9 Pound Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2024
- www.adventurealan.com/ultrali... For a detailed list of what gear I take and how that totals up to ~ 9.4 pounds, check out this gear list in this link. (Note that this gear list is intended for both solo and 2 person use and has gear suitable to make weight for either, see more below)
Nine pounds of backpacking gear is all a hiker needs to be safe and warm. Or simply put, this list has better backpacking gear. For over a decade it’s been tested, refined, and updated to reflect only the best and most current backpacking gear now available in 2020. So, if you want to reduce pack weight without reducing comfort, look no further! The hiking gear in this guide is suitable for all 3-season conditions on trips around the world, from Alaska, to Patagonia, to Utah
THE GEAR LIST
www.adventurealan.com/ultrali...
In this Gear List you’ll find one or more of our favorite options for every single type of item a backpacker must carry. Green check marks indicate our go-to option(s). Look for ultralight cottage industry favorites, as well as excellent and reasonably priced gear from mainstream retailers.
Note 1: The gear list on our site is for both solo and 2 person use - either way you'll make weight. For example this video shows a 2 person tent that ends up being less than 1 lb / person when shared. This gear list on our site also includes solo tent that is under 1 lb.
Note 2: In the video I've tried to show a broad range of gear that is included on the list, so people could see it, understand what it’s for and why it’s great. As such, to be more illustrative there is MORE gear in the video than I would take on any individual trip. And there are a number of options for the same type of gear. I would take only one of each gear type, or possibly not take an item like a bear can if the reg's didn't require one. And in normal weather I would not take the very weather options.
DISCLOSURE
Some of the items in this video were given to me (for free) by the company but most were purchased with my own funds. I have no contractual agreement with any company featured in the above video and only give reviews on gear I myself would use or feel would benefit my viewers to know more about. This is NOT a Paid Post or Video, nor did I receive the product in TRADE for a review. I am self-employed and do not receive further compensation from any company for this gear review.
DISCLAIMER
This post www.adventurealan.com/ultrali... contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the these links, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you. I do not receive compensation from the companies whose products are listed. I am never under an obligation to write a review about any product. Finally, this post expresses my own independent opinion.
You’re blogs are some the best resources for any level backpacker. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
Great to see you on youtube, man. I've been reading your website for years - looking forward to more stuff!
Thanks for the kind words Rober. Great that you are enjoying some of the new video content we're putting out. Definitely subscribe to this channel for more content coming up. Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
Hi Alan, I really like this video, very informative. I have a couple decades of outdoor experience, but still find myself learning things from your videos and articles on your website. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words Gorby! Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
Good stuff Alan. I've been following your recommendations since the BPL days. I like the practical experience you bring to this with an eye on the budget. I find this is all adaptable to a broad range of conditions, including here in New Zealand where many are still hung up on the old heavy durable gear paradigm. I've used these principles even when I spent years in SAR. Thanks.
Thanks for the kind words Nev. Warmest, -alan
Alan, great video, and thanks for the links! Your website (and blogs) are exceptional - clean, well written, great info, and great layout. I still refer back to your writings on how to make your smartphone last longer. Thanks again...
Thanks for the kind words Paul
It was just a suggestion. It was an excellent video content wise and I am now following you. The older I get (in my late seventies) the more ultralight I get. I carried 35 lbs when I skied across Michigan in 1971 (it never got above 0 Fahrenheit. I’m down to 10 lbs w/o food and water. Your stuff is impressive. 👍🏻🇺🇸
Hi Tom, that's a nice kit! And yes every year we age, our bodies appreciate a lighter load. Wishing you many more years of light hiking. Warmest, -alan
Thank you Alan for making this video! This is super helpful. I’m actually going to go backpacking for the first time in April with friends. I was a little nervous on what I need to pack since it’s my first time and I want to be prepared. So your videos and website definitely help! Much thanks and best regards!
Our pleasure! All the best - Alan
I really love that backpack. I’m definitely checking that out. I have the same quilts. Love them.
Lots of great gear. Really awesome having your weight down that low. Cool video. I enjoyed it 👍
Thanks for the kind words Backpacking With Jason!
This is THE MOST helpful backpacking video I have ever watched! Thanks Alan!!
Our pleasure. Glad it was helpful Mark. Stay tuned for more great content. Warmest, -alan
Great to see someone in my age group enjoying life and getting outside as well..... Great video our kit set up is similar, I went with the Z-packs duplex tent also a great light wt.tent (feather & Friends quilts are very nice also...looking forward to more reviews and videos from you.
Thanks for the kind words Michael. Stay tuned for more good video content coming up. Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
Love the video alan, ive looked back at this video many times over to keep myself in check before heading out for a few nights. Great no nonsence infor here. Wares all ur new videos! Lol
It's great that the empty fuel container, the Liberty Mountain Twin Neck Bottle, is included in the base weight (and I purchased one to replace my "guess and squirt" method of dispensing fuel--I love the built in measuring part of the Liberty Mountain bottle). While the amount of the fuel may fluctuate and therefore not included, the weight of the vessel used for carrying the fuel doesn't vary and therefore should be included. I've found many people who use the Isobutane stoves exclude the entire weight of the canister and fuel. The weight of the vessel/canister can be determined and should included in the base weight of the pack; for weight weenies and comparision between cooking alternatives this can make a big difference (and many of the posted videos that exclude the canister are exactly for that audience). Additionally this video provides a really good benchmark to compare, for example I carry an emergency whistle, extra pair of hiking socks, extra pair of briefs, sleep base layer, soap, etc...while not included in your kit I consider them essentials and carry them in mine...and I also eliminated things because your video made me challenge myself as to if they were really necessary (although a luxury item or two is okay too :-) ). Anyway, thanks for the video--very informative and helpful--I've made some improvements to my kit as a result; your pragmatic and well-informed approach to backpacking is a true resource for those of us trying to refine and improve our process. Thank you Adveenture Alan!!
