Choosing the Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear (Big 3)

Discovering the best ultralight backpacking gear can be daunting to newcomers. In this article, I’d like to give a birds-eye-view of what I look for when choosing a new item for my “big-three” (backpack, shelter, sleeping quilt). These are my main side-kicks for any overnight foray, so they need to pass muster.  

Hunting for the Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear: Characteristics and Qualities

1. Backpack

Generally, for a framed or frameless pack, I like to keep it as simple as possible. This means the less “bells-and-whistles” the better. Limiting the features of the pack does a lot of good. It keeps the pack light, while also forcing the user to work with the available space and not overpack.

When choosing a backpack, I prioritize a large external pocket made of durable mesh or ripstop nylon, accessible side pockets for easy access to water bottles, comfortable, well-cushioned shoulder straps, and a roll-top design for compression as supplies diminish. Durability is crucial; I prefer packs made from robust materials like gridstop fabric. Any rips or abrasions after a few hundred miles are a deal-breaker for me. I’m a huge fan of ULA backpacks, which I’ve used on all my thru-hikes.

I also consider the trip I’m planning, which determines the size of the pack I need. As a long time backpacker, I’ve amassed a formidable gear closet, so I have an array of ultralight gear to choose from. But if I were just starting out, I’d want more versatile gear, capable of weathering many different wilderness encounters. Something between roughly 50 – 60 liters of space would be great. It would have plenty of room for gear, food, and any extras.

One last very important note: Buy your pack last. Figure out the gear you want, gather it all together, then start narrowing down a pack choice. There’s nothing worse than buying a super-duper-cool ultralight pack…and then filling it with all of 2 items. (Ask me how I know).

2. Shelter

I’ve spent many early mornings suffering from the ever-present condensation problem in my shelters. In my experience, the best way to limit waking up with dripping condensation is all about ventilation (and site selection, a separate issue). If I’m looking for a new tent, I would want the option to roll back the vestibule, and have as much airflow as possible. A tarp would have the best airflow for a shelter, but site selection is much more important. There are typically vents at the peak of many tents as well, which are meant to help air flow.

Ideally, it would set up with my trekking poles, because if I have them, they might as well be multi-use. There should also be ample guy-out line to extend head and foot space inside. Finally, having enough room inside the shelter, or at least inside the vestibules, makes all the difference when there is a heavy rainstorm. Keeping my gear safe and dry is essential. For shelters, there are many reputable companies out there including ZPacks, and Gossamer Gear.

A note on the tent vs hammock debate: I have used both, though my experience with a tent or tarp is far more extensive. I understand the appeal of a hammock, but my hang up is their vulnerability to outside circumstances. I want to be able to set up my shelter when there are no trees. I also don’t like the amount of components needed, like straps, a tarp, bug netting, etc. This doesn’t mean there aren’t hammocks among the best ultralight backpacking gear out there; many thru-hikers love them. They just aren’t my thing.

3. Sleeping Quilt

Sleeping Quilts are an alternative to the traditional sleeping bag. A quilt will have an open back, rather than a totally enclosed system. This is because compressed insulation does little to insulate the user. Long distance hikers, ultralight backpackers, etc. have embraced quilts as a standard for their light weight and packability.

I own several sleeping quilts with different temperature ratings, but I primarily recommend focusing on a 20-degree or 30-degree option, as my 10-degree quilt is often too warm. For summer, I would want a 30-degree or 40-degree quilt, while a 20-degree quilt suits shoulder seasons. I used my homemade (often the best ultralight backpacking gear is homemade!) 20-degree quilt during my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike, only feeling slightly warm at times. Since temperature rating accuracy can vary, testing gear before trips is essential.

I prefer quilts without zippers due to a past failure during a blizzard on the Pacific Crest Trail. It made me a zipper critic, and in turn, I ruthlessly scrutinize points of potential failure in any piece of gear. I also appreciate having a loop for hanging the quilt to dry while I eat. While I’ve never owned a synthetic quilt, I’ve purchased two down quilts and made one myself, all providing excellent warmth, though they must be kept dry to maintain insulation.

As a plus, some companies allow custom options, or a variety of materials to choose from. This is a bonus. I generally like to have a darker color quilt, so that it dries quickly in the sun if needed. Don’t sleep on Enlightened Equipment (pun intended). I have a couple of their quilts and have loved them both.

Conclusion

With these considerations in mind, I hope you can feel confident in choosing the best ultralight backpacking gear for you. There are many options out there, from big name brands to cottage-industry start-ups, and many of them would match the guide I’ve given. It’s up to you to choose what you like, and hopefully have many enjoyable backcountry forays. I would highly advise against rushing out and buying the lightest and smallest gear you can find. Anyone can make a gear list under 10 pounds on a spreadsheet – using it is another story. Once you’ve researched some gear, you may also want to meander over to my post that outlines hacks for ultralight backpacking in general.