We’re all about backpacking here at Terradrift. Specifically ultralight backpacking (I carried an 8.2 lb base weight recently). That’s partially due to the fact that we’re small people so it’s easy to have a pack that’s too heavy pretty quickly, but also because we love the challenge of seeing what we can pare down and do without so we can move faster, father, and more comfortably.
But ultralight (UL) doesn’t have to mean ultra uncomfortable. In fact, there’s tons of UL backpacking gear out there that’s designed to be both easy on your shoulders and comfy to carry. And we took a bunch of it out onto the Allegheny Trail in West Virginia in late spring conditions (i.e. mild during the day, cool at night, and plenty muddy) to see how light we could get our packs and how the gear performed.
That said, this list of gear is perfect for late spring through early fall. And altogether, our average backpacking base weight (the weight of all gear minus food and water) was about 9.65lbs! Josh carried about 3 more pounds than I did because he’s bigger and he can, but for a couple’s ultralight backpacking kit, that’s pretty dang impressive and more than meets the “criteria” for ultralight backpacking (which is historically a base weight of 10lbs). Here’s some of the best ultralight backpacking gear we carried.
Want more UL backpacking content? Check out the biggest mistakes UL backpackers make and 5+ tips for packing ultralight.
His Ultralight Backpacking Kit: 11.1 lbs
Josh is bigger and heavier than me, so we split up what gear we carried based on that. As a result, he carried a few more pounds than I did, but I helped close the gap by carrying most of our meals. Here’s the lightweight backpacking gear that was in his pack:
- Backpack: LiteAF ECOPAK Curve 40L (32oz)
- We reviewed this pack in more detail in this post, but suffice it to say that this ultralight backpack is a durable powerhouse. A simple removable U-shaped aluminum frame gives it some structure without adding much weight, the outer fabric is made of recycled materials and is also ultra durable and highly water resistant, and there are so. many. pockets. We also love that these packs come in tons of colors and patterns and you can order a fully custom pack if you so desire.
- Sleeping Pad: Rab Ionosphere 5 (19.4oz)
- We highlighted the Rab Ionosphere 5 in this article, but it’s comfortable, compact, tolerably light, and is warm enough for shoulder season camping with an R-value of 4.8.
- Sleeping Bag: Big Agnes V-Notch 40 (1lb 6oz)
- This ultralight sleeping bag is designed for warm weather. Comfy, roomy enough for the average hiker, and not too loud.
- Headlamp: BioLite 325 (1.8oz)
- It’s powerful, rechargeable functional, and easy to use. It’s the headlamp I always reach for.
- Clothing: Cotopaxi Sombra Hoodie (5.6oz – Not counted toward base weight)
- We reviewed the Cotopaxi hoodie in this post. I love it for the loose fit, fitted hood, and accessories pocket on the side seam. The shorts just fit well, are durable and functional, and I wear them for everything, though they’re not supremely ultralight shorts.
- Shoes: Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandals (about 15oz depending on size)
- This trip was short, warm (enough), and extremely muddy, so I chose to bring only my Bedrock sandals (check out a full review here). But should shoes with more coverage be required, my go-to is the Vivobarefoot Magna Lite SG.
Her UL Backpacking Gear: 8.2lbs
I’m a pretty small human (just 109lbs), so when I pack my ultralight backpack, I do so judiciously. Nothing goes in that I don’t absolutely need and I’m willing to pay more for lighter gear that won’t weigh me down. This is what went in my pack this time around.
- Backpack: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50L (32oz)
- We reviewed this pack in more detail in this post, but suffice it to say that It’s comfortable, versatile, you can add on accessories like shoulder strap pockets, and it’s made of recycled, PFAS-free materials. This is my go-to UL backpack.
- Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (13oz)
- Designed for spring and fall backpacking when nighttime temps are cooler with an R-value of 4.5.
- Sleeping Bag Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 40º (17.8oz)
- Ultralight and pretty dang cozy. This quilt is one of the few truly UL synthetic quilts out there and I love it. Straps keep it fastened to my pad and it easily opens up into a true quilt on warmer nights.
- Headlamp: BioLite 325 (1.8oz)
- It’s powerful, rechargeable functional, and easy to use. ‘It’s the headlamp I always reach for. ‘Nough said.
- Clothing Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Shirt (5oz – not counted toward base weight)
- I like to keep my arms covered and my legs bare. So I love the light and loose Cotopaxi Sombra hoodie (full review here).
- Shoes Deliberate Life Designs Onsight (9oz) use code TERRADRIFT10 for 10% off
- This trip was short, warm (enough), and extremely muddy, so I chose to bring only my Deliberate Life Designs barefoot sandals (check out a full review here). But should shoes with more coverage be required, my go-to is the Vivobarefoot Magna Lite SG.
Their UL Backpacking Gear
Because we’re a duo, there’s some gear that can be split up and shared between the two of us. This can effectively help lighten your overall load, but we’ve also included options for things we carry if we’re hiking solo.
- Tent: Durston X-Mid 2 (40oz)
- We reviewed this ultralight tent in more detail here, but this is a comfortable, affordable, roomy backpacking tent and we love it. It has plenty of room for 2 plus gear. If either of us were traveling solo, we would cut weight even more by grabbing our Gossamer Gear The One.
- Trekking Poles: Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Poles (10.4oz)
- The lightest UL trekking poles on the market. Two words: envy inducing. We brought one pair to share and to pitch our tent.
- Cookware: MSR Titan Kettle (4.4oz)
- We love an ultralight titanium pot for backpacking. And the MSR doesn’t disappoint. We packed the 900ml pot and a 450 ml mug (2.4oz) since all we were doing was boiling water to rehydrate meals.
- Stove: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (2.9oz)
- We love our BRS ultralight backpacking stove, but decided to try something different. The PocketRocket Deluxe has a larger head and arms for more stability and faster heating, plus a built-in igniter.
- Other gear:
- DIY first aid kit
- Long-handled spoons
- Bathroom kit
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter with CNOC Collapsible Bottle
- Nalgene Bottles
- Our trusty Nitecore NB10000 power bank (the lightest, most powerful bank on the market)
Ultralight Backpacking Gear Bottom Line
We won’t say ultralight camping gear is cheap, but it is worth it in our opinion, especially if it means you’ll want to get outside to explore more often, go farther than you thought possible, or enjoy every experience just a little bit more. And you can always search for used gear, which not only saves you cash, but is kinder to the planet as well. So are you an ultralight backpacker? Will you be after perusing this list? Either way, get outside and wander on (in the backcountry, obvs).
Watch the video version of this video on YouTube.
