Lightweight Staples

Going Light?

Wish that your backpack wighed less? The best places to cut weight are in your shelter, pack and sleeping systems. Our gear reviewers scanned all the offerings, then tested tents, packs and sleeping pads all summer to give you the low-down on light. Check out the verdict in the Sept+Oct 2011 issue, with more gear reviewed here.

Shelter

reviews by Eli Boschetto

SOLO TENTS

Weighing in just under three pounds, the REI Quarter Dome T1 presents an affordable option into the solo ultra-light realm. Setup is easy utilizing a color-coded DAC Featherlite pole and tab system, but while advertised as a freestanding model, the unusual pole structure causes a lot of twisting, so staking down becomes necessary. Plus, it’s a bit on the narrow side, even for one person, so larger-sized bodies might be cramped. Our reco: opt for another pound—still plenty lightweight—and go for the larger, roomier, hiker-favorite Half Dome T2 and the fly/footprint option. Quarter Dome T1–$199; Half Dome T2–$179. www.rei.com

For four-season solo backpacking, look no further than the multi-award-winning Hilleberg Akto. This bombproof, all-weather model weighs in at a mere 3.5 pounds yet provides the shelter and comfort of larger, heavier models. The water-repellant Kerlon 1200 shell laughs at the elements while keeping you and your gear safe and dry inside. And no detail has been overlooked with the implementation of venting panels, gear pockets, zipper flaps, and a single pole system that creates plenty of interior headroom while still keeping weight to a minimum. $430  www.hilleberg.com

2-PERSON TENTS

At only four pounds in your pack (including footprint!) the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 offers the size, stability, and features you want for a weekend overnight or a two-week trek—this is first-class ultra-light tenting! The two extra-large vestibules under the waterproof fly offer plenty of room to keep boots and gear dry, while the long and roomy interior provide a comfy environment with room to spare. It comes supplied with DAC Featherlite poles and twist clips for effortless setup. For larger groups, the Copper Spur also comes in three- and four-person models. UL2–$399; UL3–$499; UL-4–$599. bigagnes.com

When it comes to hyper-light, Big Agnes’ Fly Creek UL2 sets the standard for two-person models, boasting a 3-pound packed weight—that’s tent, fly, footprint, everything! Setup is easy with DAC Featherlite NSL poles, and both the fly and tent floor are polyurethane coated to keep the wet weather outside. There are some trade-offs for going this lightweight, however. Our tester found the tent itself to be on the snug side, and the single small vestibule doesn’t offer a lot of room for gear storage. The lowdown: The UL2 makes a fantastic choice for a roomy, ultra-light solo tent, but for two-person comfort, add one more pound and go for the UL3, or the Copper Spur UL2. UL2–$349; UL3–$449  www.bigagnes.com

Not really in the ultra-light category, but worthy of a mention, the Mountain Hardwear Raven 2 is a strong, sturdy two-person model that can be simplified for weight-saving options. The unique Atlas 7001 UL pole structure creates tall vertical sidewalls for lots of interior space and headroom for a comfortable interior. And by using the PitchLight option of utilizing just the fly and footprint (sold separately)—or tent only—you can cut the pack weight in half—to just over three pounds. Save more weight by ditching the provided stakes and replacing with MSR Groundhog™ stakes. Raven 2–$250; MSR Groundhog Stakes–$19.95. www.mountainhardwear.com

BIVYS and TARPS
For a fast and ultra-light shelter without the hassle of a tent, the Black Diamond Spotlight Bivy is the way to go. At just 1.5 pounds, this thing is so light, you can throw it into the bottom of your daypack to carry as one of those just-in-case items. The large mesh ventilation panel keeps it from getting too stuffy, and the NanoShield weatherproof shell helps it withstand some of the northwest’s less-than-favorable weather conditions. It doesn’t come seam-sealed, so consider your use, and D-I-Y with McNett’s Seam Grip. Setup is tricky at first, so practice a couple of times at home before setting out on the trail with it. Spotlight Bivy–$199. www.blackdiamondequipment.com

