This is my current long-distance backpacking gear list. Over the last fifteen years I have experimented with lots of different types of backpacking gear, but I think I found the “sweet spot” with this gear list. It’s comfortable to carry all day and does everything I need. I’ve even included a few luxury items (like a free-standing shelter, comfortable sleeping pad and pillow.)
The Big Three (Backpack, Shelter, Sleep System)
Weight: 7.2 pounds, Cost: ~$1,150
These three items (technically five, but I count sleeping bag, pad and pillow as one piece) are the foundation of my lightweight backpacking system. They get used more, weigh more and cost more than anything else. Because these are so important, I don’t like to cut corners here.
Clothing Worn
Weight: 4.5 pounds, Cost: ~$300
This is the clothing that I typically wear every day on the trail. Since these items spend more time on my body than in my pack, they are excluded from the “base weight” calculation, but they are included in my “skin-out weight.”
Clothing Packed
Weight: 2.2 pounds, Cost: ~$550
This is extra clothing that I pack for occasional use (cold and rainy weather and evenings in camp) along with miscellaneous clothing like spare socks and underwear. Because these items are usually stored inside my pack, they are included in my “base weight” calculation.
Cooking & Hydration
Weight: 1.7 pounds, Cost: ~$275
These items are used for cooking, eating and cleaning dishes as well as storing and treating drinking water. This example provides carrying capacity for up to 4 liters of water. I may need to adjust this up or down, depending on the availability of water where I will be hiking.
Survival & Miscellaneous
Weight: 2.2 pounds, Cost: ~$725
I use these items for for navigation, fire starting, first aid, gear repairs, personal hygiene, organization and other various tasks. Though some of these items may not get used very often, I always pack them just in case of an emergency (like getting lost or injured.)
Items Worn or Carried
Weight: 1.7 pounds, Cost: ~$125 (not including cost of phone)
These are non-clothing items which I usually carry in my hands or on my body. They are excluded from the “base pack weight” calculation, but are included in my “skin-out weight.”
Consumables
Weight: 1-20 pounds
These are items which get used up as I go along, so they have to be be replenished regularly. Since the weight of consumables is always fluctuating, they are excluded from the “base pack weight” calculation, but are included in my “full pack weight” and “skin-out weight.”
My Backpacking Gear List Summary
Base Pack Weight: 13.3 pounds, Cost: ~$3,125
There are several methods for calculating total pack weight. “Base weight” includes all of your packed gear, but does not include consumables, clothing worn and other items worn or carried. “Full pack weight” includes packed gear, food, water, fuel and other consumables. “Skin-out weight” includes everything packed, worn and carried. Here is how my gear list stacks up:
