Gear worth the pack weight

The Soto WindMaster redefines canister stove performance, delivering an unwavering flame and rapid boil times even in the fiercest winds. Its innovative design with a recessed burner head and minimal pot gap makes it an essential tool for any backpacker who refuses to let the weather dictate their hot meal.

The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is the apex predator of multisport GPS watches, offering an unparalleled suite of navigation, health tracking, and performance metrics. Its solar charging capability and built-in flashlight make it an indispensable tool for serious multi-day backcountry adventures.

The best all-around day-hiking boot we tested in 2026. Light, grippy Contagrip outsole, dialed lacing, waterproof without feeling like a sauna.

Our day-hike pack of choice for five seasons running. AirScape backpanel, BioStretch harness, and just enough organization without bloat.

Packs to the size of a lemon and weighs nothing. The first layer we throw in the pack for any summit push.

Z-fold carbon poles that disappear into a pack. Save your knees on descents, no question.

Two-way satellite messaging and an SOS button the size of a key fob. If you hike alone, you want this.

The only sock with a true lifetime guarantee. Merino blend, perfect cushioning, zero blisters across hundreds of miles.

The NEMO Tensor All-Season redefines backcountry comfort with its quiet, stable, and warm construction, offering four-season performance without the usual bulk or noise. Its innovative Laylow™ zero-profile valve and included Vortex™ pump sack make inflation and adjustment a silent, effortless affair.

The Senchi Lark is a hyper-light midlayer that has redefined active insulation for the ultralight community. Using Polartec Alpha Direct fabric, it offers an unrivaled combination of warmth, weightlessness, and breathability for high-output pursuits.

The Petzl Iko Core is a revolutionary rechargeable headlamp that challenges traditional design with its ultra-light, semi-rigid AIRFIT headband. It offers exceptional comfort and balanced weight distribution, making it nearly unnoticeable during high-output activities like trail running and fastpacking.

The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 is the gold standard for ultralight power banks, packing a massive 10,000mAh capacity into a carbon fiber frame that weighs a mere 5.3 ounces. It's the go-to choice for thru-hikers and weekend warriors who need to keep essential electronics charged without adding punishing weight.

The Grayl UltraPress Ti brings bombproof purification and multi-fuel cooking capability into a single, elegant titanium bottle. It offers unparalleled protection against waterborne pathogens with a simple and satisfying ten-second press-to-purify action.

The Dan Durston X-Mid Pro 1 redefines ultralight performance with its innovative geometry and premium Dyneema fabric. It offers an unparalleled combination of storm-worthiness, interior space, and a sub-one-pound packed weight, setting a new benchmark for solo shelters.

The Durston X-Mid 1 has taken the ultralight world by storm with its brilliantly simple, yet incredibly storm-worthy, trekking pole design. Its offset pole geometry creates a spacious, dual-vestibule shelter that pitches easily and weighs next to nothing.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones utilize bone conduction technology to deliver high-quality audio without blocking your ears, keeping you aware of your surroundings. This unique open-ear design makes them an ideal and safe audio companion for solo hikers and trail runners.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P is a pinnacle of ultralight engineering, offering two-person, double-wall protection at a jaw-droppingly low weight. Crafted entirely from Dyneema Composite Fabric, this trekking pole tent redefines what's possible for fast and light backcountry travel.

The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator ensures you stay connected no matter where your adventure takes you, seamlessly switching between satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi networks. It provides global messaging, SOS alerts, and location sharing, making it an essential safety device for anyone venturing off the grid.

The Zpacks Duplex Zip redefines ultralight backpacking shelters, offering palatial space for two at a weight that rivals most one-person tents. This trekking pole tent utilizes Dyneema Composite Fabric and dual zippered doors to provide an unparalleled combination of low weight, weather protection, and ventilation.

The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L redefines the ultralight backpacking experience, combining a sub-two-pound weight with a robust external frame for exceptional comfort. Its use of advanced Ultra 200 fabric makes it one of the most durable and water-resistant packs in its weight class.

