Carried Items
- Tent: Z-Packs Plex Solo
- Tent stakes: 2 DAC J stakes, 4 Sherpards Hook stakes
- Sleeping quilt: Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 Degree Quilt
- Backpack: KS Ultralight KS-40 Custom
- Sleeping pad: Nemo Tensor Insulated Mummy Short
- Rain jacket: Outdoor Research Helium
- Ground sheet: Polycryo
- Cooking system: Talenti cold soak jar
- Pack liner: NyloPro Odor Proof Barrier Bag
- Insulated jacket: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket
- Extra socks: Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks
- Water filter: Katadyn Befree
- Communication/navigation: iPhone 12 Mini
- Phone charge cable: Iphone charge cable
- Utensil: Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork
- Extra underwear: Adidas Performance Boxer Briefs
- Gloves: New Balance Lightweight Running Gloves
- Headlamp: Nitecore NU 25-400 UL
- Food storage: Osprey 12L Dry Sack
- Pillow: Sea to Summit Areos Ultralight Pillow
- Sit pad/pack support/foot pad: Two panels of Z Lite
- Headphone: Apple EarPods
- Pocket knife: Gerber LST
- Thermal underwear: Patagonia Capalene Midweight Bottoms
- First Aid kit/repair kit
- Water storage: 1L Smartwater bottle
- Charging adaptor: Spigen 40W Dual USB-C Charger
- External battery: Nitecore NB10000
- Toothbrush: Cut Oral-B
- 30′ Cordage
- Trowel: TheTentLab The Duece #2
- Towel: Packtowl Ultralight Face Size
- Neck gaiter: Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube
- Zuma phone tripod
Worn Items
Carried Items
Z-Packs Plex Solo
Z-Packs is top of the line when it comes to ultralight gear. This tent is an amazing ultralight option. It is very minimal, however, and requires one trekking pole to set up.
Weight: 13.9 oz | 395.0 g
DAC J-Stakes and Z-Packs Ultralight Stakes
Two J-Stakes and four Ultralight stakes.
Weight: 1.8 oz | 51.9 g
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 Degree Quilt
Another staple in the ultralight industry. Quilts are similar to sleeping bags but don’t have a hood and generally don’t have zippers. It’s a more versatile option than a conventional sleeping bag. w/ DCF stuff sack.
Weight: 20.0 oz | 566.0 g
KS Ultralight KS 40
KS Ultralight is a little known company out of Japan. They make amazing and fully customizable packs.
Weight: 18.4 oz | 523 g
Nemo Tensor Insulated Mummy Short
Nemo is a powerhouse in the backpacking world. While the Thermarest NeoAir is the fan favorite, I find the Nemo Tensor to be more comfortable. I opted for the short version to save weight.
Weight: 9.6 oz | 272.5 g
Product no longer available
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Offering affordability, light weight, and good protection, the OR Helium rain jacket is a no brainer.
Weight: 6.4 oz | 182.2 g
Polycryo Ground Sheet
A great super lightweight option for a ground sheet. While it is tough for its weight, extra care must be taken when using this material.
Weight: 1.6 oz | 46.0 g
Talenti Jar
A great weight saver if you have the patience and palate for cold soaking.
Weight: 1.9 oz | 46.0 g
Buy at your local supermarket
NyloPro Odor Barrier Bag
A good way to shave the weight off having several waterproof stuff sacks.
Weight: 0.9 oz | 26.1 g
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket
Again, EE takes the cake with one of the warmest and lightest synthetic puffys around.
Weight: 7.9 oz | 224.0 g
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks
Darn Tough socks are well known for their comfort, durability, and lifetime warranty.
Weight: 2.2 oz | 61.4 g
Katadyn BeFree 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle
Breaking away from the Sawyer Squeeze, the Katadyn Befree offers better flow, easier cleaning, and a durable soft bottle.
Weight: 2.3 oz | 63.9 g
Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Small and lightweight, the iPhone 12 Mini is a good option for on the trail contact and navigation.
Weight (with case): 5.7 oz | 162.8 g
Product no longer available
Apple iPhone Charging Cable
Weight: 0.7 oz | 19.4 g
Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork
This spork has been with me for years. It’s strong and lightweight. There’s not much more to ask for.
Weight: 0.3 oz | 9.1 g
Adidas Performance Boxer Brief
I’ve been using this brand and style of underwear for over 3000 miles. It offers good odor resistance, comfort, and durability for a lower price point than some of the bigger names.
