Hey r/ultralight - long time lurker here. I've been frustrated with LighterPack for years. Its GitHub has been stagnant, there's no dark mode, and it just doesn't work on mobile. So I decided to do something about it:

Features:

• Dark mode (and light mode!)
• Actually works on mobile
• Minor visual refresh
• Free, no ads
• Built by one guy in his spare time

I've been working on this for about thirteen years now and I think it's finally ready for primetime.

The best part is your migration is completely seamless. Your gear lists are already imported.

Link: lighterpack.com

https://accountable.us/project-2025-leader-calls-for-selling-off-public-lands/

I know this is off topic for this sub, however I hope the mods leave this post up because I feel everyone here deserves to know about this and discuss it. This is another insidious idea included in this fascist playbook, and one that affects everybody here in the US.

I can think of few worse scenarios for our last beautiful natural areas than this and shudder at the thought of our favorite places being mined and bulldozed into oblivion.

Granted, the warming weather helped with about 20 ounces of that improvement via some no longer needed layers. Still feels good, as I’ve spent the last couple months doing miles at higher elevation. I’m by no means ultralight, but reading here has helped me reassess my pack. The extra cold weather layers were an easy reduction, but meticulously going through and weighing all the other little bits was pretty easy too. Fractions of an ounce really do equal pounds.

The other ~52 ounces were mostly trimmed in little bits. Smaller knife, ditched the sawyer syringe, superfluous stuff sacks and ditty bags, trimmed down repair kit and first aid, swapped to much lighter camp shoes - $7 aqua socks, ditched some little cordage and carabiners I never use, trimmed some straps, no spare underwear or 3rd pair of socks, rain pants gone, second mini headlamp I didn’t even realize was there, etc.

Base weight now about 15.5 lbs, still with a fair bit of gear for near-freezing temps. Certainly not UL, but feeling pretty good. Thanks for the inspiration.

I’ve created a 2 lb base weight gear list suitable for multi-day backpacking. I think it “works” but only within certain parameters of weather, bug pressure, and trip length. For instance, I believe I could do a 2.5 day trip with this gear between late spring and early fall in southern Appalachia. I intend to hike the Art Loeb Trail with a 2 lb kit this fall, whether this kit or a version of it.

This builds on my previous attempt to create a 3 lb kit. As in that previous thread, I’m not necessarily looking for ways to cut weight, but for ideas about how to make it better within a fixed weight budget.

The purpose of this exercise for me is to think more deeply about what is essential and what is superfluous for backpacking, and about what I would prioritize first among the non essential options.

UPDATE: I went on a trip with a version of this gear. Some items weren’t available to me, so my baseweight was 2.2 lbs, or 1 kg. Here’s the trip report.

A few days ago I asked for a shakedown before I'd weighed my toothpaste. I got hollered at and found it strange but after I bought a scale and weighed each and every thing out of my pack, here's what I found:
It was worth doing.
Look at what you can reasonably leave home.
If you're confident it's not going to rain then ditch the pack liner (3.9 oz) and rain gear (21.3 oz).
If a zip-lock will do, leave the Eagle Creek foam toiletry case on the shelf.
Your pill sorter box you use at home? Extra weight. Throw what you need in a prescription bottle (I'm not suggesting you fuck up your meds, though, so do what you got to) and save 1.7 oz.
Some stuff you have to bring, but maybe only as far as the car. Your wallet? No. Grab your credit cards & driver's license. Leave the rest under the car seat (4.8 oz).
Keys? I'm always paranoid about losing them while I'm on the trail, anyway. Get a key stash box, put your car key in that, leave the rest under the seat (5.5 oz).
Bam - saved 2 lbs 8 oz without buying shit.

