Ultralight Backpacking Clothing System
Ultralight Backpacking Clothing System
One of the biggest myths about ultralight backpacking is that lightweight backpackers are often cold, uncomfortable and on the verge of hypothermia.
That doesn’t have to be true…
I have used the clothing system I am about to show you in daytime temps ranging from 110 degrees down to 15 degrees including freezing cold rain and snow - quite comfortably.
I was planning on sharing a bunch of theory about “layering” and “multi-use clothing”… but I don’t feel much like writing today.
So instead, I’m just going to show you exactly what clothing I take on a long-distance backpacking trip.
Here it is…
Clothing Packed (included in pack weight)
| Hiking Socks: | 1 pr Running Socks | 1.5 | oz | $16 |
| Thermal Top: | REI Silk Top | 3.4 | oz | $20 |
| Thermal Bottom: | Terramar Silk Bottoms | 3.4 | oz | $20 |
| Torso Insulation: | Montbell UL Thermawrap Vest | 5 | oz | $115 |
| Shell Jacket: | Marmot Mica Rain Shell | 7 | oz | $130 |
| Shell Pants: | Montbell Stretch Wind Pants | 4.8 | oz | $55 |
| Sleeping Socks: | Cabellas Polartech Socks | 2 | oz | $12 |
| Beanie: | Mountain Hardware Microdome | 1.5 | oz | $18 |
| Gloves: | Mountain Hardware Powerstretch | 2 | oz | $20 |
| Rain Gloves: | Vinyl 5mil Disposable Exam Gloves | 0.1 | oz | $8 |
| Bug Headnet: | Sea to Summit Headnet | 1.3 | oz | $20 |
| Subtotal: | 2 lbs |
$434 | ||
Clothing Typically Worn (excluded from pack weight)
| Underwear: | Underarmor Boxerjock | $20 | ||
| Shirt: | Smartwool Microweight Tshirt | $55 | ||
| Shorts: | Northface Running Shorts | $30 | ||
| Spare Socks: | 1 pr Running Socks | $16 | ||
| Shoes: | Merrel Moab Ventilator/Goretex XCR | $80 | ||
| Insoles: | Montrail Enduro Soles | $34 | ||
| Sunglasses: | Sporteyz | $18 | ||
| Hat: | Sunday Afternoons Sun Tripper | $25 | ||
| Bandana: | Bandana | $5 | ||
| Wallet | Granite Gear Hiker Wallet | $7 | ||
| Watch: | Timex Men’s Camper Classic | $29 | ||
| Subtotal: | $319 | |||
And here’s how it works…
Warm Weather Hiking
Warm Weather Backpacking Clothing
Base Layer / Sleeping Clothes
Base Layer / Sleeping Clothes
Cool Weather Hiking
Cool Weather Backpacking Clothing
Warm Rain Hiking
Warm Rain Backpacking Clothing
Cold Rain / Snow Hiking
Cold Rain and Snow Backpacking Clothing
There are more configurations that just the ones shown here – but these are the major ones.
Since each piece of clothing is multi-use they can be combined many different ways to create the best combination of warmth or coolness, protection from the elements, breathability and comfort.
… and now you know why they call me Erik the Black 
Werd, thats a pretty excellent run down of your clothes gear! Forget the writing, pics are a 1,000 words and do it much better justice anyway.
Jealous of PCT trip, but will get some miles on Maine AT this summer…
I like the (mostly) all black
This is great info, I’ve been wondering a long time about how comfortable it can be going ultra-lightweight. Thanks!
I’ve been wondering if I’m totally insane to plan to hike the JMT this summer wearing primarily a short hiking skirt, with Cap2 johns underneath as needed. You just sealed the deal. Your kit looks a lot like mine…. Thanks!
Now we know why you’re called Erik the Black. No trouble coordinating your outfits, right? And in town, just add a string of pearls and you are dressed to dine anywhere. Great article! Very helpful … Regards, Two Legs
Awesome info, Thank You!
I am totally stealing the medical gloves idea!
