The Ultra-Light 5 Day Hike
The goal with any hike whether it is a 5 month journey across the Pacific Trail or a quick day hike on the local trail, is to only take what is necessary to complete the journey. The reason for this is obvious, we want to be as light as possible so that we can save our energy and use it efficiently to complete the hike in a safe and enjoyable way. Beginner hikers tend to overpack and in turn excerpt more energy than necessary. Over time with gained experience comes the understanding of “the essentials”. Here is an example list of essential items for a 5 day hike with the goal of staying under 35lbs. As always, each hike is dependent on climate and conditions so please research and plan accordingly. This hike was planned for a 5 day hike in non-extreme weather.
Gear List for a 5 Day Hike in Mild Weather
|
Item |
Weight (kg) |
Weight (lb) |
|
TOTAL EQUIPMENT |
7.061kg |
15.56lb |
|
Sleeping Bag (including bag) |
960.0 g |
33.86oz |
|
BIVY Shelter |
900.0 g |
31.75oz |
|
Backpack |
670.0 g |
23.63oz |
|
Pad |
434.0 g |
15.31oz |
|
Pike Trail pocket blanket |
195 g |
6.88oz |
|
Pullover |
400.0 g |
14.11oz |
|
Wind Breaker |
370.0 g |
13.05oz |
|
Umbrella |
303.0 g |
10.69oz |
|
Stove |
270.0 g |
9.52oz |
|
Shell Pants |
250.0 g |
8.82oz |
|
T-Shirt Long Sleeve |
240.0 g |
8.47oz |
|
Camera |
170.4 g |
6.01oz |
|
Thermal Base Layer |
170.0 g |
6.00oz |
|
Sleeping Bag Liner |
140.0 g |
4.94oz |
|
Hat (sombrero) |
127.5 g |
4.50oz |
|
Cooking Pot 0.85lit |
118.0 g |
4.16oz |
|
Medical kit |
100.0 g |
3.53oz |
|
Water filter/bottle |
95.0 g |
3.35oz |
|
Water Bag |
90.0 g |
3.17oz |
|
Fuel Bottle |
84.0 g |
2.96oz |
|
Tripod |
80.0 g |
2.82oz |
|
Radio |
80.0 g |
2.82oz |
|
Rope |
80.0 g |
2.82oz |
|
Journal, pen, maps |
75.0 g |
2.65oz |
|
Flashlight |
70.0 g |
2.47oz |
|
Soap |
68.0 g |
2.40oz |
|
Bowl / Cup / Scoop |
61.3 g |
2.16oz |
|
Brief |
61.0 g |
2.15oz |
|
Toilet Paper |
60.0 g |
2.12oz |
|
Space Blanket |
51.0 g |
1.80oz |
|
Water bottle |
50.0 g |
1.76oz |
|
Knife |
48.1 g |
1.70oz |
|
Towel |
42.0 g |
1.48oz |
|
Matches/Wood/Candle |
40.0 g |
1.41oz |
|
Socks (2pair) |
36.4 g |
1.28oz |
|
Bandana |
28.4 g |
1.00oz |
|
Monocular |
25.4 g |
0.90oz |
|
Sunglasses |
20.4 g |
0.72oz |
|
Tooth Powder |
20.0 g |
0.71oz |
|
Storm Whistle |
20.0 g |
0.71oz |
|
Lighter |
20.0 g |
0.71oz |
|
Battery (spare) |
16.7 g |
0.59oz |
|
Head Net |
14.0 g |
0.49oz |
|
Toothbrush |
10.0 g |
0.35oz |
|
Spoon |
9.0 g |
0.32oz |
|
Spare Light |
7.0 g |
0.25oz |
|
TOTAL CONSUMABLES |
6.800 kg |
15 |
|
Food (5 days) |
4.350 kg |
9 9/16 |
|
Water |
2.000 kg |
4 7/16 |
|
Fuel |
0.400 kg |
14.1oz |
|
Salt & Spices |
0.050 kg |
1.8oz |
|
TOTAL PACK WEIGHT (not including clothes worn) |
14.055 kg |
30.56lbs |
|
WORN |
1.004 kg |
2 3/16 |
|
Trail Shoes |
0.600 kg |
21.2oz |
|
T-Shirt |
0.182 kg |
6.4oz |
|
Shorts |
0.090 kg |
3.2oz |
|
Underwear |
0.057 kg |
2.0oz |
|
Socks |
0.040 kg |
1.4oz |
|
GPS Watch |
0.035 kg |
1.2oz |
Leave a comment