DeputySean's Ultracheap Introduction to Ultralight

  •   Category Price Weight
  • 🎒 Backpack Options $28.00
    1.23 lb
  • 🛏️ Sleep $109.19
    1.62 lb
  • 🏕️ Shelter $0.00
    0 lb
  • 🏕️ Alternative Shelter $76.25
    1.07 lb
  • 🧦 Packed Clothing $34.01
    1.05 lb
  • 🌊 Food/Water $5.39
    0.14 lb
  • 🔧 Gear/Tools $23.01
    1.12 lb
  • ⚡ Electronic $3.00
    0.38 lb
  • 💩 Misc $19.57
    0.38 lb
  • 🍳 Cooking $0.00
    0 lb
  • 🥾 Worn Clothing $0.00
    0 lb
  • 🥨 Consumable $0.00
    0 lb
  • Total $298.42 6.98
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Consumable 0.06 lb
  • Worn 1.05 lb
  • Base Weight 5.87 lb

Welcome to the idea of UltraLight Backpacking!

I made this gear list to help beginners buy an inexpensive and user-friendly ultralight setup. Everything that is on this list is safe, efficient, and made strong enough for multi-week trips. It mostly came from items already in My Gear Closet. If an item is not on this list, it is because you don't need it!

If you need help, or would like me to help you decide which options are best for you, contact me on Reddit at reddit.com/user/DeputySean

It is very important that you first read My Comprehensive Guide to an Ultralight Baseweight !

Some of the items below are marked with a quantity of zero. These are optional or alternative items. Some trips or areas require different things like bear canisters, wind jackets, or warmer gear. This guide is only a starting point, more research is going to be required!

I like to say that the lightest items are the ones that you leave at home, but also keep in mind that there is nothing cheaper than the gear you already own. While it's important to always be conscience of the weight you are carrying, perhaps that old fleece jacket or JanSport school backpack you have laying around could be the best place to start.

Here are a few key ultralight items and concepts that could use some extra explanation:

I am a 6'2" 175 pound male and I use this setup for solo Northern Sierra backpacking with overnight lows above freezing. My wife is 5'5" 120 pounds and happily uses the same gear that I use. She does run a bit colder than I do, though.