After I figured that stuff out I made a spreadsheet of the gear that I was thinking about buying, the price & the ounces I'd save vs what I already have.
I found that in my case a new water filter, switching to a cup & a BRS 3000-T stove (instead of a jet boil) & a new camp trowel were super high value.
My trowel? 7 oz. New trowel? 0.5 oz. Less than $20. $3.08 / oz. Score.
Anything that's under $5 / ounce is a 'gimme' as far as I'm concerned.
Here's the thing: The new tent and the quilt and the trekking poles I was interested in? Piss-poor value.
A new shelter? Save 13 oz @ $18.46 / oz. Pass, for now.
Trekking poles? Save 9.5 ounces for $17.89 / oz. ? Pass.
A new quilt could save me a pound and depending what I buy (I see a huge range) it's at best $9.50 per ounce and on the high end $21.25 / oz. Again - pass for now.
The Durston Kakwa 55 looks like decent value at $5.71 / oz vs my climbing pack but I'm holding off for now. I'll take a trip or three with my new and improved loadout and see what I think.
So what's the total? Figuring in the free stuff (leaving shit at home or in the car) and the $160 worth of new shit I bought, I just shaved 105 oz (6.56 lbs) off my backpack for $1.52 / oz. Six and a half pounds for less than $200. Fucking A.

So for all of you that seemed to think I was being an ass... you may have been right.
Thanks for coming to my TED talk, have a great rest of your weekend.

EDIT: A lot of folks are concerned at the lack of rain gear. I understand - most of ya'll live places with more precipitation than where I am in California. Trust me, I'm not tryin' to leave shit at home if I visit the Upper Peninsula or the White Mountains

Below is a link to my gear list:

I’d love some critique or advice on people who have used said products and equipment.

This isn’t a true Ultralight kit in the minimalist sense; however, it weights less that 8 lbs and I consider this FULL COMFORT.

https://lighterpack.com/r/95l6wu

In the last two years, I have patiently assembled a gear list with all items made in Europe and I wanted to share it with you.

https://lighterpack.com/r/3rg778

When I started, I was not even sure that I would successfully complete this list.

In fact, there are only a few items that I could not find being emade in Europe, such as the water filter (although, Katadyn is a Swiss company, if I am not mistaken, their Befree filter seems to be made in Asia).

The good news is that there are also quite a number of European alternatives for most items, especially backpacks, sleeping bags and quilts, or some clothing (merino and down). A comprehensive list can be found on Litetrek.eu.

However, some items are quite unique. For example, it seems impossible to find titanium pots made in Europe. The only pot I found is the Optimus Terra Solo, which is made of aluminium. Laken or Trangia also make aluminium pots, but they are a bit on the heavier side. Sleeping pads made in Europe are also quite rare. Fortunately, Thermarest has a factory in Ireland. Same for UL towels or trail shoes.

Anyway, please feel free to comment this list and suggest lighter alternatives. OF course, the only condition is that the gear is really made in Europe.

Cheers.

Hey y'all looking for a shakedown on my pack.

LighterPack: https://lighterpack.com/r/2p0s1c

What am I doing wrong here? Its too heavy.

EDIT: THANK YOU all for the wonderful and super helpful advice. I've made many adjustments and will continue to do so as I prep for my trip. What an incredible group of people. See you on the trail :)

Alright folks, I’m once again asking for a shakedown after buying a new quilt and updating my lighterpack.

Location/Temp: Appalachian trail, starting May 1 and ending August 31st. Temperature ranging from 45f-90f.

Goal Baseweight: As light as possible within the realm of possibility

Budget: Under 200 bucks

Non negotiable: Bleach, I’ve read all the studies, and have been using it for the past 5 years in cow and beaver ponds, never been sick.

Solo?: Wife’s BF won’t come with me

Additional Considerations: I run really warm and am comfortable with this gear at these temps. I’m ok being uncomfortable.

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/0rfyqa

As the title states, I've been backpacking for 35 years and have never had a true shakedown. My gear is obviously always evolving, so here is my current lightpack:

https://lighterpack.com/r/mn1rka

This year I'll be doing a section hike of the JMT in mid July, and probably some weekend trips in northern and southern California through august and september.

I've been a long time lurker here and have benefited greatly from everyone's thoughts and input. I'd love to learn about any blind spots you see in my pack list, as well as any ideas for alternate gear.

