Video: My Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
Continued in Part 2 (below)
Join my Backpacking Tips Newsletter (at the top of the page) to download my gear list in printable PDF format – includes weights and prices for each individual gear item.
62 Responses to “Video: My Ultralight Backpacking Gear List”
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Erik,
Really enjoying your site. You have a lot of good common sense ideas. Are you going to show us what you carry to get to 5000 calories of food per day?
Dave
great work again Eric,look foward to the video on food ,hope you could touch on food protection strategy(animals & such) as well days food ,carried.thanks again….Jerry
Eric,
That is such a useful video! You are making my life so much easier! I have never backpacked with a tarp before, what do you think the advantage is over a lightweight 3 season tent (for two people). Were you cold/wet in the north? I look forward to following your adventure! Thanks
-eleni
Great Video Eric! Thanx 4 sharing all the good gear info.I am totally jealous u r hiking the trail this year. Whats your cell number? Perhaps I can join you for a section on your voyage north. I will bring my Richard Simmons shorts that were such a big hit last time, Chris
Thank you Erik for posting these wonderful videos! I can hardly wait to see the next one about the food that you carry. I want you to know that you are making it very hard for me to wait 12 more months before my PCT hike! Thanks again & Happy Trails!
Great video(s)! It gave me some new ideas. Do you really use your gloves very often? When my hands get cold, I usually use my spare pair of socks as mittens.
With Purell simply being gelled alcohol, what is the advantage to carrying an additional bottle of rubbing alcohol? Just wondering.
Nice video Eric! I too can’t wait to see what is in that HUGE food bag! I love looking at other hikers ideas for food, you never know when they might have an awesome food idea.
Eric,
Another great piece of work. When I met you in 2007 in the San Filipe Hills if I remember right you were carrying a Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack. Just wondering, why the switch to ULA Circuit. How’s the cushioning. I’m surprised to hear it will carry 30 lbs. comfortably. Keep up the good work.
Chuck Shugart
Hoped to see you in two and half weeks at kickoff and then later on the trail. Enjoyed the videos and looking forward to the one on FOOD.
Nuclear
Thanks everyone for your comments
@Dave: I’ll make another video in a couple of days showing the contents of my food bag.
More info on hiking food here: http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/702/hiking-food-thru-hiking-diet/
@Jerry: I forgot to mention I will be carrying a bear canister in the Sierra. When a canister is not required I just sleep with my food.
@eleni: The advantage to using a tarp is they are lighter and also roomier and more breathable than a tent (most ultralight tents are very small and narrow). I’ve never had a problem getting wet in my tarp because it is pretty large and as long as I stay near the middle the water doesn’t reach me.
More info on ultralight shelters here:
http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/982/lightweight-backpacking-tents/
@Chris: I’ll email you my number. That would be great to get together again for a section.
@Watertank: I don’t use my gloves very often. I could definitely do without them for most of the trip, but they are so light I just bring em.
I’ve never tried gelled alcohol for treating chafing (which is what I use the rubbing alcohol for). Not sure if it would work the same, but it might.
@Chuck: The Granite Gear was a great pack, but the main reason I switched to ULA is because it has all of the external storage pockets (waist pockets and big mesh front pocket).
@Roy: See ya at the KO.
Hey Erik!
Thanks for showing us your pack contents. I have used several of your suggestions for lightening my pack weight and now have it down to nearly what yours is!! Whoo Hoo! I do carry a Henry Shires Tarptent though, vs a tarp, although I may go with a tarp for further adventures.
Thanks again Erik for all your suggestions and help along the way. Love your mapset, and am looking forward to using it this summer on my trip. Hope to see you on the trail, so I can say “Thanks” in person!
Peace and Happy Journeys!!
SoulSista
About how much burn time do you get with the Pocket Rocket/ Jetboil Jetpower combo?
Thank you for all your tips!!! Hey, I was wondering… you have no mention of critter and bear required food protection in your gear. Curious, what are your gear plans?
@Thomas: I usually get about five days out of the small fuel canisters. I cook every night (boil water and then dump it into food and hot chocolate) and about 2-3 times in the morning (boil water for oatmeal). If I need to go longer than five days sometimes I will carry two canisters or one of the bigger ones.
@Lady on a Rock: I plan to carry a bear canister in the High Sierra from Lone Pine through Sonora Pass. In the past I have used a Bear Vault, but they are too small for all of my food. This year I plan to try and rent a Bearikade (the expensive carbon fiber ones) because the expedition size is large enough to hold more food, and still lighter.
