Want to do multi-day trips traveling light and fast in remote wilderness? So did I. I've spent the past ten years optimizing this list for my own adventures. Everything on here has been meticulously selected to prioritize speed while staying safe and somewhat comfortable. This isn't a glamping list!!
A couple of the items I personally use have since been discontinued or renamed since I originally bought them. In an effort to provide a truly complete checklist, I have selected the best/closest item currently available online for those cases, and will explicitly say so in the item note for full transparency. This list is fully comprehensive so you can use it as a checklist for your own trips. Aside from food and my iPhone, this is exactly what goes into my pack when I do one of these trips myself. Nothing more, nothing less. Enjoy!
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 Pack by Hyperlite Mountain Gear — The simultaneous durability and lightness of this pack amazes me. I've used Hyperlite packs for 8 years and they have never failed me. I'm not sure I could break it if I tried!
Cascadia 19 by Brooks — If you are going to be doing a mix of running and hiking, this is truly the best shoe. You will feel great doing both! It's stable and protects your feet from long days on the trail all the while being nimble enough to run techy downhills. Also a solid scrambling shoe if your adventure takes you off-trail (:
Helium Bivy by Outdoor Research — My go-to shelter for multi-day fastpacking and mountaineering trips. This weighs only about one pound and provides all the shelter you need. It's honestly way easier to set up than a tent and much less noisy if it's windy thanks to its low profile.
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad (Short) by NEMO — If you're REALLY trying to optimize weight, buy the Short version of this pad and then cut it to remove unnecessary material. I trace my body with a marker while lying on my back and cut away everything outside the lines and below my pelvis. You can easily get it under 7 oz if you do this. However, if you don't mind an extra 8 oz for extra comfort, a good inflatable pad will definitely be more comfortable.
Sea to Summit Spark 15F Down Sleeping Bag by Sea to Summit — At 1 lb 9.7 oz with a 15F rating, this is a great compromise of weight and warmth for colder nights in the mountains. This is one of the few items on this list that I haven't personally tested. I use the Patagonia Hybrid sleeping bag which has since been discontinued. But if I were getting a new sleeping bag, this is what I'd get!
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove by MSR — Super reliable ultralight stove. I've had mine for six years!
IsoPro Fuel Canister - 8 oz. / 227 g by REI — Ultralight fuel canister to go with your ultralight stove! With very intentional use, I can make 8 oz of fuel last 4-5 days (one person), but make sure you dial this to your personal cooking habits because nothing sucks more than running out of fuel to cook mid-trip (trust me haha). If you are going shorter or longer, you can optimize weight by buying a 4 oz or a 16 oz fuel canister.
TOAKS Titanium 750 ml Pot with Bail Handle Gray by TOAKS — I eat a LOT on big days and this ultralight 750 ml pot is just the right size to cook one-pot meals that are large enough to replenish me. I personally leave the lid and bag at home to save on weight.
Snow Peak Titanium Spork by Snow Peak — One good spork is all you need to conquer the backcountry! Versatile and durable. I used to bring a plastic one to save on weight, but it was easy to break and I couldn't stir in boiling water. The titanium one is worth it!!
HydraPak 42 mm Filter Cap by HydraPak — Ultralight water filter that conveniently connects right to your HydraPak soft flasks!
HydraPak SkyFlask Speed 500 ml Water Bottle - 17 fl. oz. Blue 500 Ml by HydraPak — The handheld option makes this super versatile...you to drink while running without having to retrieve your bottle from your pack! With good planning and a filter, I am usually fine with 1 L total water capacity on most of my trips (two 500 ml soft flasks). One thing to be mindful of if you are storing this in your pack is that the Speedfill cap can come undone!
HydraPak UltraFlask Speed 500 ml Water Bottle - 17 fl. oz. Blue 500 Ml by HydraPak — I usually put my filter top on this 500 ml soft flask. With good planning and a filter, I am usually fine with 1 L total water capacity on most of my trips (two 500ml soft flasks). One thing to be mindful of if you are not using the filter cap and are storing this in your pack is that the Speedfill cap can come undone!