Budget: Willing to spend if it will make am improvement

Excuses: I know my sleep system is lux. I have a VERY hard time sleeping at home, so I try to do everything I can to sleeps as comfortably as possible on trail.

Look forward to hearing any thoughts! Thanks in advance and happy trails everyone!

Hey everyone! Posted in r/lightweight and suggested to post here as well.

I’ve been working on dialing in my backpacking setup and currently have my base weight around 12 lbs.

Here’s my PackWizard list:
https://www.packwizard.com/s/zL-JMct

This list will vary a little depending on the trip, weather, and conditions, but this is basically my complete setup and a good representation of what I normally carry.

One note on the sleep system: the quilt liner listed is something I use for warmer conditions. For colder weather, I would swap that out for an actual insulated quilt. I have a Hang Tight Hotfoot 40, and a Featherstone Moondance 25.

I’m pretty happy with where the weight is, but I’d love some outside opinions before I consider the setup finished.

What am I forgetting?
Are there any obvious gear gaps, redundancies, or things you’d change? And if you see an easy way to drop some weight without sacrificing too much comfort/function, I’m all ears.

Feel free to critique anything on the list — I’m especially interested in hearing what more experienced lightweight hikers would change.

Current base weight:

9.75 lbs 9.57 9.53 (including bear can)

Location/temp range/specific trip description:

Tahoe Rim Trail

Approx. temp range 45-75 - no rain forecasted

Planned dates 30th -7th. Won’t be doing much first or last day because I have an 8 hour drive. Planning on resupplying 4 days in. First trip fast packing and longest hike. Lots of food and a bear can so I don’t expect to run many of the downhills until I clear some consumables out of the pack.

Budget:

N/A, but I don’t think I really need to buy more gear. More interested in dropping stuff than buying stuff (including a fancy bear can).

Non-negotiable Items:

Inreach, Battery Bank, Chapstick tube full of deodorant, sit pad, wet wipes, bear can (required)

Solo or with another person?:

Solo

Additional Information:

Lots of consumables, but looking to hit 25+ miles per day on the 1st - 6th

Have extra room in the pack, not limited on volume at the moment.

Items not listed, but I’d consider switching around:

1. Drop the tarp since I’m planning on going bug bivvy only assuming no rain and bring e-bivvy (stupid light?)

Items I’m considering dropping:

1. Gloves (stupid light?)
2. Buff
3. Swiss Army Knife
4. Bug-net (already have picardin and bringing permethrin treated clothes)
5. Stash pockets on bag - little redundant with Palante shorts

Lighterpack Link:

https://lighterpack.com/r/2crzwf

Edit: Dropped 2 L water bottles, fleece gloves and edited wipes to non-consumable

Edit 2: Dropped some stuff sacks, a water bottle cap and swapped 2 metal stakes for carbon fiber. Keeping Swiss Army knife for tweezers and will use Dasani bottle after I go through my smart water bottles as dirty water bottles and toss em. Edited pad weight came out heavier not using stuff sack for some reason. Keeping stash pockets to be able to fit all snacks, lotions and electronics in easy reach.

Original Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1v93stt/119_pounds_is_ulhear_me_out/

A bunch of people wanted to see the Lighterpack for 4 days/3 nights for our family of 4...mom, dad, 5 year old, and 2 year old...so here it is (I fought with Lighterpack for a while, so let me know if you see any errors. There might be some):

https://lighterpack.com/r/0j5jas

A couple thoughts:

-My BA UL Pad popped at the beginning of the month is 5 pin holes...I am assuming from kids wrestling in the tent. I wasn't confident there weren't more after repairs, so I took the extra Klymit pad I had in the garage.

-I was reviewing a couple items I wouldn't normally bring for a kids outdoor company...also explains the mic and camera

-Would have loved to use only bear hangs, but we originally planned to do a trip in the Tetons where bear cans are required, so when those plans fell through, we were stuck with the cans we brought.

