Published March 24, 2026, 01:32 PM Ultralight hiking, much like adopting a healthy eating regimen, offers undeniable benefits once you equip yourself with the right components. The pursuit of a lighter pack weight creates a positive cascade effect, significantly enhancing trail comfort. This increased comfort translates directly into the ability to pursue your passion more vigorously: venturing farther, immersing yourself in more breathtaking vistas, conquering more summits, and ultimately, extending the number of days you can dedicate to the activity you love. The impact extends beyond the physical, imbuing your hiking experience with a renewed sense of energy and a transformed mindset that influences not only your approach to individual hikes but also your long-term planning strategies. Fortunately, for aspiring and seasoned ultralighters alike, esteemed gear manufacturers like REI are making the journey to significant weight savings more accessible and economically viable than ever before. This season, the emphasis is on acquiring top-tier equipment without compromising on performance or budget. REI, a trusted name in outdoor retail, serves as a convenient hub, allowing you to source some of the industry’s most innovative gear under one roof. This article delves into a curated selection of this season’s standout products, meticulously chosen to help you shed unnecessary ounces, elevate your hiking comfort, and significantly increase the mileage you can comfortably log. The Foundation of Lightness: Shelter and Sleep At the heart of any successful backpacking trip lies a reliable shelter and a restorative night’s sleep. This year’s ultralight offerings prioritize both, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for a lighter load. The Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent is a prime example of this evolution in shelter design. Imagine having ample interior space and robust weather protection while weighing in at just over a pound. This is precisely what the String Ridge VST delivers. Its generously proportioned interior provides ample room for a solo hiker to stretch out or even accommodate a canine companion. The innovative asymmetrical roofline intelligently maximizes headroom without adding any discernible weight penalty, a common compromise in many ultralight tents. Utilizing next-generation fabrics, this tent demonstrates exceptional water repellency, ensuring you stay dry even in inclement weather. Furthermore, its hybrid wall construction offers the best of both worlds. It boasts the setup simplicity often associated with single-wall tents, effectively mitigating the condensation issues that can plague traditional single-wall designs, thus providing a more comfortable and drier interior. Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz. (1 lb. 3 oz. stripped) Total Area: 22 square feet Complementing a lightweight shelter is a comfortable sleeping system. The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad is engineered to ensure that quality sleep remains a non-negotiable aspect of your backpacking experience, positioning a cozy camp bed as an absolute essential. This inflatable pad provides a generous 2.6 inches of cushioning, enhanced by a layer of internal insulation that boosts its R-value to 3.6. This R-value is more than sufficient to keep you warm and comfortable on spring, summer, and fall trips. The inclusion of dual valve openings is a thoughtful design element, allowing for separate inflation and deflation processes, making setup and packing remarkably straightforward. Even more impressive is the pad’s compressibility; all this advanced technology packs down into a slim stuffsack that is no larger than a liter water bottle, making it an indispensable addition to any ultralight kit. Weight: 15 oz. (regular) Sizes: Short, regular, large Footwear: The Unsung Hero of Miles The importance of appropriate footwear in ultralight hiking cannot be overstated. It’s the direct interface between you and the trail, and selecting the right pair can dictate your ability to go farther and feel better doing it. The HOKA Mafate Hike Boots are a testament to the evolving capabilities of trail-inspired footwear for backpacking. While trail running shoes are often lauded for their lightness, many lack the necessary robustness for challenging terrain, especially when carrying a pack. The Mafate, however, strikes an ideal balance, offering the perfect fusion of cushioning, durability, and stability. Its sturdy ankle support and substantial cushioning make it an exceptional hybrid choice for both fastpacking and thru-hiking endeavors. Despite its lightweight construction, the Mafate incorporates crucial features such as deep lugs that provide superior traction on wet or loose surfaces, and breathable mesh panels that efficiently vent sweat vapor. This combination is instrumental in preventing blisters, even during high-mileage days and rapid ascents. Weight: 1 lb. 10.2 oz. (Men’s), 1 lb. 6.7 oz. (Women’s) Sizes: Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-11 Apparel: Protection and Performance Clothing in ultralight hiking is not merely about comfort; it’s about intelligent layering and protection against the elements, all while minimizing weight. The REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie is a quintessential piece for any ultralight