Search: ultralight | GearJunkie

The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2023

What’s the best ultralight backpack? We interviewed thru-hikers and put several models to the test to find some of the top lightweight hiking backpacks.

Written by Sean McCoy and Chris Carter May 18, 2023

Why Ultralight People Need to Chill Already

Not everybody wants to be an ultralight backpacker. That’s OK. Now I just have to convince ultralight backpackers that it’s OK.

Written by Andrew Marshall April 24, 2023

Ikos TR Joins Sea to Summit’s Ultralight Backpacking Tent Lineup

From the brand that brought you the multi-award-winning lightweight Telos TR tent, comes the Ikos TR backpacking tent from Sea to Summit.

Written by Will Brendza February 10, 2023

Ultralight Backpacking Gear Built in the Bronx? Meet allmansright

They craft design-forward backpacking gear from a studio in the Bronx. The goal? Make the outdoors comfortable and accessible for everybody.

Written by Andrew Marshall February 09, 2023

Patagonia DAS Light Pants Review: The Missing Link in Ultralight Puffy Pants

The newest contender in the belay pant showdown goes minimalist to maximize functionality across the outdoor rec spectrum: the Patagonia DAS Light pant.

Written by Bergen Tjossem January 24, 2023

Grivel Dark Machine Review: Ultralight Ice Tools for the Steeps

The Grivel Dark Machine crushes on difficult ice with hero status. But on less difficult terrain, it can sometimes be awkward.

Written by Seiji Ishii January 23, 2023

Altitude Junkies: Watch Ultralight Plane Skiing in ‘LINE & AIR’

There’s one premium virtue in advancing big mountain skiing: ski bigger mountains. This cohort takes ultralight planes to find huge lines.

Written by Sam Anderson November 28, 2022

Ortovox Fleece Light Jacket Review: The Only Ultralight, Breathable Midlayer You’ll Ever Need

From backpacking to backcountry skiing, this merino light wool fleece offers up a hard-to-find mix of comfort, technical performance, sustainability, and style.

Written by David Young November 14, 2022

Ibex Springbok Running Collection Review: Run Comfortably in Ultralight Wool-TENCEL Blend

Ibex’s calling card is its focus on making merino wool clothing. But for its most recent apparel, the Ibex Springbok, it turned to a 50/50…

Written by Mary Murphy October 13, 2022

Ski Touring, Ultralight-Style: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Creates Its First Ski Pack

Hyperlite Mountian Gear’s new Headwall 55 brings Dyneema Composite Fabric and clean design to the world of multiday backcountry ski packs.

Written by Andrew Marshall October 06, 2022

Ultralight Cooler, Blueberry Shirt, Handmade Chalk Bags & More Emerging Gear

Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss September 29, 2022

BMC Builds the Ultralight Kaius 01 for ‘Unbound’ Speed

BMC’s new gravel bike aims at high performance and comes with specifications to reflect it.

Written by Sam Anderson September 06, 2022

Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review: Ultralight Pack, Heavy Potential

For this Granite Gear Crown3 60 review, we hiked 32 miles in the Rocky Mountains with a little more weight than recommended to put this…

Written by Sean McCoy September 01, 2022

Ultralight, Ultra-Strong Backpack: Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 Review

While it may fill a very specialized niche, the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000 backpack stands out from the crowd for more than its sheer size.

Written by Sean McCoy August 30, 2022

Cannondale Goes Ultralight With SuperSix EVO ‘Leichtbau’ Limited Frame

Dropping another 10% off the already-light hi-mod carbon frame, the new 750g SuperSix EVO Leichtbau is a featherweight flyer.

Written by Cory Benson August 09, 2022

Affordable, Entry-Level Ultralight Tent: 3FUL Gear Lanshan 2 Review

Dabble in ultralight backpacking before you dive into it, with the stout, if imperfect, 3FUL Gear Lanshan 2 Tent.

Written by Josh Wussow July 26, 2022

Emerging Gear: Paddleboard-Kayak Combo, Reebok Beer, Ultralight Portaledge, and More

Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss June 23, 2022

Free Gear Fridays: Win an Ultralight Daypack, Tote From Hyperlite Mountain Gear!

This week, one lucky winner will receive a white Daybreak Daypack and 70L G.O.A.T. Tote from Hyperlite Mountain Gear.

Matador Giveaway: Win $1,000 in Ultralight, Packable Gear

Matador Travel Equipment is giving away a solid $1,000 of purpose-built gear as a part of its new Travel Hard campaign.

Written by Andrew Marshall May 05, 2022

Budget Brand iROCKER Dives Into Ultralight SUPs: All Around 10′ Ultra Series Paddleboard Review

We tested iROCKER’s new paddleboard model, which debuted online this weekend. Here’s the verdict on the brand’s first ultralight paddleboard.

Written by Mary Murphy May 03, 2022

Emerging Gear: Hefty Ultralight Pack, Color-Changing Jacket, Alpaca Sweater, & More

Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.

Written by Mary Murphy April 14, 2022

(Almost) Perfect: ORCA Walker Tote Ultralight Soft Cooler Review

Ideal for that quick spur-of-the-moment day trip or tailgating party, the ORCA Walker Tote is an ultralight soft-sided cooler that is durable and able to…

Written by David Young March 07, 2022

Emerging Gear: Modular Fanny Pack, Ultralight Carbon Umbrella, and More

Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss February 04, 2022

Tecnica Breaks Ultralight Backcountry Boot Barrier

Tecnica unveils the Zero G Peak ultralight alpine boot. The sub-1,000g boot focuses on fit and performance, drawing on the brand’s roots.

Written by Sam Anderson January 20, 2022

MSR’s Lighter, Less Expensive Ultralight Tent: 2022 FreeLite First Look Review

If you’re the type of backpacker who shaves down their toothbrush to save ounces on the trail, the new MSR FreeLite tent is for you.…

Written by David Young December 29, 2021

Dreamy Dyneema: High Tail Designs’ Ultralight Trail Gear Is Anything but Boring

Whether you want one-ounce rain mitts for your ultralight array or a cute tote to carry your pug (what?), High Tail Designs makes it in…

Written by Sam Anderson December 01, 2021

GRAYL Geopress Purifier Gets an Ultralight Upgrade: Geopress vs. Ultrapress Review

Looking for an efficient water purifier but don’t want extra weight or bulk? Good news: GRAYL just slimmed down its eponymous water filter bottle into…

Written by Mary Murphy November 02, 2021

The Best Ultralight Tents, According to Thru-Hikers

To pinpoint the hardiest, sturdiest, and lightest backpacking tents, we gathered sage advice from thru-hikers who’ve tracked the toughest, longest miles with their gear.

Written by Morgan Tilton August 03, 2021