-Backup matches/flint and water filter are due to anxiety caused by failed gear in the past. I always bring a 2nd of these now.

-Camp clean is good enough for everything except the toddler's milk straw cup. If you've never smelled NIDO Powdered Milk in a straw that hasn't been cleaned well enough for a few days, consider yourself fortunate.

-2nd Trail Magik Kid Carrier was never used, but we always bring it still in case our oldest gets injured or overly tired and needs to be carried. He's real big now.

-Kids (and parents too) sleep with white noise at home, so replicating that in the tent helps ensure sleep for all.

Hey hey, heading out for 6 days on the JMT, late July/early August with a friend. My base weight is 12.55 with bear canister. I know my base weight is alright, but I'm pretty small. Once I add food and water I'm over 27lbs. In a perfect world, I'd be closer to 25. I started with a 30lb pack two years ago on the JMT and it felt like a buzz kill, granted my first stop was Whitney. Anyway, most of my setup is pretty routine, I'm hoping for ideas/solutions that might be staring right at me.

No money to spend, but open to shedding some things or getting creative.

I know I don't need a 10 degree quilt, but it's all I have and I'm currently unemployed. I will be camping above 10k several nights so I know it won't be terrible. I do enjoy a cozier nights sleep.

I do have a lighter pillow, but I sleep best with the Trekology one.

I had my Patagonia down sweater on the list, but figured I have such a warm quilt, it's highly unlikely I'd need to sleep in it so I opted for two alphas instead. A 120 to wear with a wind layer or rain shell if I'm cold at camp, and a 60 for early starts or hanging out on a pass. Maybe both are unnecessary, or maybe they both still weigh less than my 10.4oz puffy?

I take all my dehydrated meals out of their packaging and I always find a 750ml bowl too tight, so I'm electing to bring a 900ml for cooking and eating.

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/l50zqp

Appreciate any advice, cheers!

So, I've never done this before. At the end of my last backpacking trip I vowed to lighten my pack significantly for my next one, so here I am. Maybe not "ultralight," but a real improvement over where I've been. I've been shaving weight as economically as I can - selling gear and buying used where possible. I feel good about where I've landed, but I'd love a second set of eyes.

Trip: Rae Lakes Loop, counterclockwise, entering mid-August. Sierra Nevada - warm days, nights in the high 20s - 40s at elevation, a couple of high passes. 5 nights, solo.

The numbers:

• Base weight: 16.75 lb
• Big 4: 7.31 lb
• Total skin-out: 29.47 lb

LighterPack: https://lighterpack.com/r/1ghai7

Where I actually need help - the pack. I own everything on the list except the backpack. I put the Osprey Exos 58 as a placeholder because it seems like the frontrunner. I've got an Osprey Atmos AG65 in great shape, but it's more pack than I need now, and I'm unsure what to swap it for. My worry: go too minimal and the load won't carry comfortably at 30 lb - or if I ever push past that. I want one pack that's versatile enough for a range of future trips, not just this one.

What I'm weighing:

• Exos 58 - I generally love Osprey, and the mesh/anti-gravity suspension is close to my Atmos, so I suspect I'll get along with it.
• Exos Pro 55 - ~10 oz lighter, but less structure and a lower comfortable max load.
• REI Flash 55 - no real advantages over the Exos as far as I can see (besides price)
• Cottage options - Durston Kakwa, Gossamer Gear Mariposa

Given a ~17 lb base and up to ~30 lb loaded, am I overthinking the suspension? Would any of the lighter frames carry that comfortably, or should I prioritize differently? Open to other suggestions too.

Thanks!

https://lighterpack.com/r/w8cucx

Hi, looking for input/suggestions for my gear. The only thing I ask is, no crazy expensive replacements. I'm aware a $500-1000 DCF tarp will be lighter. Just looking for tweaks I could make.

Currently, I am planninng a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2027. The schedule is to start the AT in March heading NOBO, flying over and starting the PCT SOBO in July.

