The 6 Best Sustainable Ultralight Synthetic Insulated Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking [2026]
Layer up with one of these ultralight synthetic insulated jackets so you can stay warm without the weight.
-
-
5 Ultralight Backpacking Gadgets we Actually Take on Every Trip
After testing lots of UL tools, there are a few small pieces of gear that we do absolutely love and bring along on most, if not all, wilderness excursions. These are the ones we’ve found are worth packing because they make camp life easier and are plenty functional.
-
The 4 Best Ultralight Hiking Shirts to Protect Your Delicate Epidermis
These are our favorite sustainable ultralight hiking shirts that not only keep you cool and looking fly, but offer UPF protection, too.
-
10 More Ultralight Backpacking Gadgets: Is This UL Gear Worth the Weight or a Waste of Space?
Ultralight backpacking gadgets are a dime a dozen these days. But are they all actually worth the weight? We tested 10 to find out.
-
Ultralight Tent Showdown: Hyperlite Unbound vs Zpacks Duplex
Hyperlite vs Zpacks: We tested a tent from two powerhouse ultralight brands and break down their differences to help you decide which to add to your kit for many adventures to come.
-
The Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 45L UL Backpack is Almost $600. Is it Worth It?
The Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 45L is nearly $600. But is this flashy ultralight pack worth the investment? We tested it to find out.
-
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 3 Platinum is $200 Off During Backcountry’s Summer Sale
Now through August 22, Backcountry is offering up to 50% off end-of-season items, including the Tiger Wall 3 Platinum at 30% off.
-
The 4 Best Sustainable Ultralight Rain Jackets for Backpacking So You Can Stay Dry Without the Weight
Looking for an ultralight rain jacket that won’t weight you down on your next backpacking trip or day hike? These are some of the best of the best if you’re looking to cut weight from your pack but still stay dry and happy during soggy expeditions. Bonus: All of these are PFAS-free.
-
The 10 Best Ultralight Knives For Backpacking: Ranked
For the ultralight backpacker, everything comes down to weight. If a piece of gear is going to earn a place in your pack it has to be light, functional and useful. So here are 10 knives, complete with deets about which ones are our favorites after testing, what each is best for, and how much they weigh.
-
The Best Synthetic Ultralight Backpacking Quilts and Sleeping Bags for Summer [2026]!
Down is often considered the superior insulator when it comes to sleeping bags for backpacking or camping. But it’s not the best choice for every adventure or every adventurer. If you’re vegan, down isn’t since it’s harvested from dead animals. If you’re on a budget, down is prohibitively expensive. Or if you want a versatile bag that’s suitable for all types of weather, down doesn’t insulate at all when it’s wet. The alternative? Synthetic insulation. But synthetic ultralight sleeping bags are often few and far between since the material is a bit heavier than down. So what’s an ultralighter to do? Try one of these synthetic ultralight bags on for size, of course!
