The Essential Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Traveler looks at the sea bay. VietnamSpring is here and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Packing for hiking and camping is a great way to get excited about the adventure ahead, but there’s definitely a delicate balance between making sure you have all the essentials and not weighing yourself down. Learning how to pack light is a combination of know-how and having the right gear. So before you hit the trails, take a peek at this ultimate ultralight backpacking checklist from your friends at Ebates. Whether you are a veteran hiker or new to the trails, here’s a useful checklist that will help save your back and some money when it comes to packing for your next hiking adventure.

Get the Right Pack for Your Body and Your Trip

GREGORY Z55 INTERNAL FRAME PACKAt the top of our backpacking list is the perfect pack. Having the right pack can make or break your hike before you even hit the trail. If your backpack doesn’t fit well, packing ultralight won’t matter because you’ll be struggling to get a comfortable fit with your pack the whole hike. Finding the right pack size is easy if you shop online at stores like Campmor where you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates. Check out awesome brands like Gregory for a variety of sizes to find your perfect fit in the ultralight backpack of your dreams, like this one featured above.

Picking and Packing Your Home Away From HomeVaude Hogan Ultralight 2 Person Tent

When it comes to deciding which tent to bring along on your ultralight backpacking trip, less is more. Long gone are the days of heavy tents and poles. The era of ultralight protection from the elements is here! Big tents have their time and place, but you’ll seriously regret lugging them along for an extended hike. Check online and in-store at Moosejaw for their stellar selection of ultralight tents like this one from Vaude and don’t forget to head to Ebates first to look for a lightweight tent promo code.

NRS Ultralight Wing Shelter for campingNeed more space? Consider skipping the poles and take shelter in a wing like this one from NRS (found at Eastern Mountain Sports) weighing in at only 368 ounces and providing 130 square feet of cover!

Camping Cuisine

Woman camping and cooking with portable gas stoveThe trail mix of yesteryear has gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the modern day interest in ultralight backpacking. Packing a full range of tasty meals for your hiking trip has never been so easy or so lightweight! Want to stock up or prep for a longer trip? REI offers a freeze-dried foods promo code if you buy eight or more, which means you can get the food you need to travel light while saving some dough. Make sure you pack at least one full extra day of food in case of an emergency and you’re good to go!

Water Filters & Purification Tools

Sawyer Complete Water Filter SystemIf you plan on a long hike off the beaten path, having access to clean water is going to be critical. While the babbling brooks out in nature are beautiful, the water isn’t necessarily safe to drink. Packing water filters or some means of purification can extend the length and range of your hiking adventure. REI has a number of incredible options that are great for keeping your pack ultralight, like this Sawyer Water System.

Pack Clothing That Can Layer

Nordic walking couple with jackets and polesThis one may seem like a no brainer, but put some serious thought into both the clothes you pack and those you’re wearing when you set off on your trek. Trying to strike the right balance between over-packing and not being well prepared can be tough but it’s essential for ultralight backpacking. Try packing layers that will wick away sweat but still keep you protected from the rain and sun. Looking for the perfect lightweight layers? Columbia’s online shop has an awesome selection of ultralight hiking clothing layers for both men and women, plus you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates. Make sure to keep an eye out for a lightweight hiking apparel promo code and your pack will be lighter and your wallet a little fatter!

 

 

Labor Day Sales & Coupons

labordaysales

Celebrate the last weeks of summer in style while saving a buck or 10 with coupons, promo codes and Double Cash Back at Ebates. Take full advantage of free shipping offers from top stores while you soak up the sun, take a load off and lounge before fall comes knocking on your door. Whether you’re in the market for a new outfit, smartphone, furniture or something fun to do for the weekend, make Ebates your first stop for fantastic Labor Day Deals.

Clothing & Accessories:

AERO

Up to 50% off Labor Day Weekend Sale
(Exp. 09/09/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Bauble Bar

50-60% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Bluefly

Up to an extra 90% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Eddie Bauer

Labor Day Sale – Up to 60% off everything
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Gap Factory

Labor Day Event – Up to 40% off everything
(Exp. 09/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

J.Crew Factory

50% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Old Navy

Labor of Love Sale! Up to 60% off everything (restrictions apply)
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Sunglass Hut

Up to 50% off Labor Day Sale
Code: LABORDAY15
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

UNIQLO

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/09/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Vince

Up to 70% off Labor Day Sale items
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Shoes & Handbags:

eBags

Up to 70% off Labor Day Sales
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 10% Cash Back>

Famous Footwear

Buy 1 Get 1 and 15% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/15/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

PUMA

Labor Day Sale – 30% off all orders
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 4.5% Cash Back>

Vera Bradley

Labor Day Sale – 50% off select patterns and styles + free shipping
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Baby, Kids & Toys:

Baby Gap

Labor Day Event – Up to 40% off everything
(Exp. 09/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Carter’s

Labor Day Sale – 50% or more off everything + extra 25% off $40
Code: SUNNY25
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

The Children’s Place

Labor Day Sale – Up to 60% off sitewide + extra 25% off + free shipping at $75
Code: LABORDAY25
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Gap Kids

Labor Day Event – Up to 40% off everything
(Exp. 09/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Home, Garden & Tools:

Kmart

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Lowe’s

Labor Day Sale (While supplies last)
(Exp. 09/14/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Overstock

Up to 70% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Sears

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Walmart

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/09/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Electronics & Computers:

Best Buy

Labor Day Sale! Up to 30% off major appliance top deals
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 1% Cash Back>

Canon

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

HP.com

Labor Day Sale! Save up to 50% + free shipping
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Sports & Outdoors:

Campmor

Labor Day Clearance Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Eastern Mountain Sports

Up to 30% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Sport Chalet

Up to 50% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

The Sports Authority

Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Travel & Vacations:

CheapOair

Up to $30 off Labor Day Deals
Code: LABOR30
(Exp. 09/05/2015)
Shop Deal with up to $13 Cash Back>

CheapOstay

Up to $40 off Labor Day Hotel Deals
Code: LABOR40
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Choice Hotels

Book your Labor Day travel early and save 20%
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Travelocity

Labor Day Early Booking Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with up to 7% Cash Back>

Food & Drink:

Godiva

Up to 25% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Harry and David

Up to 30% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/08/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Teavana

20-40% off Labor Day Sale
(Exp. 09/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 5% Cash Back>

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.