When it comes to gear for backpacking, it seems like there are as many styles to choose from as there are trails to hike. In favor of comfort and security, the Cozylight Approach to Ultralight Backpacking sheds the ‘garbage bag tent and toothpicks for stakes’ philosophy for something more dependable. After 25 years of trail-testing and dialing-in my own set-up, here are the selections that have risen to the top of the pile – time & time again.
Laundry day on The Hot Springs Trail *Clean gear lasts longer!
WATCH - GEAR TALK:
A COZYLIGHT APPROACH TO ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING
The COZYLIGHT (4 Season) Set-up for Backpacking
Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s in my pack and links to the items that I’ve used most in the past:
The BIG 3:
Backpack: Granite Gear - Virga (1lbs)
Tent: Sierra Designs - Light Year (2lbs 12oz)
Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends - Nano 10 – 10 degree (2lbs 7oz)
Clothing:
Shoes: Montrail - Hardrock
Socks: Wigwam - Ingenius Hiker Pro
Pants: White Sierra - Zip-off Cargo
Arm Warmers: Homemade - Sleeves
T-shirt: Gildan - Performance Tee
Jacket: Montbell - Down Inner Jacket (7oz)
Rain Coat: Outdoor Research - Hurricane GORE-Tex (8oz)
Rain Pants: Homemade - Sil-nylon (4oz)
Gloves: Homemade - windproof fleece
Bandana: Official Trail Bandana
Sunglasses: Foster & Grant - Polarized
Hat: Sunday Afternoons – Solstice Visor
Hat 2: Winter Beanie
Gear:
Groundpad: Therm-a-Rest - Prolite Small (11oz)
Bug Protection: Mosquito Head Net
Water Filter: MSR - Sweetwater Pump (12oz)
Garbage bag liner
Bear Can: Bearvault (2lbs 2oz)
Trekking Poles: Komperdell - Carbon Fiber collapsible
Kitchen:
Ditty Sack 1 – Hygiene and First Aid:
Lotion
Toothbrush/floss
Neem, tea tree, & ylang ylang essential oils
Small hand brush
Band-Aids
Safety Pin
Sewing Kit
Ditty Sack 2 – Tools:
Compass
Knife
Bear bag line (Spectra cord)
Mini light, lighter, watch
Power cords for phone/camera
Total weight for this COZYLIGHT Set-up = 12lbs
Want Sub-10lbs?
Here’s how to make this set-up sub-10lbs:
Omit the bear can and hang your food
Want Sub-8lbs?
And here’s how to make this set-up sub-8lbs:
Omit the stove and only cook by fire or do a stoveless/cookless food style
Swap-out the pump filter for a Sawyer mini filter (3oz)
Use a 20 degree sleeping bag instead of a 10 degree
Whether you’re planning on going ULTRALIGHT or COZYLIGHT, it's a good idea to always make sure that you have enough gear to survive the worst circumstances that you might encounter while out on your trip. Also, whatever gear you do have, make sure that it’s dependable and can actually be used for the job that it’s intended to be used for when the time comes. Nothing’s worse than being on a 10,000ft pass and having the head of your ultralight ice axe snap off the first time you try to chop steps with it; or even worse, having to carry 8lbs of extra water because you don’t have a 12oz filter.
With foresight and proper gear, you can not only survive a long-distance backpacking journey but can be comfortable and safe during it as well. The best part is, you don't have to be burdened down by weight to be virtually bombproof. That's the benefit of a Cozylight style!
For additional tips & insights on ultralight backpacking & long-distance hiking, check out The Adventure Catalogue - by Aria Zoner.
Until next time, happy trails & keep it cozy!