When you love both trail‑blazing and splash‑crushing, the challenge isn't just planning a route---it's packing light enough to stay agile on foot while staying safe on the water. Ultra‑light gear (typically under 5 lb/2.3 kg for the entire load) can make the difference between a seamless adventure and a marathon of fatigue. Below is a curated list of the top ultra‑light items that excel in both hiking and whitewater rafting environments, plus tips on how to integrate them into a cohesive pack.
Backpack: The Core Platform
| Product | Weight (packed) | Capacity | Why It Works for Both |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zpacks Arc Blast 55 L | 1 lb 4 oz (≈ 540 g) | 55 L | Waterproof Dyneema shell, roll‑top closure keeps gear dry when splashing; minimalist frame eliminates bulk. |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 L | 1 lb 8 oz (≈ 620 g) | 24 L | Tiny footprint for steep climbs, yet the roll‑top can be sealed with a waterproof tarp for short river crossings. |
| Osprey Exos 58 | 2 lb 0 oz (≈ 907 g) | 58 L | Adjustable torso, breathable mesh back; includes removable rain cover that doubles as a dry‑bag liner. |
Key Features to Prioritize
- Roll‑top or watertight closure -- essential for accidental immersion.
- Durable, abrasion‑resistant fabric -- river rocks and branches are unforgiving.
- Lightweight internal frame or frameless design -- reduces weight and eliminates snags.
Shelter: Ultra‑Light Tent or Bivvy
| Product | Weight | Season Rating | Water‑Proofness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zpacks Altaplex 2‑Person | 2 lb 3 oz (≈ 985 g) | 3‑season | Hydrostatic head 1,800 mm; full‑coverage rainfly protects against river spray. |
| MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 | 2 lb 14 oz (≈ 1.25 kg) | 3‑season | 1,800 mm rain rating; quick‑pitch design leaves hands free for gear swaps. |
| Sea to Summit Ultra‑Sil Light Bivvy | 5 oz (≈ 140 g) | 2‑season (emergency) | Waterproof/breathable shell; can be used as a rain jacket or river‑crossing sack. |
Why a bivvy matters
If you're forced to do a quick river crossing with your pack, a bivvy packable inside your sack provides a secondary barrier---preventing gear from getting soaked while you paddle.
Sleeping System
| Product | Weight (bag) | Temperature Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite | 12 oz (≈ 340 g) | 20 °F (-6 °C) | Inflates in 3 seconds, packs to a size smaller than a water bottle. |
| Sea to Summit Ultralite Insulated Pad | 10 oz (≈ 285 g) | 25 °F (-4 °C) | Closed‑cell foam core for extra buoyancy---useful if you camp near water. |
| Western Mountaineering Ultralite | 2 lb 0 oz (≈ 907 g) | 5 °F (-15 °C) | Down fill, ultra‑compressible; fits easily into a rain‑cover‑lined pack. |
Tip: Pair a down quilt with a lightweight tarp that can double as a river‑splash shield. Down loses its loft when wet, so an outer water‑resistant layer is a lifesaver.
Footwear: One Pair to Rule Both Worlds
| Product | Weight (per shoe) | Bottom | Water Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altra Lone Peak 6 R (Lighter Trail Version) | 1 lb 6 oz (≈ 680 g) | Trail‑optimized Vibram | Breathable mesh; quick‑dry laces for river decks. |
| Vibram FiveFingers KSO | 0.9 lb (≈ 410 g) | Thin rubber | Excellent water feel, easy to rinse out. |
| Salomon S‑Lab Sense Ultra 3 | 1 lb 2 oz (≈ 530 g) | Contagrip | Gore‑Tex Nano (water‑proof yet breathable) for longer wet sections. |
Hybrid Strategy : Carry a lightweight camp shoe (e.g., a pair of Merrell Trail Glove) inside a waterproof sack for river sections, and switch to a sturdier trail shoe for scramble‑heavy days.
Hydration & Water Treatment
- Collapsible 1‑Litre Soft‑Side Bottle -- ~2 oz (≈ 56 g).
- Katadyn Pocket Filtration System -- 6 oz (≈ 170 g) -- works fast even with silt‑laden water.
