Ultralight Backpacker

If you want to reduce weight, compartmentalize your gear in every way, and simply go farther, the Ultralight Backpacker is for you.

Ultralight is no passing fad, it’s a way of life. A slimmed down life that allows you to move quickly, suffer less pain, and truly connect to the natural world without the distraction of all those “things.” You are one with the wilderness, and have a consistent obsession with gear, and the reduction of that gear.

You saw off the end of your spare toothbrush. You dream about objects that nest together. You can calculate ounces to pounds to grams faster than a calculator, and you have at least one spreadsheet that references the function, purpose, and weight (obviously) of your gear. Or, maybe you don’t have all this stuff in your head; you simply know that less weight on the trail means you can reach the tallest peak, the deepest lake, and get into the true heart of the wild.

Our Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for the Ultralight Backpacker take into account that while you may or may not be a gearhead, you know how to cut the obese chaff from the titanium wheat. So do we. While this inherently caters to long distance thru-hikers, the ultralight movement is not exclusionary. Beginners can be ultralight; old-schoolers can convert. There is no club and the only hazing is when, inevitably, someone asks about your tiny pack on the trail.

Contrary to common belief, ultralight doesn’t have to cost your firstborn. It can be enjoyed by anyone with basic wilderness skills. Our approach is a bit like a missionary: Convert those who are curious to the ultralight ways, thereby lightening the collective load.

Explore Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for Ultralight Backpacker below!

Ultralight Backpacker Gear Reviews

Gear Test: PAKA Apparel Mountain Crew

We’re out in the elements with the PAKA Apparel Mountain Crew, testing its performance every step of the way.

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Gear Test: REI Co-op Women’s Sahara Convertible Pants

We’re pushing limits with the REI Co-op Women’s Sahara Convertible Pants, putting these versatile trail essentials through their paces.

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Gear Test: Mammut Eigerjoch Light IN Hooded Jacket

Outdoor Gear Type: Jacket

We’ve taken the Mammut Eigerjoch Light IN Hooded Jacket through some serious challenges—here’s how this lightweight jacket held up.

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Gear Test: REI Co-op Merino Wool Hiking Quarter Socks

Outdoor Gear Type: Socks

We’re out in the wilderness with the REI Co-op Merino Wool Hiking Quarter Socks, putting these lightweight hiking socks to the test.

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Gear Test: Paka Women’s Alpaca Bralette and Underwear

Exploring the great outdoors, we’re testing the Paka Women’s Alpaca Bralette and Underwear to see how this active underwear performs.

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Gear Test: Ruff Bar Ruff Food

Outdoor Gear Type: Food

Man’s best friend deserves the best fuel! Putting Ruff Bar Ruff Food, a freeze-dried raw food, to the test on our wilderness adventure.

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Gear Test: Ibex Women’s 24 Hour Short Sleeve Low Crew

Outdoor Gear Type: Shirt

We put the Ibex Women’s 24 Hour Short Sleeve Low Crewto the test on a recent camping trip, and it didn’t disappoint.

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Gear Test: Stio Women’s CFS Hooded Anorak

Deep in the forest, we put the Stio Women’s CFS Hooded Anorak to the ultimate test, demonstrating its exceptional performance.

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Gear Test: Nebu B-52 Pants

Outdoor Gear Type: Pants

We’re been field-testing the Nebu B-52 Pants on rugged trails to determine if they live up to their promise.

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Gear Test: Rumpl NanoLoft Flame Puffy Blanket

We’re getting cozy by the campfire with the Rumpl NanoLoft Flame Puffy Blanket, putting this camp blanket to the test.

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