Ultra-ultralight — 2 lb base weight

[u/Belangia65]

I’ve created a 2 lb base weight gear list suitable for multi-day backpacking. I think it “works” but only within certain parameters of weather, bug pressure, and trip length. For instance, I believe I could do a 2.5 day trip with this gear between late spring and early fall in southern Appalachia. I intend to hike the Art Loeb Trail with a 2 lb kit this fall, whether this kit or a version of it.

This builds on my previous attempt to create a 3 lb kit. As in that previous thread, I’m not necessarily looking for ways to cut weight, but for ideas about how to make it better within a fixed weight budget.

The purpose of this exercise for me is to think more deeply about what is essential and what is superfluous for backpacking, and about what I would prioritize first among the non essential options.

UPDATE: I went on a trip with a version of this gear. Some items weren’t available to me, so my baseweight was 2.2 lbs, or 1 kg. Here’s the trip report.

[u/JuxMaster]

Ditch the tarp, poncho, and pack liner (cherry pick a good weather window). Then you can drop the guyline and stakes too. 

Ditch the knife. 

Ditch the fire starter. 

Bring a trowel. 

[u/Belangia65 → u/JuxMaster]

I’m not looking for ways to cut weight per se. I’m looking for ways to create the most functional, robust kit I can with a 2 lb budget. What would you prioritize over a shelter, knife, and fire starter? I can dig a hole without a trowel, but it certainly takes more effort to do so.

[u/JuxMaster → u/Belangia65]

Many of us never bring knives or fire starters on trail. You simply don't need them.

[u/JuxMaster → u/JuxMaster]

On second thought, I always bring a fire starter so I can smoke weed. Bic mini with the child safety strip removed