Gear Hall of Fame: Ultralight
When you’re ready to shave pounds from your pack, it’s time to invest in ultralight gear. Here’s a look at some of our all-time favorite featherweights.
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We loved this pack because you can strip it down for ultralight trips or add aluminum stays and extra padding (10 oz.) for a more traditional experience. $180 (includes all accessories); gossamergear.com
You might be able to find a bag that’s a few grams lighter than this one, but we guarantee it won’t be as comfortable or warm as this baby. $519; montbell.us
Once you try one of these, you’ll never go back to your old pad. Comfort, warmth, packability: The Xlite nails all three. $160; thermarest.com
It’s designed for lounging, not sleeping, but at only 7 ounces it’s the lightest—and most comfy—camp chair we’ve tried. $77; grandtrunkgoods.com
Add your own trekking poles, and this simple, feathery tarp can house three campers. Eight stakeout loops make for a taut pitch, and the optional bug insert ($79; 5 oz.) extends its versatility. $199; seatosummit.com
This no-frills shell disappeared into our packs, but when the weather hit, it saved the day. And the slightly stretchy, 12-denier nylon fabric held up to egregious abuse. $200; marmot.com
This tiny (packed, it’s lemon-sized) powerhouse will boil a liter in four minutes flat, or gently simmer your soup without scorching. $60; cascadedesigns.com
Yes, it makes a fine water-boiling vessel, but because of the nonstick coating, you can scramble eggs in it, too, without the hassle of a big cleanup. $58; evernewamerica.com
The secret to packing killer warmth in a baseball-size package? 1000-fill goose down—the lightest fluffiest stuff on the planet. $269; montbell.us
Just plop these sodium dichloroisocyanurate tablets into your bottle (opt for a 32-ounce Gatorade bottle to shave even more ounces) and you’ll be drinking pure water in no time. $13 for 30 tablets; cascadedesigns.com