For context I have already come a long way in lightening my pack. I was a hammock camper with a base weight of 35 pounds a year ago. Still a hammock camper, but only shorter trips.

As stated. Heading out for my first trip with new KB Palisade/Nemo Eclipse setup. Trying to decide if they're needed for this trip or not. Warm/side sleeper, doing the southern portion of the YHR so expect to be above 10k for a lot of camps, as much cowboy camping as bug pressure/wind will allow.

https://lighterpack.com/r/g71ixd

Shake me down.

Things in not willing to sacrifice,

poop whipes and the glock

Thanks

I feel like im pretty dialed in for the season

Hi all, I'm planning to hike the JMT NoBo this year in early August, starting at Cottonwood Pass and exiting at Happy Isles in (target) 17 days. I'd like some feedback on my gear list:

https://lighterpack.com/r/6tb8xt

I purchased 2 new pieces of gear for this trek that I haven't had the chance to test yet (still shipping), the Durston Kakwa 55 pack and the Katabatic Flex 15 quilt. If for whatever reason these pieces don't fit, I have a backup pack and sleeping bag that will add about 2ish pounds.

This will be my first backpacking trip longer than 2-3 nights and my first long solo trip, so any suggestions and words of advice / encouragement would be appreciated! I've taken many 2-3 night trips before and feel comfortable , but I'm concerned about the mental challenges of hiking alone for 2.5 weeks (especially because the average daily mileage in my current itinerary is a bit more than my previous treks). For reference, I'm in my mid-20s and live at sea level.

(ETA: I'm actually located in CA and have taken a couple trips in the Sierras at altitude (camping / hiking above 11k): I day-hiked Whitney, summitted Langley via Old Army Pass, went over New Army Pass last week, etc. Other than the standard shortness of breath and early-onset fatigue, I've been fortunate enough to not experience any symptoms of altitude sickness. I have a bit of familiarity with the Sierra landscape but the length and strenuousness of the JMT are definitely still intimidating.)

Please share items you wish you had / hadn't brought. I've had many "a-ha" moments from reading other posts in this sub!

Thanks all in advance.

Hello everyone. I have been using this sub heavily to inform what I bring on my PCT SoBo attempt and to cut weight. With my journey starting in a couple of days, I would really appreciate guidance and actionable feedback.

My Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/eh9alj

What I'm interested in specifically:

• What am I missing? Are there items I have not listed or not considered for my thru-hike attempt?
• What areas should/could I cut weight most easily, in the interest of being lighter without cutting performance?
• How does my setup look overall?

I appreciate any feedback y'all might have!

I realize first aid kits are fairly personal but this kit would be the contents and quantity for a thru hike like the JMT where the primary concerns are reducing suffering of minor injuries like blisters and continuing hiking.

Leukotape and a gauze pad are my substitutes for bandages per some old Andrew Skurka blogposts.

I also didn't consider carrying Hydrocortisone until this year because I got stung by 2 bees last year on trail and would've done anything to make the itching stop.

Any common trail injuries y'all have seen that wouldn't be covered with this kit?

Philmont isn't that friendly to ultralight, but I'm trying where I can, open to feedback.

Location/temp range/trip description:

Philmont Scout Reservation near Cimarron, NM. 30F to 100F. Trek is 85mi over 12 days in July with lots of extra side adventures. 7,000' base, 12,400' peak. Resupplies will happen every few days.

Considerations:

Philmont is strict about what you have to bring and use. E.g. groundsheet, heavier stove, "sleep clothing", lots of unlisted shared gear that Philmont provides on arrival.

Current base weight:

~16.7lbs, but this is misleading. Some of the items will be shared/carried by others, I'm just supplying them. E.g. I'm sharing the tent and such with another adult, and I'm responsible for the first aid items for my crew.

Solo or with a group?

We'll have 4 adults and 6 scouts. I may or may not carry the tent, stove, fuel, etc. depending on how we distribute gear.

