an ultralight backpacker watches the sunrise with gear from REI

Ultralight Backpacking Since 1999

We’ve been ultralight backpacking since 1999 and invite you to join us! The Adventure Alan & Co mission is to help you carry better gear and less weight. Whether you’re a weekend day hiker or an ultralight backpacking veteran, we’ve got recommendations and techniques to help improve your experience in the backcountry by carrying less weight. Happy hiking!

9lb gear list

Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 9 Pound 2023

Nine pounds of backpacking gear is all a hiker needs to be safe and warm. So, if you want to reduce pack weight without reducing comfort, look no further! The hiking gear in this guide is suitable for all 3-season conditions on trips around the world, from Alaska, to Patagonia, to Utah. Simply put, it’s better backpacking gear.

testing backpacking tents in the mountains of patagonia

Best Backpacking Tent 2023 | Lightweight & Ultralight

There is an exceptional and LIGHT tent here for every type of backpacker. But you’ll need to choose carefully to get the perfect tent for you at the right price!

Testing the best lightweight rain jacket in Patagonia during a storm on a bridge over a river

Best Lightweight Rain Jacket 2023

Find the best lightweight jacket & pants for your needs, your travel, and your budget. No BS! All these lightweight rain jackets have all earned their spot on this list by performing far better than the competition.

a backpacking test of ultralight camp quilts

Best Backpacking Quilt For Ultralight Camping 2023

The best backpacking quilt for you is right here! We’ve compiled the warmest, most affordable, ultralight camping quilts of 2023.

testing the best sleeping bags for backpacking in the forest

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag For Backpacking 2023

Find the best ultralight sleeping bag for backpacking! We’ve compiled the lightest and warmest backpacking sleeping bags in existence.

testing hiking shoes in the mountains of Alaska

Best Hiking Shoes 2023 | Trail Runners

Looking for the best hiking shoes ? Read our no BS, unbiased guide for the best hiking shoes & backpacking shoes for men and women. Your feet are arguably your most important asset on the trail. Blisters, Achilles tightness, and foot pain can all quickly derail a hiking or backpacking trip. So, finding the right hiking shoes is imperative. We can help!

adventure alan looks out on the AT using a 5 lb super ultralight gear kit

Fastpacking Super Ultralight Gear List | 5 Pound 2023

For high-milage trips, use this fastpacking super ultralight gear list weighing just 5 lbs. Hike faster, lighter, and more efficiently.

testing the best backpacking gear next to a lake

Best Backpacking Gear of 2023 | Staff Picks

Avoid being on the trail and not having what you need. Here’s our top picks for the best backpacking gear in 2023!

Adventure Alan & Co Ultralight Backpacking Content

This website exists to teach critical ultralight backpacking skills and techniques to beginners and experts alike. From how-to content and trip reports, to gear lists and buyer’s guides, make sure to stay up to date on the latest and greatest in the world of ultralight backpacking.

Ultralight Backpacking Gear Lists

Our ultralight backpacking gear lists offer a complete, item by item selection to help you pack optimally. From the 5 pound fastpacking to 9 pound ultralight, we tell you everything you need to carry into the backcountry.

testing backpacking equipment from rei co-op
adventure alan looks out on the AT using a 5 lb super ultralight gear kit
using adventure alan 3 lb day hiking gear list in the desert
adventure alan 9 pound ultralight gear list laid out at camp
testing the best backpacking gear next to a lake
couples ultralight backpacking gear for couples

Ultralight Backpacking Buyer’s Guides

Shop with confidence knowing that you’ve picked the best lightweight or ultralight gear in any given category. Our Buyers Guides cater to ultralight backpacking preferences, and we have designated sections for both Gear and Apparel.

a man in hiking pants climbs through desert sandstone

Ultralight Backpacking How-Tos

Learn something new about hiking and ultralight backpacking in our How-To Section. We cover skills, techniques, and even have and entire section dedicated to backpacking food.

Top Mistakes Using the Layering System – How to Stay Warmer and Drier
sleeping bag jail with campers in warm clothes
GAIA GPS wildfire map | Wildfire Safety | Hiking & Backpacking
Quick and Efficient Training for Backpacking

Hiking Guides & Trip Reports

Find inspiration for your next backpacking trip, or grab all of the info you need to execute a high route. We have Trip Reports and Trip Guides.

Finger Lakes Gorge

Ultralight Backpacking Product Reviews

We’re constantly testing and reviewing new ultralight backpacking products to recommend. Browse our Featured Reviews, or immerse yourself on our All Reviews Page for a wide selection of the latest and greatest.