August 12, 2022

Ultra light equipment guide:What do I absolutely need for a multi-day hike?

Hiking packing list

Dhe most important question: What do you absolutely need to take with you on your trip? In this guide, I will explain which outdoor equipment is essential and should definitely be on your checklist.

We will cover the topic of packing lists based on various accommodation options and multi-day tours on foot. It makes a big difference whether you sleep in a hostel or in your own tent during a multi-day hike.

First of all, I will explain the individual items on the packing list in more detail and list all the products. This outdoor checklist can be used in large parts of Europe and beyond. I will go into more detail about the individual products so that you understand why you should choose this particular product for your trekking checklist. At the same time, I will also point out alternatives.

Finally, we will reveal our outdoor hacks. We'll equip you with the best tips & tricks for your adventure.

Table of contents

• 1. all products at a glance:
  Ultralight must-haves
  for hiking
•     a. Big 4
•     b. Clothing
•     c. Equipment
•     d. Hygiene
•     e. First-aid kit
•     f. Additional equipment:
  Elektro Kramm
• 2. the complete packing list at a glance:
  Hiking packing list:
  What do I need for the
  hiking vacation?
  
•     a. Packing list for hiking with a tent
  or tarp
•     b. Packing list for hiking with
  Overnight stay
• 3. these outdoor hacks will become your
  new life hacks: tips & tricks
  for your adventure to make your
  hike even easier
• 4. closing words: Keep it simple

An important note right at the beginning: If you have to carry everything yourself, it makes no difference whether you are out for 3 or 7 days. You'll see, your rucksack will fill up pretty quickly and hiking is only half as much fun if you feel like a pack mule.

1. all products at a glance: Must-haves for hiking

a. The Big 4

The aim of ultralight backpacking and bike backpacking is to reduce the weight of the equipment we carry with us on backpacking and bike tours without sacrificing comfort and safety. You can usually reduce the weight of your equipment the most if you focus on the four heaviest items of your equipment, the so-called Big 4.

These include:

Backpack
Tent, tarp and hammock
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat

Backpack

Use a lightweight and waterproof backpack. The material of the backpack should also be tear-resistant. There are many cheap, lightweight backpacks, but they wear out quickly when subjected to friction and the seams in particular open up. You shouldn't skimp on the backpack, as it contains all your equipment and should sit comfortably and painlessly on your body.

Tent, tarp and hammock

If you are spending the night outdoors and really want to have the lightest outdoor equipment with you, you should use a tarp or hammock. There are now ultralight hammocks and in combination with a tarp they are often even lighter than a tent. You can use a tarp from spring to fall, and if you are hardened, even in winter. You will clearly notice the advantages of a tarp over a tent. It takes up much less space and weighs about a third of a tent. 

To keep the weight down, a tarp and hammock are a good combination.

Sleeping bag/hut sleeping bag

As soon as you sleep in a hut, you will need a sleeping bag, but not usually a sleeping mat. It can happen, but is very rare, that there are no mattresses in some self-catering huts and you also need a sleeping mat.

The lighter and warmer hut sleeping bags are filled with down. Silk hut sleeping bags are lightweight but not insulating. If you are sleeping in a tent or tarp, you should opt for a down sleeping bag. If you would like to know more about hut sleeping bags, read our blog post on "EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HUT SLEEPING BAGS AND INLETS!

Sleeping mat

First of all, foam mats and inflatable sleeping mats belong in the category of the lightest sleeping mats.
However, for a trekking trip where weight and space are crucial, you should use an inflatable sleeping mat. In this category, there are ultra-lightweight products that also have a very small pack size.
We have a detailed guide to sleeping mats if you would like more information about the different types of sleeping mats: "ISOMATTEN RATGEBER''. WHICH SLEEPING PAD IS RECOMMENDED?

b. Clothing

I will specify the exact number of items of outdoor clothing. Our ultralight packing list really only contains what you really need. You can of course increase the number of items and adapt them to your individual needs. However, it is often the case that we take too much with us. As our blog post is designed for ultra-light equipment, it should really only be minimal and the bare essentials that you need.

Especially if you can only take very little with you, it makes sense to think carefully about the items you bring with you. What kind of material, how much does it weigh, how does it feel with constant use and how long does it take to dry?   

