Ultralight backpacking Gear List​

Ultralight backpacking is a form of hiking that aims to use the lightest possible equipment, taking only what is essential.

By doing this, hikers hope to rediscover simplicity and reconnect with nature.They also explain that ultralight equipment is generally simpler to set up, saving time and energy during a trek.

For UL backpacking, it is advised to carry a bag that weighs no more than 10 kg.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Abraham Lincoln

This quote, used by Jean Hacquart, an ultralight hiker, emphasises the importance of thinking carefully beforehand about what you're going to take in your backpack.

To ensure that you can set off on your trek with complete peace of mind and without taking any risks, we recommend not leaving without the essentials.To do this, you need to identify exactly what your physiological needs are, as well as working out what you will need for your activity and for bivouacking.

Total backpack base weight: 6.165 kg
(not including food, water, worn clothes and poles)
Total weight of the backpack with everything included:10.966 kg

If you are going with another person, note that the weight of certain items may be shared between you to lighten the total weight.

• The “Big 4” should be as light as possible (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, mattress).
• Only carry equipment you are sure you will use (apart from the first aid kit).
• Decide whether you really need the equipment or whether you just want it.
• Weigh each item of your equipment and look for lighter alternatives.
  If necessary, modify your equipment to minimise weight.
• Find the right balance between minimising weight and the need to have warm clothes, enough food and proper medical supplies.Don't put yourself at risk by not taking the essentials.
• Study the terrain of your walk, check the weather forecast, determine the distance between water points and pack accordingly.
• If there are water points along the way, filter the water rather than taking too much with you.Be sure to identify the water points on your route to avoid dehydration.

• Take your current hiking equipment along with your kitchen scales and weigh everything.Using a piece of paper or a spreadsheet, add it all up to find your base weight, and identify where you could lose some of the weight.
• Identify some key pieces of equipment that you could easily change and which would save a significant amount of weight.You can make the transition gradually, as ultralight equipment tends to be more expensive.You can also opt to hire equipment or to borrow it from a friend.
• When it comes to clothing in particular, opt for items that can be used for a variety of purposes.For example, if you're not used to sleeping without a pillow, put your clothes inside your compression cover and use it as a pillow.
• Choose technical fabrics that dry quickly and don't retain odours.This will enable you to carry as few spares as possible.
• Be careful not to sacrifice your safety!Make sure you always have a first-aid kit and a reliable navigation and communication device with you.

When choosing your ultralight backpack, there are several things to consider.Ultralight means that weight should be an important factor when choosing your bag, but it shouldn't be the only one.

Firstly, the bag should be the last of the "Big 4" to be chosen because the size and weight of your other equipment will help you to identify the volume you need for your backpack.

In terms of weight, we recommend that you choose a bag that weighs less than 900g when empty.

Comfort is also important, so we recommend taking a number of other factors into account:

• The length of the back of the bag and whether it can be adjusted or adapted to the length of your back
• A waist belt that distributes the weight evenly without chafing
• Padded shoulder straps
• A ventilated back.

When choosing an ultralight backpacking tent, you need to strike a balance between minimal weight, comfort and protection from the elements.

Here are the points to consider:

• Weight: we recommend using a tent that weighs less than 1 kg for one person.Minimalist shelters (tarp or single-wall) are ideal for mild conditions.
• Next, check the level of waterproofing and choose a rating of > 2000 mm H20 (Schmerber).
• The type of assembly is also important when making your choice.Freestanding tents are versatile, but heavier.Semi-self-supporting or non-self-supporting models, which use hiking poles as a support, are often lighter.What's more, they give your poles a dual purpose.
• Finally, they must be easy to carry. A compact tent that's easy to store, with lightweight accessories, is essential.

A sleeping bag is an essential item for ensuring you get a comfortable nights' sleep while keeping the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
An ultralight sleeping bag generally weighs no more than 900g.

Down and feather models are generally lighter and more compressible than synthetic ones.Down also offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, but can lose its effectiveness in damp conditions.

When choosing your ultralight trekking mattress, there are several things to consider.

Firstly, it is essential that the mattress is lightweight and small in volume once compressed in order for it to be easy to carry.Inflatable models are preferable.

Take thermal insulation into account, which is measured using an R-value rating. The optimal R-value rating depends on the season and altitude:An R-value of 1.5 to 3 is sufficient for summer, while a rating of over 4 is recommended for cold conditions.

Depending on your sleeping position, comfort is contingent on the thickness and width of the mattress.

Finally, durability and puncture resistance are important, especially if you’re trekking on rough terrain;opt for robust materials such as ripstop.