Where I Buy Ultralight Gear

My Backpack in 2009 for my first thruhike of the PCT

In fall 2008, when I began planning for my first thruhike of the PCT, I had only vague notions of what it would require to be properly outfitted and prepared for such a journey. Like many people setting out on their first long distance hike, I had only had minor experience with backpacking from the likes of Boy Scouts and some other overnight trips. Although there is nothing wrong with bringing heavy gear and doing fewer miles, that approach isn't the most apt for long trails (or much fun!). Over the last 6 years I have completed 5 thruhikes of varying lengths, taken two long distance bicycle touring trips and have learned how to minimize my gear and weight. Not only has it saved me tons of extra work, it has made my trips more enjoyable. In this post, I'd like to share some of my favorite companies where I buy ultralight gear from.

Ultralight Gear

2012 PCT speed hike backpack.

In the long distance hiking community weight is a top concern because of the large amount of miles that have to be covered. The more weight one carries, the more energy one has to spend on carrying that weight versus using that energy to go further. For example, if one was to carry 1 lbs for 2,000 miles (the 3 major long distance trails in the US are all over 2,000 miles), the energy spent to move that 1 lbs would be equal to carrying 1 TON for 1 mile. That's a whole lot of extra calories! Therefore it is in ones best interest to reduce as much weight as practical. Some people (like myself) go to the extremes of taking the labels off my water bottles to reduce those few extra grams of weight. My thought is, if it serves no function and I can eliminate it, why not do so? Grams, however minute, do add up in the end.

My gear list will accompany the next post, or you can download my gear list spreadsheet from the right panel.

When it comes to ultralight pack weights, my base weight is down with some of the best. It includes everything I need...the "I" is important, because many people will not do well or enjoy their hike as much with as little as I carry. Thus, this post is not about which particular items to buy, but rather about the manufactures who make products that I use. One of the hardest parts about choosing gear is simply knowing that a certain product exists! That's where I'm hoping this will help.

2015 PCT speed hike backpack.

Usually the three heaviest items for backpacking are the backpack itself, the shelter and the sleeping bag. Here is where you can really trim your baseweight down by selecting some ultralight gear. I'll be honest, top of the line ultralight gear is expensive because of the specialized fabrics used. But, think of it this way - If you are on trail for 5 months, your shelter and sleeping bag are your "home" so upgrading to the nicest stuff is well worth it. Divide the rough cost for both a shelter and sleeping bag, say $700, by each day you are on trail (150-ish days) and you will be spending less than $5 a day for "rent". If you rent an apartment, you're probably spending at least $10-20 a day. Ultralight gear is an investment, but one with high returns. Plus, you can usually use it for years to come after your thruhike.

*Note - Most of the ultralight companies I highlight are small and make the items as orders are received. This means that around January, orders start to become delayed by weeks. If you are interested in buying an item from them, try and beat the spring rush, or your gear may not arrive until after your start date!

My favorite ultralight companies: 
(links are also on the right-side panel)
(I am not being payed to promote these companies, they simply make durable, lightweight gear that I have tested and is worthy of praise.) 

Enlightened Equipment: http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/
I own two of their quilts and their weight and warmth can't be beat! A down quilt is lighter than a down sleeping bag, so don't get stuck with the mindset that you need a sleeping bag. A quilt is more of a hybrid between a sleeping bag and a blanket. You don't need to sleep on your bed at home in a sleeping bag, so you don't need one outdoors either!

Mountain Laurel Designs: https://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/

I own three of the same MLD backpacks and one of their nifty poncho-tarps. The weight of these backpacks is incredible. After a little trimming, my pack weighs under 1 lbs! and that's with an XL sized backpack (based on person size not carry capacity). They have many shelter choices too besides the minimalist poncho-tarp, which is great for trails like the PCT with little rain and where cowboy camping is usually an option.

Gossamer Gear: http://gossamergear.com/
I primarily buy sleep pads and ground tarps from Gossamer Gear, but do own one of their shelters too. They offer a variety of items and are worth checking out. Many people highly recommend their packs.

ZPacks: http://www.zpacks.com/
I primarily buy accessory type stuff (stuff sacks, gloves, beanies) from them, but they also offer a wide range of cuben fiber packs and shelters and have more recently added sleeping bags/quilts. Because they mainly use cuben fiber, their prices tend to be pretty high. Cuben fiber IS lighter than ripstop nylon, however I like knowing that I don't have to worry about durability as much when using the ripstop.

Montbell: http://www.montbell.us/
I own around 5 articles of clothing from Montbell, mostly outerlayers like jackets and windpants. You can't really go wrong with either their synthetic or down versions, however two elite thruhikers I know prefer the synthetics. I prefer them as well, unless on a speed hike where weight difference really matters. They are a Japanese company, so their sizing is a little skewed. I'm 6'5" and skinny (185 lbs) and wear a Montbell medium jacket and it fits me better than any other gear I own - good torso length and the sleeves are long enough! I typically wear a large, but that size tends to be a bit baggy in most other garments.

This "best of" list is nowhere near complete, but for me, with the above five companies, I can pretty much cover all my basic backpacking gear needs with the items being top notch and very lightweight. More and more small ultralight gear companies are coming into the market, so I have no doubts there is other good lightweight gear being produced out there! Other companies that I know of, but have not bought from are:

Luke's Ultralite - http://lukesultralite.com/
Underground Quilts - http://undergroundquilts.com/
ULA Equipment: http://www.ula-equipment.com/
Six Moon Designs: https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/