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UltraLight Backpacking Checklists: for Warm & Cold Weather

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UltraLight Backpacking Checklists: for Warm & Cold Weather

WARM WEATHER ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING CHECKLIST

Base weight: ~6–8 lbs

PACK & STORAGE

Frameless pack (e.g., Zpacks Nero, ~12–16 oz)


Zpacks

Pack liner (trash compactor bag or DCF liner)

SHELTER

1-person DCF tent or tarp + bivy (e.g., Zpacks Plex Solo)

Stakes (4–8 titanium or carbon)


Zpacks


SLEEP SYSTEM

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

COOKING & WATER

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

CLOTHING (PACKED)

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




COLD WEATHER ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING CHECKLIST

Base weight: ~9–12 lbs

PACK & STORAGE

40–50L framed or semi-framed pack, like this HMG Southwest


Pack liner (Nylofume or DCF dry bag)

SHELTER

1-person winter-capable tent or pyramid tarp (e.g., Durston X-Mid Pro)



6–8 strong stakes (e.g., MSR Groundhog)


SLEEP SYSTEM

20°F (-6°C) quilt or mummy bag (e.g., 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

COOKING & WATER

Pot (750–900 ml)

Canister stove + windscreen (e.g., Soto WindMaster)


Sawyer filter (keep warm in the jacket at night)


Spoon, lighter, fuel, water bottles

CLOTHING (PACKED)

Down jacket (e.g., MH Ghost Whisperer)


Thermal base layer (top and bottom)


Extra socks, gloves, and beanie

Rain jacket (e.g., Zpacks Vertice)

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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