Nathan Pipenberg

A new crop of brands are creating specialized ultralight gear for hunters—and they’re making inroads with backpackers too.

Vest-style straps can make frameless packs carry better than ever.

In defense of the hiking world’s black sheep.

Silnylon has been the affordable waterproof tent fabric of choice for decades, but a new competitor is shaking things up.

Hint: He never stopped hiking.

Going minimalist can heighten anxieties about staying safe in the backcountry. Here’s how to let some of them go.

More people are going ultralight than ever before—and there's more gear out there for them, too. Three ultralight gear pros take the temperature of the rapidly growing category.

From what to buy to what to leave behind, our ultralight columnist offered up essential advice this year.

Which down alternative does the best job of keeping you warm without weighing you down?

Tools like Lighterpack can help you slim down and optimize your pack weight.

Lightweight gear isn’t just for Triple Crowners

Leave the conventions behind with these five shoulder-season gear tips

The next level in lightweight backpacking requires making some tough choices. Here’s how to navigate them.

We combed through vintage magazines and catalogs to find out how low you could go back in the day.

Backcountry tech is more abundant than ever, but it can add up quickly in an ultralight kit.

Lightweight gear has a reputation for fragility, but there are exceptions to the rule.

Yes, Starbucks Via will do the trick. But is it the best way for gram-counters to get caffeinated?

Dan Durston dreamed up his innovative tent design while thru-hiking in Canada.

Both of these shoes are beloved by long-distance hikers. Which is right for you?

Strong opinions abound in the ultralight community. That doesn’t mean they’re always right.

Dyneema couture anyone?

These four load-haulers are bringing the retro design into the modern era.

For years, trail runners have been the footwear of choice for gram-counters. New boot designs aim to change that.

Gram-counters can seem obsessive, but these quirks are rooted in practicality.

Not satisfied with stopping at the river’s edge? Unlock new wilderness with this lightweight waterfaring setup.

Whether you're a Mountain House fanatic or dehydrate your entire menu yourself—here's how to keep your energy levels stable on trail.

Cottage gear-makers are flocking to yet another cutting-edge fabric designed for boat sails.

The easiest way to lighten your pack isn’t to buy new gear, but to leave a few things you already have behind.

These packs look simple, but making them work on the trail can be complex.

Learning to love these two ultralight essentials is one of the best ways to lighten your pack.

You can have a gram-counter’s backpacking setup without dropping a load of cash.

Cottage brands, the backbone of the ultralight community, are more popular than ever.

Combine the best of touring and resort skiing on the runs of these abandoned ski areas.

Staying safe in the backcountry doesn't have to weigh you down.

A few small tweaks to your schedule can make all the difference.

Pitch camp next to an alpine lake, rocky peaks, and a WWII plane wreck in Idaho’s Salmon River Mountains.

Explore the northern Alleghenies' hardwoods on this 12.8-mile trek.

It's a slice of northeastern back country in the West Virginia mountains.

This tireless trail angel is firing up a new generation of backcountry stewards.

Find solitude high above Los Angeles.

A savior to injured hikers, he's training the next wave of backcountry medics.