Underwear

Here it makes sense to wear underwear made of merino wool . The pelvic floor area and the thighs are not normally well ventilated. A lot of sweat collects in this area and there is a lot of friction. Merino wool absorbs moisture very well without immediately becoming smelly. Synthetic fibers have a smooth surface on which bacteria can adhere better, which is why they smell faster.

Wool underwear can be washed by hand in the evening, while clean underwear is used for sleeping. If your underwear does not dry overnight, you can attach it to your rucksack while walking. In an emergency, simply turn the underpants inside out. If that's not enough, you can pack a third pair of boxer shorts so that you always have a clean pair of underpants to sleep in. 

Quantity: 2 x merino underwear (or three if necessary) 

Sports bra

Two sports bras are usually sufficient. Merino wool or other skin-friendly fabrics such as 100% cotton are ideal for the skin, unlike synthetics. If you are exposed to friction in combination with sweat every day, your chest and cleavage will thank you.

Quantity: 2 x 

Leggings, Long wool underpants

I have to admit, this is my favorite piece. I use them as a substitute for jogging pants at the hut and for sleeping, as I get cold quickly. It's not a bad idea to take long underpants with you, especially at higher altitudes in spring and fall. 

Quantity: 1 x 

T-shirt 

You can do the same with a T-shirt as with underwear. You wear one during the day and use the clean one for sleeping. If necessary, wash the merino shirt by hand.

Why merino wool and not synthetics?

Synthetics start to smell unpleasant very quickly. If you sweat a lot and are out and about for several days, the smell doesn't get any better. One of the advantages of merino wool is the self-cleaning fiber.
Merino wool is also much more comfortable to wear. Synthetics 'stick' to the skin. Merino cools when it is warm and warms when it is cool. If you would like to know more about the positive properties of merino wool, read our blog post: Merino wool - the high-tech fiber from nature. 

Quantity: 2 x 

Hiking pants 

Softshell trousers are quick-drying trousers. They are lightweight and protect you from the sun, cold and wet. You can roll up a pair of light, loose hiking trousers so you don't have to wear shorts. An alternative would be zip-up trousers. 

Quantity: 1 x 

Softshell hiking trousers are flexible and comfortable. They are also windproof and water-repellent.

Hard shell jacket (rain jacket)

You should almost always have a shell jacket with you. It serves as rain and wind protection. You can also use it as a base layer for sitting on damp ground. In areas where it is very hot and humid, you can do without a hard shell jacket, even if it rains, it will still stay warm and a rain hat will be enough to keep your head dry. In hot and humid regions, a long shirt or shirt would be more suitable to protect your skin from the sun. 

Quantity: 1 x 

Down jacket

Thin down jackets are light and don't take up much space. If you don't need to wear them to sleep at night, they can also be used as a pillow. Especially in the evening it is usually cool in the mountains, combined with a long woolen shirt or merino sweater it is an even warmer combination.  

Quantity: 1 x 

Merino longsleeve

A thin long-sleeved shirt protects you from the cold and, if necessary, from the sun. The sun is very strong in the mountains and at high altitudes. At a certain point, sun cream no longer helps and you get sunburn. A merino shirt can easily be washed out with water if it smells. As we want to keep the weight as low as possible, one long-sleeved shirt is completely sufficient. 

Quantity: 1 x 

Thicker fleece jacket or merino jacket

In the evening, when it gets cooler, a down jacket is often no longer enough. If you spend the night outdoors, you will freeze with your 'normal' down jacket. That's why down jackets are combined with either a thicker fleece jacket, a merino jacket or a Primaloft jacket. As you have limited space, it makes no sense to take a down jacket with you that would take up a quarter or even half of your rucksack. It makes a difference whether you are in the mountains or traveling by bike and staying in a guesthouse. In the mountains, it is definitely advisable to have warm clothing with you. 

Quantity: 1 x (in the mountains and cold seasons)

Sun or rain hat

Basically, sunny days are extremely positive! However, when the sun beats down from the sky in the mountains, it can be unpleasant with sunburn and, in the worst case, sunstroke. A good sun hat is the best way to combat this. I use a comfortable hat that I can use as a sun and rain hat. 

The sun is even more intense in the mountains than in the valley.