hiker, embodying the principle of a featherweight sun shirt. It is exceptionally difficult to find a sun shirt that is lighter than the Flash Shade Hoodie. The innovative ShadeFactor fabric provides an impressive UPF 50+ rating, offering robust protection against harmful UV rays. The full-coverage hood is designed to shield your neck and face, areas often exposed and susceptible to sun damage. Additional thoughtful features enhance its utility: integrated thumb holes ensure the sleeves stay securely in place over the backs of your hands, preventing sun exposure on your wrists. The women’s version even includes a practical ponytail port, a small but appreciated detail for many hikers. Furthermore, the Flash Shade Hoodie is consciously constructed with 67% recycled materials, aligning with sustainable outdoor practices. Weight: 6 oz. (Men’s) Sizes: Men’s S-XXL, Women’s XS-3X Complementing the sun protection of the hoodie are the REI Co-op Flash Pants. The secret to crafting an ultralight wardrobe hinges on the choice of fabric, and the Flash Pants exemplify this. They are designed to move with you, weigh virtually nothing, and pack down to an incredibly small size. Crafted from a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric, these lightweight trousers boast a UPF 50+ rating and a water-repellent coating. This dual functionality means you are adequately protected, whether your trail leads you through scorching sun, unexpected summer showers, or a combination of conditions. Weight: 8 oz. (Men’s) Sizes: Men’s S-XXXL, Women’s XS-3X The Backbone of Your Load: The Backpack The backpack is arguably the most critical piece of ultralight gear, directly impacting how comfortable you feel on the trail. It needs to balance weight savings with effective load distribution. The Mountain Hardwear Kazam 60 represents a crucial intersection where the pursuit of gram-counting meets the practical realities of backpacking. It’s counterproductive to shave weight from a pack only to suffer discomfort due to poor load-bearing capabilities. The Kazam 60 employs a full suspension system that allows it to carry loads as if it were a pack twice its size, striking an ideal balance between performance and weight. The ingenious design features a V-shaped aluminum frame embedded within the back panel. The apex of the V connects to the center of a plushly padded, swiveling waistbelt. This innovative setup effectively transfers the load to your hips, significantly reducing strain on your shoulders, and crucially, minimizes pack sway on uneven terrain, enhancing stability and confidence with every step. The pack is further enhanced with features inspired by thru-hiking designs, including a gusseted dorsal pouch for easy access to essentials, vest-style chest pockets for quick stashes, and a lightweight yet robust ripstop nylon construction. These elements combine to make the Kazam 60 an exceptional choice for long-distance, high-mileage trips. Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz. (S/M) Sizes: XS/S-M/L For those seeking a more budget-conscious yet highly effective solution for carrying their gear, the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 Pack is an outstanding option. This pack masterfully navigates the challenge of balancing significant weight savings with affordability. Its minimalist design and cost-effective materials contribute to its status as a remarkable bargain within its weight class. Despite its economical approach, it retains essential features crucial for comfort and functionality, including a well-designed suspension system and intelligently placed accessory pockets. The integration of an internal frame and a padded hipbelt ensures that the Flash 50 can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds without causing undue strain on your shoulders. Practicality is further enhanced by a chest pouch, dual hipbelt pockets, and easily accessible water bottle sleeves, keeping your essentials within reach while on the move. A convenient shove-it pocket allows for the effortless stashing of rain gear without needing to interrupt your stride. Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz. (Women’s) Sizes: Women’s XS-M, Men’s S-L The REI Difference: Community and Purpose It is worth noting the broader context of REI’s involvement in the outdoor gear market. REI, a specialty outdoor retailer headquartered near Seattle, operates as the nation’s largest consumer cooperative. It fosters a vibrant community of over 25 million members who value and seek out the highest quality gear alongside exceptional customer service. REI’s commitment extends beyond commerce; it is a purpose-driven and values-led organization dedicated to the mission of enabling "life outside for all." This ethos underpins their selection of products and their dedication to supporting the outdoor community, making them an integral partner for anyone looking to embrace the ultralight hiking lifestyle. Their comprehensive range of offerings ensures that hikers of all levels can find the essential equipment to enhance their adventures, making REI a one-stop shop for those looking to outfit themselves for the trail. Post navigation Mountain Hardwear’s New Apparel Line: Conquer Any Element with Advanced Protection The Unlikely Odyssey of the Spork: From Victorian Curiosities to Backpacking Essential
