Big 3
Tent, Backpack, Sleeping Bag/Quilt, Sleeping Pad
These items are critical to your comfort and safety but also tend to be the heaviest. Choosing lightweight, high-quality options for your Big 3 can significantly reduce your overall pack weight.
Tents
MSR Hubba 1
The MSR Hubba 1 was my very first backpacking tent, and it holds a special place in my outdoor journey. It’s more than just a shelter—it was my reliable companion through all kinds of weather and adventures.
What I Loved:
Ease of Setup: The single-pole system is brilliantly designed—fast, intuitive, and impossible to misplace. Whether you’re pitching it in fading light or after a long day on the trail, it’s a breeze to set up.
Storm Worthiness: This tent has stood firm through snow, hail, rain, and intense heat. Its durable construction and thoughtful design make it a trustworthy choice for all your three-season backpacking needs.
Spacious Interior: Though it’s a one-person tent, it’s roomy enough to comfortably stash your backpack inside—or even accommodate a medium-sized dog.
Key Specs:
Type: 3-season backpacking tent
Sleeping Capacity: 1 person
Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
Doors: 1
Fabric: 20-denier ripstop nylon
Floor & Rainfly Coating: 1,200 mm Durashield polyurethane
The MSR Hubba 1 is perfect for solo backpackers who want a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-set-up tent. It might not be the newest tent on the market, but it’s one I’d recommend for anyone looking for a tried-and-true option for solo adventures.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 is a standout for those looking to embrace ultralight backpacking. This tent played a significant role in my transition to ultralight gear, and it’s a fantastic option for minimalist adventurers.
What I Loved:
Ultralight Design: Weighing in at just 22 oz (624g), this tent makes carrying a shelter nearly effortless, perfect for cutting pack weight without sacrificing function.
Trekking Pole Setup: One of my favorite features is its pole-free design, which utilizes your trekking poles to pitch the tent. It’s a brilliant solution that eliminates extra weight and bulk.
Two Doors: Having two doors is a game-changer, offering convenience and ventilation, especially when shared.
Waterproof Performance: This tent’s Dyneema® Composite Fabric (DCF) construction keeps the rain out, even during heavy downpours.
What I Didn’t Love:
Draftiness on Uneven Terrain: While it excels in many areas, I found it a bit drafty when pitched on uneven ground. It’s something to keep in mind if you frequently camp in rugged areas.
Key Specs:
Materials: DCF5, DCF10, No-See-Um Mesh
Weight: 22 oz (624 g)
Capacity: 1–2 people
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 tent is a fantastic option for those looking to shed weight without compromising on key features like weather protection and versatility. While it’s not without its quirks, its benefits far outweigh any drawbacks for ultralight enthusiasts.
Photo Coming Soon
Still in Review!
Durston Xmid 1
The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 is a brand-new addition to my gear setup, and while I haven’t yet slept in it overnight, I’m already impressed with its design and features. This tent was carefully chosen for its ultralight weight and stormworthy construction, and I can’t wait to put it to the test on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Initial Impressions:
Featherlight Build: At just 15.5 oz, this tent feels incredibly light straight out of the box—perfect for long-distance thru-hiking.
Stormworthy Reputation: Durston emphasizes this tent’s durability and weather resistance, giving me confidence that it’ll handle tough conditions.
Spacious Design: The interior seems roomy, with plenty of space to sit up and organize gear.
Smart Trekking Pole Placement: Unlike many trekking pole tents, the poles don’t obstruct the entrance—a small detail that makes a big difference in convenience.
Key Specs:
Weight: 15.5 oz
Materials: Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)
This tent already feels like a game-changer for my ultralight setup, and I’m excited to see how it performs in real conditions. I’ll be sure to share an updated review after some nights out in the backcountry!
Backpacks
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Junction Backpack
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack is hands-down my all-time favorite pack. I’ve gone through two of them, and no matter how many other packs I consider or try, I always come back to this one.
What I Love:
Functional Exterior Pockets: The large mesh center pocket and two solid-fabric side pockets are game-changers. The side pockets are perfect for stashing water bottles within easy reach, while the center pocket is great for quick-access items like snacks, a rain jacket, or maps—no need to dig through your pack!
Waterproof Build: This is probably my favorite feature. Knowing that rain or snow won’t soak my gear is a huge relief on any adventure, especially in unpredictable conditions.
Reliability and Durability: It’s built to handle the demands of long-distance hiking while keeping my gear dry and secure.
What to Consider:
Heavier Than Some Ultralight Packs: At 31.6 oz (896 g), it’s not the absolute lightest, but the durability and functionality more than make up for the slightly extra weight.
Key Specs:
Volume: 55L or 40L
Weight: 31.6 oz (896 g)
The Junction is my go-to pack for any serious adventure. If you value durability, waterproofing, and practical design, this pack is an incredible choice. It’s one I’ll keep coming back to for years to come.
Gossamer Gear Kumo 36
The Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack was a surprising find for me, especially as someone who was loyal to Hyperlite packs for so long. But after trying the Kumo, I was blown away by its design and performance.
What I Love:
Incredible Lightweight Design: At just 20 oz, this pack is impressively light without sacrificing durability. The frameless construction, paired with ultra-light hardware and compression features, makes it perfect for minimalists.
Flawless Design: The attention to detail is impeccable, and can we talk about the yellow color? It’s such a bold and fun touch that makes the pack stand out.
