Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive. Not every ultralight hiker will carry every item on every trip.

For a printer-friendly version, click Print Checklist (PDF) at right.

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass

• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

• First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)

6. Fire

• Matches or lighter
• Waterproof container

• Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool

• Duct tape strips; repair items as needed

8. Nutrition

• Extra day’s supply of food

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration system

• Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

Beyond the Ten Essentials

• Backpack
• Tent, tarp or bivy sack (with stakes, guylines)
• Footprint
• Sleeping bag
• Stuff sack or compression sack
• Sleeping pad
• Whistle
• Signaling mirror
• Ice ax
• Trekking poles
• ______________________

• Meals
• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
• Energy beverages or drink mixes
• Stove
• Fuel
• Cook pot
• Utensil(s)
• Measuring cup/mug
• Food-storage sacks or canister
• Length of nylon cord (5 feet+)
• ____________________

Clothing options

(base choices on trip length and possible weather extremes)

• Wicking T-shirt
• Wicking underwear
• Quick-drying shorts or convertible pants
• Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
• Bandana or buff
• ____________________

• Insulating fleece jacket (or vest) and pants
• Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)
• Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
• Insulating hat or cap
• Gloves or mittens
• ____________________

Footwear; assorted personal options

• Light-hiking or trail-running shoes
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• Gaiters
• Sandals (for fording, in camp)
• Insect repellent
• Headnet
• Toilet paper
• Sanitation trowel
• Hand sanitizer
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

• Toothbrush
• Permits
• Route description
• Camera
• Monocular or binoculars
• Two-way radios
• Cell or satellite phone
• Small amount of cash or credit card
• Trip itinerary left w/friend + under car seat
• ____________________
• ____________________
• ____________________

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