Backpacking Apparel Checklist
Comfortable, Functional, Dependable, Ultralight!
Those are the four traits I’m looking for when deciding what apparel to take with me on a backpack fly fishing trip. Shoes need to protect your feet while remaining comfortable. Rain apparel needs to actually keep the rain out, while still being able to breath. Jackets and pullovers need to retain body heat in cold weather. Short sleeve T’s and long sleeve sun shirts need to breath so you remain cool, yet still protect from the sun’s harmful rays. All while being ultralight.
Strategic planning of backpacking apparel is important to reach your pack weight goals. One of the best ways to lighten the weight of a pack is to take less clothing. Most first-time backpackers take more than they actually need. Take layers of non-cotton clothing, items that can be worn one on top of another. If cold, add layers. If warm, take layers off. Always keep one set of clothing dry. It’s important in the event you get soaked, and the temperature outside begins to drop. Choose clothing that is odor and moisture resistant, like merino wool, so that you don’t need multiple outfits of clothing. Wearing the same shirt and pants each day will save weight.
Below is my backpacking apparel checklist, including the manufacturer of each item. Look for future posts reviewing each of these specific items. There are a lot of ultralight options in jackets and clothing that are available. As you will see, I am a big fan of Outdoor Vitals apparel. I have found it to be very well designed and not overpriced. It is lightweight and functional, doing exactly what it is designed to do. If you decide to purchase something from Outdoor Vitals, I recommend becoming a member to receive the member discount and free shipping.
Trail Running Shoes (Most trips, except extremely rocky terrain) – Solomon Super Cross trail running shoes
Hiking Boots (For high alpine, extremely rocky terrain) – Solomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-Tex
Quick Dry Pants with Zipper for Shorts – REI Sahara Convertible Pants (pictured above)
UL Rain Pants – Marmot PreCip Eco Pant
Hiking Shorts – Outdoor Vitals Skyline Trail Shorts (Option to only bring the REI pants/shorts saves the weight of bringing a separate pair of shorts)
Ultralight (UL) Merino Wool Short Sleeve Shirt (2)– Outdoor Vitals Marino Wool Tee (pictured above)
UL Long Sleeve Sun – Outdoor Vitals Tern UL Marino Wool Hoodie or Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
UL Prima Loft Pullover – Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie
UL Jacket (colder trips / shoulder season only) – Outdoor Vitals Novaul Mens Jacket
UL Rain Jacket – Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket
UL Gloves – Smartwool Marino Sport Fleece Wind Mittens/Gloves
Three Pairs Wool Socks – Darn Tough ¼ Lightweight Hiking Sock
Base Layer Top – Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer
Base Layer Bottom – Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer or Outdoor Vitals Highline Thermal Leggings
UL Booties – Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties
UL Balaclava hood – Outdoor Vitals Lofttek Hybrid Balaclava/Hood
Two Underwear – Personal preference