Wool hat

Whether you need warm headgear depends very much on the weather conditions and the area in question. At higher altitudes and in the north, you should definitely have it with you. In the fall, it's quite cold again at night. Actually, you almost always need it, except in midsummer when the sun is beating down on your head and you wish you could wear a cozy merino hat . A thin merino hat also fits under a climbing helmet if it does get chilly.

A 2-layer merino beanie keeps you warm without adding bulk. It even fits under your helmet.

Buffer (scarf)

The advantage of a buffer is that it can be used as a scarf and as a headband. It doesn't take up much space and can also be worn under a helmet. 

Sunglasses

Eyes should also be protected from direct UV radiation. This is especially true when hiking, as you can expect increased sunlight and additional reflection, which can cause long-term damage to the eyes. Snow reflects up to 95 percent of light, which is why sunglasses are a must on a winter tour.

Socks

Dear mountain lovers, we also use socks made from merino wool here. The absorbent fiber binds moisture and draws it away from the skin, so that the skin stays dry for a long time and there is no feeling of wetness as with socks made of cotton, synthetics or normal sheep's wool. Thanks to the great properties of merino wool, two pairs of socks are completely sufficient for a multi-day tour. If they do smell unpleasant, wash them out with water and a little soap.

Quantity: 2 pairs

Gloves

Very few people think about gloves, but you will need them sooner than you might imagine. In contrast to other parts of the body, hands are unprotected. It is therefore advisable to always have a pair of gloves with you, not only on summer tours but also on mountain tours. This is because sudden falls can occur, especially in the mountains. For via ferrata climbers, gloves are a must anyway. They offer protection from wires protruding from the steel cable and prevent blisters on the hands.
Depending on the area of use, it is advisable to carry gloves with light insulation in the mountains, even in warm temperatures. Especially on tours in high alpine regions, it is easy to reach altitudes where the temperature is significantly below the summer level in the valley.

There are now lightweight yet warm gloves that allow you to use your smartphone without taking them off.

Hiking boots

Hiking: Low shoes or proper hiking boots. This depends on your individual needs on the one hand and the hiking area on the other. If you are crossing glaciers, your hiking boots must be crampon-compatible. Jogging shoes or low shoes are usually not. The disadvantage of low shoes is that your feet tire more quickly. The ankle has to work harder because it is not protected. 

Flip flop or sandals

You should take a second pair of shoes with you so that your feet have a bit of variety and can take a deep breath. Flip-flops are particularly practical for hygienic reasons, as they can also be used for showering. 

c. Equipment

Foldable walking poles

Have you always used hiking poles? Then take them with you on your multi-day tour. The lightest hiking poles are made of carbon and can be folded up. If you would like to read up on the subject and whether it makes sense for you to use foldable hiking poles, you can read our blog post "Everything you need to know about hiking poles. Practical advice on hiking poles".

Folding poles for hiking don't take up much space and take the strain off your joints.

Headlamp (flashlight)

It's not just those who spend the night outdoors or in a tent who should have a headlamp with them. It can happen that you are surprised by the darkness because you misjudged the route. If you don't want to take one with you, you can also use your smartphone. 

Ultralight gas stove, lighter or igniter

If you are camping outdoors and have a gas stove with you, one of the most important things is that the cooking system is easy to use. It should be as simple as possible to use. The second point is of course the weight. A lightweight gas stove weighs around 200 - 400 grams including a small cup or pot in which the water can be boiled. There are countless outdoor igniters on the market. If you want to learn survival strategies, you can also take a fire steel* with you. It is small and fits in every pocket. Please practise beforehand! There is also nothing wrong with a conventional lighter or igniter.

* What is fire steel?

Fire steel or fire iron is made of high-carbon steel and is a component of the percussion lighter. It is used to ignite sparks quickly and easily to start a fire.

Titanium cutlery

We explicitly include titanium cutlery on our packing list because it is very robust and incredibly light at the same time. Titanium is hard and at the same time has a low density. These advantages make titanium cutlery a clear winner over other products. It is a material you can rely on. High-quality plastic might be an alternative. But plastic still can't match the hardness and durability of titanium and secondly, it's, well, plastic. For the sake of the environment, we should do without it as far as possible.

