The Ultimate Overnight Backpacking Gear List
By: Christina Cozzens
Whether you’re sneaking away for a one-night alpine escape or pushing out a high-mileage weekend loop, the right gear makes the difference between type-one fun and type-two regrets. If you're after a dialed, lightweight setup that can handle just about any terrain or weather in the Lower 48 (and beyond), this bomber overnight packing list is built for you.
The Pack System
Gossamer Gear Gorilla (Framed)
For trips that require a bit more support, carrying a bear can, extra water in the desert, or cold-weather gear, the Gorilla is the go-to. With its internal frame, cushy shoulder straps, and smart pocket layout, it balances weight and structure perfectly for overnight and weekend treks. At just under 2 lbs, it’s a framed pack that still earns its place in the ultralight world.
Gossamer Gear Skala 38 (Frameless)
For low-volume overnighters in fair weather or fastpacking missions, the Skala 38 shines. It strips things down to the essentials without sacrificing durability. It’s ultralight, form-fitting, and surprisingly comfortable when packed well - perfect for those who love to travel light and fast.
Protect everything from unexpected downpours and river crossings. Gossamer’s clear liner lets you easily see your gear and keeps your sleep system and layers bone dry. It’s lighter than a traditional dry bag setup but just as effective.
Shelter & Sleep System
Going solo? The One is your storm-ready ultralight palace at just 17.7 oz. Hiking with a partner or pup? The Two gives you space without the weight penalty. Both pitch easily with LT5 trekking poles and stand up to rough weather with surprising tenacity.
At just a few ounces, this ultralight ground cloth protects your tent floor, keeps you drier, and doubles as an emergency shelter or gear layout mat.
These carbon fiber poles are ridiculously light (just 4.9 oz each!) and still sturdy enough to handle sketchy stream crossings or anchor your shelter. They’re adjustable, pack small, and play triple duty as trekking poles, tent poles, and camera monopods.
This premium collab sleeping bag is light, warm, and packs small - the trinity of ultralight sleep systems. With water-resistant 900 fill-power down and a smart design for side sleepers and back sleepers alike, it’s comfort without compromise.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite
Ultralight, warm, and compact, the NeoAir XLite is the industry standard. Pair it with…
Gossamer Gear Torso Foam Pad 3/8"
Use it under your inflatable pad for extra warmth and puncture protection, or alone for minimalist cowboy camping. Bonus: it doubles as a sit pad or yoga mat.
A luxury that weighs almost nothing. Sit comfortably on breaks, keep your butt warm in camp, or pad your pack’s back panel.
Sun, Rain & Bug Protection
Includes:
- Lightrek Hiking Umbrella: block sun or rain with a flick of the wrist.
- Handsfree Clamp: attach the umbrella to your pack straps for shade on the go.
- Bottle Rocket: secure your Smartwater bottle for hands-free hydration.
This combo keeps you cooler, drier, and less sunburned without slathering on extra SPF every hour.
- Sun Hoodie: TownShirt – Your daily driver for sun protection and bug avoidance.
- Sun Hat: Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap
- Sunglasses: Goodr – Polarized, lightweight, and don't slip.
- Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
- Bug Spray: Ben’s
Organization & Essentials
- Storage Sacks: Ultralight, water-resistant, and perfect for organizing food, clothing, and electronics.
- Tent Stake Bag & MSR Groundhog Stakes: Tough, dependable stakes that hold even in alpine wind.
- UL Backpacking Trowel: Don't skimp on LNT. Dig proper catholes fast.
- Snack Sack: Easy-access food storage that keeps trail snacks front and center.
Clothing & Personal Gear
- Shoes: Topo Terraventure 4 – Wide toe box, durable outsole, and trail-ready support.
- Socks: Tough Cutie – Merino-blend performance socks made for badass women.
- Pants: Gnara Go There Pants – Built-in pee zip, stretchy comfort, trail-tested design.
- Jacket: LL Bean UL 850 Down – Warmth-to-weight ratio dialed in.
- Rain Gear: Frogg Toggs Ultralite Jacket & Pants – Cheap, light, and surprisingly effective.
Navigation & Lighting
- Map & GPS: Local paper map + FarOut or AllTrails
- Compass: Suunto
- Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 – Rechargeable, ultralight, and bright.
- Knife: Leatherman Skeletool
- Lighter: mini Bic
Electronics
- Cell phone
- Wallet – ID, insurance, emergency contact
- Garmin inReach Mini – Emergency comms and tracking
- Anker 10,000 mAh power bank + short charging cables + wall plug
Water System
- Two 1.5L Smartwater bottles (dirty) + One 500ml (clean)
- Sawyer Squeeze + extra O-ring
- Ursack: Critter- and bear-resistant storage that saves weight over a canister in non-regulated areas
First Aid & Hygiene
- First Aid Kit in Storage Sack: Moleskin, band-aids, alcohol wipes, Neosporin, Benadryl
- Toilet paper, wet wipes, UL trowel
- Kula Cloth: reusable pee cloth
- Menstrual cup or Flex Disc
- Hair ties
- Vitamin I (Ibuprofen/Motrin)
- Moisture-wicking bra & undies: Ex Officio or Smartwool
Food: High-Cal, Low-Weight Trail Fuel
Best Trail Snacks
- Nut butter packets (Justin’s, RX, Trail Butter)
- Salami & hard cheese
- Dried mango or pineapple
- Snickers bars (they melt, but who cares)
- ProBars or Bobo Bars
- Honey Stinger waffles
- Instant miso soup packets
- Dehydrated hummus + crackers
- Gummy bears & other candy
- Freeze-dried fruit
Unique Backpacking Meal Ideas
Backcountry Ramen Bomb
Ingredients:
- Instant ramen (noodles only)
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Olive oil packet
- Dehydrated veggies
- Chili flakes or powdered cheese
Prep: Cook noodles, stir in a scoop of mashed potatoes, veggies, oil, and seasoning. Comfort food bomb.
DIY Breakfast Wraps
Ingredients:
- Tortilla
- Powdered eggs
- Crumbled bacon bits or pre-cooked sausage
- Cheese powder or shredded cheese (in cooler temps)
- Hot sauce packet
Prep: Rehydrate eggs + meat with hot water, layer into tortilla, and wrap it up.
Peanut Butter Coconut Rice
Ingredients:
- Instant white rice
- Powdered coconut milk
- Peanut butter packet
- Brown sugar or honey
- A pinch of salt
Prep: Rehydrate rice, mix in everything else. Sweet, salty, high-cal, and satisfying.
This overnight setup is built to handle just about anything, from rainy PNW trails to dry Utah canyons and alpine scrambles in the Rockies. The weight is minimal, but the comfort and functionality are top-tier.
Ultralight doesn’t mean unprepared. This system is dialed, refined, and field-tested. Pack it up, get outside, and let your gear fade into the background so the wild can take center stage.