Durability: The recycled Robic nylon fabric is tough yet light, holding up well to rugged trails.
Thoughtful Features: The detachable Fastbelt and removable SitLight pad add versatility and comfort while keeping the weight low.
What I Didn’t Love:
Not Water Resistant: This is the one area where I miss my Hyperlite bags. Because the Kumo isn’t water-resistant, I have to use a pack liner to keep my gear dry, which adds a bit of extra hassle.
Key Specs:
Capacity: 36L
Weight: 20 oz
Features:
Detachable Fastbelt
Removable SitLight Pad
Recycled nylon fabric
Overall, the Kumo 36 is a fantastic pack for ultralight enthusiasts who want a durable, well-designed option for shorter trips or lighter loads. It’s stylish, functional, and dependable—just don’t forget your pack liner if the weather looks iffy!
Sleeping Pads
Therm-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad has been an incredible companion on my backpacking adventures. It excels in keeping me warm and comfortable, even in freezing conditions, making it a trusted piece of gear for any season.
What I Loved:
Warmth and R-Value: With an impressive R-value of 4.5, this pad delivers exceptional insulation. As someone who tends to feel the cold, this was a key reason I chose it, and it hasn’t let me down.
Comfortable Sleep: The 3-inch thickness provides a cushy, supportive sleep surface that makes a big difference after a long day on the trail.
Easy to Use: Inflating the pad is quick and simple, and it packs down small for ultralight backpacking.
Repairability: Over time, I’ve encountered a few punctures, but the included repair kit made fixing them a breeze—prolonging the life of this trusty pad.
What I Didn’t Love:
Noisy: The only downside is the crinkly sound it makes when you move around. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be a bit disruptive, especially in a quiet campsite.
Key Specifications:
R-Value: 4.5
Weight: Regular 12 oz
Photo Coming Soon
Still in Review!
Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
Yes, I know I’ve raved about the Sea to Summit sleeping pad, but I recently had the chance to try the Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad—and I have to say, I’m really impressed. As a cold sleeper who needs a bit more cushion for recovery, this sleeping pad has become my new go-to.
What I’m Looking Forward to:
Warmth and R-Value: With an R-value of 5.4, this pad has been a game-changer for me in cold conditions. It’s perfect for all-season use, providing excellent insulation against the cold ground.
Comfort: The cushioning is fantastic—firm enough for support, but soft enough to give you a plush night’s sleep. It’s exactly what I need to recover after a long day of hiking.
Pump Sack Included: I really appreciate that this pad comes with a pump sack, making inflation quick and easy without using breath, which helps keep the pad dry and maintains its insulating properties.
Key Specifications:
Weight: 14.1 oz
R-Value: 5.4
The Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad offers exceptional comfort and warmth for cold sleepers like me. Its lightweight design, combined with the high R-value, makes it a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable warmth and cushion on the trail.
Sleeping Quilts
Cedar Ridge Quilt
I’ve always been a sleeping bag person, but the appeal of lightweight sleeping quilts was too strong to ignore, so I decided to give one a try. My first quilt came from Cedar Ridge Outdoors, and although they’ve been out of business since 2020, this quilt has remained a favorite of mine.
What I Loved:
Lightweight Design: This quilt opened my eyes to how much weight I could save without sacrificing comfort. It's been a huge asset on my ultralight backpacking trips.
Comfortable Goose Down Fill: The warmth and softness of the goose down are perfect for keeping me cozy without the bulk of a traditional sleeping bag.
Versatile Foot Box: The foot box is designed with a button closure and a drawstring tightener that allows me to adjust ventilation by letting more air in or keeping the warmth contained—such a simple, yet brilliant feature.
Convertible Design: The quilt can be completely undone and turned into a traditional blanket, which is an awesome feature when I need a bit more versatility on warmer nights.
Key Features:
Insulation: Goose down
Foot Box: Buttoned with adjustable tightener
Convertible: Can be turned into a quilt
Even though Cedar Ridge Outdoors is no longer in business, this quilt is still one of my favorite pieces of gear. It combines warmth, comfort, and versatility in a way that makes it perfect for my backpacking needs.
Photo Coming Soon
Still in Review!
Enlightened Equipment Revelation - Trail Madness
I’m beyond excited to finally own an Enlightened Equipment quilt, especially the REVELATION CUSTOM ARTIST SERIES - TRAIL MADNESS edition! This quilt has been highly praised by fellow backpackers, and I’m eager to share my thoughts after putting a few miles on it. Plus, the collaboration with one of my favorite gear shops, Jolly Gear, makes this even more special.
Why I Chose It:
Cold Sleeper Alert: I went with the 0-degree quilt because, well, I'm a cold sleeper, and I need all the warmth I can get. I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up in chilly temps.
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Footbox Design: The 20" zipper footbox sounds like it will offer a great balance of warmth and flexibility.
Temperature Control: The pad attachment system, along with the snap and drawcord around the neck, promises easy temperature regulation, a feature I can’t wait to test out in real conditions.
Key Specifications:
Weight: 29.32 oz
Footbox: 20" zipper
Features:
Pad attachment system
Snap and drawcord around the neck to regulate temperature
I’ll update this review once I’ve had the chance to get some solid trail time in with it, but for now, I’m really looking forward to testing out this piece of gear!