Durwood. Our pleasure. You are so welcome. Best, -a
New sub. Awesome video. I have traveled to over 120 countries....I thought I was light weight...
just getting on the plane carry on- typically 14 pounds!! Well presented, well practiced, with a safe practical equipment list. I have seen some incredibly massive packs-often multiple packs- over the years for people travelling and staying in hotels. Thank you!!
Welcome aboard! Glad you like our content. We do try and put out accurate high quality info. Best, -alan
Thanks for the video Alan. As usual, great info made simple.
My pleasure. So glad you found the information useful.
This really helped. Just starting to move into a more streamlined packing system, but I don't want to leave anything out. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Best, -alan
Thanks for the look at your gear. This would be sort of a dream kit for me. That Hyperlite gear is beyond my budget but if I was hiking at this level it would be worth the money. The only thing I could see adding to this would be a second pair of hiking socks and a minimal 1st Aid kit. I carry 3 pair of socks, one on, one on the outside of the pack airing out and a pair to sleep in. Time spent in the jungle of South-east Asia taught me the importance of feet.
Nice to hear from you Garth. There is a decent first Aid Kit in the Video and details of it are on my site www.adventurealan.com/9-pound-full-comfort-backpacking-gear-list-table/ scroll down to the very end. And yeah, dry socks are a must in wet environments. In AK or Patagonia I always make sure that I have dry socks to sleep in. And I usually put a heavy duty foot ointment on them at night. Something like Bonnie's Balm, or Aquaphor. I spent over a month in AK this summer where my feet were never dry and never had foot problems. Best, -alan
Solid recommendations. Thanks very much. Will save me research time and lighten my load!
Glad to be of some help John. Here's to some great hiking with a lighter pack. Warmest, -alan
Outstanding breakdown. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the kind words Mark. Stay tuned for more good video on technique and gear kits coming up. Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
Excellent video with some new products and good common sense. Taking my grandson this year to do the Shenandoah NP and I will definitely check out those Rail Riders.
Our pleasure Pappy. Lot's more good stuff coming up late winter and spring. Stay tuned. Best, -alan
Really appreciate your videos! Looking to learn even more from you as the time goes on. Thanks Alan! Your one of the reasons why i went Ultralight a year ago or so. Hyperlite .. have you looked at Zpacks
Hi again Eli, yes we are aware of Zpacks. They are in our tent guide, backpack guide, rainwear guide, and I am currently reviewing some Zpacks gear in other product categories. BTW good job on being ultralight, but even more important to getting outside and enjoying it. Warmest, -alan & alison
Thank you. Really appreciate your videos and I look forward to learning more from you.
Am from the UK and so conversion to metric would be handy.
Muhammad Imran you are not abble to do it yourself ???!!!
Sorry about that Muhammad. With limited bandwidth on TH-cam it just gets too long and complicated to spit out both sets of units. And since this is primarily a US site, the non metric units, lbs and oz are way more understandable to readers. Wishing you a great year of trekking. Warmest, -alan & alison
Thank you. Sorry for being lazy. I've set up a conversion chart. Like learning a new language. Keep up the good work, sir.
That WAS amazing ! Great Vid. Smart Gear. And an Incredibly knowledgeable guide. You got my sub = )))
Welcome aboard! And thanks for the kind words. Best, -alan
Thank you for this terrific rundown. I recently completed a thru-hike of the Long Trail and relied on your website for my approach and gear set up.
I used about half of the items you recommend in this video (e.g., Hammock Gear Premium Burrow Quilt, Trail Designs Sidewinder Ti-Tri cooking system, Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants) and had similar items for the rest (e.g., Zpacks Arc Blast vice HMG Southwest, Tarptent Aeon Li vice HMG Dirigo 2). My base weight was around 12 lbs. (mostly due to a couple of luxury items like a sleep shirt (Patagonia Lightweight Capilene L/S shirt), the Big Sky DreamSleeper UL Pillow, and camp shoes (Xero Z-Trail Sandals).
I got a couple of things wrong like my closed foam sleep pad (NEMO Switchback), which wasn't comfortable enough for me, and some expensive trekking poles that snapped early in the hike while in the rugged northern section (I went SOBO). Otherwise, it was a great set up that I'll continue to use. Thank you for helping me get on the right path and avoid a lot of newbie mistakes!
Thanks for all the kind words Michael! My pleasure to be of help. So glad you found the site useful. Dunno about the newbie thing. Sounds like you are out there rockin' it and kickin' ass on the trail. Wishing you a great year of trekking. Warmest, -alan
Excellent video! Very informative and extremely useful! Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words Tim. And yeah, stay tuned we are going to put out a lot of great content coming up. Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
Probably the best vid I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing, I don’t usually comment.
Wow, thanks! Our pleasure. Best, -alan
Just wanted to say thanks. I'm a new bike packer, yes bike, and like to keep it light too. I rucked enough weight in the military.
Glad to hear it. We do have a bikepacking article BTW www.adventurealan.com/bikepacking-gap-trail-co-canal-trail/. And we are just back from a 150 mile trip post Hurricane Zeta. We stayed warm, dry and reasonably comfortable in fair amount of 40 degree rain on sloppy trails. Just made it out before snow the afternoon of the last day. Best, -alan
Just FYI, if you *do* manage to break a Cascades trekking pole, you can get them to send you a replacement segment for $8, no shipping.