Titanium cutlery set of three

Water bottle

The water bottle should also be made of an environmentally friendly, lightweight and robust material. Titanium or a stainless steel water bottle is also recommended here . Stainless steel is a lot cheaper than titanium, but nowhere near as robust as titanium. Glass is ideal for everyday use, but it is too heavy for trips lasting several days and for outdoor use and can be dangerous if it breaks. 

Quantity: 1-2 bottles

Water filter

Outdoor water filters allow dirt particles, suspended particles and pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, to be successfully filtered out of the water. There are different filter systems. Which one you need depends on your destination. For example, the activated carbon filter, which is also available as an attachment, removes heavy metals and organic compounds from the water.

The following water filters are available:

1. Compact mechanical filter
(bacteria, protozoa)
2. Pump filter (bacteria, protozoa)
3. Pump filter against viruses
(bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
4. Electroadsorption (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
5. Boiling (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
6. UV light (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
7. Chemical agents (bacteria, protozoa, viruses)
8. Flow-through filter (bacteria, protozoa)
9. As an attachment: activated carbon filter

In our latitudes, a simple mechanical water filter is normally sufficient. However, if you want to filter viruses, you need a special pump filter against viruses.

Important: Make sure you drink water from springs that flow directly from the mountain. In dry areas, such as the Pyrenees, there are many dead animal carcasses that can contaminate the water. However, this is often not visible.

Simple pump filter system

Knife or pocket knife

A knife is a universal tool and can be used for many purposes. It is suitable for repairs, making fires and splitting wood. If you find yourself in a prolonged emergency, a knife can be essential for survival.

Bivouac (rescue blanket)

The bivouac provides wind and rain protection in adverse weather and prevents the sleeping bag from becoming damp and losing warmth in rain and/or dew. If you are traveling with a tent or tarp, you should have an emergency bivy with you. Very small and light emergency blankets are now available. If you are traveling as a couple, there are also special bivouac sacks for 2 people, which save you some weight and storage space.

A small, lightweight bivy sack is standard equipment in every outdoor travel bag. Even if the tour is short, an emergency can occur, which at the very least means waiting for rescue. The bivouac sack, which is wind and water repellent, offers protection from the cold and a certain degree of security.

d. Hygiene

Microfiber towel

Microfiber towels are particularly suitable for our Ultralight Equipment Checklist because they are quick-drying, antibacterial, small, lightweight and have good moisture absorption. 

Toothbrush

If you want to save space, use a children's toothbrush or cut the toothbrush in half. 

Toothpaste or tooth tabs

I mention tooth tabs here because I have often seen toothpaste tablets in trekking videos. Personally, I don't find them very useful. They are individually wrapped and produce unnecessary waste. I also find it inconvenient that the tooth tabs have to be chewed. This makes brushing your teeth a bigger job. There's really nothing to be said against good old toothpaste. They are now available in mini formats.

Sun cream

Areas of skin that are exposed to the sun should be covered with sunscreen. The sun is usually even more intense in the mountains. Use a high protection factor. Long, thin shirts can also provide relief if applying sun cream is no longer helpful and the sun is already burning your skin. 

Degradable soap for hair, body, clothing and washing-up liquid

Use a biodegradable soap that can also be used as a dishwashing detergent and as a detergent for clothing. If you have outdoor clothing made of merino wool, it is usually sufficient to wash the garment with water to rinse out the aggressive body salts. Vaude has a universal soap that can be used for all these purposes.

e. First-aid kit

Tape (kinesio tape, physio tape or muscle tape)

Tape is a type of highly elastic fabric plaster. It is not only used for injuries or inflammation of muscles, ligaments or joints as stabilization without restricting mobility. Tape is versatile. Instead of lugging around countless plasters and bandages, you can use tape for the following

- For blisters instead of carrying
blister plasters
- For emergency repairs to tarp, tent,
or clothing such as down jackets.
Tape is ideal
for mending tears. Sleeping mats should
always have their own patching equipment
included.
- For open (superficial) wounds 

Antiseptic

To prevent wounds from becoming infected in the first place, it is important to have a wound infection with you. It can also be used for burst blisters and other open areas. If it is possible not to tape the area, it can heal better and faster. Clean regularly and then treat again with antiseptic. 

Tiger balm 

What is tiger balm and why is it on this list?

Tiger balm is a natural painkiller.