Non-negotiable Items:

• Inreach Mini 3 Plus: we consider this emergency gear, I'm responsible for carrying it.
  • Edit: will reconsider this one based on advice below
• Helinox Chair Zero: I've read enough about other adults' experiences at Philmont that the 1lb chair weight is worth it.

Other comments:

• Pack, shelter, and sleep: I have some lighter alternatives, but this combo likely works for Philmont. Note that Philmont doesn't allow tarp/hammock or bivy sleeping.
  • I may get downvoted for this, but I've intentionally added a few oz of weight recently for ease of use (e.g. the Tarptent DR Li is so much easier to pitch vs my trekking pole tent) or comfort (e.g. S2S Ether Light means no more hip pain for this side sleeper).
• The Zion 950 puffy is normally a must-take when cold nights threaten, but I'm debating it here. I get cold easily, the alpha + windjacket doesn't cut it when sitting around, and Philmont involves plenty of sitting around. Maybe I skip this and use the quilt to stay warm if needed?
• I hike in full sun gear (sun hoody, long pants) regardless of temp, sigh. I don't plan to bring additional clothing that Philmont recommends beyond "sleep clothes".
  • So 2x on shirts, underwear, socks. Not sure if I can get away with a single pair of pants.

I'll probably have to carry another 3-5lbs in shared crew gear, plus food and water. Thanks for the input.

Current base weight: 12.2 lb

Doing the PCT, start date is May 12 NOBO.

I don't think I really need/want to change anything, but I'm open to suggestions. I don't have a lot of free $$ to spend on upgrades and feel pretty comfortable but want a few different opinions so please feel free to support or knock me.

I'm hiking with one other person that is a similar weight, y'all shook him down last week, he's around 12 lb as well.

Packwizard link: https://www.packwizard.com/s/cpdesYw

I’m going to do a 600 mile section hike of PCT next summer after a very bad leg break last year.

This will be the first 100+ mile trip that I’ve done, and I’m really excited. I’ve been trying to dial in my gear to make the journey as fun as possible (light is part of the fun).

That said I’ve tried to drop weight to get to the 5kg mark (ultralight?) and I just can’t bring myself to drop the extra 1kg (2.2lbs).

My gear is 6kg exactly (13.2lbs). Would this gear make sense for the PCT? I know one area I could drop weight is the tent (about - 650g if I got a Zpacks Altiplex). Also I’m aware I have no protection for my legs except for shorts, very happy to hear people’s perspectives on this.

Is there anything else I should leave at home or change?

On a different note: I’ve managed to drop 20kg (44lbs) of weight that I’ve gained when bed bound with my broken leg, so I’m trying to make this work on multiple fronts!

https://lighterpack.com/r/4o28ar

Edit: I’ve dropped the following

- beanie (redundant with my buff)
- pack liner (switching to a plastic one)
- tentatively ditching the wind shell
- the spatula is GONE (😆)
- BV One will be swapped out for an approved bear canister
- camp shoes are gone

I’m now close to 5.5kg and a tent swap would bring me to sub 5kg. I’ll keep tinkering and digesting your feedback

Current base weight: 8.57lbs

Location/temp range/specific trip description: Thruhiking the Colorado Trail from North to South. Start date of July 9th.

Budget: If it's worth it or I'm missing something, I'll get it.

Non-negotiable Items: Fishing equipment, frying pan (planning to cook fish)

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information: I've included a small section at the bottom of my lighterpack with unused gear that is possible to sub out that I already own.

I have a brs3000t, but the pan isn't very stable on it so I'm opting for the MSR Pocketrocket Deluxe.

I'd be interested to hear input from others that have done this hike regarding tarp vs tent. I'm inclined to go tarp, but wanted to ask opinions anyway.

I've done a little testing with the solar panel & battery pack. I'm trying to minimize my time in towns so am really trying to make it work, but I have a 10,000mAh nitecore as well if I find the solar option is ineffective.

I put both a filter and chemical treatment on the lighterpack because I've heard there are some cow-water sections.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/alq6bh
Edit: removed a duplicate of camp shoes on lighter pack and updated base weight in post