Ultralight Backpacking Gear Reviews

The Tarptent Bowfin ($309) is a 1 person double-walled tent with two large, well-ventilated vestibules that weighs 37 ounces. It requires a long but lightweight center pole to pitch, making it remarkably fast and easy to set up. It comes with a mesh inner tent that has plenty of interior space for …

The Osprey Packs Talon 44 Backpack is a lightweight pack with an adjustable torso length that’s good for weekend backpacking trips, technical day hikes, and peakbagging. Weighing 2 pounds 7 ounces, it can carry a remarkable amount of gear and has a body hugging fit that provides excellent load control for …

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 is the latest generation in the ultralight Copper Spur line of tents, boasting increased interior volume and livability by integrating steeper sides walls into the inner tent. The result is an outstanding balance of comfort and function in what I consider one of …

The ULA Ohm 2.0 is a high-capacity 63L ultralight style backpack that’s durable enough for rough and tough adventures. It’s also available with the same male and female shoulder straps and hip belt (available in multiple lengths) offered with ULA’s other lightweight backpacks, so you get a pack that fits you and …

The Gossamer Gear Silverback 50 Backpack ($260) is an ultralight style backpack made with heavy duty fabrics for off-trail and wilderness trips that rip up packs made with lighter weight fabrics and external mesh pockets. Weighing 37.4 ounces, the Silverback 50 may be the heaviest backpack Gossamer Gear has ever made, …

The NEMO Tensor Insulated Mummy Sleeping Pad is a short (48″) and lightweight inflatable sleeping pad, only weighing 10.1 ounces (286 grams) on the SectionHiker digital scale (0.6 oz over mfg’s published weight.) Insulated with Primaloft, NEMO rates its comfort zone from 15F to 25F /-9 to -4C. Why sleep …

The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 is the latest generation of ultralight Fly Creek line of tents, boasting increased interior volume by using a steeper door and side walls. How significant is the change and what other improvements have been made to this backpacker favorite? Gear Weight vs …

Superior Wilderness Designs is a Michigan-based ultralight gear manufacturer that has just introduced a backpack designed for thru-hiking called the 50L Long Haul. Weighing 29 ounces, it’s made with X-Pac, an ultralight waterproof laminate like cuben fiber, but less expensive and more durable. While less well-known, X-Pac is a tried …

The Granite Gear Crown 2 Backpack is a roll-top, multi-day backpack with an optional top lid pocket. An upgrade to the first generation V.C. Crown 60 backpack (See Best Ultralight Backpacks), this new model includes large zippered hip belt pockets, an optional top lid, and adjustable-length hip belt. These are all …

I use 9 clothing items (not including hats, socks, or gloves) for three season hiking and backpacking. It’s amazing how many different scenarios they are sufficient for. Environmental Needs Most of the hiking and backpacking I do is in New Hampshire and Maine, up and down the East Coast on …