Yup Gordon, a great product and a good company. Warmest, -alan
Or take them back to Costco where I got mine. Cheaper than the $40 you mentioned you paid for them in another video. Good poles!!!
Cascade poles 29,99 at Costco now April 2020. Totally agree. Reliable for sure.
Thanks for the info Jane! Warmest, -alan
What I use. Rlly nice for the money. Prob had them for 5 years and many miles
I don't know where you've been in my feed. This is a really tight set up. I love that you said "and this is what you need to bring". No one listens the first time but they'll get it after they ust their hump for 8 hours. Nice set up
Thanks for the kind words Neda. Warmest, -alan
Great video... glad you have some budget alternatives at your website! :/
Our pleasure! Warmest -Alan
Good stuff Allan
Useful video thank you
Great gear loadout! Thanks for sharing (New Subscriber)
Thanks for the kind words P&H. Stay tuned for more good video content coming up. Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
Thanks for sharing your wealth of experience. The practicalities of your demonstration coupled with your point of view are most credible.
I'm perplex about your claim of having enough fuel for 5 days using your alcohol stove. Could you elaborate as I gave up on alcohol even though I miss its reliability and would like to go back. I find that a liter is what I need for porridge and coffee plus same quantity of boiling water for supper. I use the efficient Trangia 27
Thanks for your input
Loved your presentation and now will read on your website
CHEERS
Hi Roger, happy to explain. First, the Trail Designs Caldera with their Kojin stove www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-stove-system/ is far more efficient than the Trangia. When operated properly the TD Calderia uses less than 1/2 oz of alcohol to boil a pint, and it is relatively unaffected by wind. This is the most important point. But there are other factors. in fact, you can get well over 4 oz of fuel in the boston round bottle if you fill it up to the very top. Then the stove is unique in that it can also store about an ounce of fuel. But even more important you can snuff it out once you have a boil and it can be capped to save the unused fuel. Finally, I do my coffee with treated water so it is not necessary or desirable to bring it to a full boil. This also conserves fuel, so maybe 1/4 oz of fuel for a cup of VIA in the morning. All this makes for very low fuel use. Hope this helps. Best, -alan
A couple of questions-Are you sleeping in your hiking clothes? What do you do if you roll into camp wet? Get into the Burrow wet? Love your videos and web site!
Hi Kelly, and thanks for the kind words. Yes, we do only bring just one set of clothes with us. If it’s a long day in the rain then clothes under the rainwear will be damp to moderately wet (no such thing as hiking the rain all day and having dry clothes underneath - a complete myth that this is even possible). When in camp, if you keep your clothing on under the down jacket it will likely be dry’ish by bedtime and completely dry in the morning. Yes, you wear the damp clothes to bed with you. Vs. two sets of clothes this saves you the extreme discomfort of changing out of your dry clothes and putting icy cold and wet clothes in the morning brrr… Note the Burrow does not get all that wet assuming you have just damp clothes. Hope this helps, and wishing you a great trek, warmest -alan & alison
My usual method is to have light ( eg lowe alpine dryflo) long johns and top, just for the evening.... i would be prone to catching a cold in soaked clothes. Especially in nz/ tas where you can get snowed on in summer.
I dry my other clothes by putting them between my zrest and inflatable.mat, or if i have a synthetic bag ( cheap but heavier ) , military style, i can " iron" them by sleeping directly on top of them. Down jkt or synthetic one for the eveninng is a must.
Great information !!! Thanks for all the effort. Can you camp in all Zones and all Seasons with this kit? If there are exceptions can you explain? Also... Can you explain any adjustments for trips longer then 14 days you would make. You're the best!
I agree that UL backpacking is HERE and the best way to go.
MY GEAR LIST:
PACK-> Osprey EXOS 58 W/Camelbak hydration bladder
SLEEP SYSTEM-> WM Megalite down bag, REI FLASH 3 season (R 3.7) air mattress at 15 oz.
TENT-> Notch Li (or Moment DW for winter)
COOK SET-> Trail Designs Sidewinder ti caldera cone stove (ESBIT TABS) & 3 cup mating pot OR Brunton CRUX canister top folding stove and DIY windscreen & same pot
KNIFE-> SAME AS YOURS, GERBER LST
CLOTHES-> ALL synthetic except Eddie Bauer "Down sweater" jacket and/or EB down vest
RESCUe BEACON-> SPOT Gen.3
TREKKING/ TENT POLES-> SAME AS YOURS, Cascade Mountain Tech. Had 'em 5 years & many miles with no problems! (COSTCO purchase :o)
Looking for an 8 to 10 oz. WPB rain parka that is fairly durable. I currently have a 1 lb. REI eVent parka.
Take a look at the new OR Helium 2020 version. www.adventurealan.com/best-lightweight-rain-jacket/ Way more durable at the same 6.3 oz weight! The first upgrade to the highly regarded Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket in 8 years! It boasts a new super strong Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric. Outdoor Research says it 5x more tear resistant and 2x more abrasion resistant.
fantastic, thank you for sharing, my BW 10 lbs, a few questions: any camp shoes? sleeping set? I've been told sleeping in down quilts or bags is not good for down without layer(clothes or liner) to protect down from body dirt and grease. no shorts and no extra underwear? for me on hikes longer than a week, even with merino wool underwear I feel like having a change...
An informative video and nicely produced. Thank you. What I really need, though, is a video on consumables. Even when my Big Three weighed 4lbs, I still ended up with a heavy pack and things got worse when I resupplied in a Highland village shop. Any advice on consumables would be welcome.
