Whether you are just starting to venture into the world of backpacking or you are a seasoned vet looking at someone else's backpack and sleep system, the most important thing to know when choosing gear is not to trade ounces for comfort.  Ultralight backpacking seems to be the hottest trend in gear and conversation.  Ultralight is ultra expensive and not always the best choice depending on the environment you are traveling in or your experience level.  Not all ultralight materials are durable.  I do cut out weight where I can but not at the expense of a good night sleep or other creature comforts.  After all the only thing you are adding is a little bit more weight to your pack.  Here is a list of gear that I take when I am on the trail for 1 to 3 days.

Backpack.....

I use two different packs depending on the time of year and the amount of gear that I need to carry.  My summer pack or light pack is an Osprey Exos 48 , during the winter months when I need to carry more gear I use an Osprey Volt 75 . I have tried other packs but just seem to keep going back to the Osprey.  The durability and versatility of both of these bags easily make them my favorite for now.  

Sleep System.....

•     Hammock 

For my sleep system, this is one of those areas that I won't skimp on weight over comfort.  I use a Warbonnet Blackbird XLC. The model I chose was the 1.7 double, which means it uses a heavier fabric that its cousin 1.1 and is double lined so you can throw a pad between the 2 layers.  This hammock adds a few more ounces over the 1.1 single that you can purchase from Warbonnet, but I like the double layer to keep from having to wake up in the middle of the night and adjust my pad.  I also like the 1.7 fabric because it has less stretch to it when it gets damp with condensation.

•     Pad

You are probably asking yourself, he's sleeping in a hammock why on earth would he need a pad.  This is not a pad in the traditional sense.  I use the Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad for thermal insulation.  Even in the summer if you don't have a liner between you and the ground beneath you, CBS (Cold Butt Syndrome) will creep in and ruin your sleep.  It is light weight, extremely durable and worth its weight in gold.

•     Sleeping Bag

This one is a little tricky because I am a big believer in having the right sleeping bag.  Which is why I carry a Nemo Nocturne 25 in the winter months, but in the summer months I carry a cheaper Ozark Trail Mummy Down Sleeping Bag or just a Sea To Summit Fleece Liner.  Because I use the pad below me I stay pretty warm in my hammock.

•     Rain Fly

After going through several different rain flies in varying shapes and sizes, like the Hammock Bliss XL Rainfly and the Hennessy Hammock Hex Fly , I have finally settled on the Warbonnet Superfly with added Hennessy Hammock Snake Skins. The Superfly is made of 1.1 oz 30 Denier Silnylon and has doors on both ends making this the perfect light weight 4 season tarp.  You can set the tarp up in many different configurations and is perfect for all types of weather.  To the tie outs I have added shock cord to make setup and takedown even easier.

Food and Cooking Utensils.....

This is where I try to keep it as simple and light weight as possible.  I have tried several different cooking techniques and stoves and find that what works best for me is a Trangia Alcohol Stove, a 550ml Toaks Titanium Cup, Toaks Titanium Spork and Windscreen.  I will carry a Mountain House Dehydrated meal for every night that I stay out.  Usually the single serving that only requires as much water as my Toaks can boil.  For lunch and snacks I carry things that are simple and pre-made as I don't like to waste much time sitting for lunch.  Lately I have been dehydrating my own food.  Apples, pears, berries all dehydrate well and make good fruit leathers.  Make sure to carry plenty of fuel and I suggest doing a few boil tests before hitting the trail so you know how much it takes.  The good thing about using a Trangia is the unused fuel can remain in the burner and used later.  Carry lots of snacks.  Eating small amounts often help you keep your energy up and keep you warm in cold climate as it keeps your metabolism going.  Look for light weight foods that are packed with calories.  Nutella is a good reference.

Mainstays in my food bag include:

• Coffee Tea Bags
• Cup of Noodle
• Candy Bar
• Instant Oatmeal
• Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Pack

The Essentials.....

These are the items that travel with me on every trip:  

• I keep a small first aid kit, along with a tooth brush/paste, toilet paper and 3 baby wipes.
• A rain cover for my bag and rain jacket for me and dry bags for all my gear in case I get caught in bad weather.  
• A Mora Blade knife, which is incredibly durable and very light.  
• In a small prescription pill bottle I have cotton balls soaked in Vaseline and a Bic lighter for getting a fire started.
• Trekking Poles
• Hydration Bag
• Sawyer Mini Water Filter
• Extra Paracord
• Handkerchief 
• Small Plastic Trowel
• 4 Y-Stakes
• 2 Extra Light Weight Stuff Sacks

My final pack weight before adding water normally runs between 16 and 18 pounds.  I believe an ultralight pack is anything under 12 pounds.  Try to use items that serve more than one purpose.  For example, a handkerchief is great for keeping sweat out of your eyes, wiping out dirty dishes and tying up a splint if needed.  Trekking poles can be used to set up your rain fly in porch mode, be used as a splint and help take some of the load bearing off of your legs.  Stay away from items that look important but will never be used.  A perfect example a small wood saw or chain blade to cut small branches.  You will never use this.  If there is a branch small enough to cut it is small enough to break with your hands.  Truth is a perfect pack is a result of trial and error.  What works for one person may not work for another.  The important thing is to try and test the things that look interesting to you, because at the end of the day it is all about getting out there and exploring and waking up that part of you that has been put to sleep.

Please share your comments and gear list ideas with us below.  Happy Travels.