Outside of the Sierra I will sleep with my food and whack any hungry critters with a hiking stick
Hi ETB
I remember your trail magic ride to the trailhead in 2008. What made it memorable was the 6 other hikers piled up like cordwood in your jeep. What a ride! I’m sure I’ll enjoy your Atlases when they arrive. I didn’t make it to Canada in 2008 but will give it another go in 2011. Godspeed on you and yours journey this year. GK
Great equipment overview. – Joe
I’m intrigued by using alcohol to fend off monkey butt and related woes. I personally am fond of the green bottle Gold Bond powder – this system you have works well for the, uh, uniquely male chaffing problem?
Erik;
Thanks for the pack contents. Liked the ULA Circuit so much from your review, I bought one and will try it out next week. I also bought a set of silk underwear (in black of course) and a set of Sea-to-Summit dry bags to try.
Wonder what brand orange or red small bag that you keep your loose items within on your pack hipbelt. This is great idea for those near sighted folks.
I’ve tried powders in the past for chafing and all they seem to do is gunk it up down there. Alcohol dries it out and sort of cauterizes the wound. Basically, I just apply some to the affected area at night using a cotton ball, then I cry like a little girl for about 2 minutes until the stinging pain stops, wear something loose fitting and breathable to bed… and in the morning it’s all dried out and the skin is toughened up.
Steve, those little bags are made by Equinox.
Looking forward to your culinary video!
I am also curious how you keep your Helium Bag dry in wet weather???
@ Brian: I store my sleeping bag inside a Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack. It weighs around 2 ounces (I believe) and is completely waterproof.
Thanks for your response Eric the Black~* What about when in use! Do you ever have problems with the bottom of the down bag getting wet, or any other parts of the bag while in it! I was thinking of possibly using a garbage bag or something to make some sort of sock like thing for the lower half of the bag, to help keep it dry!?!? Or is it just not neccessary?? Would appreciate any input you may have~Thanks
@ Brian, I’ve never really had a problem with my sleeping bag getting wet enough to degrade the loft. My tarp is wide enough that I’m able to keep a 1-2 foot buffer space between me and the elements, and I use a silnylon ground cloth underneath. Occasionally some wind-blown spray from outside will hit the shell of the bag but the nylon is actually surprisingly water resistant.
great videos. i am looking to get some dry bags for my clothing and maybe on for my food. how many Liters is your dry bag for your clothes?
@Mike: The dry bags I use are made by Sea To Summit. I believe the one I use for my clothing is 6.5 liters (#8) and the one i use for my sleeping bag is 8.5 liters (#13).
Can you give me some info on that striker you use to light the camp stove?
@Emerson: Sure, it’s a Spark-Lite Firestarter. It weighs about 0.2 ounces and is available (along with some tinder and a carrying case) from Amazon.com for about 8 bucks.
Hot Damn! Thanks!
Enjoyed the video. Saw it on youtube and followed it here.
Can you light the cottonball/Vaseline with it?
HEY ERIK, WHERE DO YOU GET THAT INLINE WATER FILTER FROM??
@ST: The inline water filter is made by Sawyer. You can get it here: Sawyer Inline Water Filter
Hi Erik,
I’m a retired old geezer who is upgrading my backpacking equipment and figuring out how to organize my new pack. Your site has helped greatly in this regard and I have a few questions about some of the details. Did the orange container for the Pocket Rocket come with the stove? Also who makes the waterproof case for the electronics, and finally who makes the nice little zippered pouch for the books?
Thanks for putting all this together. It especially helps me as I live in a rural area and some of this stuff can be hard to track down online unless I know what I am looking for.
Regards … Bill
@Bill: Thanks, glad to be of help. To answer your questions: The red container did come with the Pocket Rocket stove. The waterproof case for electronics is made by Dry Pak (they make several different sizes for cellphones and cameras and the like). The the zipper pouch is made by Granite Gear (called the Air Pocket).
In watching the gear video another question came to mind regarding the Thermarest repair kit. If a Thermarest does get a leak, how would I find where it is? At home I would inflate it and spray it with Windex until I see bubbles. I can’t imagine anything much worse than slipping into my sleeping bag just as it is getting dark and finding that my Thermarest isn’t holding air. That’s got to be right up there with opening up the fridge and discovering that I’m out of beer!
