Sources for Ultralight and Lightweight Backpacking Equipment

This is only a small sample of the many sources for light equipment. Many other sources can be found by reading through the reviews and technique articles at Backpacking Light www.backpackinglight.com.  You can also check out forums/discussions for advice:

• Backpacking Light.com Forums
• Yahoo discussion group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight/
• WhiteBlaze.net http://www.whiteblaze.net/

Personal Favorites (mostly small manufacturers)

• Backpacking Light www.backpackinglight.com (ultralight focused clothing, sleeping quilts, shelters, etc.)
• Gossamer Gear www.GossamerGear.com  (packs, shelters, sleeping gear - formerly GVP Gear)
• Henry Shires’ Tarptents www.tarptent.com (tents)
• Six Moon Designs www.sixmoondesigns.com (packs & tents)
• AntiGravityGear http://www.antigravitygear.com/ (excellent stoves, cook wear, shelter & clothing)
• Trail Designs http://www.traildesigns.com/ (superb ultralight cooking systems)
• Jacks ‘R’ Better http://www.jacksrbetter.com/ (hammocks, sleeping bags/quilts, shelters)
• Integral Designs www.integraldesigns.com/  (excellent gear for serious backpackers and climbers)
• Oware USA http://www.owareusa.com/ (shelters, bivies, stuff sacs – light and practical)
• ULA Equipment www.ula-equipment.com (excellent packs and some other equipment)
• Inov-8 Shoes http://www.inov-8.com/ (IMO the best lightweight footwear!)

Other Excellent Light Focused Gear Providers

• Golite www.golite.com (one of the oldest makers of UL equipment on a large scale)
• Montbell www.montbell.com/america/index.asp (light and nice - a bit pricey)
• Outdoor Research http://www.outdoorresearch.com/ (tons of good light stuff)
• ProLite Gear www.prolitegear.com/ (carries a bunch of light gear)
• Wild Things www.wildthingsgear.com/ (climber oriented but good for backpacking)
• Equinox www.equinoxltd.com/  (inexpensive & light gear - sold at Campmor, REI, & Backcountry Gear)
• Mountain Laurel Designs http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/ (very light! packs, shelters, clothing, sleep quilts)
• Moonbow www.moonbowgear.com/ (Packs, shelters, misc. gear, custom sewing)

General Outfitters

• Pro Mountain Sports www.promountainsports.com/ (carries a bunch of light gear)
• Backcountry Gear www.backcountrygear.com/
• REI www.rei.com (unfortunately only a small portion of their vast inventory is light equipment)
• Campmor www.campmor.com (only some item - carries Red Ledge & Equinox)
• Marmot Mountain Works www.marmotmountain.com/ (clothing & sleeping bags)
• Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) www.mec.ca/ (some light clothing & gear – good value)
• Patagoina www.patagonia.com/ (in with all the urban-vanity-wear is some very light gear)
• Sierra Designgs www.sierradesigns.com/ (good UL down bags & clothing)
• Sierra Trading Post www.sierratradingpost.com/  (Good deals on closeouts)

Clothing

• Red Ledge Thunderlight www.redledge.com/ (inexpensive light raingear at Campmor & other stores)
• Rainshield http://www.rainshield.com/ and also availabe s(at the Up North Store)
• Frogg Toggs & DriDucks http://www.froggtoggs.com/ (inexpensive ultralight raingear)
• Ibex www.ibexwear.com/
• Smartwool www.smartwool.com/ (also available through many retailers)
• Cloudveil www.cloudveil.com/

Packs

• Granite Gear www.granitegear.com (also shelters, storage sacks, and other items)
• Osprey  www.ospreypacks.com/
• Six Moon Designs www.sixmoondesigns.com (Packs & Tents)

Down Sleeping Bags and Down Clothing

• Western Mountaineering www.westernmountaineering.com
• Feathered Friends www.featheredfriends.com
• Nunatak www.nunatakusa.com/ (stock and custom down bags and clothing)
• Marmot Mountaineering www.marmotmountain.com/

Stoves and Cooking

• Basic alcohol stove www.pcthiker.com (Pepsi can stove instructions)
• BUSHBUDDY wood burning stove http://www.bushbuddy.ca/ (light fuel efficient)
• Vargo http://vargooutdoors.com/ (light titanium stoves, cookware and utensils)
• Snow Peak http://www.snowpeak.com/ (light titanium stoves, cookware and utensils)