SuperUltraLight (SUL) backpacking, by definition, calls for a base pack weight less than 5 lbs (2.27 kg). It's fallen out of favor because of the perceived difficulty of achieving such a low pack weight. Back in 2005, Backpacking Light Editor Carol Crooker published a series of articles on going SUL in different locations and styles to show how it's done. But undeniable drawbacks about SUL then were undesirable compromises and going without. Many of us concluded it is best suited for warm/dry conditions. Fast forward to the present; going SUL is much easier now, with no compromises, and less going without. We now have over 40 small companies designing and selling ultralight backpacking gear, and the big outdoor gear companies are in the game too. Now SUL is easier and better than it's ever been.
But there's one more hurdle to deal with: going SUL in the mountains, where more shelter, insulation, and rain protection are needed. All of us want to backpack in the mountains in the summertime, so SUL needs to evolve beyond secure warm/dry conditions to better meet our needs. It needs to be adapted for mountain conditions - Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking (M-SUL).
In this series I discuss the concepts, scope, expected conditions, and appropriate ultralight gear and techniques for Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking in four parts as follows:
- Part 1: Concepts and Scope. I present my rationale for M-SUL and define its scope.
- Part 2a: Selecting the Lightest Most Functional Gear-Backpack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad I identify the best gear options in each category - those that provide the functionality needed with minimal weight.
- Part 2b: Selecting the Lightest Most Functional Gear-Rainwear, Insulation, Headwear, Handwear, and Footwear
- Part 2c: Selecting the Lightest Most Functional Gear-Cooking, Water, Trekking Poles, and Accessories
- Part 3: M-SUL Base Weight Gear Lists. I present 5, 6, and 7 lbs base weight gear lists that demonstrate how easy it is to "make weight" for M-SUL and at the same time have all the shelter, insulation, and rain protection to stay dry, warm, and comfortable in the high country.
- Part 4a: Reviews of Selected Gear-Backpacks, Shelters, Sleeping Bags and Pads, Cooking Systems, Water Treatment and Trekking Poles.] (this article) Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles.
- Part 4b: Reviews of Selected Gear -- Rainwear, Insulated Clothing, Handwear and Headwear, Footwear, and Gaiters. Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Overview
- Introduction to Part 4a: Reviews of Selected Gear - Backpacks, Shelters, Sleeping Bags and Pads, Cooking Systems, and Water Treatment
- Index
- Backpacks
- Gossamer Gear Murmur Hyperlight Backpack
- Gossamer Gear Kumo Superlight Backpack
- Laufbursche HuckePÄCKchen
- ZPacks Blast 22
- Shelters
- Gardner Outdoor Lightweight Designs Solo Tarp with Vestibules
- Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape
- ZPacks Hexamid Twin
- Sleeping Bags
- Marmot Plasma 30
- Montbell UL Spiral Down Hugger #3
- Mountain Hardwear Mtn Speed 32
- Sleeping Pads
- Gossamer Gear Nightlight
- Klymit Inertia X-Frame
- Klymit Inertia X-Lite
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Short
- Cooking Systems
- Gardner Outdoor Lightweight Designs Fanatic Solo Cook Kit
- Trail Designs Caldera Keg-F and Trail Designs Caldera Keg-GVP
- Water Treatment
- Aqua-Mira Water Treatment Drops
- Aqua-Mira Water Purifier Tablets
- Potable Aqua
- Sawyer Squeeze Filter
- SteriPen Freedom
- Trekking Poles
- Black Diamond Ultra Distance
- Gardner Outdoor Lightweight Designs GOLD FL
- Gossamer Gear LT4
- Preview of Part 4b
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