ultralight

Latest Stories

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

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 PipenbergJuly 30, 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, 2026

Gear

Is T-Mobile’s New Satellite Messaging Service the End of the Dedicated Satellite Messenger?

The cellular provider’s Starlink-assisted “T-Satellite” is the most fully-featured satellite service yet.

Nathan PipenbergJanuary 7, 20264

Apparel

The Brynje Super Thermo is the Most Breathable Baselayer We’ve Ever Tested

The Norwegian brand says the rest of the industry gets moisture wicking all wrong.

Nathan PipenbergDecember 3, 20251

Gear

Shopping for a Gram-Counter? Here's What They Actually Want.

From gear to gadgets, these are the ten best gifts for the weight-weenie in your life.

Nathan PipenbergNovember 21, 2025

Essentials

This Year’s Hottest Ultralight Upgrade Costs Just $13

CNOC unveils the ThruBottle as a direct upgrade to the Smartwater bottle.

Nathan PipenbergOctober 15, 2025

ultralight

Latest Stories

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 Bags and Quilts for Ounce-Saving Warmth

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

Is T-Mobile’s New Satellite Messaging Service the End of the Dedicated Satellite Messenger?

The Brynje Super Thermo is the Most Breathable Baselayer We’ve Ever Tested

Shopping for a Gram-Counter? Here's What They Actually Want.

This Year’s Hottest Ultralight Upgrade Costs Just $13

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