Ultralight camping gear

Many backpackers carry closed-cell foam sleeping pads because they're lightweight and don't fail lik

In early February, I’ll be setting out on my first thru hike attempt. I’m going to be hiking the Backbone Trail (BBT), a long distance trail in California’s Santa Monica Mountains. Since this trail is only about 70 miles from point to point, I’ll be taking 5 days to complete it. I like to define my hiking style as “As Ultralight As Possible.” Because I’ve dealt with quite a bit of chronic pain over the past three years, ...

I've spent years compiling my ideal lightweight backpacking gear setup, & I've made a list to share with you. Read on & take a peek inside my 12-pound pack.

Looking to reduce space in my pack, I opted to make my own Sleeping Bag to take on the trail.

Trimming your gear to the ultralight necessities takes some ingenuity. Make it easy with this ultralight backpacking gear checklist.

To go ultralight or not, is that the question? Today, the debate seems over: why carry more when you can carry less and increase the enjoyment of your hike? Technology allows us to have lighter fabrics and materials, to bring more (food, books, music) while being lighter. Of course, if you’ve foraged around the internet, you know the basics: go lightweight but stay secure and comfortable. You are not a tourist going around in flip-flops on a snowy ridge! ...

This “gear” wasn’t designed to be gear. Some of it is really ugly. Some of it is surprisingly cheap. But everything is ultralight. And really handy. Hope there is something in it …

A list of all the gear in our 19 lb 8 oz base weight two person backpacking set up plus reviews of all the items we use.

My goal here is to share a few (relatively) easy and inexpensive projects to get you started and get your feet wet with making your own backpacking gear.