Ultralight Backpacking Gear List for 2020
In this post, I’m sharing the list of ultralight backpacking gear that I’ve been using for the summer of 2020. I’ve included some variations depending on temperatures, trip length, and whether I’m hiking with a partner, and so the total weight of my pack varies, but it’s about 10 pounds at the low end and 12 pounds at the high end.
This list is a little different than the one I posted last year, but if I were to do a thruhike in the near future like the Pacific Crest Trail, the gear below is what I would use.
At the end of the post, I’ll reflect on my gear choices and add some additional thoughts on how you might switch it up based on your individual needs.
Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
Here’s the list, divided into categories and with links to where you can buy these products online.
Backpack
Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Sleep System
Clothing
Electronics
Photography
Bathroom
Kitchen
Accessories
Thoughts on my Ultralight Backpacking Gear
In this section, I’ll share some additional details and thoughts on my choices above. I hope that these thoughts might help you in applying my choices to your specific needs.
Couples Shelter
On backpacking trips with my girlfriend this summer, we’ve been using the MSR Hubba Hubba NX. This shelter has a lot of good things going for it: it’s bomb-proof, spacious, and easy to pitch anywhere, including on wooden tent pads or even granite slabs. But at 3 lbs, 8 oz packed weight, it’s quite heavy. For most trips, I would recommend getting a lighter trekking pole tent like the Six Moon Designs Haven or expensive yet very popular Zpacks Duplex.
Using the Hubba Hubba this summer has been the simple result of making use of what we already own instead of buying something new, despite it not being the lightest or best. While ultralight backpacking is generally focused on optimizing gear as much as possible, sometimes I support making do with what you already have.
Warm Clothing and Rain Gear
The clothing list I posted above is what I would use in an alpine environment with a chance of precipitation in the forecast. In warmer temperatures, I would bring only the hoody and leave the down jacket at home. In addition, if I was confident from the forecast that rain was unlikely, I would leave my Frogg Toggs rain jacket at home. The benefit of using a poncho-tarp style shelter like the SMD Gatewood Cape is that it can act as a worn rain layer in emergencies, meaning I can save the weight of my rain jacket as long as I’m not expecting the weather to be persistently awful for the trip.
Electronics
The electronics list above is what I would use on an extended trip that involved at least one resupply where you stop to recharge. On a trip with no town stops, I would leave the wall charger and C-C USB cable at home.
The 10,000mAh power bank has been perfect for me for about 4-5 days of phone and camera use. For a longer trip or if you intend to shoot lots of video, consider a 20,000mAh power bank. For overnighters or weekend trips, a smaller power bank would be better suited.
Kitchen
In the last couple years, I’ve become a big fan of cold-soak cooking, which is what the gear list above makes use of. I think it’s convenient, lightweight and best of all doesn’t require any dishwashing after eating. However, I know that some people would really hate to give up their warm dinner and hot coffee. If you’re one of those people, here’s a cooking set I would recommend:
- Stove: MSR Pocket Rocket
- Pot: Toaks 900mL Titanium
- Fuel: Isobutane fuel from any brand like MSR, Primus, Jetboil, or Woods.
Summary of Ultralight Backpack Gear List
The list above is a solid three-season ultralight backpacking gear setup for both new and experienced hikers, and those who hike alone or with a partner. It contains some options depending on trip temperatures and length, and all of the gear can be purchased online using the links provided.
Have fun and stay safe out there.