- HydraPak Light 3‑Litre Hydration Reservoir -- 6 oz (≈ 170 g); its hose can be routed through the pack's side‑panel to keep it dry when wading.
Pro Tip: Tie a small dry‑bag (e.g., Sea to Summit Ultra‑Dry) around the reservoir with a quick‑release buckle. If you have to paddle through rapids, you can snap it off and secure the bag to the canoe, keeping the reservoir dry.
Clothing: Layering Light, Dry, and Fast‑Dry
| Item | Weight | Material | Why It's Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merino Base Layer (short‑sleeve) | 5 oz (≈ 140 g) | 100 % Merino | Odor‑resistant, quickly dries after river dips. |
| Patagonia Nano‑Air Hoody | 9 oz (≈ 255 g) | 2‑layer wind‑proof/breathable | Shields against spray and wind while staying pack‑friendly. |
| Outdoor Research Helium Pants | 6 oz (≈ 170 g) | Pertex Shield+ | Ultralight rain protection; can be rolled into a waist pack for easy access. |
| Quick‑Dry Shorts (e.g., REI Co‑Op Sahara) | 4 oz (≈ 115 g) | Nylon/Polyester blend | Minimal friction on wet rocks, dries fast. |
| Neoprene Socks (2‑pair) | 2 oz each (≈ 57 g) | 2 mm Neoprene | Insulate feet during cold water excursions. |
Packing Hack: Store the rain jacket inside the torso pocket of your pack, unzipped, so you can pull it on over the backpack without removing the pack---perfect when you're already in the water.
Navigation & Safety
Ultra‑light electronics keep weight low and functionality high:
- Garmin eTrex 10 -- 3 oz (≈ 85 g); rugged, long‑battery GPS.
- Silicone‑sealed handheld VHF radio -- 4 oz (≈ 113 g); essential for river emergencies.
- Multitool (Leatherman Skele‑Tool) -- 2 oz (≈ 57 g) -- includes a small pry bar for quick gear adjustments.
Safety Essentials:
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) -- Look for a low‑profile inflatable model (~1 lb).
- Lightweight helmet (e.g., Smith Vantage) -- 8 oz (≈ 227 g) for steep canyon sections.
All safety gear should be stored in a separate, waterproof compartment that can be accessed without unpacking the main bag.
Cooking Minimalism
| Item | Weight | Fuel Type | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSR PocketRocket 2 | 2 oz (≈ 57 g) | IsoButane | Fast boil, fits snugly in the pack's side pocket; can be stowed inside a dry‑bag for raft sections. |
| Titanium Spoon + Collapsible Bowl | 1 oz total (≈ 28 g) | N/A | Ultra‑light, durable, and non‑reactive with hot liquids. |
| Clif Bar + Dehydrated Meals (e.g., Mountain House) | 5--6 oz per serving | N/A | High‑calorie, low‑pack‑size meals to keep energy up after a hard paddling day. |
Cooking on a raft: If you need to heat water while anchored, position the stove on a insulated, waterproof pad (e.g., a closed‑cell foam mat) to avoid damaging the raft or the water.
Packing Strategy -- The "Two‑Zone" System
-
Dry Zone (Backpack Core)
- Sleeping bag / quilt, clothing, electronics, and food.
- Wrapped in a lightweight stuff‑sack with a waterproof liner (e.g., Sea to Summit Ultralight Dry Sack).
-
Wet Zone (Exterior/Side Pockets & Rope Loops)
- Pack rain jacket, dry‑bagged water container, PFD, and any gear you may need to grab quickly while on the river.
- Use modular attachment points (MOLLE strips, daisy‑chain loops) to keep items from swinging into the water.
By separating zones, you avoid accidental soaking of critical items while still having immediate access to river gear.
Final Thoughts
Combining hiking and whitewater rafting forces you to think beyond "lightweight" and embrace multifunctionality . Every ounce saved should translate into a piece of gear that can do double (or triple) duty---whether that's a rain jacket that becomes a dry sack, a foam pad that adds buoyancy, or a pack that stays dry in a splash‑zone.
Invest in high‑quality ultralight essentials, master a smart packing system, and you'll spend less time lugging gear and more time carving trails and riding rapids. Happy adventuring!