ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING GEAR 2026
EVERY PIECE OF GEAR I CARRY.
As a Landscape Photographer and Backpacker I know the importance of choosing lightweight gear without sacrificing core functionality. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or are just starting out: I hope this list helps you find the gear you need for your next adventure. Happy hiking!
SHELTER OPTIONS
SEA to SUMMIT ALTO TR1
• 1-person, dual-wall tent
• 2.341lb / 37.5oz / 1062g
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• 1-person, dual-wall tent
• 2.341lb / 37.5oz / 1062g
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ZPACKS DUPLEXL
• 2-person, single-wall tent
• Weight: 1.3lb / 20.8oz / 589g
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• 2-person, single-wall tent
• Weight: 1.3lb / 20.8oz / 589g
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NEMO ELITE OSMO
• 2-person, dual-wall tent
• Weight: 2.06lb / 33oz / 935g
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• 2-person, dual-wall tent
• Weight: 2.06lb / 33oz / 935g
FULL REVIEW | CHECK PRICE
BACKPACKS
HYPERLIGHT SOUTHWEST 55L
• Dyneema waterproof backpack
• Weight: 2.03lb / 32.4oz / 919g
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• Dyneema waterproof backpack
• Weight: 2.03lb / 32.4oz / 919g
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HYPERLIGHT UNBOUND 40L
• Dyneema waterproof backpack
• Weight: 1.88lb / 30.0oz / 850g
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• Dyneema waterproof backpack
• Weight: 1.88lb / 30.0oz / 850g
CHECK PRICE
WAYMARK MILE 20L
• Frameless minimalist backpack
• Weight: 1lb / 16oz / 454g
DISCONTINUED
• Frameless minimalist backpack
• Weight: 1lb / 16oz / 454g
DISCONTINUED
MLD DCF PACK LINER (L)
• Keeps gear dry. Critical redundancy.
• Weight: 1.8oz / 52g
FULL REVIEW | CHECK PRICE
• Keeps gear dry. Critical redundancy.
• Weight: 1.8oz / 52g
FULL REVIEW | CHECK PRICE
SLEEP SYSTEM
EE REVELATION 20 QUILT
• Long & Wide Quilt (20° F)
• Weight: 1.56lb / 24.95oz / 707g
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• Long & Wide Quilt (20° F)
• Weight: 1.56lb / 24.95oz / 707g
CHECK PRICE
EE REVELATION 40 QUILT
• Long & wide Quilt (40° F)
• Weight: 1.09lb / 17.5oz / 495.56g
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• Long & wide Quilt (40° F)
• Weight: 1.09lb / 17.5oz / 495.56g
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GOSSAMER GEAR 1/8" FOAM
• Closed-cell foam pad
• Weight: 3.3oz / 94g | 2.7oz / 76g
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• Closed-cell foam pad
• Weight: 3.3oz / 94g | 2.7oz / 76g
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COOKING SETUP
GSI INFINITY BACKPACKER MUG
• Coffee, Tea, & Breakfast Oats.
• Weight: 3.8oz / 108g
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• Coffee, Tea, & Breakfast Oats.
• Weight: 3.8oz / 108g
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KATYDYN BeFREE WATER FILTER
• Fast water filtration system
• Weight 2.5oz / 70.8g | 1oz / 30g
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• Fast water filtration system
• Weight 2.5oz / 70.8g | 1oz / 30g
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ELECTRONICS
CLOTHING & LAYERS
COLUMBIA SILVER RIDGE LIGHT
• Long sleeve, also a short sleeve
• Weight: 6.81oz / 193g
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• Long sleeve, also a short sleeve
• Weight: 6.81oz / 193g
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prAna Brion Shorts & Pants
• Comfortable, stretchy outer layer
• 12.6oz / 357g | 9.4oz / 267g
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• Comfortable, stretchy outer layer
• 12.6oz / 357g | 9.4oz / 267g
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ALTRA LONE PEAKS 9+
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MH GHOST WHISPERER 2
• Mountain Hardware Down Jacket
• Weight: 7.8oz / 222g (hoodless)
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• Mountain Hardware Down Jacket
• Weight: 7.8oz / 222g (hoodless)
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CAMERA GEAR
SONY 70-350mm G OSS Lens
• Crop Sensor (135-525mm FOV)
• Weight: 1.44lb / 23oz / 652g
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• Crop Sensor (135-525mm FOV)
• Weight: 1.44lb / 23oz / 652g
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SIRUI AT-125 w/ LH-22 HEAD
• Ultralight Professional Tripod
• 1.7lbs / 27.2oz / 771g
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• Ultralight Professional Tripod
• 1.7lbs / 27.2oz / 771g
CHECK PRICE
STORAGE & PACK ORGANIZATION
HYPERLITE VERSA
• Dyneema Fanny Pack for Camera
• 3.07oz / 87g (no straps)
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• Dyneema Fanny Pack for Camera
• 3.07oz / 87g (no straps)
FULL REVIEW | CHECK PRICE
MLD DCF PACK LINER (L)
• Keeps gear dry. Critical redundancy.
• Weight: 1.8oz / 52g
FULL REVIEW | CHECK PRICE
• Keeps gear dry. Critical redundancy.
• Weight: 1.8oz / 52g
FULL REVIEW | CHECK PRICE