@Bill: My thermarest has popped on me about three times but strangely enough it always happened the last night before going into town. So I just slept on the ground and then the next day went into town and submersed it in the bath tub to find the hole. If you had to do the repair on the trail and there wasn’t a lake or creek nearby I suppose wetting a camp towel or bandana and squeezing water onto the pad while looking for bubbles would probably work.
Erik,
Thanks for the great videos! You strike a great balance when it comes to lightening the load and being comfortable/safe. Great tips and ideas for all.
Erik, congratulations!
nice web site, nice explanations.
sorry to see so little videos.
my question: i just bought 40l ferrino durance 40 backpack. is it enough for two three day hikes ( tent, sleeping bag and terma rest ) incl. ? i have an issue with that, cause on back side it has inside metal sprung or something, that keeps your back cool. so i guess it limits the space.
anyway, thanks, and would appreciate some thought about size/day backpack.
regards from Croatia, Zagreb!
Danilo
@Danilo: Thanks, more videos will be coming soon. I’m not familiar with that backpack but I Googled it and it looks like the capacity is 40liters (which I think is around 2,500 cubic inches). If you carry the kind of lightweight gear in the video I think this pack will work well for 2-3 day hikes, since you will not need to carry as much food. However, I notice that it weighs 1.7 kilograms (59 ounces) which is quite heavy for a pack of that size. I’m not sure what kind of lightweight packs are available Croatia, but a lighter weight alternative here in the US would be a pack like the ULA CDT (formerly Conduit) which weighs only 17 ounces.
Thank You for quick answer
We have available every brand ( if not in Croatia then over internet – i just got my water purification tablets from rei.com ), but as i wasnt paying too much attention to weight aspect, but rather to capacity for my needs – i end up with heavier one.:)
but it looks cool, u have to say..
looking forward for more videos and posts, keep up the good work and thnx again!
Danilo
Hi Erik
I bought a snowpeak 700 cook set just like yours and all of the stuff to make the pot cozy. My question is when making and using the pot cozy what do you do about that tab that sticks up from the lid of the snowpeak 700 cook set?
@Donald I bent the tab over so that it lies almost flat. You can still use it to grab the lid, but it doesn’t get in the way of the pot cozy now.
Hi Erik,
Enjoyed your videos, I’m looking to upgrade my gear for a thru-hike of the PCT in 2012. My main focus is on a quality backpack. You use the ULA Circuit, right? I am not an ultralight hiker, but I am learning. I was considering buying a Gregory Baltoro since it received good reviews, but it weighs 5 1/2 lbs. I also prefer a tent.I can never seem to get my base weight below 30 lbs, no matter how little I pack. Most of my gear is expensive, “lightweight”, ( Hillaberg tent, Montbell sleeping bag, Down jacket ) After watching your video you seem to have everything you need for a thru-hike, and still manage to have a lightweight pack. What am I doing wrong?? Mark
@Mark: ULA Packs are excellent packs for thru-hiking. I have used them for years and every time I hike a trail I see the tell-tale green checkered fabric of ULA packs everywhere. They have several models designed for different pack weights. The largest pack they have is the Catalyst, which weighs 3 pounds. This is the perfect pack if you are just getting into lightweight backpacking because it has a TON of space, and will carry even heavy loads comfortably. The middle of the road pack is the Circuit (which I used to use and which is shown in this video). The Circuit is good for base weights in the range of 15 pounds or so. The really ultralight model is the CDT (previously called the Conduit, which is what I carry now). This is good for base weights closer to 10 pounds. They also have a couple of new models which I am not familiar with.
A five pound pack is overkill for a PCT thru-hike, and having that kind of pack just makes it too easy to carry extra stuff you don’t need (because there is all that room to fill). Since you say you are starting with a base weight of 30 pounds (yikes) I think the Catalyst would be a good pack because it is a good “transition pack” from heavy to lighter weights. I’m not sure where all of that weight you are carrying is coming from, but if you sign up for my Backpacking Tips newsletter at the top of the page it will take you to a page where you can download 5 sample gear lists (ranging from 10 to 15 pounds base weight). I would write down everything in your pack (along with the weight) and then go down the list and compare it line-by-line to the gear in the sample gear lists.
The main things you want to look at are your “Big 3″: Tent, Sleeping Bag (and Sleeping Pad) and Backpack. Even if you go really “luxurious”, your big three should not weigh more than 10 pounds.
