Last summer and fall I explored the fringes of lightweight backpacking by taking a series of SuperUltraLight trips - base pack weight of 5 pounds or under. (Base pack weight, or “base weight,” is the weight of your pack and everything in it except consumables - that vary with trip length - such as food, water, and fuel.) I reported on my adventures in the Notes from the Field series (links to the right). During the same time, Backpacking Light Editors Doug Johnson and Will Rietveld were also testing SUL worthy gear from various manufacturers. Below I discuss our favorite SUL gear and end with a complete gear check list suitable for summer conditions - overnight lows to freezing with rain possible. As you’ll see, we each have our own favorites, but we all include these items in our personal SUL gear kits: Gossamer Gear NightLight torso pad, Bozeman Mountain Works Cocoon pullover, Platypus water bladders, and a wind shirt when conditions warrant.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Context
- Rationale for Selected Gear
- Backpack
- Shelter/Rain Gear
- Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping Bag
- Hammock
- Sleep Pad
- Trekking Poles
- Insulation
- Stove
- Pot
- Water bottles
- Water Treatment
- Light
- Gear List and Weight Summary
- Gear List
- Weight Summary
# WORDS: 2600
# TABLES: 2
# PHOTOS: 6
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to:
SuperUltraLight Favorites Gear List 2006
And most inspiring!
However, given that the gear list is comprised of “examples of brands and models/styles… listed for reference only” — may I suggest that you choose currently-available items whenever possible? Or if a discontinued piece still shines above all the rest, then suggest “close seconds” that are available for sale. Both the GoLite Helios wind jacket and the GoLite Snow warm hat, for examples, are by and large no longer available for sale.
I am new to Backingpacking light. I'm having a great time reading all this gear stuff. My thought is: I wonder if anyone puts a cost on their favorite gear list???
Has anyone dreamed up their "ultimate wish" gear list and put a price on it?? Of course, with cost not being a deterent. This might be a fun and enlightening exercise.
Thomas Matica
Vancouver, WA
Hey Thomas, get your OWN avatar! ;)
I have the weight and also the cost of most of the items on my gear list. I only need about 800 bucks to shave 5lbs off my current gear list ;-)
My Gear list
Frank,
Dont you remember the old saying: Less is More…
This is a temp. Only till I come up with something more suitable. AUM !
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