Hello from a beginner ultralighter in Oz.

hi alon

welcome to BPL

i changed to a cannister stove (snowpeak gst-100) for ease and efficiency – works in lots of conditions and in the many places you cant light a fire – roger caffin did a most amazing series of reviews restoves of all type on this site

have been dehydrating food for a while – has been a good way to consume nutritious good food you cook at home while you are out in the wilds

other things

pack – golite quest for long trips and jam2 for shorter trips

sleeping bag – WM summerlite – has worked well on all my SA, TAS and vic trips

mat – neoair regular – nothing like a comfortable sleep

tent – tarptent moment – i would love to go to a tarp but the bugs in oz preclude this IMHO – i have been really happy with this tent

reviews on this site are great so read before you buy

cheers and good luck
nick

If you ever in Sydney come have a chat, I'm always informing customers about going lightweight.

Stove:

Any 3 ounce cannister stove, such as MSR Pocket Rocket is good.

You need some sort of wind screen too. Search for "canister windscreen" for several articles here.

I used to have MSR Whisperlite International – too heavy and too much hassle.

A Lot of people are happy with Jetboil, but it is sort of heavy. It's a little more efficient with fuel than 3 ounce stove, but it takes many days to make up for the extra weight.

Food:

I like these Nile Spice soups. They come in these paper cups you can pour hot water in, but I throw those away and put the contents into a plastic bag. Boil water in the pot, throw the soup into it, put on lid, wait 5 minutes, eat, rinse pot out with a little water.

A lot of UL or SUL camping implies some sort of lack somewhere. It is impossible to properly suggest gear without a general knowledge of what area's you will be going into, what time of year, where you will be hiking/camping, etc. You really didn't say. So, rather than an exact specification of stuff that may or may not suit your needs, the best I can do is recommend is some sort of systems approach to your gear.
A general system approach is often touted as the individual subsystems they encompass: Sleeping system, Shelter system, Cooking system, Clothing System, Packing system, Recreational system, Hiking system. Often overlooked are the Maintenance and First Aid systems. These are all subsystems, really. Probably some others I am not thinking of, offhand. Then we have the one other system that generally ties these together: The Usage system, or more formally the relational subsystem (the set of knowledge and techniques you need to use your stuff.) All of these subsystems define the general backpacking system.
For about 7 days out, the usual for a longish hiking trip, all of the subsystems are used. For short, overnighters, often first aid and maintenance items can be skipped by not bringing any physical items, but some thought is always required. Obviously, two different types of gear are wanted, but may not be needed.
One example: Shelter subsystem
1) Invoking a systems approach you should use the Usage subsystem and decide which parameters you will be packing for and you know how the gear is to be set up in use. A good example of a subsystem I forgot to mention, the planning subsystem. Plan your trip.
2) Once the parameters are decided on, I will decide on what type of shelter: small tarp, tarp/bivy, tarp/ mesh tent, tent or tarp and tent.
3) Count out the number of stakes you need, exactly. If you decide on a cooking stove that requires stakes, you might need a couple extra.
4) Measure and attach guy lines exactly.
5) If you need a hiking staff or two, this will affect your hiking subsystem, too.
6) Is your gear large enough for you? What about for you and a partner? Rain, high winds, calm, hot, all will affect your sleeping comfort, hence, your sleeping system.
7) Check for any possibility of dual purpose gear: stakes with stove? Cooking first, then set up the tarp will work. Rain? Probably not. A brief check will verify this with the cooking subsystem.
8) Roll up the gear as neatly as possible; it will add structure to the packing subsystem, conforming to minimum size and maximum size allowed by your pack.
9) Think about any emergency uses (the First Aid subsystem.) Often, a couple sticks rolled with a tarp into a sling makes good emergency gear.
10) Maintenance subsystem should be thought about and is satisfied with a small 4” piece of duct tape to cover any tears, usually.
This example is ONLY an example, and not a specific recommendation. Your gear will vary as will your needs.
This is not a specific gear list, in the sense that I will list which pack to carry and how to fill it for a weekend trip. Rather, it is a general process of selecting gear specific to any one trip you intend to go on. A systems approach will generally result in requiring a bit of knowledge about what your gear is capable of. And, what it can do when pushed to beyond it’s limits. For example: when you will need to supplement your bag’s warmth with a down sweater, or, select a warmer bag.
It will make you more confident in your ability to be out longer with less support. Or, go further with less gear. Or, simply to do more with the same gear. There are as many reasons for getting out as there are people. First, establish parameters for yourself. Set goals, then select gear and techniques to meet them. Whatever you select, it will be correct for the parameters you chose.

Welcome.

The Jetboil isn't too bad. It's great for boiling water. With the fuel it weighs aroun 19-20oz. They are coming out with a new version this Spring that is 5-6oz lighter. It is quick, simple, and idiot proof.

If you want something quick, simple, and pretty much idiot proof but weighs 8oz with fuel; then get the Trail Designs Caldera Keg-H system. Started using sometime ago and love it. Hope it helps

May the Road Rise to Meet You!!!