Top Ultralight Gear You Can’t Live Without (Or Maybe You Can)
So, you’ve decided to join the ranks of the ultralight backpacking elite—those mystical beings who somehow manage to live for days in the wilderness with a pack lighter than a full water bottle. Ultralight backpacking is like an art form: it’s all about shaving down your gear list to the bare essentials while avoiding the temptation to pack that “just in case” third pair of socks.
But before you toss your pack on a scale and vow to carry less than 10 pounds into the wild, let’s talk about what you actually need, where to splurge, where to save, and whether going ultralight is the right move for you (spoiler alert: sometimes it isn’t).
Who Needs Ultralight?
First things first: not everyone needs to be an ultralight backpacker. This may be a shock, especially if you’ve been watching YouTube videos of people bragging about how their packs weigh less than their dogs if you enjoy being out in nature. Still, I also like a bit of comfort (read: camp chairs, a cozy sleeping pad, and maybe even a luxury pillow), so that’s fine! There’s a difference between enjoying the outdoors and suffering for the sake of saving a few ounces.
However, if you’re planning to hike long distances, like a thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, or you’re the type who sees a 20-mile day as “fun,” then the ultralight gear is your best friend. It’s a game-changer for cutting down fatigue and keeping your body from falling apart by day three.
Ultralight Essentials: The Gear You (Probably) Can’t Live Without
So, what does it take to be an ultralight backpacking champion? Here’s a breakdown of the essentials.
1. Ultralight Tents: Less Like a Castle, More Like a Cozy Fort
Your tent is where you will spend at least eight (or, let’s be honest, six) hours a night, so it needs to be good. The goal? A tent that’s durable enough to handle weather and creepy crawlers but light enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re carrying your living room on your back.
Gossamer Gear The One: Weighing just over 1 pound, this tent is a fan favorite among solo ultralight backpackers. It’s simple and easy to set up, and it uses trekking poles instead of tent poles, cutting down on both weight and bulk. It’s perfect for those who want to feel like they’re carrying next to nothing while still having solid weather protection.
NEMO Hornet 2P: This bad boy is ultralight without sacrificing too much comfort. It weighs around 2 pounds but still gives you enough room to not feel like a human burrito. If you’re hiking with a partner, it’s just roomy enough for two people who are either close friends or comfortable with awkward levels of coziness.
Zpacks Duplex: For those ready to splurge, this ultralight shelter weighs less than 2 pounds and is spacious enough to fit two people or one person with an unhealthy obsession with gear. It’s also made from Dyneema, meaning it’s waterproof and strong and can double as an emergency cape if you’re feeling dramatic.
2. Sleeping Pads: Lightweight Doesn’t Mean No Comfort
Ultralight doesn’t mean you need to sleep directly on the ground like a Neanderthal. A decent sleeping pad is essential, and some options won’t add much weight to your pack but will keep you from waking up feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite: This is one of the lightest sleeping pads, coming in under 10 ounces. It’s not as thick as the deluxe models, but you’re ultralight now—comfort is relative. If you wake up without a rock stabbing your ribs, that’s a win.
NEMO Switchback: If you don’t trust inflatable pads or want to save some weight (and cash), the NEMO Switchback is a great option. It’s a foam pad, so there’s no risk of popping it, and it folds up accordion-style. You’ll feel like a minimalist gear master.
3. Ultralight Stoves: Cooking in the Wild Without the Bulk
You could go all-out and pack a heavy-duty stove system, but this is ultralight we’re talking about. That means you need something small, simple, and ideally not explosive.
BRS 3000T Ultralight Stove: At less than an ounce (yes, you read that right), this stove is so light you’ll question whether it’s even real. It’s perfect for boiling water and heating up freeze-dried meals. You won’t be cooking a three-course meal with it, but hey, it gets the job done—and it barely weighs more than your spork.
MSR PocketRocket 2: It’s not as featherlight as the BRS 3000T, but it’s still an ultralight classic, weighing just over 2.5 ounces. It’s reliable, sturdy, and gets your dinner ready faster than a campfire ever could.
Multi-Use Gear: The Beauty of Minimalism
Ultralight backpackers love multi-use gear. Why carry a tent pole and trekking poles when you can just use the trekking poles to prop up your tent? Exactly. Multi-use gear is like the Swiss Army knife of backpacking—more function, less weight.
Trekking Poles/Tent Poles Combo: Many ultralight shelters, like the Gossamer Gear The One or Zpacks Altaplex, are designed to be set up using your trekking poles. This way, you can leave the tent poles at home and shave off a couple of extra ounces. Just be careful not to lose a trekking pole halfway through your hike—or you’ll be sleeping very close to the ground.
Buff Headwear: It’s a hat, it’s a neck warmer, it’s a face mask, it’s… whatever you want it to be. This magical piece of fabric can do it all, and it weighs almost nothing. Plus, you’ll look stylish on the trail (and probably cover up some bad hair days).
When to Go Ultralight (And When You Shouldn’t)
The Pros:
Less Weight: Obviously. Your back, knees, and feet will thank you for every ounce you don’t carry.
Faster Hikes: With a lighter pack, you’ll be able to cover more ground faster, which means more miles and more impressive Instagram captions.
Simplicity: There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing you’ve pared down your gear to the essentials. You’ll feel like a wilderness minimalist (and maybe a little smug, if we’re being honest).
The Cons:
Comfort: You will be sacrificing some comfort. Ultralight tents aren’t exactly palatial, ultralight stoves aren’t gourmet kitchen-level, and ultralight sleeping pads are, well… better than nothing.
Durability: Sometimes, ultralight means less durable. Your ultralight tent might not last as long as a heavier model, and your gear might need more TLC to survive long thru-hikes.
Cost: Ultralight gear can be expensive. Dyneema shelters, titanium cookware, and ultralight sleeping pads often cost more than their heavier counterparts. So, be prepared to spend some cash if you’re going all-in on ultralight.
When to Not Go Ultralight
If you’re hiking in rough conditions—say, through heavy rain, snow, or extreme cold—maybe consider leaving the ultralight gear at home. You’ll want something more robust and weather-resistant for those situations. Also, if you’re someone who just likes comfort (no shame in that!), ultralight gear might not be the best fit. Those few extra pounds of gear can mean a much better night’s sleep, more food options, or just feeling like a semi-functional human after a long day of hiking.
Splurge or Save? The Ultralight Dilemma
Here’s the fun part: deciding where to throw your money. With ultralight backpacking, some items are worth the splurge, and others are great opportunities to save.
Splurge On:
Tent/Shelter: You’ll be living in this thing for days or even weeks. Get a good one that’s light and durable.
Sleeping Pad: If you’re going ultralight, you’re already sacrificing some comfort. A decent pad makes the difference between “I feel okay” and “I’ll never walk again.”
Save On:
Cookware: You don’t need a titanium pot set. A simple aluminum pot will work just fine for boiling water. Or, even better, make cold-soaking your new hobby—no stove required.
Backpacking Clothes: You don’t need the fanciest, most expensive clothes on the market. Synthetic, moisture-wicking clothes from budget brands will keep you just as warm and dry.
Keeping Your Pack Under 10 Pounds: It’s Possible, But Should You?
For those dedicated ultralighters, the goal is often to keep their base weight under 10 pounds. It’s definitely possible with the right gear, but you’ll be sacrificing a lot of luxuries. You’re essentially cutting down to the essentials: shelter, sleep system, cooking gear, and not much else.
If you can live with that, great! If not, don’t feel bad about creeping up into the 12-15 pound range. Trust me, your feet won’t know the difference, but your mental health might.