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What's in My Pack? | My 7.7 lb Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
pepper steps | outdoors & adventure
Overview
This video details an ultralight backpacking gear list weighing approximately 7.7 pounds, focusing on multi-functional and lightweight items for three-season use. The presenter unpacks and repacks their backpack, explaining the rationale behind each gear choice, emphasizing weight savings, durability, and personal preference. Key categories covered include the backpack itself, sleep system, clothing, shelter, cooking, hygiene, electronics, and worn items, all curated to maximize efficiency and comfort on the trail while minimizing overall weight.
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Chapters
- The ultralight, frameless backpack relies on carefully packed gear for structure and support, customizable for fit.
- A waterproof pack liner (like a trash bag) is used for added protection, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and reliability.
- A quilt is preferred over a sleeping bag for weight and bulk savings, as the underside insulation is compressed and ineffective.
- Sleeping pads offer insulation and cushioning; a modified closed-cell foam pad can serve as a pack frame, while an inflatable pad offers more comfort.
The foundation of any backpacking trip is the pack and sleep system; choosing lightweight, multi-functional components here significantly reduces overall pack weight and improves comfort.
Using a modified Nemo Switchback closed-cell foam pad that is cut down to fit the torso, serving both as insulation and structural support for the frameless pack.
- Minimize clothing by bringing only essentials like one pair of sleeping pants and extra undergarments/socks.
- Clothing items like long johns and specialized socks are chosen for their warmth-to-weight ratio and quick-drying properties.
- A lightweight, breathable hat is included for warmth in cooler conditions.
- A single-person trekking pole tent is chosen for its balance of weight, sturdiness, design, and interior space.
Strategic clothing choices and a reliable shelter are crucial for comfort and safety, and selecting ultralight options here prevents carrying unnecessary bulk.
The Brynje long johns, resembling fishnet, are highlighted for being warmer and lighter than traditional merino wool alternatives.
- A 'ditty bag' consolidates small, essential items like first aid, hygiene, and repair tools.
- Dental hygiene is managed with travel-sized items like a bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste tablets.
- A mini repair kit includes items like super glue and patches for gear maintenance.
- Medications and blister prevention tape (Leukotape) are carried for common trail issues.
- A compact, rechargeable flashlight with a detachable magnetic base offers versatile lighting solutions.
These small items are critical for health, safety, and minor repairs, and organizing them efficiently in a ditty bag prevents loss and ensures accessibility.
Leukotape is presented as a high-adhesion tape specifically for preventing blisters by addressing hot spots on the feet before they become severe.
- A backcountry bidet replaces toilet paper for hygiene, attaching to a water bottle for efficient use.
- A lightweight trowel is used for digging catholes, essential for Leave No Trace principles.
- Water is filtered using a Sawyer Squeeze Mini, kept inside the pack for protection.
- Durable, lightweight water containers (like a 2L bladder) are used, with wide mouths for easy filling.
- Food is stored in a lightweight, durable DCF bag, suitable for bear hangs if necessary.
Maintaining hygiene, ensuring safe drinking water, and properly storing food are fundamental to a healthy and safe backpacking trip, even with ultralight gear.
The Sawyer Squeeze Mini water filter can attach directly to the mouth of the Katadyn 2-liter water container for convenient filtering.
- Layering is key for managing temperature fluctuations, with items easily added or removed.
- A highly breathable yet warm mid-layer (Alpha Direct hoodie) is essential for active hiking.
- A packable down jacket provides significant warmth for its weight during rest or colder periods.
- A lightweight shell jacket protects against wind and rain, fitting over other layers.
Effective layering allows hikers to adapt to changing weather conditions, preventing overheating or chilling, which is vital for sustained energy and comfort.
The Senchi Designs A90 hoodie, made with Alpha Direct material, is described as simultaneously warm and highly breathable due to its open-knit structure.
- Footwear prioritizes stability and comfort, with options for custom orthotics.
- Trail gaiters are worn over shoes to keep out dirt and debris.
- Durable trekking pants are chosen for their resilience, though fit may require a belt.
- A satellite communication device (Garmin inReach Mini 2) is crucial for safety, offering two-way messaging and SOS capabilities.
- Trekking poles aid stability, reduce joint impact, and assist with tent setup.
The gear worn directly impacts performance and safety; choosing appropriate footwear, durable clothing, and reliable navigation/communication tools is paramount.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is clipped to an easily accessible part of the pack or carried by the hiker, ensuring it's available for emergency communication even if separated from the pack.
Key takeaways
- Ultralight backpacking prioritizes multi-functional gear to minimize weight without sacrificing essential comfort and safety.
- Careful selection of sleep system components (quilt, pad) offers significant weight savings.
- Minimizing clothing by bringing only versatile, quick-drying essentials is a core ultralight principle.
- A well-organized 'ditty bag' ensures critical small items like first aid and repair tools are readily accessible.
- Layering clothing effectively is crucial for adapting to varying temperatures and exertion levels.
- Reliable navigation and communication devices, like a satellite messenger, are non-negotiable safety items.
- The choice between different types of sleeping pads (foam vs. inflatable) depends on the trade-off between weight, comfort, and durability.
- Even seemingly trivial items like a trash bag for a pack liner can be effective and cost-efficient ultralight solutions.
Key terms
Ultralight backpackingFrameless backpackQuiltClosed-cell foam padInflatable sleeping padTrekking pole tentDitty bagAlpha Direct materialSatellite messengerBear hang
Test your understanding
- What are the primary advantages of using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag in ultralight backpacking?
- How does a frameless backpack differ from a traditional backpack in terms of structure and packing strategy?
- Why is minimizing clothing a key strategy in ultralight backpacking, and what types of clothing items are prioritized?
- What is the purpose of a 'ditty bag' in an ultralight kit, and what essential categories of items does it typically contain?
- How can hikers effectively manage temperature regulation on the trail using layering principles and specific types of clothing?