ultra (light/value) starter pack

  •   Category Price Weight
  • Backpack / Sleep System / Shelter $788.50
    7.36 lb
  • General Gear $158.00
    0.91 lb
  • Food & Water $34.00
    0.89 lb
  • Basic Medical Kit $12.40
    0.19 lb
  • Basic Hygiene Kit $0.00
    0 lb
  • * Alternative Options * $0.00
    0 lb
  • Total $992.90 9.36
    lb
    • oz
    • lb
    • g
    • kg
  • This is a three season (above freezing temps) ultralight backpacking system. All the gear is top quality and shouldn't ever need to be upgraded.
  • The items with green stars are recommended but not necessary.
  • I recommend always trying to purchase used gear (including comparable alternatives) first. After that, look for sales and discount codes!
  • I use most of these items and actually prefer them over common alternatives. The chemical water treatment, cold soaking jar, 5000mAH charger, synthetic quilt, frameless pack, one person tent, etc -- are all intentional choices that I feel are best overall (regardless of cost/weight pros).
  • When I started backpacking, I would've saved thousands and hiked/camped more comfortably, if I had this list to start. That's why I made it.

  • None of the links are affiliate links; I'd recommend buying items wherever they're cheapest (or from a company you'd most want to support).

  • Depending on where you're hiking, it may be wise to have a more rugged food storage system to safeguard from animals (like a hanging kit).

  • If you're over 6' tall I'd recommend the long/wide Exped Ultra 3R and the Fizan Compact 3 trekking poles, alternatively.
  • If you're small, you may be able to get a smaller sleeping pad and quilt. For the sleeping pad: there’s a version of the Thermarest Xlite that is 20”x66”, has more thermal resistance, and weighs less.
  • If you're typically cold, or a cold sleeper, I'd recommend going with a similar type of APEX quilt but rated for 20 degrees instead of 30 degrees.

  • If you're okay with a more rugged sleep system, two swaps would save you ~2lbs and ~$250. Replace the Durston X-Mid tent with a Six Moons Design Gatewood Cape; replace the inflatable sleeping pad with a foam Thermarest Z-Lite SOL. You then wouldn't need the 1/8" foam pad, the rain jacket, and would only require one trekking pole. This setup is smaller, lighter, cheaper, easier, and parts of it are more durable. You'd be giving up some comfort, some warmth, and being surrounded by bug-netting. I would consider it a worth-while trade, but that may be too uncomfortable for people just getting into backpacking.

  • Specific clothes are very dependent on the individual, but I generally recommend: trail running shoes, dirty girl gaiters, synthetic socks/underwear, lightweight hiking pants, Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie (light color), mountain hardware airmesh crewneck, and polarized sunglasses.

  • If modified, most of this system can be taken down to ~0F temperatures. At minimum it requires: the addition of a 40 or 50 degree Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX quilt (20+50=0 / 30+40=0), a Thermarest Z-lite pad, a cooking system, and alternative water storage. These are for mild conditions, so for less mild conditions even more additional gear would be necessary to stay safe. Clothing would also have to be heavily modified; for an insulating jacket, I recommend the Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX hooded pullover.