Here is an example of what I would consider a very indulgent Big Three:
Backpack: ULA Catalyst 4,600ci (2 pounds, 15 ounces)
Sleeping Bag: Marmot Helium 15 degree Down (2 pounds, 2 ounces)
Sleeping Pad: Exped Synmat 7 Full-length Inflatable (1 pound)
Tent: MSR Hubba (2 pounds, 13 ounces)
Total: 8 pounds, 14 ounces
Even if you add six more pounds of gear on top of this (which is a lot) you will end up at a base weight of 15 pounds (which is not bad at all, and is about what most PCT thru-hikers carry).
Good luck!
I think that a hammock tent would be suitable for a low weight pack would it not?
Plus, hammock tents kick ass because you don’t have to worry about rocks, sticks and lumpy ground keeping you awake at night because you’d be suspended in the air between two trees!
@David: Hennessy Hammocks makes a couple of ultralight backpacking hammocks that weigh a bit less than 2 pounds. One thing to consider about a hammock is that you are stuck in one position all night (lying on your back). If you like to roll around and sleep on your side or stomach then you probably won’t like a hammock. Hammocks also require trees to pitch. Many western trails, like John Muir Trail, Colorado Trail and Pacific Crest Trail have sections with no trees. But, if you will be hiking somewhere that you know there will be trees and you don’t mind the hammock position, they are a good option for a lightweight hiking shelter.
Eric, I am thinking about finally moving to a tarp. What are your thoughts between silnylon, spinnaker, or cubin? Cubin is awfully expensive–worth the weight over spinnaker? And have you had issues with silnyon stretching to the point of frustration? Thanks for the advise–great site and postings.
@Steve: I have only ever used a silnylon tarp personally, but I did have a Spinnaker groundcloth for a while. The problem I had with Spinnaker is after two seasons the material dried out and fell apart. It was a great ground cloth while it lasted, but it didn’t last that long. I can’t be certain, but I think it was the UV rays of the sun that finally did it in. (It did not wear thin from abrasion against the ground, the fabric just became brittle and crinkly and started coming apart).
Since ultralight backpacking shelters are so expensive, I like to buy ones that I know will last for a few years and silnylon is pretty much indestructible. I’ve never tried Cuben Fiber, but I imagine it’s not that durable. I know hikers have used Spinnaker and Cuben Fiber tarps for an entire thru-hike (5 months of continuous use), but I have not heard of many people using them over and over again, year after year.
If you are looking for the lightest shelter you can find, then Spinnaker and Cuben Fiber are both good choices, as long as you treat them carefully, and don’t mind replacing them every once in a while. If you want something that will stand up to abuse, and will last for a long time, silnylon is the way to go.
I’ve never really had a problem with silnylon sagging too much. I pitch my tarp REALLY TIGHT initially, and then it tends to droop a bit as the night wears on, but never so much that it becomes a problem. My tarp is a Gossamer Gear Siltwinn, which has easy-to-adjust line locks that I can adjust from inside the shelter.
Hey Erik I was wanting to know what bag is that you keep your food in? I think it would be perfect for my food, as I am a bigger guy.
@Chris: I keep my food in a Granite Gear Air Zippsack. I use the largest size (which they call Medium). It’s really lightweight, holds a lot of food and the zipper is really convenient for rooting around inside without dumping everything out. Only problem is I believe GG is in the process of discontinuing them! They are becoming harder and harder to find on the web. Even the granite gear store only has the smaller sizes. Backcountry Gear still has them here, though I don’t know for how much longer.
Hey Erik,
Love your blog. I have learned so much. I was thinking about picking up a Helium on sale and was wondering what you thought of it. I was also wondering how it works in warmer conditions. I know there is a full length zip so that has to help. Also wondering how cold you have taken this down too?
One other thing, looking for bug protection in my Siltwin. How is your bug bivy working out?
Thanks,
Dathan
@Dathan: I love my Marmot Helium. It’s the best sleeping bag I have owned. In warm weather I unzip it and use it like a quilt so it’s easy to throw a leg or arm out and cool down when it gets too warm. It stays toasty down to about 20 degrees and moderately comfortable down into the single digits.
Another popular bag is the Marmot Hydrogen, which is basically the same as the Helium but with less down. This might be a better option if you only plan to hike during warm spring and summer months.
I like to camp out late in the season sometimes when the temperatures get cold so for me the Helium is a good “all purpose” bag for a range of temperatures.
