Lightweight Backpacking Gear List

12.5 lb Base Weight

Lightweight backpacking gear provides a good balance of comfort, utility and durability that works well for hikers of all experience levels. This lightweight backpacking gear list is similar to what I pack myself and what I recommend for most backpackers. It can be used for everything from overnighters to a thru-hiking in typical three-season conditions (late Spring through early Fall.)

The Big Three (Backpack, Shelter, Sleep System)

Weight: 6.7 lbs

These “big three” items make up the foundation of your lightweight backpacking system. They get used more than anything else, make up the bulk of your pack weight and will take the biggest chunk out of your budget.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List - The Big Three

The Big Three:

Alternatives:

Clothing Worn

Weight: 3.9 lbs

This is the clothing you will wear every day on the trail. Since these items spend more time on your body than in your pack, they are excluded from the “base weight” calculation. But they are included in your “skin-out weight.”

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List - Clothing Worn

Clothing Worn:

Alternatives:

Clothing Packed

Weight: 1.9 lbs

This is clothing that is usually packed and gets worn during cold and wet weather, at camp in the evenings and on laundry day. Because these items spend as much time in your pack as on your body, they are included in the “base weight” calculation.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List - Clothing Packed

Clothing Packed:

Alternatives:

Cooking & Hydration

Weight: 1.8 lbs

These items are used for cooking and eating, cleaning dishes and storing and treating drinking water. This example will allow you to pack up to 4 liters of water. You may need to carry more or less water, depending on the conditions where you plan to hike.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List - Cooking & Hydration

Cooking & Hydration:

Survival & Miscellaneous

Weight: 2.1 lbs

These items are used for navigation, fire starting, first aid, gear repairs, personal hygiene, organization and other various tasks. Some of these things may not get used very often, but it’s still wise to carry them, because they are important to have in an emergency.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List - Survival & Miscellaneous

Survival & Miscellaneous:

Items Worn or Carried

Weight: 1.6 lbs

These are non-clothing items which are typically carried in your hands or on your body. They are excluded from the “base pack weight” calculation, but are included in your “skin-out weight.”

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List - Worn or Carried

Worn or Carried:

Consumables

Weight: 20 lbs

These items get used up as you hike and have to be replenished occasionally. Since the weight of consumables fluctuates, they are excluded from the “base pack weight” calculation. But they are included in your “full pack weight” and “skin-out weight.”

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List - Consumables

Consumables:

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List Summary

Base Pack Weight: 12.5 lbs

There are a few different methods for calculating pack weight. “Base weight” includes all of your packed gear, but does not include clothing worn, consumables and other items worn or carried. “Full pack weight” includes all of your packed gear and consumables like food, water and fuel. “Skin-out weight” includes everything packed, worn and carried.

Here is how our example lightweight backpacking gear list stacks up:

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List

Lightweight Backpacking Gear List

The Big Three: 6.7 lbs
Clothing Packed: 1.9 lbs
Cooking & Hydration: 1.8 lbs
Survival & Miscellaneous: 2.1 lbs
Base Pack Weight: 12.5 lbs
+ Consumables: 20 lbs
Full Pack Weight: 32.5 lbs
+ Clothing Worn: 3.9 lbs
+ Items Worn or Carried: 1.6 lbs
Skin-Out Weight: 38 lbs

Affiliate Disclosure: If you order from the links on this website, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

More Gear Lists

Erik The Black's Backpacking Gear List

Erik the Black's Lightweight Backpacking Gear List (13 lbs)

This is my personal 3-season backpacking gear list. It strikes what I think is an ideal balance between light weight, utility, durability and comfort.

Ultralight Backpacking Gear List

Ultralight Backpacking Gear List (10 lbs)

Ultralight backpacking gear is ideal if you want to travel quickly and efficiently, and you don’t mind sacrificing a few luxuries to cut weight. Not recommended for beginners.

Midweight Backpacking Gear List

Midweight Backpacking Gear List (16 lbs)

Midweight backpacking gear is a good choice if your hikes are usually shorter than 100 miles or if you don’t mind carrying a few extra pounds in exchange for more camp comfort.

Budget Backpacking Gear List

Budget Backpacking Gear List (Under $1,000)

This budget-friendly beginner backpacking gear list will get you on the trail for under $1,000. It includes everything you need for 3-season hiking and is pretty lightweight too.