top of page

How to pack ultralight for a long-distance walk: 4.6kg base weight



How to pack ultralight for a long-distance walk


This August I will attempt to complete the National Three Peaks on foot, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – and walking every mile in-between them – in this self-supported, solo adventure. It’ll involve 777km of fast-hiking (almost 500 miles) and 14,509m of ascent (the equivalent of 15 ascents of Scafell Pike). My goal is to walk 17 marathons in 17 days to set a new record. I am aiming to be as light, fast and agile as possible on the trail - and therefore have packed as minimalist as possible. Here is my full kitlist:


Camping

  • Backpack: Zpacks Nero 38L + hipbelt - 375g

  • Drybags: Exped fold UL x 7 - 195g

  • Tent: Gossamer Gear The One (trekking pole tent) - 505g

  • Pegs: Sea to Summit tent pegs x 11 - 99g

  • Sleeping mat: Thermarest NeoAir Uberlite (small) - 168g

  • Sleeping bag: PHD M.Degree 300 K Down - 424g

Clothing

  • Spare underwear: Saxx Merino Boxer Brief x 1 - 95g

  • Spare socks: Darn Tough x 2 - 95g

  • Thermal baselayer: inov-8 Technical Mid Layer (small) - 156g

  • Thermal trousers: Helly Hansen LIFA pant - 130g

  • Insulated jacket: Haglofs LIM Essens Down - 156g

  • Waterproof jacket: inov-8 Ultrashell Pro - 107g

  • Waterproof trousers: inov-8 Ultrapant - 78g

  • Cap: inov-8 Race Elite 2.0 - 36g

Miscellaneous

  • Toiletries bag + first aid - 679g (toothpaste, toothbrush, paracetamol, ibuprofen, immodium, plasters, blister plasters, toe caps, sun cream, earplugs, water filtration tablets, vaseline, tick tweezers, canesten, scissors, wet wipes, opsite, E45, talc, foot tape, sleeping mat repair kit, doxycycline)

  • Plastic Spoon - 9g

  • Toilet roll + hand sanitiser + trowel + ziplock bags - 97g

  • Water bottles: 1L Vapur Anti-bottle x 2 - 86g

  • Powerbanks x 2 (1 x 20,000mah, 1 x 10,000mah) - 556g

  • Plug, charging cables, Jaybird Vista 2.0 earphones - 218g

  • Headtorch: Petzl Bindi - 35g

  • Tracker device - 75g

  • Waterproof phone cover: Aquapac - 37g

  • Phone - 190g

  • Bank cards + house key - 15g

Total Base Weight


My total base weight is 4,616g.


Including food for 1.5 days (1,297g) and water (1L at 1,000g), my overall pack weight is 6,913g.


What will I be wearing?


The following items are not included in my base weight, as I will be wearing them at all times:

  • Boots: inov-8 non-GTX prototype boots (coming soon) - 800g (pair)

  • Socks: Injinji 2.0 Liner Crew Toe Socks / inov-8 Speed Sock - 69g

  • Underwear: Saxx Merino Boxer Brief - 95g

  • Shorts: inov-8 Race Elite 6” Short 2.0 - 115g

  • T-shirt: inov-8 Base Elite Short Sleeve Base Layer - 79g

  • Mid-layer: inov-8 Base Elite Long Sleeve Base Layer - 96g

  • Smartwatch: Garmin Solar Instinct - 54g

  • Trekking poles: Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon - 278g

  • Buff: inov-8 buff/running wrag - 33g




 
 
 

2,262 Comments


John Stannis
John Stannis
a day ago

Trump threatens Telly Updates new tariffs on European allies over Greenland until deal reached, as thousands protest


Like

Across process advice, cscs apply may emphasise confirming that personal and trade details match official documents to avoid rejection. UNICCM notes exact match accuracy.

Like

meery232d
Jan 16

Using technology to increase access to youth mental health support may offer a practical way for young people to reach guidance, safe-spaces, and early help without feeling overwhelmed by traditional systems. Digital platforms, helplines, and apps could give them a chance to seek support privately, connect with trained listeners-orexplore resources that might ease their emotional load. This gentle shift toward tech-based support may encourage youth to open-up at their own pace, especially when in-person help feels too heavy to approach.

There is always a chance that these tools-quietly make support feel closer than before, creating moments where help appears just a tap away. Even a small digital interaction might bring a sense of comfort. And somewhere in that space, you…

Like

meery232d
Jan 16

Detailed and practical, this guide explains concrete rebar in a way that feels approachable without oversimplifying. The step by step clarity is especially useful for readers new to the subject. I recently came across a construction related explanation on https://hurenberlin.com that offered a similar level of clarity, and this article fits right in with that quality. Great شيخ روحاني resource. explanation feels practical for everyday rauhane users. I checked recommended tools on https://www.eljnoub.com

s3udy

q8yat

elso9

Like

Jerome Holan
Jerome Holan
Nov 03, 2025

The concept of what does bsc mean connects to the global reputation of the Bachelor of Science. This qualification stands as a hallmark of disciplined study and analytical skill. It integrates theory and evidence to create well-rounded professionals. The structured approach ensures strong employability across various sectors. The College of Contract Management follows similar academic principles in its own course design.

Like
CONTACT
WORK WITH JAMES
SEND JAMES A MESSAGE
FOLLOW JAMES

If you are an editor looking for a feature; a brand looking to partner with an adventurer; or simply a fellow outdoor enthusiast with a question - please get in touch with James!

Success! Message received.

  • Facebook Clean
  • Twitter Clean
  • Instagram - White Circle

© 2020 by JAMES MICHAEL FORREST aka 'Mountain Man' 

bottom of page