
Lightweight trekking gear list
The gear you bring along on a multi-day trek can make or break the trip. Too much weight, poorly fitting boots, or an uncomfortable backpack will distract you from your surroundings and slow you down. I have spent years researching and accumulating what I believe is the best lightweight gear for a comfortable multi-day trek.
I keep my backpack as light as possible because I simply want to suffer less and enjoy myself more. I don’t bring many extra clothes or luxuries because I simply don’t need them while I’m on the trail. Although, my approach may seem extreme to some, there are people that take ultralight hiking to a completely different level.
If you are just getting into trekking or are simply trying to lighten your load on the trail, check out some of the gear I carry. Some of the items in my bag are a bit expensive, but I don’t regret a single purchase that has made hiking more enjoyable. Life on the trail is just better with a quality, lightweight setup.
What works for me might not work for you, so do your research and spend your money wisely.
The base weight of my pack (total weight minus food, water, and consumables) is just over 5.4 kilograms (12 pounds). I have enough extra space in my backpack for up to a week of food and fuel. I am comfortable sleeping in temperatures down to -9° Celsius (15° Fahrenheit) and my tent has withstood wind gusts up to 100 kph/60 mph.

Gear. Sweet, beloved gear.
Backpack and Sleeping System
- Osprey Exos 48 Backpack (SEE MY REVIEW): 37.5 oz (1.06 kg)
- Osprey Rain Cover: 3.25 oz (92 grams)
- Katabatic Gear Alsek 22 Degree Sleeping Bag: 22 oz (624 grams)
- Zpacks Triplex Tent: 23 oz (652 grams)
- Zpacks Titanium Tent Stakes: 3.5 oz (99 grams)
- Thermarest Neoair Xtherm Sleeping Pad: 23 oz (652 grams)
- Total Backpack and Sleeping System: 112.25 oz/7.02 lbs (3.18 kg)
Carried Clothing
- Seirus Balaclava: 1.75 oz (50 grams)
- Zpacks Wind Shell Jacket: 2.25 oz (64 grams)
- ExOfficio Give ’n’ Go Boxer Briefs: 3 oz (85 grams)
- Swartwool Sleeping Socks: 3 oz (85 grams)
- Darn Tough Hiker Socks: 2 oz (57 grams)
- Tesla Thermal: 5 oz (142 grams)
- Gap Long Underwear: 5.5 oz (156 grams)
- Marmot Precip Rain Jacket: 10.75 oz (305 grams)
- The North Face Venture Rain Pants: 8 oz (227 grams)
- Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody: 10 oz (283 grams)
- Sealskinz Gloves: 5.5 oz (156 grams)
- Zpacks Stuff Sack: .25 oz (7 grams)
- Total Carried Clothing: 57 oz/3.56 lbs (1.61 kg)
Cooking System
- Toaks Spork: .5 oz (14 grams)
- Etekcity Camping Stove: 3.75 oz (106 grams)
- Toaks Titanium Pot 750 ml: 3.5 oz (99 grams)
- Total Cooking System: 7.75 oz/.48 lbs (220 grams)
Water Storage and Filtration
- Sawyer Water Pouch 32 oz.: 1 oz (28 grams)
- Sawyer Water Pouch 64 oz.: 1.25 oz (25 grams)
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: 2.75 oz (78 grams)
- Total Water Storage and Filtration: 5 oz/.31 lbs (142 grams)
Electronics
- Black Diamond Spot Headlamp: 3.25 oz (92 grams)
- Anker PowerCore II Battery Bank: 7 oz (198 grams)
- Nexus 6p: 4 oz (113 grams)
- Total Electronics: 14.25 oz/.89 lbs (404 grams)
Miscellaneous
- Lightload Towel: .5 oz (14 grams)
- Bic Lighter: 1 oz (28 grams)
- Pen and Paper: .25 oz (7 grams)
- Paracord: 1 oz (28 grams)
- Pocket Knife: .75 oz (21 grams)
- Compass/Thermometer: .75 oz (21 grams)
- Money/CC: 1 oz (28 grams)
- Total Miscellaneous: 6.25 oz/.39 lbs (117 grams)
Total Base Weight: 202.5 oz/12.65 lbs (5.74 kg)
Worn Items
(Not part of base weight)
- Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants: 9.5 oz (269 grams)
- Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt: 8 oz (227 grams)
- ExOfficio Give ’n’ Go Boxer Briefs: 3 oz (85 grams)
- Darn Tough Hiker Socks: 2 oz (57 grams)
- Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Sun Hat: 3 oz (85 grams)
- Ray Ban Square Sunglasses: 4.75 oz (135 grams)
- Chums Eyewear Retainer: .25 oz (7 grams)
- Solomon Quest Hiking Boots (SEE MY REVIEW): 52.75 oz (1.50 kg)
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles: 20 oz (567 grams)
Total Worn Weight: 103.25 oz/6.45 lbs (2.93 kg)
Lightweight Trekking Resources
- zpacks.com – some of the most innovative ultralight gear on the market. I would buy only Zpacks gear if I could afford it. The owner posts a gear list for every single long distance trek he has completed.
- reddit.com/r/ultralight – a great forum to discuss the ultralight lifestyle. A very involved community full of like-minded hiking fanatics. A great resource for trail reviews, gear banter, and advice for your next trek.
- andrewskurka.com – Andrew Skurka is a legend on the trekking circuit, completing some unthinkably ridiculous expeditions. His site is full of useful tips and gear recommendations for any level of hiker.
- sectionhiker.com – an extensive database made up of thousands of gear reviews, trip reports, and useful ultralight information. A gear nerd can get lost for hours on this addictive and information-packed site.