Ultralight Backpacking Gear: For when you want the lightest pack on the trail!
A list with durable yet ultralight backpacking gear – from lightweight tents to the backpack itself and all the gear inside!
After you’ve done your first backpacking trip with heavy gear, you won’t want to do that again! This is a great list to start cutting down the ounces and pounds of weight from your backpack.
A happy camper is one that arrives at their site rejuvenated instead of exhausted.
I’ll keep this list lightweight, just like the gear itself, and get right to the list!
I haven’t written about every piece of ultralight backpacking gear, mostly just the bigger pieces that weigh more so you can cut-out the most.
The Backpack itself – best lightest full-frame backpack
(to carry all your ultralight backpacking gear)
The Osprey Exos has got to be one of the best and lightest fully framed backpacks out there. I got the 46L version (it now is 48L), which if you’re packing light should be sufficient (challenge yourself pack light, live without some of the gear for a week). I had a bigger non osprey bag and for me, i’ll fill whatever size I have, so I sold it, and got my 46L osprey and couldn’t be happier!
This bag is pretty sweet. Here’s why – Osprey bags have an “All Mighty Guarantee” meaning they have a lifetime warranty so will repair your bag of any age, or replace it if it can’t be repaired.
Beyond the amazing warranty, it also has ventilation, side pocket, front pocket, top pocket and main area. The back is ventilated and has suspension. There is a hip belt with more pockets.
Even through it is light, it’s super durable.
Just make sure you get the right size for your body, so it’ll fit comfortably and you won’t be disappointed!
Weight: 2 lb 3 oz to 2 lb 6 oz (depending on bag size). Get your Osprey today
The Shelter itself – tent, or… hammock??
Check out my webpage on camping in a hammock. I know people that swear by it – So, I asked him to share why he loves his camping hammock – Check out my page here.
Maybe you’re still stuck on sleeping in a tent. It is, after all camping, and what is camping without a tent?
Hubba Hubba Tent – weight 2 lb 2 oz.
So, a classic durable lighter weight tent for two is the Hubba Hubba Tent. It’s not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive (or lightest weight).
Why is it good? You can bring just the inside if it won’t rain to keep out the bugs and watch the stars at night, or if you want to bring just the outside to keep out the rain, but there aren’t bugs, then you can do that to keep your weight down. I like that it is quite spacious for a 2 person tent and you can sit-up inside. It is also self standing (many lightweight tents need trees nearby). The two person weighs 2 lb 2 oz to 3 lb 7 oz (depending on how much of the tent you use).
The Hubba Hubba is decent for the average person for not breaking the bank, versatile for most lightweight backpacking. There are many more backpack choices out there though, that are lighter, or one person, depending on your comfort level. Overall though the Hubba Hubba is a classic lightweight tent for two (its what I have). Learn about more details on the MSR Hubba Hubba 2 person tent.
If you’re looking for full-frame, fully freestanding super light, then you’ll want to get the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent. Super lightweight and withstands rain well. I replaced my Hubba Hubba with one and love it.
There are also not fully freestanding tents that are lighter that use hiking poles or some poles with pegs, but after trying, I prefer the fully free standing tent.
If. you are adventurous, there are also bivys that are superlight weight (but trust me … when I say they are not for everyone).
Stove – heat your food
MSR Whisperlight – Lightest multi-fuel stove
The stove that I use for all of my camping needs is here : Check out my page on the MSR Whisperlite stove. I prefer this cause it can use multiple types of fuel, not just throw-away canisters.
But, this page is about ULTRAlight backpacking gear (not just ‘lightweight’ gear), and so the other stove that is lighter than the Whisperlight Universal (11.5oz without fuel) – (though this is still my preferred choice because it uses multiple fuels and re-fillable canisters (I’m all for re-usable).
So, if you’re looking for ultralight, there are two other well reviewed and popular options that are lighter weight. Their con is that they can only use one fuel type- canisters that are not easy to recycle (which as an environmentalist i’m not a fan of this factor). But… if you’re looking for light, these are the ones to check out:
- MSR Micro Rocket (2.6 oz)
– One of the lightest stoves on the market.
It’s MSR’s smallest & lightest stove. MSR is one of my favourite camping brands as their stuff lasts, works well, and is affordable. What more could you want? Check out the MSR Micro Rocket Stove
- MSR Pocket Rocket 2.0 (3.0oz)
Worlds most Popular Canister stove
The MSR Pocket Rocket is slightly heavier than the Micro rocket, but is also a bit cheaper. Check out the MSR PocketRocket Stove
– cheap and light
The BRS Titanium stove, is cheap and light, and many of my hardcore backpacking friends use it. If you’re looking for cheap and light, then this might be the option for you. Learn more about the BRS Titanium Ultralight Backpacking Camping Stove
Water filter
My favourite water filter is the MSR Microworks Waterfilter. But, it’s not ultralight 🙁 (it weights 1pound) But, if you’re traveling with a group, or say camping its durable, and great! Check out my page on the MSR Microworks. (it comes highly recommended and tested with many groups over many interior canoe trips).
The ultralight filter system I’d recommend is the Bee Free Water filter. Though, it is only for one person, so if you’re camping with others you’ll need one for each person (I like to have extras…).
This filter uses a hollow fiber, so filters with a 0.1 micron pore size, meaning that it filters bacteria, protozoa, and hard-shelled Cryptosporidium, but not viruses. Check out the Bee Free Water filter.
I have also seen several of the others used by lightweight campers such as the Sawyer Squeeze, or the lifestraw. They’re all pretty comparable
The above list for ultralight backpacking is not exhaustive. There are many more ultralight gadgets, but my thinking is that you should just bring less gear. There is no need to bring tonnes of equipment if you’re trying to do ultralight backpacking. Bring the essentials and enjoy the wilderness. Make-do, and find items that can be used for multiple purposes.
If you want to check out my more detailed outdoor camping equipment list and suggested lightweight gear, check it out here.