2025 Women’s Ultralight Gear Guide for Backcountry Camping

My 2025 Women’s Ultralight Gear Guide for Backcountry Camping isn’t about shaving ounces just for bragging rights—it’s about finding that sweet spot between going light and staying comfortable.

This is the gear I use and trust to keep my pack around 20 pounds, water included. Every item here has earned its place through long miles, unpredictable weather, and plenty of trial and error. If you’re trying to dial in your own setup or just want a look at what works, I hope this guide helps.

I’ve also created a free checklist that you can download and save to your phone for simple access when packing up. But for the nitty gritty recommendations, keep reading.

Backpack + Organization

• Osprey Eja Pro 55
• UltraLite Sacks Zippered Ditty Bags

With a base weight of just 2.05 lbs for the M/L, this is a no brainer for me. It doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but you cannot beat that base weight! And I have found the anti-gravity frame to be wildly comfortable. They also have a lifetime guarantee that is EPIC. I’ve used it twice before. They’ll repair or replace any pack FOR LIFE no questions asked.

The UltraLite Sacks zippered ditty bags are perfect for organizing your gear in your pack but also protecting it from the elements. These super lightweight organizers are also waterproof. I usually have a couple large ones for my clothes plus a couple small ones for things like toiletries and my other small loose items.

Tent

• Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack Tent (1 door)
• Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 (2 doors)

I have the Tiger Wall and LOVE it. Bonus is that this tent is often on sale. Last I checked it was only $349 which is great for an ultralight! I chose this tent because it’s total packaged weight comes in at 2 lbs. 15 oz. and still has two doors while theoretically having space for 3 people (that’d be a tight fit IMHO). SO to have an extra door and extra room with only 5 oz. of additional weight than the UL2 single door Fly Creek?? SOLD! But if you don’t plan on sharing your tent, the Fly Creek is a fantastic buy.

Sleeping Bag

• Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 18F Sleeping Bag
• REI Co-op Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt

I have the Sea to Summit Spark 18F bag and have absolutely LOVED it. They don’t make it anymore but instead now have a 15 degree version that I’m linking. I got this bad girl on sale during one of REI’s member sales. It was an ultralight purchase I’d been wanting for a LONG time. Once you get a small, packable, lightweight, yet warm sleeping bag in your system… you’ll wish you always had it.

Sleeping Pad

• NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
• NEMO Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

I personally still own my Sea to Summit Comfort Plus sleeping pad but when I’m ready for a change, the Nemo Tensor Ultralight series is what I’ll be buying. When I change, the reasons will be (think about this for yourself… buy nice or buy twice):

1. I currently own a mummy and would prefer a regular cut.
2. The Comfort Plus doesn’t pack down as small as the Nemo series.
3. It weighs more than I’d like it to.

I’ve recommended the Nemo Tensor Ultralight sleeping pad for a couple years now and with the all-season weighing in just 2 oz higher… it’s worth the extra $30 and R Value.

Camp Pillow

• Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
• Klymit Pillow X Large

I have used and traveled the globe with both. I prefer the Klymit because it’s bigger and only weighs 1 oz more. The Aeros Ultralight also comes in a Deluxe size which is square, but it weighs more than the Klymit Pillow and is double the price.

Sit Pad

• Zpacks Foam Sit Pad (1 oz.)
• Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad (2 oz.)

If you’re on a longer backpacking trip that doesn’t include regular teahouse or hut stops along the way (like you have in Nepal), a sit pad can be a nice-to-have. The Zpacks sit pad is a newer addition to my kit after many a thorn and rock in my bum. It’s a third of the price of the Therm-a-Rest and half the weight while being about the same size. The only perceived added advantage of the Therm-a-Rest is an included cord to keep it bound together.

Headlamp

• Black Diamond Astro 300-R Rechargeable Headlamp

At 2.65 oz. and rechargeable, I have loved using this headlamp and it’s earlier generations for years. Yes, there are lighter weight options out there (like Nitecore), but for a beginner this isn’t something you should overthink.

Satellite Device + Subscription

• Garmin inReach Mini 2

I will say this over and over and over. Your phone, even with it’s SOS capabilities, is not sufficient for backcountry and emergency situations. If you were in a true emergency, your phone will within hours while your inReach will last you days. This will be a non-negotiable for me every single time.

Medical Kit

• Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight Medical Kit
• Blister Kit

Don’t forget… this is in your 10 Essentials When Hiking too. If you don’t have a First Aid Kit you keep in your pack, now’s the time to grab one. And since you’re taking this out when hiking and backpacking, it’s smart to load up on a blister repair kit as well.

Water Filtration + Storage

• Katadyn BeFree AC 1.0 L Water Filter Bottle
• Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle – 24 fl. oz.
• Osprey Hydraulics 2.5L Reservoir

I love the Katadyn BeFree for backpacking because it’s super light, BUT the Grayl is honestly the safer choice as it also filters out viruses. I exclusively used the Grayl GeoPress Filter while in Nepal and never once got sick which is a massive stamp of approval for me. I’ve also never used or been a fan of SteriPens. But if that’s your thing… don’t let me stop you.