The Arc'teryx Beta AR is an icon in the world of technical shells, offering bombproof weather protection and backcountry-ready features for the serious adventurer. Its refined fit and premium materials make it a versatile choice for everything from alpine climbing to rainy-day treks.

Born from the collaboration between legendary ultrarunner Kilian Jornet and footwear company Camper, the NNormal Kjerag is a do-it-all trail shoe built for high performance across any distance or terrain. It combines exceptional grip, surprising durability, and a featherlight feel to create a new benchmark for versatile trail footwear.

The Arc'teryx Beta Jacket sets a new standard for versatile, all-around mountain performance in a minimalist hardshell. Its updated GORE-TEX construction provides unwavering waterproof and windproof protection while remaining remarkably breathable and packable for any adventure.

The Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket is a minimalist, yet highly versatile hardshell designed for a wide range of mountain activities. It offers bombproof weather protection in a lightweight, packable, and thoughtfully designed package.

The Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket redefines the do-it-all hardshell with its updated design and innovative, more sustainable Gore-Tex fabric. It offers uncompromising weather protection in a lighter, more packable form factor for a wide range of mountain pursuits.

The HOKA Speedgoat 5 continues its reign as a trail-running and hiking favorite, offering unparalleled cushioning for an exceptionally comfortable ride over long distances. Its redesigned Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lugs provides tenacious grip on the most demanding technical terrain, making it a go-to for serious adventurers.

The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 redefines ultralight performance by combining a spacious, double-wall design with an astonishingly low weight, thanks to its Dyneema Composite Fabric construction. Its innovative offset pole geometry provides unparalleled storm-worthiness and livable space without the typical compromises of single-pole pyramid shelters.

The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX redefines the modern hiking boot by merging classic style with innovative, lightweight comfort. Its Vibram SPE midsole and Fuga outsole provide exceptional cushioning and grip, making it versatile enough for rugged trails and city streets.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 redefines the ultralight pack with a thoughtful feature set and bomber Dyneema construction. It's a minimalist masterpiece engineered for thru-hikers and weekend warriors who refuse to compromise on weight or durability.

The Zpacks Plex Solo is the gold standard for solo ultralight backpackers seeking to shed every possible ounce without sacrificing full protection from the elements. This non-freestanding, single-wall tent leverages a trekking pole for support, offering an incredible space-to-weight ratio that thru-hikers and weekend warriors will appreciate.

The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 redefines what's possible in an ultralight, two-person trekking pole shelter, offering palatial space and storm-worthy performance at a staggeringly low weight. By utilizing Dyneema Composite Fabric and a brilliant offset pole design, it delivers exceptional livability without the typical compromises of minimalist shelters.

The Zpacks Duplex Lite redefines ultralight backpacking shelters by offering palatial space for a solo hiker at a weight that's barely noticeable in your pack. Built with Dyneema Composite Fabric and a simple two-pole pitch, it's the gold standard for thru-hikers and weight-conscious adventurers seeking a reliable, storm-worthy haven.

The Katabatic Gear Flex is a premier ultralight quilt revered for its innovative pad attachment system and exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Its versatile design allows for temperature regulation, making it a top choice for three-season backpackers seeking comfort without compromise.

Jetboil, long the king of integrated canister stove systems, enters the ultralight arena with its lightest and most compact offering yet. The Stash combines a feathery titanium burner with a nested 0.8L aluminum pot for unmatched packability and boiling speed.

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT refines a backcountry legend, delivering impressive warmth and comfort in an ultralight package. Its updated construction significantly reduces the notorious 'crinkle' noise of its predecessor, ensuring a quieter night for you and your tentmates.

The latest iteration of Hoka's legendary trail shoe, the Speedgoat 6, offers a lighter, more responsive ride without sacrificing its signature maximalist cushion. Featuring a revamped upper and a stickier outsole, it's built to tackle any terrain with confidence and comfort.

The Zpacks Duplex Zip sets the gold standard for ultralight two-person shelters, offering an unrivaled weight-to-space ratio thanks to its Dyneema Composite Fabric construction. It's a trekking pole-supported tent purpose-built for serious thru-hikers and backpackers who prioritize shaving grams above all else.