Lightweight Backpacking Gear – 2024 Review

When it comes to backpacking, having the right lightweight backpacking gear is crucial for a successful adventure. Over the past decade, my experiences in hiking and backpacking have helped me refine my lightweight backpacking gear choices to ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency in the backcountry. In this review, I will share my current lightweight backpacking gear, focusing on functionality and personal experience to help you decide what might work best for your adventures.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Backpack

DROP 40L Ultralight Backpack by Dan DurstonÂ

Alternative: DROP 40L Ultralight Backpack by Dan DurstonÂ

The DROP 40L Ultralight Backpack by Dan Durston is a versatile and lightweight backpack designed for serious backpackers and hikers. With a capacity of 40 liters, this pack is perfect for multi-day trips where weight and efficiency are crucial. This piece of lightweight backpacking gear features an internal aluminum frame that provides excellent support while keeping the weight down. The roll-top closure allows for easy access and adjustable volume, while the multiple pockets, including hip belt pockets, offer convenient storage options. Made from durable, water-resistant fabric, this backpack is built to withstand the elements and keep your gear dry. The ergonomic design includes padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to distribute weight evenly, ensuring comfort on long hikes.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Backpack Waterproof Liner

Zpacks Nyla Pro Bag

Alternative: Zpacks Backpacks

To protect my lightweight backpacking gear from water, I use a clear Nyla Pro bag from Zpacks as a liner. This durable bag fits perfectly inside the main compartment and keeps everything dry from external moisture. It also doubles as an inflation bag for my sleeping pad.

Review Summary: Highly rated for its durability and versatility, the Nyla Pro Bag is a favorite among backpackers for keeping lightweight backpacking gear dry. Users appreciate its lightweight and the added functionality as an inflation bag, though some mention it can be prone to punctures if not handled carefully.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

These trekking poles weigh only 12 ounces for the pair and provide stability on slippery surfaces and during water crossings. The adjustable length is an added benefit, allowing them to support my shelter as well.

Review Summary: Users appreciate the lightweight and robust design, though some find the adjustment mechanism tricky. The poles are praised for their durability and the comfort they provide during long hikes, with many users noting the significant reduction in fatigue.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Shelter

Durston Gear Xmid Pro One

Alternative: Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid Tent

This single-wall trekking pole style shelter made from Dyneema composite fabric weighs just 17 ounces. It offers more interior volume compared to my previous shelter while being 30% lighter. The design effectively minimizes condensation and is easy to set up.

Review Summary: The Xmid Pro One is praised for its lightweight and spacious design, though some users mention a learning curve for setup. The Dyneema fabric is highly regarded for its durability and water resistance, making it a reliable choice for various weather conditions.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Tent Stakes

MSR Groundhog Stakes

I use full-size MSR Groundhog stakes for excellent holding power and mini Groundhog stakes for less critical areas. This combination balances weight and stability.

Review Summary: Known for their holding power and durability, these stakes are a staple for many backpackers. Users appreciate their reliability in various soil types, though some find them difficult to remove from hard ground.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Uberlite

The Therm-a-Rest Uberlite, in its wide version, weighs 11 ounces and packs down small. It provides sufficient comfort for my sleeping position and is inspected regularly to avoid punctures.

Review Summary: Users love the comfort and lightweight design, though some caution about its durability. The pad is praised for its compact size and ease of inflation, making it a popular choice for ultralight backpackers.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Sleeping Bag

NunaTac Custom Bag

Alternative: Customizable Bags

This hoodless sleeping bag with a 25°F comfort rating offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The zip down the middle allows for flexibility in temperature regulation.

Review Summary: Praised for its warmth and lightweight, though some users prefer a hooded design for extra warmth. The custom design is appreciated for its tailored fit and high-quality down insulation, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Pillow

Mountain Laurel Designs Climashield Pillow

This pillow mimics the softness of a home pillow, providing a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, MLD has stopped manufacturing these pillows, but similar products are available.