I am not that happy with the bug net. I rarely carry it anymore. The bug net works as you would expect, but it is so small and cramped inside that’s not pleasant to be under. What I like about tarp camping is that it’s roomy and airy and feels like being out in nature, instead of cooped up behind a wall of mesh or nylon. So most of the time I leave the net at home and just deal with the bugs.
use Herbal Armor. excellent bug repellant. all natural, so no harmful chemicals. smells good, works great. pretty cheap. comes as spray or lotion mixed with sunscreen. better than a bug net cuz it works all day rather than when you’re just cooped up. I field tested it in the spring against Yosemite’s vicious, relentless mosquitoes and I won!
EtB,
I noticed you do not use a pack fly. I do and love mine. Works great for it’s intended purpose and also I use it to tuck clothes in for a pillow (more comfy than a stuff sack). you can put it around the foot of your sleeping bag when tent camping if it’s raining and windy to block any spray from hitting the bag.
Granite Gear makes ‘em BRIGHT ORANGE so if you have an emergency and need rescue it makes a great noticeable flag. Also a great sun shade and storage bag (berry gathering)I did the math and the size small (Cloud Cover- for packs 2500-3300 ci) is just 96 grams, which weighs less than 7 tablespoons of water. When hiking in the rain your pack and any gear on and in it is sure to absorb more than 7 TB of water so to me it earns its keep because of that fact. It’s a staple for me. Plus, it’s nice and cozy for me and all my gear to stay dry.
What kind of Lekki poles do you carry? I can’t decide between Lekki and GG UL4′s. Looking for some insight if you have any/ I have a spinntwiin shelter so will need the poles for that.. but also live in the north east and find myself hiking Mt Washington frequesntly.. Would just hope the GG’s hold up well in that enviorment. Really want a quaility adjustable pole that is going to stand up to regular use.
In an effort to save weight with my hiking poles I bought a pair of women’s poles and have used them for a couple of years now. I saved several ounces over men’s poles and this 6 foot, 240 lb guy has had absolutely no issues with them. They have saved me from falling several times and still look like new.
@Shawn: My poles are Leki Makalu Ultralights. I don’t think they make that model anymore. I’ve had em for years and love them. I’ve never tried any other poles because these work so well. One time I stepped in a gopher hole and bent one into an L shape. I just bent it back over my knee and it went right back straight without breaking. When I got home REI gave me a free replacement pair and I’ve had them ever since.
Hi Erik,
Firstly, thanks for all of the great info on your site – i’m new to backpacking and ultralight backpacking. All of the info here has been invaluable to me!
I’m wondering what the total pack weight was for the above videos? I’m doing the 100 mile wilderness(10 day) and had initially though of getting the ula catalyst…BUT..with your tips,I’m wondering if i can get away with using the circuit instead to shed some more weight. I think my base weight will be between 11lbs & 13lbs. Using your estimate for food at 1.5lb/day, my total pack weight if using the circuit would be around 32-34lbs.
Thanks!
Trish
@Trish: Total base weight for this was about 12.5 pounds. In my opinion the Circuit is a better choice than the Catalyst unless you have some really huge gear to put in there. The Circuit is quite a bit lighter than the Catalyst but it still has a ton of room and carries the weight well.
HI, I noticed you said that you only use sun screen in the beginning of your hike because once you get a tan you dont need it anymore. I am hiking the AT from May 1-August 15th. I have pretty tan skin and rarely burn (I live in the 115 degree weather of Arizona), do you think I will need much sun screen on the AT in the summer time? I would love to save on the ounces.
@Sasha: I have not hiked the AT yet but I have heard that many parts are a green tunnel with lots of shade trees so I imagine the sun is not as direct and intense as out west.
Im 56 and have backpacked for many years until i was no longer to do it because of a hip problem bone on bone no cartilage I had a complete hip replacement last dec and blew off my conventional physhical therapy in a medical office and within a month started hiking every day adding in uneven rough steep trails has really done wonders and has gotten me out to the places I love I wanted to start backpacking again but was worried about the weight I used to carry 45 lbs However with This ultra light system looks great for someone with a joint replacement and I should have no problem with the lighter set up thanks for the great tips I can plan on doing some longer distance stuff now
@Craig: Congrats on your recovery and getting back on the trail. On the Pacific Crest Trail I met a man who had both hips replaced who had hiked the entire length of Oregon. He went at a slow pace but he had a smile on his face even on his last day after almost 500 miles when I met him outside of Cascade Locks. If you aren’t already using them try using two trekking poles. They will help to take some of the weight off your hips and legs and transfer it to your arms. Good luck!