Hi John, excellent topic and good ideas for future videos. Here now here are three great posts on my site that will definitely help with consumables.
www.adventurealan.com/quick-ways-reduce-backpack-weight/ in particuarl look at...
www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-food/ The Backpacking Food Page to save a ton of weight at zero cost
www.adventurealan.com/best-hydration-drink-when-thirsty/ save carried water weight
and you could move to an alcohol stove to save weight on both your cooks system and fuel weight
www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-stove-system/
Hope this helps. Best, -alan
Is this the same adventure Alan from around 2000, just a website?
Still getting tips, still useful, it's so much easier to go light in comfort now.
Yes it is Liam, I have been at this a very long time. Warmest, -alan
Wonderful gear list (best on the internet IMO) and excellent resource for backpacker trying to reduce weight and remain safe. Unlike many ultralight lists out there, it does retain a reasonable level of comfort.
However, the 9 pound claim is unfortunately misleading. Adding up the weights of all the items on your list with green check marks yields exactly 10 lbs by my calculations. Adding up all the weights in the video (tent replacing tarp) yields just over 11 lbs by my calculations. Could you elaborate as to how you yield 9 lbs from this list?
Hi theabacus20, it’s no simple task to convey/explain a gear list that works 3-season for most places on the planet - either in video or is “Written” List in a page post. This Video was my best attempt to do so. I will do my best to clarify a bit more.
First, in the video I tried to show a broad range of gear that is included on the list, so people could see it, understand what it’s for and why it’s great. As such, there more gear in the video than I would take on any individual trip (the same is true for the “Written” Page Post version of the list, where there is optional gear for fine tuning the list or for cost saving options). That is, I would take some gear on one type of trip and other gear on another type of trip The check mark can only go so far though to explain this. An example of this is the the Dirigo 2 tent which I would take on a trip where I shared it with another person. In this case since the tent is shared that 1.9 pounds equates to 0.9 lbs/person shared weight. But, if I were on a solo trip I would take the Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL (0.8 lb) which is why it’s checked in the writtent post. (In the Video I decided to use the Dirigo 2, as I felt that most folks use 2 person tents so I thought it would be a better and more useful example.)
Second, some gear, like the Ursack (0.5 lb) would only be taken when required. As such, it is not included in the total weight for “9 lbs.” (It is green checked, not because it is included weight but it would be my first choice if a park had a bear storage requirement.)
I believe that these two items likely account for most of the confusion on the weight. Both for the Video at +1.6 pounds (1.1 lb Dirigo 2, 0.5 lb Usack), and the “Written” Page Post version of the list +0.5 lb Usack. Again, I hope this helps clarify things a bit. Warmest, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co Thank you for the explanation. An added 1.6 lbs puts you at about 11 lbs total which makes way more sense in my experience with what you were showing. Still a really light weight.
Yes, what are you sleeping in??? Why not Zpacks duplex and Arc blast since they are lighter??? I was looking at Hyperlite but thought being older that ounces count, saying that I don't care if I carry a few more ounces if the quality is there and customer service. Thanks again, glad I found your channel!!!
Hello "Un-determined-age" Ladies Hiking North On The Appalachian Trail (great handle BTW!). Good question. The Zpacks duplex and Arc blast are great gear and they are lighter. If your major concern is going lighter and you are hiking and camping on the AT, then they they would be excellent choices. The gear on this list is meant to work, most places in the word. As such thus has to be up to less protected campsites, higher winds, bushwhacking and other abuses that would not happen on the AT (or at least are far less probable). So, much of this gear is built to withstand a bit more abuse and trauma, but as you astutely point out that comes at the expense of more weight. Hope this clarifies things a bit. Keep on trekking. Warm regards, -Alan
1 hour ago
@@adventure_alan_co Thanks again, I get it now, you are all over and so your needs are different than just gear for one trail. Stay safe out there!!! I Am really excited about your channel!!!❤
Nice job man. I use a very similar set of gear...👍
Thanks Motivated!
Very helpful.
Lovely people that make sense...thanks so much
Our pleasure! Thanks so much for the kind words. Best, -alan
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Excellent video. Which of the tents you listed do you recommend for solo O circuit in TDP. People say that because of hight winds super light tents are not safe for TDP. Thank you in advance.
Actually with the exception of Paine Grande and possibly Seron all the campsites are quite protected and I know folks that have gotten by with tarptents. Even Paine Grande is in the lee of a big hill (try and camp near the base). And Seron has protected areas, and you can always tie-off your tent to the fence. Alison and I got by with an 18 oz Pyramid Shelter. That being said the lightest bomber tent is the SlingFin Portal. See more in our tent guide www.adventurealan.com/best-tents-backpacking/. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co thank you for your advice.
Excellent Choices
Thanks for the kind words Tom. Stay tuned for more good video content coming up. Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
I can take this information and think about it. Some things I would use and some I wouldn't. I am doing a pack shakedown. Last year my pack was forty pounds. I tried a lot of new gear that just ended up weighing too much and made me quit early in the season. I have had packs that weighed 20 lbs with food and water. Ten pounds would be impressive. Some of your gear I just can't invest that kind of money into. I am trying to re-make your pack on a budget. So far it is doing well.
Great stuff!
Thanks. Our pleasure. Best, -a
Hi Alan. I just found your channel. Thank you for your great information. I watched this video and it’s pretty much my set up. I find my tent freezes up on me though. What can I do about frozen condensation? Also, can you show how you pack that stuff in your pack. I also have that very same one! Thank you!
