Go Ultralight: Gear to Get You There

Cut pack weight in half with nine proven winners.


ultralight backpacking
Photo by Ben Fullerton

A. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite S

The 2.5-inch thick, tapered XLite cushions and insulates against cold, rough rock—and weighs less than a sandwich.

$130; 8 oz.; thermarest.com

B. Sea to Summit Escapist

No more wet, cold, midnight adjustments: Tweak this tarp’s guyouts from inside. It sleeps up to three.

$199; 12 oz.; seatosummit.com

C. MontBell EX Light Doesewn Anorak

Ridiculously light and packable (to grapefruit size), this hooded pullover packs maximum warmth for weight.

$219; 6.2 oz.; montbell.us

D. Snow Peak Titanium Short Spork

It’ll last forever if you don’t lose it.

$9; .5 oz.; snowpeak.com

E. Evernew Ti Pasta Pot 700ml

The tall, coffee-can shape means this titanium pot sits firmly on tiny burners. The spout and strainer holes are gravy.

$60; 3.4 oz.; evernewamerica.com

F. MSR Pocket Rocket

This tiny canister stove is a proven winner, with sub-four minute boil times.

$40; 3 oz.; cascadedesigns.com/msr

G. Marmot Essence Jacket

It’s breathable, protective, affordable, and light thanks to a NanoPro 2.5-layer membrane and a minimalist design that trims off everything nonessential.

$200; 5.8 oz.; marmot.com

H. Marmot Plasma 15 

Deceptively warm for its crazy-low weight, the Plasma uses premium 875+-fill goose down stuffed into vertical baffles and a surprisingly durable 10-denier Pertex Quantum fabric.

$539; 2 lbs.; marmot.com

I. ZPacks Arc Blast 52

The curved, carbon-fiber frame supports 35-pound loads and provides airflow against the back, while keeping weight low.

$279; 1 lb. 1 oz.; zpacks.com

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