Greetings from Germany,
Julia
-Dreaming about maybe attempting in 2011-
Great pictures and lists. I believe I could stay warm in your cold rain suit. Thanks for the excellent bonuses for the handy atlas.Keep publishing your tips and have fun on the Trail.
great stuff, master hiker/outfitter and computer ace, nice of you to share
Black is all good. It also dries faster.
Sorry to be an overpacking ignoramous, but after wearing your silk stuff to hike in all day in the cold and rain, do you still wear them to sleep in? I play by totally different rules, and one of them is to keep one set clean and dry for sleeping. Tell me why I’m wasting valuable pack space!
thanks. Also, agreed that the all black kit is nifty.
Black , wouldnt lack of reflectivity in dark clothing be an issue in the dessert? i peddled acoss the US back in 20th century and i was glad a brought along lighter clothing… ed
Thanks for your comments everyone!
@eileen: I’ve never had a problem with my base layer getting wet. Most of the time I use them only as sleeping clothes. When it is cold I do wear my thermals while hiking, but they are mostly protected by my outer layers.
Because silk is ultralight and highly breathable it usually doesn’t become soaked with sweat like thicker fabrics (and if it does, dries very quickly).
I also carry a good down sleeping bag so my sleeping clothes are not essential for warmth at night. I wear them mostly for comfort and to keep my bag from getting greasy and dirty. If they become compromised during the day I can just sleep without them.
@ed: In the desert I typically wear as little clothing as possible. Most of the time when it’s really hot I will just wear my hiking shorts with no shirt. I don’t like to wear long pants or long shirts even if they are light colored because they trap hot air next to my skin which makes me uncomfortable.
Luckily I have dark skin so I don’t have to worry about getting sunburnt. I also carry a Golite Chrome dome umbrella in the desert to block the direct sunlight.
I will be thru hiking the PCT in 2011 and now am researching, researching . . . I will be buying your maps, but will wait til next version will be out. When will that be?
Also, you mention the ULA Conduit but I see the max weight recommended is 25 lbs. I don’t ever want to go over that, but with water and food for several days, I see that as a possibility. Is this a concern with that back pack?
Also, regarding the ULA Conduit, I assume it will hold a bear canister?
Finally, I just finished reading everything on this web site – nice job.
@John: I will be doing research for the 3rd Edition PCT Atlas this year. It should be available in spring of 2011 or 2012.
I own a ULA Conduit and a ULA Circuit. For my thru-hike this year I will be carrying the Circuit because it can hold more weight comfortably and I plan to bring a few “luxury items”, but a Conduit will work if you have a base weight of 10 lbs or less.
great ,very helpfull.my list came out a bit heavy, then I seen no extra undy,s on your list ,shame shame
@Jerry: Nope, no spare undies. One pair of Underarmours does the trick for me
Love your site. I am a traditional backpacker in the process of a “makeover” toward lightweight backpacking. Question: Is there a reason you favor silk over merino wool in your base layer and T-shirt?
@ halfdomewarrior: I love merino wool for chillier weather, but I like silk in the summertime because it weighs about half as much (and is surprisingly warm).
This is amazingly cool. Do you have a list like this of everything you carry and the associated weights?
@ Emerson, thanks. When you sign up for my Backpacking Tips eNewsletter (at the top of the blog) you can download three complete gear lists showing all the gear I carry and the associated weights.
ERIC!! Awesome site Bro! I recently had a hip replacement and now I’m ready to get back on the trail. You have done an amazing job putting together all the info. anyone might want, and then some! I’ll be using your site myself and promoting it to everyone!
Thanks for putting together such a wonderful reference. You ROCK!!
-Joe-
Thanks Joe! Appreciate it. Good luck recovering from your surgery and hitting the trails again.
Why did you go with a synthetic fill vest rather than a down one?
@ Emerson: I prefer synthetic over down for clothing because it retains it’s loft and warmth even when wet. I wear my vest a lot while hiking so it can get wet either from rain or perspiration.
Hey Erik
When I try to register for your backpacking tips newletter, I keep getting \"an error occured\" message
Walter
@Walter: Thanks for the heads up. I tested the newsletter sign-up form this morning and it appears to be working now. It was probably just a temporary problem with my mailing list server. If you try signing up again it should work.