Here's our video on how to pack your pack which will also answer your Q about packing your air pad in a pack: th-cam.com/video/SGtSWbo_sfo/w-d-xo.html. I usually pack the frozen tent fly into the large bucket pocket on the back of my pack. This is particularly nice if I am using something like a tarp, or pyramid tent. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co but does your Dirigo 2 get a lot condensation and freeze up?
Great vid. Standard width or wide on that quilt? Website says wide recommended for ground sleeping.
Rhome, unless you are a practiced quilt sleeper on the ground and know better, go with the "ground width" which is typically in the range of 55". Fortunately I am 5'8" and can usually get by with a short quilt. One of the few advantages of being under 6'. Wishing you a great year of hiking. Warmest, -alan
Think you could put accurate weights and temperature ratings on things (where it applies). Does the 1-lb quilt go down to 20F or 30F or 40F? What fill-power is it? What model? On the caldera cone are you using the Ti version or the Alu version?
KB that’s what the link in the description section to our written post for. The detailed written post will have all the information that you want. Given that the video was already over long if I were to include the level of detail that you want for each product it would probably run over an hour. So not really practical. Enjoy reading the 9 pound gear list post on my website. All the best -a
@@adventure_alan_co we don’t mind long videos! Albeit they may be more work for you.
Thanks for sharing. I learned a lot from watching your video.
Glad it was helpful! Warmest, -alan
Can go for a Zpacks tent and shave some extra minor weight. 6oz savings for sale 2 person tent.
Yup, that is an option. Depends on where you are going to end up sleeping. In sheltered areas the Zpacks would work and would be lighter. But in the open and unprotected from high winds, or under snow load the Dirigo is going to fare better. Best, -alan
Nice review. Do you have any recommendations on big 3 where no one item is over $200? Otherwise great gear at more reasonable prices for those of us on a tight budget?
You can get a good synthetic Bag for 100-200 on sale on backcountry, I personally use a Guide 0, and it was 170-180. Solid bag.
Lightest and cheapest shelter I can think of for ground is a bivouac or bivy bag / shelter. (A good one.)
Best somewhat cheap bags are probably ULA Equipment bags. It’s 200 to 300 for most of their bags, but they are pretty light, and made with 400 Robic.
Hope I helped :)
www.adventurealan.com/ultrali... is our 9 Pound Ultralight Gear List. Checkout the Hammock Gear Econ Burrow Quilt. ECONOMY BURROW CUSTOM
is $159.95. And it's way lighter and better than any synthetic quilt. (And most down sleeping bags). Read up on it in our Guide to Sleeping Bags and Quilts www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-sleeping-bags-camping-quilts/. Warmest, -Alan & Alison
Mason Hadley
Thank you for the great input
Your site has the BEST information out there. Thanks!
By the way, the one thing that I’ve struggled with is the pad. On the neoair 20” pads, I feel like I’m falling off. I currently use an Expad SynMat which is 15 oz, but they want you to use their pump sack which is another 2.5 oz
*Exped
Yeah, for a lot of to folks there is only room for your torso and one arm. The other arm kind of hangs off the side a ibt. If you are not going below freezing you could try the 25" wide UberLite. Good summer pad, but below freezing it's not quite warm enough for me.
@@scottburleson7215 One good thing about the Exped Synmats pump sack, it doubles as a waterproof stuffsack. So I keep my sleeping bag, liner and pillow in there.
Looks like a great set up. I’m 6’4”+ and can’t find a UL tent where the walls don’t rest on my face and/or quilt. Any ideas?
Large tarp + Bivy? Or a larger pyramid tent and sleep on a diagonal. My 6’5” climbing partner sleeps fine on our MLD Supermid. Checkout out tent guide for more. Best -alan
Adventure Alan Interesting, I currently have a solomid XLXL, yes 2 XL. It’s 115” long but the inner is only 90”and the netting ends up on my face and feet. Do you use a MLD inner?
Awesome gear, but what’s the point of the door on the tent if it’s not fully enclosed anyway?
No thermal base layer for the legs? Does the clothing system change depending on where you’re traveling/trekking?
Hi KB. Nope, rarely if ever use a base layer on legs. For more info on clothing see our www.adventurealan.com/top-mistakes-using-layering-system-stay-warmer-drier/ it should help with clothing systems that cover a broad range of temperuatures. But in general, legs do not need that much insulation so long as you are moving (feet are another issue tho). We were just out on the Southern Ice Shelf in Patagonia and never wore anything more than thin nylon pants and our rain pants even in raging winds and temps below 30F. If you feel that you need something warmer for moving then I would suggest some power stretch tights (6 to 8 oz) under your pants. The problem with this tho is that it is very time consuming and chilling to take them off during the day if you get too warm. So full side zip rain pants might be a better choice to add another more wind resistant layer. This is what we do when it is very cold and windy.
"Full sized toothbrush. Cutting it in half makes no sense." Exactly my thought.
It's a right of passage. I haven't officially taken the plunge, but it is coming soon. :)
Amen. Keeping my filthy fingers out of my gob probably helps me avoid getting sick better than any other gear or technique. I like the PlakSmackers kids' toothbrushes.
It makes total sense. It shaves a couple grams and still works as well as a regular toothbrush
I cut mine not for weight, but so it will fit easily in my quart size ziplock :) I have small hands though, so I don't mind the shorter handle 🤷🏼♀️
Started to watch you and looked at your list of equipment. I checked out the tent, $800.00!!!!! I like backpacking in for 7-10 days at a time for all seasons but just can't justify an over the top expensive equipment.