Tiger balm is best known for helping with sore muscles and is used for neck and shoulder tension. It is interesting for us because it is so versatile that it can easily replace 5 creams.

We have its natural ingredients to thank for this. Camphor, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so that pain caused by muscle tension can be relieved. Menthol, which can be used to relieve itching caused by a sting. In combination with camphor, menthol develops its decongestant properties, which are useful for cleansing the bronchial tubes.

To increase the effect of the ointment, it also contains the following components:

- mint oil, for its pain-relieving effect
- cajeput oil, for its decongestant effect
- eucalyptus oil, for its
anti-inflammatory effect
- cinnamon tree oil, for its invigorating effect

Important: Tiger balm should not come into contact with the mucous membranes.

g. Additional equipment: Electrical stuff

Cell phone + charger

A phone is useful for communicating with other group members (to locate each other and find lost persons) and to be able to alert the mountain rescue or emergency services in an emergency. If you don't want to take a camera with you, take your smartphone to take photos. If you only want to use it for safety reasons, leave it switched off so that it still has enough battery and can be used in an emergency. Another practical feature is the flashlight function. 

A waterproof drybag protects your equipment, provisions and change of clothes from wind and weather.

2. the entire packing list as a table at a glance: Hiking packing list: What do I need for my hiking vacation?

Tick in brackets (✔️) means that it does not necessarily have to be on your vacation packing list. It depends on: Season and travel area 

Make sure that the heavy items in your backpack are placed close to your back. 

3. these outdoor hacks will become your new life hacks: tips & tricks for your adventure to make your hike even easier

 Hiking hacks at a glance:

Tape

Wrap a piece of tape around your walking poles as a precaution. If you are not using a walking aid, wrap it around your toothbrush, lip balm or tent pegs. If you're out and about on your bike, you can attach it to your handlebars. Any round part that is easy to remove is suitable. This saves you weight and space.

Dog waste bag (bag for the poop) 

Yes, you read that right, dog bags are among our trekking hacks and it can be very unpleasant if shoes don't dry out. It is often not possible to dry shoes because there is constant rainfall or you have to wade through streams and rivers. In an emergency, put dry socks in the dog waste bags and then in the shoes. This won't dry your shoes, but it will dry your feet! Dog waste bags are extremely light and tear-resistant and they are even free.


Why are dry feet important?

- The wetter the shoes are, the better
the bacteria can thrive in this environment
and cause excessive perspiration
.

- Leather instead of plastic shoes: leather is very good
sweat-absorbent compared to plastic.

- Only use merino or cotton socks:
Thin merino wool socks beat all
synthetic socks tenfold.
The same principle applies here as with
synthetic shoes. In addition, you can use
merino socks for days on end, unlike synthetic
socks.

How to pack: The art of packing correctly

When packing your rucksack, it is important that the heavy items are close to your back. This makes walking a lot easier. Heavier items placed on the outside of your backpack will pull you backwards and downwards, making you more likely to sway and lose your balance.

Important: Don't leave shoes or heavier items dangling on the outside of your backpack. This will make your backpack feel much heavier than it actually is. 

Wear clothes that are long and thin

When choosing clothing for your multi-day tour, opt for garments that offer UV protection. Merino wool, for example, has natural UV protection. The merino fiber absorbs part of the UV radiation and thus keeps it away from the skin.

Comparison: A classic white cotton shirt has a UPF* of 10. Synthetic fiber shirts do not achieve as high a UPF value as merino shirts, and if they do, then often only with the help of chemical UV blockers. The UPF of merino wool clothing is between 30 and 50. A UPF value of 40, for example, means that more than 97.5% of the rays are blocked.

*The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much ultraviolet radiation (UV) a fabric blocks.

Share equipment

If you are traveling with another person, share the equipment. One gas stove is enough.

Weather

Check the weather again shortly before your trip. You may need less rain gear than you thought.

4. keep it simple!

Although month-long trips through Central Africa sound epic, and they are, that doesn't mean you have to embark on a huge escapade to have a good time to get your money's worth; long weekend getaways can be enough to satisfy the craving. Adventure is often closer and easier to reach than you might think. The best adventures are often right on our own doorstep. Have fun!

Ultralight products

Lightweight premium tents

Light outdoor cuisine

Outdoor sleeping

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