Pillow (opt.)

Cooking System

• Stove

• Fuel

• Mini lighter and stormproof matches

• Mug and/or pot

• Spork1” 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 bottomsWarm 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

Bring only as much as you anticipate needing.

• 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

Bring only as much as you anticipate needing.

• 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

Source: https://www.rei.com