The quest for the lightest pack consumes some more than others. In some circles super-extreme-holycrap-ultralightweight backpacking has become a bit of a cult. No, you don’t need a tent that doubles as a poncho or sacrifice comfort to achieve near or below a five pound base weight. Obviously, this gear list can be tweaked and would probably be added to for Winter hiking. Though, if you want a good jumping off point and a lightweight list of some of the best brands in the industry this is your guide.

The Big Four

Weight: 4.2 ounces(36 liter pack with no add ons)

Price: $105(36 liter without add ons)

This is the lightest backpack I have found on the market. It’s cuben fiber material allows it’s extremely lightweight and waterproof design. You have three different options for volume: 27.5 liters, 36 liters, and 44 liters. I like the variety of options it offers and would recommend adding the padded hip belt, side pockets, center mesh pocket, roll top closure, and load lifters which bring the total price and weight for the 36 liter variety to $205 and 7.5 ounces, respectively.

Weight: 15.4 ounces

Price: $475

You can’t beat a sub-one pound tent. Made out of cuben fiber and erected with your trekking poles this tent is about as light as you can get. It has a bathtub floor and netting giving it a large edge over minimalist shelters of a comparable weight.

Sleeping Bag: ZPacks 900 Fill Power Down 40F

Weight: 11.4 ounces(40F Regular Width-Medium)

Price: $380(40F Regular Width-Medium)

These are the lightest sleeping bags I have found on the market. Zpacks has a variety of degree ratings and size options for any weather you may experience, all while keeping their bags as ultralightweight as possible.

Weight: 12 ounces(Regular)

Price: $159.95(Regular)

Lightweight, comfortable, and warm the NeoAir Xlite is a popular choice for backpackers. It is also has a short version which shaves about 4 ounces off the weight.

Cooking and Hydration

Weight: 2.5 ounces

Price: $59.95

Ultralighters will scoff at the lack of coke can alcohol stove on this list. It’s true. You will probably save half a pound on going alcohol. My personal preference, however, is a regular stove. The Microrocket is incredibly lightweight and durable. I used one on my Appalachian Trail thru-hike and it is my personal go to.

Weight: 2.8 ounces

Price: $34.95

My chef skills on the Trail are limited to boiling 2 cups of water and boring it into ziplock bags filled with freeze dried goodies. No pots needed.

Weight: 0.6 ounces

Price: $9.95

I guess you could also use a stick if 0.6 ounces are that important to you.

Water Filtration: Sawyer Squeeze

Weight: 3 ounces

Price: $34.99

You could save a couple of ounces by going the tablet route but the Sawyer is incredibly convenient with it’s ability to screw on top of Smart Water bottles. There is no better water filter on the market. Don’t forget to backflush!

Water Bottles: 2x Smart Water Bottles

Weight: 1.3 ounces each

Price: A couple bucks.

Any thru-hiker will tell you: These are the best water bottles hands down. So, throw out those Nalgenes, head to the grocery store, and throw down a few dollars on the only water bottle you will ever need.

Clothing and Miscellaneous

Rain Jacket: AntiGravityGear Ultralight Rain Jacket

Weight: 4.8-5.2 ounces

Price: $99

If it was Summer in the Mid-Atlantic or South I’d say forego the rain jacket completely. Nothing is better than that free afternoon shower after three days in the woods. However, if you must absolutely stay dry(good luck) this is your lightweight option.

Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket

Weight: 7.7 ounces

Price: $350.00

One of the lightest down jackets on the market, the Ghost Whisper will keep you warm without the weight.

Extra Pair of Socks: Darn Toughs

Weight: 2.6 ounces

Price: Varies depending on the pair.

An extra pair of socks is, in my opinion, mandatory. Darn Tough’s are the way to go in the foot department and probably the most popular sock brand int he hiking world.

Weight: 1 ounce

Price: $29.95

I’ll be honest, I did most of the A.T. this year without a light source and debated to even add one to this years gear list. But, at a mere 1 ounce this headlamp is a great option. You can’t beat the $29.95 price tag either.

The Total

With a total weight of 73.9 ounces this list will keep the pounds off your pack and your mileage up. You get all the hiking comforts without the sacrifices (except to wallet). As always, remember that any gear list is flexible and that there are exceptions to every rule. Pack what you want and have fun!