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Backpacker Magazine – August 2009

Ultralight Done Right: The Best Gear for the Least Weight

Learn what gear to ditch and what to keep so you don't sacrifice comfort. Plus, a little lightweight reading material.

by: Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan

PAGE 1 2
Rik Christensen (Courtesy photo)
Rik Christensen (Courtesy photo)


Read More
Ultralight Done Right
How low can you go?
Rik Christensen, a longtime hiker and designer for Gossamer Gear, has whittled his base weight (everything but food and water) down to an insane five pounds. Here's what he totes:

  • Handmade, 3,000-cubic-inch, silnylon pack: 12.5 ounces
  • Modified Nunatak Back Country Blanket: 1.5 pounds
  • 52"x19"x.25" foam sleeping pad: 3.5 ounces
  • Handmade cuben-fiber shelter: 8 ounces
  • Pot with lid, Esbit stove, spoon, bowl: 4 ounces
  • 1 pair long underwear bottoms, long-sleeve top, insulated cap, 2 pairs socks, raingear, 1 pair silnylon chaps, 1 silnylon skirt: 1.2 pounds

PAGE 1 2

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