Ultralight Hiking + Camping

DOWN - Don't try to kid yourself, if you're looking to drop weight and drop it fast, go for a down sleeping bag. Synthetic can't match down insulation when it comes to warmth-to-weight ratio. The important thing to look at is down fill power. The higher the fill power, the more air the down clusters trap. You'll want to aim for 800 fill down or higher. Depending on the temperature rating on the bag, you can find down bags available for 16 ounces or less (usually around 35 degrees F). In addition to their light weight, down bags compress incredibly well. You can probably even stuff one in a pickle jar. Pickle jars aren't ultralight though so leave the jar at home.

SYNTHETIC - I'll be brief, as down is the clear winner when it comes to lightweight and compressible. Outdoor technology is constantly improving, allowing synthetic to sneak its way into the conversation every so often. Synthetic bags fit into a slim category here, and it's wet environments. Synthetic bags can keep you warm even when wet. These bags can come in around 2lbs (again, depends on temperature rating), so if you're willing to shoulder an extra lb, you'll at least be rewarded with a lower price.

SLEEPING BAG LINERS - Heading out for a sticky summer overnighter? Grab your sleeping bag liner instead of a full bag and your shoulders will thank you. Often weighing under 12 ounces, they're light, comfy, but only good on incredibly hot nights. If there is even a slim chance of it being cold, this route is not recommended. Keep this option to really short trips where you have a really high chance of warm temperatures.

Less Tent Poles = Less Weight

On the trail, your home is a tiny nylon shell which you crawl into at night. During the day, you carry your home on your back, kinda like a turtle. That's why you want it as light as possible. Imagine how fast turtles would travel if they had nylon shells. Zipping around. Tent choice boils down to packability and weight.

SOLO TENT - Also known as a one man tent, these are typically free-standing structures that include poles, tent and rainfly in the package. It sometimes includes the footprint, but is often a separate purchase. In these tiny tents, there is basically enough room to sit up as you change clothing and lay down for reading or sleep. That's about it. They provide protection against not just rain, but also wind, bugs and even blowing sand in desert situations. Capable of coming in at just under 2 pounds.

TREKKING POLE TENT - To cut weight even further, there are some solo tents that can be pitched with trekking poles. If you're already using trekking poles, this is the way to go. Nothing better than multi-use items on an ultralight adventure. If you don't use trekking poles, then forget I said anything.

TARP - If you don't mind some bugs and just need a little protection, a tarp can weigh even less than a full-on tent. If a wind comes in with some rain, you'd better know how to set it up facing the right direction, otherwise you might get some water right in the face as you snooze. You can usually prop this up with the help of your trekking poles, or get some cord and use the trees to your advantage.

BIVY - The bivy should only be used by those that aren't claustrophobic. They're waterproof and only provide space for your sleeping bag and yourself. Your pack will have no shelter from any storms but at least you and your bag will be tucked inside a dry spot. This can be used in combination with a tarp if you're looking to just waterproof your bag from wayward rain.

HAMMOCK - Sleep in the trees. When it comes to hammock-living, you'll need to be sure you always find a couple of trees when looking for a camp, but often the savings in weight can be worth it. They pack down to about the size of a large grapefruit, but can weigh in at less than half a pound (not including straps). Straps can come in anywhere between 8 ounces and 12 ounces. Plus, you're off the ground so say goodbye to rocks jabbing you in the night.

CANISTER STOVES - Guys, stoves keep getting lighter and lighter. There are numerous types of camp stoves, but for ultralight purposes, it's tough to beat a canister stove. They are lighter and more compact than liquid fuel stoves. With the right cookware, you'll be able to fit the stove, a fuel canister and a lighter inside your cook pot. Plus the canister stove requires very little maintenance or upkeep, unlike your ex-boyfriend or -girlfriend, probably. It won't be gourmet cooking, but it'll heat water and get those backpacker meals going in a jiffy.

STOVE SYSTEMS - While they won't weigh as little as a canister stove, they still come in at under a pound. The advantage here is you're getting a pot/mug and stove all in one package. All the included items usually fit inside the cook pot, so you know right where everything is located.

POT - When you're eating in the backcountry, one solid pot with a lid should do. A size of around 1 liter is pretty common. From there you'll want to investigate the different types of material. The lightest available is titanium, but it'll cost you a pretty penny. Your next option would be hard anodized aluminum. Stainless steel pots do exist, but then you might as well be stuffing rocks into your pack too.

PLATE - Ditch the plate and revel in the weight savings. Just eat straight out of the pot you cooked your meal in.

MUG - Drinking coffee or tea really jump starts a lot of peoples mornings, as well as provides a toasty warm up. If this sounds like you, I recommend getting yourself a mug so you can enjoy your early beverage aside breakfast before hitting the trails. Insulated mugs keep your drink hot and toasty, but weigh more than a super strong titanium cup with wire handles.

UTENSILS - If you like to eat with your hands, move on along to the next section. If you prefer a utensil, a spork is the best of two worlds. Keep in mind plastic is nice and lightweight, but can sometimes break. Titanium sporks are durable and lightweight. Plus they make you look super cool and when you're not on the trail, bring it into the office to devour that microwave meal to the envy of all your coworkers.

You can find hiking clothing weighing as little as a single ounce.

CLOTHING - There really isn't any difference between what you'd wear on a regular old backpacking trip and an ultralight adventure. The difference would be no over-packing, so less extra t-shirts. One pair of pants (your choice if they zip off into shorts), one t-shirt, one long sleeve.... you get the idea. Just make sure you choose the correct amount of layers to go with the lowest temperature you're hiking in. Especially don't forget the rain gear.

SHOES - Ultralight hikers are all about ditching the heavy boots. Light hiking shoes are another way to go, whether you prefer a mid or low height is your choice. Even more common is going with a pair of trail running shoes. Just remember that lighter weight shoes offer less support than a pair of backpacking boots. You'll have to decide what type of support is best for your feet. Don't forget, trail runners will also wear out faster than boots.