ultralight

Latest Stories

Gear

Free the Hips, Ruin the Shoulders?

Going hipbelt-less is ultralight’s coolest flex. Two physical therapists and a pack designer weigh in on what ditching your belt could cost your body.

Ayesha CordingOctober 12, 20261

Sleeping Bags

The Best Ultralight Bags and Quilts for Ounce-Saving Warmth

After testing 34 bags, these nine rose to the top of the ranks.

Nathan PipenbergSeptember 21, 2026

Gear

The Ultralight Rebound: Why Every Backpacker Eventually Adds Weight Back

After 13,000 miles of drinking the ultralight Kool-Aid, here’s what I’ve added to my pack.

Ayesha CordingSeptember 17, 20264

Ultralight Gear

5 Pieces of Ultralight Gear That Are Worth Your Money Now—and 2 You Should Skip

After five years on the beat, Backpacker's ultralight columnist Nathan Pipenberg is moving on. For his last column, he weighs in on what gear is worth your money today.

Nathan PipenbergSeptember 7, 2026

Gear

After Covering Ultralight Backpacking Gear for Five Years, Here's What I'd Actually Buy

I’ve tested almost all the shiniest new toys and fads, but there’s only a few things I’d spend my own money on.

Nathan PipenbergSeptember 2, 20262

Gear

The Best Ultralight Brands You’ve Never Heard Of

Ultralight backpacking may have gone mainstream, but these brands are still operating under the radar.

Nathan PipenbergAugust 18, 2026

Gear

Ultralight Has Gone Mainstream. Are Cottage Brands in Danger?

As lightweight gear goes big, ultralight-specific brands might still have the upper hand.

Nathan PipenbergJuly 22, 2026

Backpacks

Symbiosis Gear Thinks Women Deserve Better Ultralight Backpacks

The Aspen 38 is the rare ultralight pack designed by—and made for—women.

Nathan PipenbergJuly 2, 2026

Tents

Big Agnes VST Tents Are Its Lightest Yet—And Among Its Most Expensive

The single-walled shelter is a rare mix of ultralight and traditional tent design. But is it worth the $650 price tag?

Nathan PipenbergJune 25, 2026

Gear

Is Tecnowool the Next Great Ultralight Fabric?

The new wool-based fabric is nearly as light as Alpha Direct, but way more versatile.

Nathan PipenbergJune 1, 2026

Gear

Is MEC’s 2 Kilo Project Actually Ultralight?

The Canadian retailer’s newest release is a “Big Four” that weighs in at just four pounds.

Nathan PipenbergMay 22, 2026

Tents

The Best Ultralight Tents for Long Distance Hikers and Gram-Counters

Our all-time favorite UL tents can handle a border-to-border thru-hike and weigh less than most sleeping bags.

Will McGoughAugust 19, 20261

Tents

These Stakes Weigh Two Grams Each. But Will They Hold Your Tent Down?

Ultralight carbon fiber stakes can cut a few ounces from your pack if you know how to use them.

Nathan PipenbergApril 27, 2026

Backpacks

We Hiked 2,000 Miles to Find the Best Ultralight Packs. The Lightest Winner Weighs Just 15 Ounces.

Take a load off with these top-performing ultralight backpacks.

Corey BuhayJune 30, 2026

Backpacks

Mountain Hardwear’s New Graflyte Pack Costs Nearly $600. Is It Worth The Price?

A combination of low weight, carrying comfort, and features puts this pack high on our list, but the pricetag might be a dealbreaker.

Maggie SlepianApril 20, 20261

Essentials

BearVault’s BV One is Our New Favorite Bear Canister

After years of stagnation, there are new bear cans to choose from—and the BV One is the best.

Nathan PipenbergMarch 26, 2026

Apparel

La Sportiva’s New Jacket Is 53 Percent Down by Weight—The New High-Water Mark for Ultralight Warmth

And it's out-performing jackets that cost $500 or more.

Nathan PipenbergMarch 23, 2026

Backpacks

Gossamer Gear Just Unveiled the Lightest Framed Pack Ever

A new hyperlight fabric and innovative suspension system give the Mirage 40 its class-leading specs.

Nathan PipenbergJanuary 29, 20261

Essentials

The Bear Locker is the Lightest Grizzly-Rated Bag We've Tested

Adotec’s Ultralight Bear Locker is simple, durable, and featherweight.

Nathan PipenbergJanuary 21, 2026

Tents

Tarptent’s New ProTrek Shelter Is Breezy and Affordable

The beloved cottage tentmaker just remodeled one of its most popular one-person trekking pole designs.

Ian Graber-StiehlJanuary 16, 20261

ultralight

Latest Stories

Free the Hips, Ruin the Shoulders?

The Best Ultralight Bags and Quilts for Ounce-Saving Warmth

The Ultralight Rebound: Why Every Backpacker Eventually Adds Weight Back

5 Pieces of Ultralight Gear That Are Worth Your Money Now—and 2 You Should Skip

After Covering Ultralight Backpacking Gear for Five Years, Here's What I'd Actually Buy

The Best Ultralight Brands You’ve Never Heard Of

Ultralight Has Gone Mainstream. Are Cottage Brands in Danger?

Symbiosis Gear Thinks Women Deserve Better Ultralight Backpacks

Big Agnes VST Tents Are Its Lightest Yet—And Among Its Most Expensive

Is Tecnowool the Next Great Ultralight Fabric?

Is MEC’s 2 Kilo Project Actually Ultralight?

The Best Ultralight Tents for Long Distance Hikers and Gram-Counters

These Stakes Weigh Two Grams Each. But Will They Hold Your Tent Down?

We Hiked 2,000 Miles to Find the Best Ultralight Packs. The Lightest Winner Weighs Just 15 Ounces.

Mountain Hardwear’s New Graflyte Pack Costs Nearly $600. Is It Worth The Price?

BearVault’s BV One is Our New Favorite Bear Canister

La Sportiva’s New Jacket Is 53 Percent Down by Weight—The New High-Water Mark for Ultralight Warmth

Gossamer Gear Just Unveiled the Lightest Framed Pack Ever

The Bear Locker is the Lightest Grizzly-Rated Bag We've Tested

Tarptent’s New ProTrek Shelter Is Breezy and Affordable

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