Water Purification Tablets - Package of 30 by REI — Either as replacement or backup to the soft flask filter cap, this is the lightest way to get clean drinking water in the backcountry. Taste is noticeably better than iodine treatment!
Swiss Army Classic Knife Red by Swiss Army — This tiny knife has saved me countless times! It weighs nothing, but it can do anything. The scissors and tweezers come in handy surprisingly often.
Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm by REI — The SPF 30 lip balm really makes a difference at high altitude!
Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen Lotion 30 SPF 1 oz (Pack Of 12) by Amazon — Personally, a 1 oz tube lasts two days for me in full exposure. Calculate accordingly and based on your personal needs. I hate when my skin is white/greasy from sunscreen and this brand is my favorite for that reason. If your skin is sensitive or you are at high altitude, get the SPF 50 version.
Climbing Tape by REI — Works for everything! Personally I wrap 1-2 feet of this around my sunscreen tube so I don't have to bring the whole roll and save on weight.
Classic All-Season Merino T-Shirt - Men's by REI — I always go with merino wool as my base layer for fastpacking, and this shirt is one of my favorites. Wicks moisture while you're running during the day, dries fast, keeps you warm at night!
High Point 5" 2-in-1 Short 2.0 by Brooks — This is the perfect short for carrying everything you need without the hassle of a separate belt or vest. Personally, I've gone out for runs with a 300ml soft flask, iPhone, and gels all stuffed into the integrated belt and never had any bounce issues. It REALLY holds everything securely and is extremely versatile! It's my short of choice for 50k trail races and long days in the mountains.
Canopy Pant by Brooks — Lightweight, easy to move in, protects you from the elements.
Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Insulated Hoody by Patagonia — Warm and light, this is my jacket of choice for summer fastpacking.
High Point Waterproof Jacket 2 by Brooks — Will protect you from water and wind! A must have on multi-day trips or bigger day trips with uncertain weather.
Darn Tough Men's Steely Quarter Cushion Socks by Darn Tough — Merino wool, medium-cushioned, and quarter length...that checks all my boxes for big fastpacking days. These are my favorite!
Lightweight Packable Hat 2.0 by Brooks — Super light and keeps the sun and sweat out of your eyes!
Ursack Major Bear Sack - 10 Liters Black by Ursack — Much lighter and more versatile than a bear canister and easy to tie up in a tree. Depending on where you are going, you may be required to have something bear-proof for your food--check regulations accordingly.
The Original HDPV Polarized Sunglasses by Pit Viper — Super durable and doesn't slide off your face when you are on the move!
COROS APEX 2 Pro Black by COROS — I've had this watch for several years and am continually impressed by the battery life. I've taken it on multi-day fastpacking trips with GPS on for most of the day, and it has never let me down. It's simple to use, doesn't overwhelm you with unnecessary data, and the activity screens are completely customizable.
Garmin inReach Mini 3 by Garmin — Always good to have an emergency communication device! Newer iPhones have satellite connectivity, so I honestly often just bring my iPhone instead on low-risk trips. But if you want something a little more reliable, I'd recommend this.
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape Black by Gear Aid — A small piece of this somewhere in your bag will save you at some point I guarantee it! Can be used to fix just about anything.
Diamond Greenlight Strike on Box Matches - 32 count by Amazon — Nothing special about these, but they are what I use and I want to make a fully comprehensive list. I always bring a small lighter or igniter as back up too.
PACT Outdoors Bathroom Wipes - Package of 100 by PACT Outdoors — This is a comprehensive list...these are biodegradable!
TOOB Brush Replacement Heads - Package of 3 by REI — Just bring one of these...or honestly just cut most of the handle off an old toothbrush. Saves weight/space and who really needs a full size toothbrush in the backcountry anyway?
Nitecore NU25 MCT UL 400 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Multi-Temperature Ultralight Headlamp by Nitecore — Ultralight, rechargeable, and has lots of different settings
