Cutting your pack weight can make for a more fun experience on the trail—to a point. From backpacking with no backpack to trying the Triple Crown without a sleeping bag or tent, we share four stories of hikers who pushed ultralight to uncomfortable—and occasionally dangerous—places.

Check out Adam Roy's author page.

Oversized and decidedly uncool, the poncho is still one of my top choices for rainy hikes.

The X-Mid trekking pole tent and other groundbreaking ultralight designs have earned Durston an unmatched fanbase, with a 14,000-person Facebook group and in-jokes about stickers and sage at the center of it. M. John Fayhee dives into lightweight backpacking's most devoted "cult."

Light weight, heavy hitters: These affordable gifts will help an aspiring ultralighter shave down their pack weight.

This isn't your grandfather's canvas pack: From a lightweight bivy to a foam sleeping pad that adds structure to frameless packs, this gear was made for the trail.

Comparing two titans of featherweight design

Some of our favorite gear is garbage. And that's why we love it so much.

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

Skip the ounce-counting with a new tent, quilt, and pack from one of ultralight’s best-loved brands.

Spending a little extra time in the fall cleaning and repairing your precious gear can help extend its life by years.

Piece of mind in just a few ounces.

Don't let trail conditions or weather keep you from going light and fast this spring.

The lightest of the ultralight trim their packs lists to help them become stripped-down mile-making machines.

Help the gram-counter on your list go lighter and faster.

Want to pare down your hiking kit's weight? These 14 minimalist products are made for going far and fast.