Frank, take a look at the actual gear list on my site which is in the description section below the video. It has lots of options for less expensive gear. There is a sub-2-lb, 2-person tent in there that's currently on sale for $225. www.adventurealan.com/ultralight-backpacking-gear-list/. Best, -alan
Buy once, cry once / buy it nice or buy it twice.
Would adding a stuff day pack to my gear make sense? When getting to camp and wanting to explore the surroundings, there is no point in taking the big backpack. If my backpack's total weight is about 30 lb, I can take the 4 ounce Osprey ultralight stuff pack and put the essentials and go explore. This would be for a trip where I just go to a destination and come back to the same point. I guess you can take your pack and fold it but it would still be too big
Yes Emmanuel, that would work and not too much of a weight penalty. That being said, I usually just use me HMG pack for a daypack, using the compression straps to cinc it down - did this twice in Alaska a few weeks ago. Hope this helps. Warmest, -alan
What clothes do you use for sleeping? I find that i really prefer a clean base layer to sleep in. Also getting in my quilt with dirty pants or just in my underwear isn’t that great. Have to wash the quilt more often and most of my trips are above tree line here in Sweden where it can be pretty harsh conditions even during the summer.
Generally we do not bring sleeping clothes (except for sleeping socks). Altho we usually swim/bathe in a lake or stream most days. And wash/rise clothes most days. This pretty much eliminates getting into our sleeping quilt at night with dirty, stinky clothes. Many times we use pants with zip off legs as the pant leg below the knee is what gets most of the dirt from hiking. If it's been a muddy hiking day we might zip of the pants leg before getting under our quilt. Hope this helps. Oh and on wet, rainy days we usually mange not to get our clothes any wetter than damp. We simply wear them to bed and they are dry in the morning with no ill effects to our quilt. Best, -alan
As a person that does 3 to 5 day packs and usually gets into alpine areas. I find that the ground I camp on is very hard making it difficult to anchor tent stakes. As a result I use a free standing tent(nemo dagger3). Do you have any recommendations for a lighter option?
WAWM, it does have a thin foam sheet on the back. This would deal with smaller hard items, but the foam pad is not thick enough for stiff enough to deal with a majorly protruding item. In that case you'd need to jigger things around to not have it poke you in the back.
yeah, you've picked a difficult area for LIGHT tents. See my guide to tents www.adventurealan.com/best-tents-backpacking/ But above treeline where the tent is essentially unprotected from tough weather and high winds is a difficult place to do light. Most UL tents in the 2 lb range do not fare all that well in 30+ mph winds, let alone gusts of 50 mph or more. And anchoring in rocky terrain is difficult. The only sub-3 lb, freestanding tent that I know is capable of this is the SlingFin PORTAL. The review is here www.slingfin.com/products/portal-2?ref=cidwz4ommdi Hope this helps. Best, -alan
Great video. I have a lot of similar stuff, but my base weight is more like 14 pounds. I haven't done the math, but I don't understand how this is 5 pounds less than my setup. Are you maybe not counting the clothes in your pack or something? If you have a LighterPack list for this stuff or similar I'd love to see the breakdown.
Ted, as I say at the end, if you look in the comments for this video you'll find a link to the post on my site with all the details of how the weights add up www.adventurealan.com/ultralight-backpacking-gear-list/. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co Ah thanks! I guess everything with the big checkmark is what you brought... One thing I notice is no river-crossing shoes on your list or rain pants. I also realize your quilt is much lighter than mine (I also have Enlightened Equipment but it's 20 degree and wide) and your stove vs. my JetBoil. Are you someone who just wades through rivers with your shoes and socks on, or do you generally just hike places where there are ways to get across rivers without getting wet? I see people doing it, but like to hike in dry shoes. Worth it to save a pound?
@@johnsonted exactly
what do you prefer tent wise, the hyperlite dirigo 2 or the tarp tent double rainbow li? pros & cons amd what is more durable?
I think the first questions to ask are 1) what is your intended use/what is the most extreme place you would camp, and 2) what is your budget. That will help me give you a better answer. Best, -a
The price on that tent is extremely high - it would be interesting to see ultralight recommendations that are in more economical price ranges.
Hi LT, there are many other UL tents for far less money. I have a number of them listed in my 2020 Guide to Backpacking Tents. There is even a section dedicated to budget tents www.adventurealan.com/best-tents-backpacking/#budget-backpacking-tents-shelters . But there are many good-value tents/shelters throughout the guide. Let me know if you have any questions. Warmest, -alan
Drop X-mid 1p. A small bit heavier, but less than half the price and also double wall which leads to less condensation issues.
Check out REI Co-op flash air 1.
Very good video. I liked it so much I just subscribed to your channel. Very interesting list of places visited. How much did you pay for that tent? Where can I buy it? Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.
Our pleasure TainoXtreme. All the info is in the description for the video (in the box just below the video). Best way is to follow the link in the Description to the "9 Pound Gear List Post" on our site. Lot's more good stuff coming up late winter and spring. Stay tuned. Best, -alan
My kit hovers around the 4.5kg mark. I did take a peak at the Hyperlight website but I'd have to spend a small fortune to save 500g! Whist there is some sense in buying the Women's NeoAir, this years model has an R rating of 5.4, but at 168cm it is way too short 20cm of my legs would be in space and without support nor insulation.
Baz, there are many tents in the weight range of the Dirigo (1+'sh kg mark) that cost far less. Checkout our www.adventurealan.com/best-tents-backpacking/ for a number of attractive options. As to the pad, i and others find that if it goes down to mid calf you are fine. My 6'5" (196cm) climbing partner uses the Women's pad. Best, -alan
Also checkout our pad video th-cam.com/video/vXinJRqOHM4/w-d-xo.html and our guide to sleeping pads www.adventurealan.com/best-sleeping-pad/
@@adventure_alan_co The shelter for my ultra low weight kit is 900g and sleeps two. I own a Scarp1 and a Stratospire2 surprisingly the later is a bit lighter and works out at about 700g per person.