I can\’t figure out how to order your two books, Ultralight backpacking & How to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Could you please help me. Thanks,
@Guff: They are not available for purchase yet. Both will be coming out sometime in 2011.
Hi Erik,
Regarding your Terramar Thermasilk bottoms, do you have their single ply \"Jersey\" silk or the two ply \"Interlock\" silk.
Thanks for all the great info..
@Bill: They are in storage now for the winter, but if memory serves me correctly I believe the silk bottoms are single ply. You can get them from Campmor here.
Hi Erik,
I was wondering how the Marmot Mica rain jacket is holding up. Are there any significant wear areas from the pack shoulder straps or hip belt? How long have you been using it?
p.s. from my previous post on the silk bottoms, I emailed Campmor customer service and asked them to check the Terramar part number and they do indeed have the single ply version.
@Bill: I used the Marmot Mica rain jacket for 500 miles this summer on the Colorado Trail and we got some rain every day except for three, so it got a fair amount of use. So far it has not worn at all and looks brand new. It’s fully waterproof and about at breathable as any rain jacket I’ve used. I also used it as a wind jacket and for protection from mosquitoes in camp. I’m really happy with the Mica so far.
The disposable rubber over-gloves idea is popular among some of my motorcycling friends. Some of your readers might be interested to know these more durable disposable industrial dish washing gloves are available for $3 per pair: http://www.aerostich.com/rain-glove-covers.html
Looks like a bunch of places sell the same model: Nitri-Solve 727-11
Hey Erik
Can you post where you buy all your clothing? Maybe you have already and I can’t find it….
I’m in Canada but maybe we have some of your stores here lol.
@Mia: I buy most of my gear and clothing online because I live in a small town with no gear stores and it offers a better selection.
Here are some of the places where I shop:
REI.com
Campmor.com
Backcountry.com
BackcountryGear.com
EMS.com
Amazon.com
Erik,
Thanks so much for the clothing sites!
If your where to thru-hike the PCT would you start AND finish using the silk base layers? I embrace one gear list for all conditions but wonder if you’d swap them out for something a little warmer in OR & WA?
Love your website!
Erik,
Great web site!!! After BPL, this is the most informative backpacking site I’ve found on the web. I have no interest in thru-hiking, but at age 73 I sure appreciate your recommendations and techniques for lowering the pack weight, and especially like your compromise of weight vs. comfort.
@Onestep: In colder weather I will sometimes switch out my silk top for a Smartwool Midweight Top. It is quite a bit heavier, but really toasty warm. I usually keep the silk bottoms because my legs stay pretty warm during the day just from moving and at night I get into my sleeping bag as soon as possible. When I hiked the PCT I switched to the wool top in Washington and was glad I did, because we had several days of snow and night time temperatures in the low teens in late September.
@Mike: Thanks for the kind words and congrats on still hitting the trails at 73. I hope when I get to be your age that I will be doing the same.
Erik, great info, thanks for sharing. The Montbell Stretch Wind Pants don’t seem to be available anywhere. Have you tried the Dynamo Wind Pants. According to the specs on the Montbell site, they only weigh 2.8 ounces. Any other suggestions? Thanks
@Denny: I haven’t tried the Dynamo Wind Pants yet, but they look like an excellent alternative. In fact they are probably better than the pants I have because it looks like they have better water resistance. The stretch wind pants I have get soaked through pretty quickly in the rain.
How do you handle the sweat issue?. I sweat like a pig with or without a shirt. I like ultrathin wool for the stinkless factor, but when wet with sweat, I get pretty cool. It doesnt dry well in cool weather unfortunately. Thick wool tends to keep warmth better when wet, but is not suitable for warmer weather. Any thoughts?
@Stephen: I wear my microweight wool shirt in warm and cool weather, but in the cool weather I wear something with it (like a long sleeve shirt or my vest or rain jacket). I sweat a lot in hot weather but don’t really sweat that much in cool weather for some reason. When it’s hot out sweat is nice because it moistens the shirt and then if a breeze blows through it feels cool.