How much should an empty pack weigh? You can shed pounds with one of these super light packs. You won't notice what's missing, except the monkey. This model weighs 2 pounds and the capacity is 72 liters. Also consider the Jam model, which weighs 3 ounces less and can hold 50 liters.

Sleep on a cloud. Maybe a little more fussy than their earlier models, and definitely overpriced. However, the weight is great and it compresses to occupy less volume than a liter water bottle. It's a pity the stuff sack and repair kit are sold separately. The instructions say to keep it clean and don't contact with sunscreen or bug spray. Includes one repair patch.

Sure you could get your raw almonds in bulk but these single-serving packets make a great snack that's nutritious, unsweetened, and good.

An alcohol stove is mellower than one run by white gas or from a sealed bottle. It's a renewable fuel source, not a fossil fuel. It takes some practice to get proficient with priming phase and relation between water temperature and elevation. It is light and can nest into a titanium kettle or pot. Not suitable for large groups, winter camping, or boiling more than a half liter of water at a time.

These take 4 hours in darkness to purify a liter of water, and the water tastes a little bit of chlorine thereafter. I use them to prepare the next day's cooking water. You could do worse. They weigh nothing and the taste is passable.

This weighs 6 ounces, and includes a cup and combined lid/pot holder. It's not quite wide enough to nest the stove inside though. That aside, what's not to like?

You may eschew instant coffee, but try this before you go hauling a french press, espresso machina, or cone filter into the back country. No grounds to wash away, and it is pretty tasty, for instant.

Heavy, and while not strictly necessary, a GPS receiver can enhance your outdoor experience. The trip computer can help compute how far you've gone and how far you have left to go. Ability to compute sunrise and sunset times also help planning and choosing camp sites.

Lightweight insurance.

Very light insurance, in case you break a leg.

Perhaps a 25-pack is overkill, but be prepared, as burns are the most common injury among campers and backpackers. (Remember never to reach over a stove while it's running.) After that, it's cuts, most often from one's own pocket-knife.

For your flashlight. Low self-discharge rate means they hold their charge while stored. Why waste money and throw away alkaline cells?

Another tiny backup light, this weighs 8 grams, has 2 brightness levels. The clever design lets you replace a plastic drawcord lock. You won't lose it, and it's there when you need it. Includes 2 lithium CR1220 batteries, which run for up to 20 hours.