Sub-9.5lb B4YB Ultralight List

  •   Category Weight
  • Big 4
    5.34 lb
  • Water
    0.36 lb
  • Cook
    0.54 lb
  • Electronics
    0.92 lb
  • Misc.
    1.86 lb
  • Clothes (packed)
    1.4 lb
  • Clothing (worn)
    0 lb
  • Cheap Meal Ideas (tip: reuse an empty freeze-dried pouch to keep your pot clean)
    0 lb
  • Total 10.41
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • Worn 0.98 lb
  • Base Weight 9.44 lb

To the reader:

I wanted to revive/update an old list that was made by some r/ultralight folks a while back. A list for the folks willing to spend more money and time on their gear and in the backcountry but still on a budget. This list prioritizes comfortable, no-fuss, quality gear by reputable companies (with customer service) that have been used by many hikers and are consistently available. It also prioritizes cottage industries as much as possible/where it makes the most sense. The list keeps the baseweight under a common UL ceiling of 10lb, a budget of under $1,500 and includes CalTopo (w/ 1-year subscription) for off-line navigation. Many items can be found on sale or used on r/ulgeartrade or other sources for additional savings. The price listed is a worse-case scenario.

Use the blue link icon to take you to the source.

Assumptions: links and weights suggest a male backpacker wearing size medium and someone who doesn't sleep necessary warm or cold. I assume a 2-night, 3-day trip (weekend) for phone/battery use and the 5000mah charger. Temperature ranges for this list target 35deg at night and highs in the 70s during the day (a typical/standard low in the mid-summer months in the mountain west of the US) and assumes encounters with variable weather like afternoon thunderstorms. Heavy rain and/or shoulder season trips may require additional or difference pieces of gear. Not listed are items required for bear country like bear spray, bear cans, food hanging kit, etc. Inform yourself prior to your hike about requirements for the area you plan to be in. This list suggests my personal recommendations over my years of ultralight backpacking (i.e., a double-wall easy to pitch tent, an air mattress vs CCF, a sleeping bag vs. a quilt) and does not necessary reflect the users preferences for target weights or overall price.

Not included are taxes which vary by state in the US and also a SOS/Satellite messaging device. A satellite messaging device is a strongly encouraged piece of gear for all backcountry adventures especially off-trail travel or very desolate trails, but (arguably) not a necessity for popular trails with regular traffic. The Zoleo device is $200 and $20/yr for a base-subscription.

Happy trails, Sprinkles