WARM WEATHER ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING CHECKLIST
Frameless pack, like this Zpack Nero ~12–16 oz
Pack liner (trash compactor bag or DCF liner)
1-person DCF tent or tarp + bivy (e.g., Zpacks Plex Solo)
Stakes (4–8 titanium or carbon)
Zpacks
40°F (4°C) quilt (e.g., EE Enigma 40°F)
EE Enigma
Inflatable or foam sleeping pad (R-Value 1–2)
Stuff sack or dry bag for storage
Toaks 550 ml pot + lid
BRS-3000T stove or alcohol stove
BRS-3000T
Mini lighter + fuel canister or tablets
Sawyer Micro Squeeze + Smartwater bottle
Spoon or long-handled spork
Wind jacket (e.g., Montbell Tachyon)
Light down vest or jacket
Extra socks & underwear
Buff or headnet (if bugs)
MISCELLANEOUS
Headlamp
Nitecore NU25
Toothbrush + mini toothpaste
Tiny first aid kit (blister care, meds)
10–15 ft cord (bear hang or clothesline)
Small knife or multitool
Sunscreen, lip balm, toilet kit
40–50L framed or semi-framed pack, like this HMG Southwest
Pack liner (Nylofume or DCF dry bag)
1-person winter-capable tent or pyramid tarp like this Durston X-Mid Pro
6–8 strong stakes (e.g., MSR Groundhog)
20°F (-6°C) quilt or mummy bag, like this Katabatic Flex 22
Insulated sleeping pad (R-value ≥ 4.5, e.g., Therm-a-Rest XTherm)
Optional: thin foam pad backup
Pillow or clothing stuff sack
Pot (750–900 ml)
Canister stove + windscreen. Try this Soto WindMaster stove.
Sawyer filter (keep warm in the jacket at night)
Spoon, lighter, fuel, water bottles
Down jacket. We recommend the MH Ghost Whisperer
Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
Extra socks, gloves, and beanie
Rain jacket (e.g., Zpacks Vertice)
Headlamp + backup battery
Blister kit, ibuprofen, Leukotape
Emergency bivy or mylar blanket
Bear hang kit or canister (if required)
Repair tape, gear ties, compass/map/GPS
With the right gear, your backpacking trips will be as epic as you imagine!
