XUL (Sub 3-lb) Gear List
- Category Weight
-
Pack system
0.31 lb
-
Sleep system
0.98 lb
-
Shelter system
0.52 lb
-
Cook system
0.12 lb
-
Hydration system
0.1 lb
-
Ditties
0.61 lb
-
Clothing (packed)
0.36 lb
-
Clothing (worn)
3.57 lb
This is my attempt at putting together the best 3 lb XUL backpacking kit I could muster, using gear that I already own, that I have used before and know I would find comfortable. Like any SUL/XUL kit, it’s going to be adapted to more limited environmental conditions. This kit would be suited for drier weather with nighttime lows above 50F, but is robust enough to protect against unexpected storms. This would work best for a trip of 2-3 nights max, since it contains no way to recharge electronics. But a lot of trips I go on fit these criteria, so I would be perfectly comfortable inside the intended environmental parameters.
-
-
Pack system
Weight qty -
Backpack
KS Ultralight 16L Daypack. Well constructed and comfortable. Vertical zippered entry, which isn’t ideal, but it is high quality. Very minimal front mesh pocket.
127
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Liner
Turkey roasting bag
10
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Ditty bag
Zpacks cooking pot stuff sack. I had this left over from a pot I no longer use and realized it would make a perfect ditty bag.
3
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
-
-
Sleep system
Weight qty -
Sleeping bag
Cumulus Magic 100 zipperless sleeping bag — comfort rated to 55F, and I find it quite cozy and comfortable.
7.6
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Pad (upper body)
Thermarest Uberlite short. I’ll place my feet on my backpack/foam mat to complete my sleep system
5.5
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Pad (feet)
Yamatomichi Minimalist 5 mm pad to place under my feet at night, folded in thirds, and trimmed to fit inside pack. Unfolds to torso length 26”x14” as a backup to my Uberlite.
1
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Pillow
Big Sky Dream Sleeper. Even in an XUL kit, a pillow is a necessity for me to sleep. There are lighter pillows out there but this one just suits me.
1.6
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
-
-
Shelter system
Weight qty -
Shelter
Gear Swifts Minimalist DCF Tarp. Only 8’ x 4.5’ so good site selection will be essential if rain is expected
79
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Stakes
Gear Swifts Carbon Fiber Pegs (05L148)
3.3
g6
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Guyline
Z‑Line Slick 1.2 mm (0.42g/LF) - 8' (x2) for ridge tie outs; 3' (x4) for corners. I use the Skurka knot method to tie the ends.
0.42
g28
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Bivy
Borah Gear Cuben Bivy, reg/wide (Dimma modification). Protects from wind & splash & ground moisture. Adds 5F of warmth to my sleep system. Protects from bugs.
4.5
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
-
-
Cook system
Weight qty -
Cold soaking vessel
Peanut butter jar (Justin’s 16 oz) If I wanted to save more weight, I could ditch this and the spoon and just eat foods that don’t require rehydration.
29
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Spoon
GSI plastic spoon, cut to store in jar
7
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Food protection
Smelly Proof gallon sized bag
15
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Camp rag
1/3 of a Liteload Towel. All purpose: washing my face, cleaning my jar, pre-filtering water, wiping condensation, etc.
5
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
-
-
Hydration system
Weight qty -
Bottles
Arrowhead 1L bottle with label removed
20
g2
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Purification tablets
Micropur tablets (4L per day)
0.7
g10
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
-
-
Ditties
Weight qty -
First aid & Repair
Ibuprofen, Immodium, Dermasafe knife, Leukotape strips, gauze pad, triple antibiotic ointment packet, tenacious tape patch, tweezers, extra bottle cap, waterproof matches (3X)
27
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Hygiene kit
Thumb toothbrush; toothpaste tabs (4x); sunscreen packet; chafing cream packet; Dr Bronner’s in 3ml dropper bottle
22
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Phone
iPhone 16 pro. Serves as my camera, notepad, and primary navigation device. I wish it were lighter, but it’s what I have.
7.4
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Light
Nitecore Tube V20 with keychain removed. Adequate for camp chores.
10
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Poop kit
QiWiz Original trowel for LNT. I’ll be relying on a bidet system, loosening the cap on my water bottle to control the flow of water into my wiping hand. A dropper bottle of Dr Bronner’s from my hygiene kit completes the system.
10
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
-
-
Clothing (packed)
Weight qty -
Midlayer/sleep
Pa’lante Alpha 60 Mock Neck sweater
3.7
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Rain protection
Coleman emergency poncho. I’ve used these in the rain and declare them adequate.
1.5
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Head warmth
Buff CoolNet UV+ multifunctional headband. Serves as my beanie & pillow case.
15
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
-
-
Clothing (worn)
Weight qty -
Shoes
Topo Pursuit, size 14
29.4
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Socks
Defeet Wooleaters
1.6
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Shirt
OR Echo Sun Hoodie
4.2
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Pants
Patagonia Terrebone Joggers
5.8
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Underwear
Saxx Quest Quick-dry boxer briefs
3
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Hat
Ellewin foldable baseball cap
64
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Sunglasses
Ombraz Dolomites
23
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Watch
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
74
g1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Sun gloves
Glacier Outdoors Ascension Bay Sun Glove. Only when hiking in the west.
1.2
oz0
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-
Trekking pole(s)
Ruta Locura Yana trekking poles (pair)
7.5
oz1
- oz
- lb
- g
- kg
-