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The Best Gifts for Ultralighters

Have a toothbrush-cutting, ounce-counting hiker in your life? These 15 gifts weigh less than eight pounds altogether.

Author:: Patrice and Justin La Vigne
Publish date:: Nov 21, 2018

Luxury is nice, but that's not why you hike. Take ounces out of your pack and add miles onto your day with these eight gifts for ultralighters, from a 19-ounce tent to a daypack that costs less that $3.

Under $3 for a pack? You heard it here first. This 1.7 ounce, 10-liter rucksack is great for short dayhikes or summit bids. It squishes down to smaller than a tennis ball, and even has adjustable shoulder straps.Buy Decathlon Ultra-Compact Backpack 10L Now

A sleeping bag, a liner, a blanket—you decide. At just 1 pound, this insulation piece adds warmth during winter or stands solo for summer nights. Three-quarter zipping yields easy temperature adjustment.Buy Big Agnes McKinnis Insulated Bag Liner Now

Bounce down the trail with Hokas; hikers have been doing it for years. The Torrents top out at 14.8 ounces to move as fast as possible.Buy Hoka Torrent Shoes Now

We all want to cram as much as we can in our packs, but still want to stay organized. For less than an ounce each, you can keep things separated and protected with these drawstring bags.Buy Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring Stuff Sacks Now

Just because you’re an ultralighter doesn’t mean you have to dispense with every single camp luxury. This mug—which has a folding handle—only weighs 2 ounces, so you won’t have to fret over losing your daily cup of joe.Buy GSI Bugaboo 14 oz. Cup Now

Keep your food safe and secure with this featherweight, waterproof hanging bear protection system. Its Dynema outer bag, odor-proof interior sack, and 50 feet of Sline add up to just 4 ounces.Buy Mountain Laurel Designs Pro Bear Bag System Now

Ultralighters usually have to choose between stuffy single-wall tents or skeeter bites. Fresh air lovers with a clear weather forecast will love this minimalist in-between option, which weighs just 15 ounces. When the rain clouds move in, this shelter can be paired with the Hilleberg Tarp, and still stay sub-2 pounds.Buy Hilleberg Mesh Tent 1 Now

The hiker on your list may have their kit dialed, but somebody is always going lighter. For some ultralight inspo, give them the story of Scott Jurek’s 2015 Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail. Alternating between Scott’s perspective and his wife Jenny, who led his support crew, there’s a thrill despite knowing the outcome.Buy North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail Now

Sometimes you want the luxury of your bed in the outdoors, and adding 6 ounces in exchange for comfort may be worth it. You can adjust this pillow perfectly to your liking with an easy 2-way air valve, and the removable case is washable.Buy Zenbivy Pillow Now

Going ultralight shouldn’t mean going unprepared. It’s easy to justify the 3.5 ounces for this wind- and waterproof nylon shell pant that packs down inside its own pocket to the size of an apple. The adjustable waistband and lower leg zipper provide adaptability.Buy Ultimate Direction Ultralight Pant V2 Now

Consider this a wrappable footwear a minimalist option for camping, paddleboarding, traveling, and everything in between. A Vibram sole provides the base, and a stretch fabric hugs the sides of the feet. A pair weighs just under 10 ounces.Buy Vibram Furoshiki Shoes Now

When nature calls, you must answer. Constructed of lightweight titanium sporting serrated edges, and weighing just over an ounce, the Dig Dig slices through tough ground and roots with ease. You can even use it as a back-up tent stake in a pinch.Buy Vargo Dig Dig Tool Now

These shades are so light, you might forget you’re wearing them. The Metals Collection offers four types of titanium frames with temples made of castor seeds; each pair weighs an impressive .3 ounces.Buy Costa Del Mar Metals Collection Now

At 19 ounces for two people, this tent is one of the lightest options out there. It sets up quickly with two trekking poles and 8 stakes (not included). The tents are made to order, so make your purchase early.Buy Zpacks Duplex Ultralight Tent now

Decathlon Ultra-Compact Backpack 10L — $2.50

Under $3 for a pack? You heard it here first. This 1.7 ounce, 10-liter rucksack is great for short dayhikes or summit bids. It squishes down to smaller than a tennis ball, and even has adjustable shoulder straps.

Buy Decathlon Ultra-Compact Backpack 10L Now

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