Weight: 2.0 oz | 58.0 g
New Balance Lightweight Running Gloves
Thin and lightweight running gloves for those chilly mornings.
Weight: 1.1 oz | 30.8 g
Nitecore NU25 UL 400
A tried and true headlamp in the thru hiking community. Three lighting types with adjustable brightness at a respectable weight makes this a good choice for most hiking needs.
Weight: 1.6 oz | 46.5 g
Osprey Ultralight Dry Sack 12L
Waterproof and durable, this is a good sack for food storage and bear bag hanging.
Weight: 1.5 oz | 41.3 g
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
Some may consider this a luxury item, but at such a low weight, it’s worth it for a better night’s sleep.
Weight: 2.2 oz | 62.0 g
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad
This two panel portion of the Thermarest Z Lite Sol serves several purposes: frameless pack support, a sit pad, and as the foot portion of my sleeping system.
Weight: 2.0 oz | 57.5 g
Apple EarPods
Can’t beat these affordable and lightweight headphones.
Weight: 0.4 oz | 11.7 g
Gerber LST
One of the lightest pocket knives I’ve ever come across while being from a trusted brand.
Weight: 0.6 oz | 16.5 g
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Bottoms
Offering more warmth and durability than some lighter options.
Weight: 5.1 oz | 143.4 g
First Aid/Repair Kit
A handpicked assortment of repair and first aid items.
Weight: 1.8 oz | 51.0 g
1L Smartwater Bottle
This is a popular water storage bottle on the trail.
Weight: 1.6 oz | 44.8 g
Buy at your local supermarket
Spigen 40W Dual USB-C Charger
This is a lightweight and compact two port USB-C fast charging adaptor.
Weight: 2.6 oz | 74.6 g
Nitecore NB 10000 w/ Charge Cord
One of the lightest 10000 mAh batteries out there.
Weight: 5.7 oz | 161.8 g
Oral-B Manual Toothbrush
Yep, I cut it down. Who needs all that handle?
Weight: 0.3 oz | 9.5 g
Buy at your local supermarket
1mm paracord (30′)
1mm thick sheathed cord. Very strong and very lightweight. Used for hanging bear bag and whatever other needs might pop up.
Weight: 1.3 oz | 35.8 g
TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL Backcountry Trowel
A decent lightweight and strong trowel. A bit small and difficult to use but it gets the job done.
Weight: 0.6 oz | 15.9 g
PackTowl Ultralite Microfiber Towel Face Size
Very lightweight material that is super absorbent. Great for wiping down wet gear and drying off in a pinch.
Weight: 0.3 oz | 9.3 g
Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube
A lightweight and breathable neck gaiter. Good for a small bit of added warmth, sun protection, and a pillow cover.
Weight: 0.8 oz | 23.2 g
Zuma Mini Tripod
Cheap and lightweight miniature tripod for getting shots with your phone.
Weight: 2.0 oz | 58.0 g
Worn Items
LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles (Single)
Extremely lightweight trekking pole. I’m going with the single pole for those uphill sections and as a shelter support.
Weight: 5.3 oz | 149.6 g
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
Took this shirt on the Colorado Trail and it far exceeded my expectations. Very breathable, comfortable, and lightweight.
Weight: 4.1 oz | 117.5 g
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
A simple, lightweight, and functional running cap. Pairs well with the Echo Hoodie.
Weight: 2.0 oz | 56.2 g
Adidas Performance Boxer Briefs
Same pair as in the carried section.
Gymshark Sport 5″ Shorts
I’m not a fan of the running shorts liner typical with most brands. This is a model I found that is lightweight, fast drying, short, and has no liner.
Weight: 3.4 oz | 95.2 g
Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show Lightweight Hiking Socks
Darn Tough nails it again with this shorter and lighter version of the midweight ankle sock.
Weight: 1.0 oz | 27.7 g
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Do you even thru hike if you don’t wear Dirty Girls?
Weight: 1.7 oz | 49.2 g
Brooks Men’s Cascadia 15 Running Shoe
Took these on the Colorado Trail and had no issues. Very comfortable with lots of grip.
Weight: 11.0 oz | 311.8 g
Goodr OGs Polarized Sunglasses
Cheap sunglasses that get the job done.
Weight: 0.8 oz | 22.0 g
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