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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![Gossamer Gear Gorilla [14-o.z. pack] 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…](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/gossamer-gear-gorilla-14-oz-pack.jpg?width=730)
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
![MontBell Down Hugger 900 #2 [24-o.z. sleeping bag] 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;…](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/montbell-down-hugger-900-2-24-oz-sleeping-bag.jpg?width=730)
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
![Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite [12-o.z. sleeping pad] 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](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-12-oz-sleeping-pad.jpg?width=730)
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
![Grand Trunk Nano-7 [7-o.z. hammock] 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](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/grand-trunk-nano-7-7-oz-hammock.jpg?width=730)
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
![Sea to Summit Escapist [12-o.z. tarp] 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…](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/sea-to-summit-escapist-12-oz-tarp.jpg?width=730)
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
![Marmot Essence [6-o.z. hardshell] 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…](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/marmot-essence-6-oz-hardshell.jpg?width=730)
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
![MSR Microrocket [4-o.z. stove] This tiny (packed, it’s lemon-sized) powerhouse will boil a liter in four minutes flat, or gently simmer your soup without scorching. $60;…](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/msr-microrocket-4-oz-stove.jpg?width=730)
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
![Evernew Titanium Non-Stick 0.9-Liter Pot [5-o.z. pot] 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…](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/evernew-titanium-non-stick-09-liter-pot-5-oz-pot.jpg?width=730)
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
![Montbell Plasma [5-o.z. puffy jacket] 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](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/montbell-plasma-5-oz-puffy-jacket.jpg?width=730)
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
![MSR Aquatabs [weightless water treatment] 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…](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/msr-aquatabs-weightless-water-treatment.jpg?width=730)
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