What is the cordage you use around items like your compass, knife ect?
Good Q Joh, Very thin and self-tied (thinner than standard parachute cord). Usually a simple boline at the end that I girth hitch thru something like a belt loop. Best, -alan
Is there a 4 season Ultralight tent...?
Is the base weight different for 4 season Ultralight...thru hiking?
P.S. Does anyone have a 4 season Ultralight gear list they can share...please?
See our tent guide www.adventurealan.com/best-tents-backpacking/. The SligFin Portal is likely the strongest tent under 3 pounds. Best, -alan
What brand and size is the red zippered ditty bag?
Outdoor Research Zip Sack Size: Small
wow...great content
Glad you think so Peter. Thanks for the kind words. Warmest, -alan
What are the shoulder pockets you have and where did you find them?
One is an HMG Shoulder Pocket snp.link/bd0d3f04. It's the solid fabric squarish one. The other is a Mountain Laurel Designs Bottle Pocket mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/shoulder-strap-pouches/. Best, -alan
Damnit Alan, I was really looking forward to having the HMG Dirigo 2 on my shortlist, then you ruined it by telling us you are 5'8" You look taller on youtube. I'm 6'3" and maybe HMG will make a Dirigo 1 with a 100" floor by 50" width, and get rid of the passenger side entry and replace with a triangle that is same height as footbox and headbox, and then set the 2nd trekking pole on that side at 32" and bow that side wall out. And then I think we would have something to look at and buy. A single entry that is better than he Altaplex. But if they don't make it soon I'll be in a Zpacks Altaplex. Love the show.
@ Jeff Does the altaplex fit you? I’m 6’4” and having the toughest time finding a UL tent.
@@barondavis5692 It’s just the right size for me. And I mean it’s just the right size and I pitch it a 60”. Was in it for 18 hours yesterday and last night. Severe storm rolled in and rained for 8 hours but wind blew 11-12 hours with mostly 45 mph gust. My titanium trekking pole was distressed and I had to manually hold it in place a few times. It performed phenomenally. Dry inside. Dyneema doesn’t hold water. But when you factor in a thermarest 6’4” will be the limit in my honest opinion. I’m 6’3.5 and I have a spare inch or two on both ends in my bag. It’s not a floor space issue it’s a headspace issue. Darwin covers it the best on his channel. But it handles wind very well. And it’s so simple and easy to pitch. It’s just right. No more and no less. They should call it the Lester Moore. On his tombstone “Here lies Lester Moore. No Les, no Moore. “
Jeff Suber Thanks for the information. Just what I thought.
Thanks for filling in this info Jeff. At only 5'8" and 150 lb I fit comfortably in almost all tents. And when I am out with my 6'5" climbing partner we're usually in a Mountain Laurel Designs Supermid. Best, -a
What do you use to hang your food bag with?
Angela, depends. See our Bear Canister 101 www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-backpacks/#bear-canister First, you have to stick with local regs. If an Ursack is legal that's my first choice. Second choice is to use a ridgid can for the park like the Bear Vault, or Wild Ideas. Frankly, a hang is my last choice. It turns out with habituated bears that by the time you hang it good enough the bear can't get it - well, you probably won't be able to get it down either. The bears are that good. This is the reason that parks with habituated bears have required Ursacks or rigid containers. Finally, hanging food used to be the #1 source of injury on NOLS trips and you were required to wear a helmet to do it. And doing a good hang is exceptionally time consuming. All in all, while I can do a good PCT hang I avoid it as much as possible, again going to the Ursack if legal. Hope this helps, -a
2868.116 cubic inches I am looking for gear lists for a 47 liter pack?
Friar Rodney Burnap, all this gear would fit in a 47 liter pack. The SW 3400 is way larger than what is needed to hold that gear. Lot's more good stuff coming up late winter and spring. Stay tuned. Best, -alan
Very informative, you have inspired me in many ways.
Whoever was holding the camera for you did a poor job, you're trying to showcase gear and they are panning away from the gear to show your face. I'm sorry for sounding harsh, I really just wanted to let you know so that any future videos could be improved.
This dude said he has been back packing for the last 50 years but looks 40 lol
Thanks for the kind words Frank! Best, -alan
Extra washer for the water filter. They fall out if tightened too much
Good point Serafin, altho personally have never lost one. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co I've run into many who have and given my spare one to them.
Are the shoes included in the 9 lbs total?
Rick, by convention this is Base Pack Weight (BPW). That is everything that is in your pack less consumables (food, water and stove fuel). This is the most often used number to compare pack weights on a level playing field since consumables vary with trip length and where you are. E.g. in the desert you'd carry a bunch of water, and on a 10 day trip you have a lot more food and stove fuel vs. a 3 day trip. What you are looking for is FSO (From the Skin Out) and for that everything on your body, clothes, shoes, trekking poles, etc. is included along with your BPW. Best, -alan
Never heard of your brand of quilt. Have to check it out. Presently own a 30* Enlightened Equipment. Looking for a warmer. Been leaning towards a new Nunatak? Any chance if you could comment on any knowledge or experience you may have on their quality?
Thanks again.
Nuntak is top notch quality. Excellent gear. They are pricier than Hammock Gear or Enlightened equipment tho. Hope this helps, -alan
Thanks kindly Alan! Heard nothing but the best about them and their quality.