Review Summary: Highly rated for comfort, though availability is limited. Users appreciate its lightweight and packability, making it a great addition to any lightweight backpacking gear setup.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Sit Pad

DIY EVA Foam Sit Pad

A simple DIY project made from a roll of one-eighth inch thick EVA foam. It serves as a comfortable seat during breaks and adds friction under my sleeping pad.

Review Summary: Users appreciate its lightweight and dual-purpose functionality. The sit pad is praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, providing comfort during breaks and additional insulation under the sleeping pad.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Hydration

HydraPak Flux One-Liter System

This system includes an integrated filter cap for easy filling and drinking. I also carry a two-liter Evernew collapsible water bottle for dry sections of the trail.

Review Summary: Praised for its convenience and reliability, though some users prefer a larger capacity. The HydraPak system is appreciated for its ease of use and compact design, making it a favorite among ultralight backpackers.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Kitchen

MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove

Efficient in windy conditions, this stove paired with a small titanium pot provides a reliable cooking setup. The push-button igniter is convenient.

Review Summary: Highly rated for its efficiency and reliability, though some users find it bulky. The stove is praised for its quick boil time and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for backcountry cooking.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Food Protection

Ursack with Odor-Proof Bags

This combination effectively reduces food odors, deterring bears and other animals from investigating my camp.

Review Summary: Users appreciate its effectiveness and lightweight design. The Ursack is praised for its durability and ease of use, providing peace of mind in bear country.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Bear Canister

Barricade Scout Bear Canister

Alternative: BearVault BV500

Lightweight and secure, this canister can hold enough food for up to five days if packed efficiently.

Review Summary: Praised for its lightweight and secure design, though some users find it expensive. The canister is appreciated for its durability and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for extended trips in bear country.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Lighting

Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp

Weighing 1.6 ounces, this headlamp is rechargeable via USB-C and powerful enough for nighttime hikes.

Review Summary: Users love its lightweight and brightness, though some mention battery life concerns. The headlamp is praised for its compact design and multiple lighting modes, making it a versatile choice for backcountry use.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Navigation

Gaia GPS App

I rely on paper maps and the Gaia GPS app for navigation. Before each trip, I create and cache my routes, ensuring I can access them offline.

Review Summary: Highly rated for its accuracy and offline capabilities. Users appreciate the app’s detailed maps and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for backcountry navigation.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Communication

Satellite Messenger

Alternative: Garmin inReach Mini

For emergencies, I carry a satellite messenger, allowing me to check in with family and friends.

Review Summary: Praised for its reliability and safety features. Users appreciate the peace of mind it provides, though some find the subscription costs high.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Snow Travel

Microspikes and Ice Axe

Alternative: Kahtoola MICROspikes and Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe

In snowy conditions, I carry microspikes for traction and an ice axe for self-arrest.

Review Summary: Users appreciate the added safety and stability, though some find them cumbersome. The microspikes are praised for their traction on icy surfaces, while the ice axe is valued for its effectiveness in self-arrest situations.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Hygiene, First Aid, Repair

First Aid Kit

Alternative: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7

A must-have for every trip, including supplies for treating minor injuries and common trail ailments.

Review Summary: Highly rated for its comprehensive contents. Users appreciate the variety of items included, which cover a wide range of potential injuries and ailments. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry without adding significant weight to the pack.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Clothing

Summer Trips

For summer trips, I wear a button-down polyester shirt, lightweight running shorts, and a hat with a sun cape. Sunglasses protect my eyes from UV rays.

Review Summary: Praised for breathability and protection, though some users prefer different materials. The clothing is appreciated for its ability to wick moisture and provide sun protection, making it ideal for hot weather conditions.

Carried Clothing

I carry a rain shell or wind shell, depending on the forecast, and a lightweight jacket for cooler temperatures.

Review Summary: Users appreciate the versatility and lightweight design. The rain shell is praised for its waterproof capabilities, while the wind shell provides excellent protection against the elements without adding bulk.

 

In summary, my lightweight backpacking gear has evolved to meet my comfort and safety needs. Each piece plays a crucial role in ensuring