It’s a tent, but not a tent. A nice alternative to the fly/footprint option is the MSR Twin Sisters Shelter. This 3-pound A-frame floorless model—or add a floor with the optional footprint—offers a waterproof DuraShield roof over yours and your partners heads, plus all your gear, utilizing two short poles. Cut pack weight by leaving the poles at home and using your trekking poles instead. The ground-level snow skirt helps keep the weather out, but don’t forget to leave the vents open to keep the condensation down. Twin Sisters–$249. www.cascadedesigns.com

For going ultra-minimalist, Black Diamond’s Beta Light Shelter is the 1.5-pound way to go. Super-lightweight and roomy for two people, it sets up quick using your own ski or trekking poles. Adding the optional Beta Floor adds another pound to the package, but protects your sleeping pad and bag from the ground. Similar to the Spotlight Bivy, this shelter is not seam-sealed, so treat with McNett’s Sil-Net Sealer before taking out in unfavorable conditions. Beta Light–$179; Beta Floor–$69. www.blackdiamondequipment.com

Packs

reviews by Cheri Higman

The Gregory Jade is a comfortable pack with terrific lumbar support. It holds a lot of gear well, and the two hip pockets are perfect for stashing a small camera as well as some little munchies. This pack is a tad on the heavier side, but you can remove the lid to make it lighter. This is a very nice, though not highly technical pack. Great for backpacking. www.gregorypacks.com

The Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack travels well and is light and simple. The stretch pockets on the side are deep, awesome for stashing gear on the fly, and instilling peace of mind as you know your water bottle won’t fall out while you fly down the trail. It has an excellent ability to really expand its carrying capacity due to its lack of lid, and rolltop closure system. It’s a great bet for traveling in addition to backpacking and you can throw an ice-axe on it if you so desire. www.granitegear.com

One size really can fit all, with the Deuter ACT Lite's adjustable torso and extra long hip belt. The pack has a high profile, which is good for carrying a lot of gear, just watch out when you meander under fallen logs or bushwhack through deep forests. This pack is a little heavy, but what it lacks in lightness it makes up for in comfort. All in all, a decent pack for weekend backpacking trips. www.deuter.com/en_US/

Sleeping Bags

reviews by Patrick Leahy

When cutting ounces is your main goal, then take a good look at the Mont-Bell U.L. Super Spiral Down Hugger series sleeping bags. The #3 (30F, Regular) weighs in at a mere 1lb., 5oz., while the #5 (40 degrees F, Regular) is a feathery 1lb. Both bags feature MontBell’s patented Spiral-Stretch System, so the bags “hug” every inch of your body and stretch with you as you move throughout the night. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this design, but it is very comfy and adds to the heat retention properties of the bag. The durable water-repellent Polkatex fabric is also a really nice feature, especially in the Pacific Northwest. These bags are ultralight, comfortable, super packable, and priced reasonably too. #3 (30F) - $284; #5 (40F) - $234 Make sure to read about the entire line of MontBell bags at www.montbell.us

When I stuff the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 45 into its sack and toss it in my pack, it disappears. The sack is designed perfectly for this bag and compresses it fully. In fact, I found myself using this stuff sack for many of the other 30 degrees F to 40 degrees F bags I tested. What’s remarkable about this bag is that it’s EN rated to 32 degree F, keeping the average male just as comfortable as the majority of the 30 degrees F bags in the market and it weighs less (1lb 3oz). The Phantom 45 costs $250, while the Phantom 32 (EN rated to 29F, 1lb 7oz) runs $290. Both are very solid choices for ultra light, 2 to 3 season comfort. However, if you’re looking for a 3 to 4 season ultralight bag, the Phantom line also sports 15 degrees F and 0 degrees F options. www.mountainhardwear.com