Sure will be tuned for forthcoming videos! Enjoying your site as well. Great and informative info.
Thanks again.
Happy Trails
How do you pack your backpack?
Good Q T. We are in the editing phase of this video. Lot's more good stuff coming up late winter and spring. Stay tuned. Best, -alan
What would be the cost for all this gear?
Good Q tstires1. Honestly a number of pieces of gear on this list are not cheap. But if follow the link in the Description to the "9 Pound Gear List Post" on our site -- we'll there are a lot of budget and less expensive options for the gear. In addition our guides to tents, backpacks, etc. always have budget gear picks. Lot's more good stuff coming up late winter and spring. Stay tuned. Best, -alan
Ok for summer...let’s c a winter load
Richard, it's a 3 season list - the conditions the vast majority of backpackers travel in. Never intended or claimed to be a 4 season list. Best, -alan
You have got to be kidding. I could never afford a &800 tent or a $380 backpack!
If you go to the gear list in the description there are many lower cost options for almost all the gear including Tents and backpacks. And even more low cost options in my tent and backpack guides. Best -a
I noticed some of the clothes don't have a women's option on the website. Do you recommend a woman wearing the man's shirt or try to find a female option. Thanks
KarenB Much of the clothing and gear on the list has an analogous women’s garment, e.g. rain jackets and down jackets. That being said my wife Alison many times goes for men’s clothing for the top layers especially jackets - More choice and the fit is fine. The most difficult clothing option for women is probably pants. Men’s pants don’t fit particularly well but they usually have much better features like it more durable fabrics, deeper pockets and just better all-around overall design. But the problem is they don’t fit women well. Women’s pants fit well, but they are way short on pockets, many times with a snug/restrictive fit. And the pockets they do have are ridiculously too small and short to actually store anything in them. RailRiders Women’s Weather Pants are quite decent. And their women’s shirts are very good. Hope this helps. Best -Alan & Alison.
I have that Dirigo 2 and it weighs 29 ounces
I have an early pre-production model. Weights may very well have changed. Best, -alan
Great overview. Love your analysis in your videos. A couple questions, Alan, if you don't mind: 1) As of the making of this video, you are using Altra Lone Peaks. 4.0 or 4.5's? Do you not find since 2018 that the toe box in the Altra Lone Peak (whether 4.0 or 4.5) is narrower than before 2018 in the 4.0's, despite the claims and specs to the contrary? 2) If the water is not free running but just standing, especially open ground-level cisterns, do you trust the Sawyer system alone? Forgetting the viruses, are you concerned in those instances potentially about toxins like those produced by certain bacteria (even though the bacteria themselves cannot get through the filter pores), algae overgrowth (cyanotoxins), heavy metals, solvents, or other simple cations/anions harmful in excess? Or do you just avoid those sources?
AA you nailed down & buttoned up every detail, but missed one: u didnt ID your down jacket.
Our pleasure. Thanks for the kind words Brian. The GooseFeet Gear - 1/2 zip Custom Jacket: At only 9 oz, and with 61% down, this jacket trounces former top warmth-to-weight efficient ultralight down jacket. www.adventurealan.com/lightweight-down-jackets/
@@adventure_alan_co Impressive. Consider including the Nunatak Skaha in your chart, since apples 2 apples would include other custom jackets from cottage mfr's. 1/2 zip w/ similar specs/ratio. Kudos.
Yes, Nunatak makes some very nice stuff. -a
my dude really recommended my broke ass an $800 tent 😭
why you say broke ass 800? yours broke? mind to share?
If you go to his gear list in his description box, He has 3 tents listed from $265 up.
@@jliverty Broke ass, is just an expression. It doesn't mean his ass broke. For him $800 is above his budget.
DannyB1954 ahhhhh
Lunar Solo tent is a good alternative and costs around $200
what about food?
Food info is on my site www.adventurealan.com/food-cooking/. And base pack weight (BPW) which excludes food and water is a standard to compare pack weights. This is because water weight and food weight vary wildly depending on the length of the trip and where it is.
Count me out. My current favorite ruck is 8 lbs+ empty.
Peace. Hike your own hike. Warmest, -alan
Was the HMG/ other gear bought with your own money or given to you?
The vast majority of gear was purchased with my own funds. A few items have been given to me for evaluation but I am under no obligation to write a review. This is the statement for the "9 Pound Gear List Post" on the Website: "I do not receive compensation from the companies whose products are listed. For product reviews: unless otherwise noted, products are purchased with my own funds. I am never under an obligation to write a review about any product. Finally, this post expresses my own independent opinion."
He’s been backpacking for 50 years?? How old is he?
He started very young :-) Best, -alan
What about a food list?
See our www.adventurealan.com/best-backpacking-food/. Also has links to our food lists, and recipes. Bon appetit. -alan
@@adventure_alan_co Awesome, thanks!
You should ditch the toilet paper and use a small bidet. Far cleaner and less waste
there are compromises. and that is price.
"minimal first aid cut, but it works" For what?
Knowledge is the kit. Plus he has a device to call for a rescue so if it’s bad he likely is bailing. If you get the chance, take a Wilderness Advanced First-Aide or Wilderness First Responder course.
You’d freeze to death with that “tent” in the Scottish highlands. Enjoyable video though.
Hi Neil, nice to hear from you. Plenty of folks sleep under just a tarp in the Highlands. For example, Chris Townsend of TGO, who routinely uses a Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar tarp. Many others use the pyramid tents from Mountain Laurel Designs and Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Wishing you a great year of hill walking. Warmest, -alan