The Essential Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Packing for hiking and camping is a great way to get excited about the adventure ahead, but there’s definitely a delicate balance between making sure you have all the essentials and not weighing yourself down. Learning how to pack light is a combination of know-how and having the right gear. So before you hit the trails, take a peek at this ultimate ultralight backpacking checklist from your friends at Rakuten. Whether you are a veteran hiker or new to the trails, here’s a useful checklist that will help save your back and some money when it comes to packing for your next hiking adventure.

Get the Right Pack for Your Body and Your Trip

At the top of our backpacking list is the perfect pack. Having the right pack can make or break your hike before you even hit the trail. If your backpack doesn’t fit well, packing ultralight won’t matter because you’ll be struggling to get a comfortable fit with your pack the whole hike. Finding the right pack size is easy if you shop online at stores like Camping World where you’ll get Cash Back at Rakuten. Check out awesome brands like Gregory for a variety of sizes to find your perfect fit in the ultralight backpack of your dreams, like this one featured above.

Picking and Packing Your Home Away From Home

When it comes to deciding which tent to bring along on your ultralight backpacking trip, less is more. Long gone are the days of heavy tents and poles. The era of ultralight protection from the elements is here! Big tents have their time and place, but you’ll seriously regret lugging them along for an extended hike. Check online and in-store at Moosejaw for their stellar selection of ultralight tents like this one from Vaude and don’t forget to head to Rakuten first to look for a lightweight tent promo code.

Need more space? Consider skipping the poles and take shelter in a wing like this one from NRS (found at Eastern Mountain Sports) weighing in at only 368 ounces and providing 130 square feet of cover!

Camping Cuisine

The trail mix of yesteryear has gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the modern day interest in ultralight backpacking. Packing a full range of tasty meals for your hiking trip has never been so easy or so lightweight! Want to stock up or prep for a longer trip? Find freeze-dried foods promo code if you buy eight or more, which means you can get the food you need to travel light while saving some dough. Make sure you pack at least one full extra day of food in case of an emergency and you’re good to go!

Water Filters & Purification Tools

If you plan on a long hike off the beaten path, having access to clean water is going to be critical. While the babbling brooks out in nature are beautiful, the water isn’t necessarily safe to drink. Packing water filters or some means of purification can extend the length and range of your hiking adventure. REI has a number of incredible options that are great for keeping your pack ultralight, like this Sawyer Water System.

Pack Clothing That Can Layer

This one may seem like a no brainer, but put some serious thought into both the clothes you pack and those you’re wearing when you set off on your trek. Trying to strike the right balance between over-packing and not being well prepared can be tough but it’s essential for ultralight backpacking. Try packing layers that will wick away sweat but still keep you protected from the rain and sun. Looking for the perfect lightweight layers? Columbia’s online shop has an awesome selection of ultralight hiking clothing layers for both men and women, plus you’ll earn Cash Back at Rakuten. Make sure to keep an eye out for a lightweight hiking apparel promo code and your pack will be lighter and your wallet a little fatter!