Camp Kitchen

• Jetboil Flash 1.0 L Fast Boil System
• Jetboil Stash Cooking System
• Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Long Handle Spork

This is not the LIGHTEST Jetboil stove. In fact, they make one that’s half its weight. BUT I love this one because it has the integrated ignitor so I don’t need to fuss with or a remember a lighter / matches. If you plan to have either or both of those things, the Jetboil Stash will be a significantly lighter weight option. Also, I do NOT bring a bowl these days unless I mix my own oats and chia seeds for breakfast. I just eat straight from the bag. I also don’t bring a coffee filter anymore because I stick to instant coffee on the trail.

Meals + Snacks

• Good To-Go Backpacking Meals
• LMNT Electrolytes
• Skratch Labs Energy Chews and Bars
• Jerky Sticks

REI still runs a deal where if you buy 8 or more backpacking meals, you receive a discount. But my tride and true favorite backpacking meals of all time STILL are Good to Go Foods. I haven’t had one I didn’t love. And they have phenomenal allergen-free and dietary restriction options. My favorites for lunch/dinner are the Thai Curry, Smoked Three Bean Chili, and Mushroom Risotto. Their oatmeal mix for breakfast is AMAZING!

For snacks and electrolytes on the trail, I try to stay away from too much sugar as a personal preference which means I stick mostly to salt-based electrolytes. I’m a huge fan of LMNT’s watermelon salt flavor. For quick energy on the trail, I like to keep Skratch Labs Sour Cherry energy chews in my cheeks. And for a bite in between meals, I’m a fan of their Cherry Pistachio bars. I also like to bring beef jerky sticks to replenish protein!

Hygiene Items

• Antimicrobial Kula Cloth
• Pact Outdoors Lite All-in-One Backcountry Bathroom Kit
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wag Bag

Depending on where you’re headed, you’ll need to be prepared to pee and poop outdoors. While some backcountry campsites have pit toilets, you may be venturing into wilderness spaces that do not and the rule is to pee 200 feet away from any water sources or campsites AND to dig a hole 6″ deep (and respectively cover it) for solid waste.

I clip a couple of Kula Cloths with me on all backpacking trips. It’s an antimicrobial, quick dry pee cloth. I also love the Pact Lite bathroom kit. It’s a trowel that has a 6″ line on the back so you know how deep to dig. It also has storage for dehydrate, compostable wipes AND mycelium tabs to help break down your solid waste once buried. It’s important to always research the waste regulations for where you’re headed, because it certain scenarios you may be required to carry out your solid waste in a wag bag. I used a home built ‘poop tube’ using PVC pipe and other plumbing supplies on our trip down the Escalante River (could not leave solid waste in the canyon)… and it added SO MUCH EXTRA WEIGHT. Don’t do this.

Sun, Bug, and Wildlife Protection

• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Polarized Sunglasses
• Rabbit UPF 50 Sun Shirt with Hood
• Sea to Summit Mosquito Headnet
• Bug Spray
• UltraLite Sacks Bear Bag + 25′ of 3mm Paracord
• Bear Spray + Holster

Do NOT underestimate the power of the sun, especially if hiking in snowy conditions. I wear sunscreen on my face, wear a hat, and will even throw my hood on to protect my ears. I have also lazily decided NOT to put on sunscreen when starting a hike in the dark and fully regretted that decision later.

I’ve also regretted not packing a mosquito headnet. If camping around water in places like Glacier NP, the flies and mosquitos are relentless. And bug spray isn’t all that helpful for combatting biting flies honestly.

With regards to bear bags v. canisters, just be sure to check the regulations of the area you’re visiting. Bears can definitely rip straight through a kevlar bear bag, BUT certain locations have pole systems that you hoist your bag over with paracord and a carabiner. While other areas have hard and fast rules about utilizing canisters (they have rigorous bear break-in tests they’re required to pass). The issue is, they’re just super bulky and take up an exorbitant amount of room.

If you’re flying, you won’t be able to bring your bear spray in your carry on or checked luggage. So you’ll want to find a spot locally where you can rent bear spray for the duration of your trip.

2025 Women’s Ultralight Gear Guide

That’s My Kit—What’s in Yours?

And that’s a wrap on my 2025 Women’s Ultralight Gear Guide for Backcountry Camping! I hope seeing what’s in my pack gives you a helpful starting point for building your own ultralight setup—or maybe even inspires a few swaps to lighten your load without losing comfort.

That said, no ultralight setup is complete without the Ten Essentials. I didn’t go into detail on those here, but they’re still non-negotiable. If you haven’t already, check out my full breakdown of the Ten Essentials when hiking to make sure you’re covering all your bases when you head out.

Did I forget one of your favorite pieces of gear? Or is there something in your kit that you swear by and think I need to try? I’d love to hear what works for you. Shoot me an email or drop a comment—let’s swap trail-tested tips and keep refining our kits together.

Happy packing, and I’ll see you out there. 🏕️✨

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Heads up: A few of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only share gear I actually use and trust out on the trail. Thanks for supporting the work I do here—it truly means a lot.

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