Tracking New Ultralight Gear Releases
We love testing out new ultralight gear, and here we’ll catalog our favorite new releases to help keep you in the know on prominent industry developments. This list will never be complete, but we’ll strive to update it frequently. Styles that were released more than a year ago will be removed as they age out. If you have a suggestion, please drop us a line in the comments.
We’ve handpicked this assortment of high-performance new ultralight gear to highlight major releases in the year thus far, based largely on our own preferences, and perception of marketplace significance. We will note styles here before testing them, and any analysis is based largely on spec. Please note that the emphasis is on prominent releases. This is not a catalog of every new piece of ultralight gear from every brand or custom designer. Lastly, it is not claiming to highlight strictly best-in-class equipment. For coverage of existing styles, please refer to our buyer’s guides and gear lists.
Cover Photo: Zpacks Duplex Pro
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The New Ultralight Gear
Katadyn BeFree AC Filter Bottle
3.66 oz | $55 (900ml version)
Katadyn BeFree AC Bottle is the second hard-sided squeeze filter to market, following in the hallowed footsteps of HydraPak Breakaway+ in 2025, and easily besting the classic Sawyer + Smartwater combo on both weight, shape, and functionality. Like Breakaway, BeFree uses a self-burping design which automatically refills the bottle with air when you release your squeeze (no need to open the top). But unlike Breakaway, you also get removable activated charcoal filtration, a burly pull/carabiner extension, and screw on threading that doesn’t leak when squeezed aggressively.
Grubcan Carbon Kevlar
24 oz | $500 (6.6L version)
Grubcan’s Carbon Kevlar edition is an immediate contender for the new best bear canister. The 6.6L version weighs only 24 ounces, rivaling Bearikade and easily outperforming the ever-popular Bearvault BV. We’re particular keen on Grubcan’s combo lock opening – simply align each of the three spinning lid layers into their open position and pull upward. Voile, it’s grub time. Also worth noting that the wavy exterior interacts very securely with Y-straps for the purpose of top mounting. Value shoppers may opt for the lower volume-to-weight polycarbonate version.
Arc’teryx Cerium SL
8.3 oz | $450
The Men’s and Women’s Cerium SL are Arc’teryx’s lightest weight down jackets, and high performers in terms of warmth-to-weight, besting 99% of alternatives on the market. Notable elements include the use of 1000 fill power down, and strategically placed synthetic insulation at the shoulders, arm pits, and cuffs for improved moisture resistance.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pemi 15
12.4 oz | $250
Seeing HMG drop an ALUULA Graflyte pack was a shock to the system, considering how the Dyneema-loyalist brand entirely skipped out on the Challenge ULTRA era of 2023-2025. Pemi 15 is a sleek running vest that takes advantage of ALUULA’s monopolymner, heat bonding compatibility to boost waterproofness and decrease seams. This looks like a really sweet pack for runners and we can’t wait to test it out!
Mountain Hardwear Ghoul 20F
22.3 oz | $775
Mountain Hardwear Ghoul 20F is an ultralight, ultra-premium variable-fill sleeping bag designed for optimal warmth-to-weight ratio. More of the 950 fill power down is concentrated in the upper half, which – in tandem with a warmth reflective layer – insulates against heat’s natural tendency to escape upward.
Arc’teryx Alpha SL Jacket
8.2 oz | $500
At just over eight ounces, Arc’teryx Alpha SL is the lightest rain shell ever to use GORE-TEX Pro, a WP/B membrane more frequently found in garments 4-8 times heavier. Extra exciting for those who don’t want to compromise between ultralight and long lasting.
Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 45
28.9 oz | $575
Mountain Hardwear Alakazam is one of the first mainstream Outdoor Industry brand designs offered in ALUULA, and the brand took a really big swing on this one. The incredibly unique design is certainly the most interesting pack we’ve seen thus far in 2026, and combines best-in-class fabric with an articulated hip belt, running vest harness shoulder straps, and XXXL side pockets to great effect. No other option offers the same configuration and benefit set, and boy howdy does it look high tech. But a super high price tag combined with odd pocket sizing gives us pause. Note that when factoring in external pockets, the 45L version is actually a 65L pack. Read more in our full length Mountain Hardwear Alakazam Review.
Outdoor Research Helium UL
5.7 oz | $225
Outdoor Research’s flagship ultralight jacket, the Helium UL, just got a big overhaul. It’s now made with 2.75L Dermizax, instead of 2.5L Pertex Shield+. The result is improved waterproof breathability, and a more textural/less plastic-y feel on the inside face.
Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50
30 oz | $280
Outdoor Vitals’ latest ultralight backpack, the Carbon Evo 50, is a mid-sized, fully-featured design optimized for comfort with highly functional load lifters and a foam-padded back panel. We’re keen on the massive UltraStretch mesh front pocket, large side pockets, and reverse pull hip belt adjuster. This looks to be one of the best value buys in the entire UL pack genre.
Big Agnes Sarvis VST Tent
40 oz | $750 (2p version)
Woah, an ultralight, single wall freestanding tent from… Big Agnes! After resting on their Copper Spur laurels for a bit too long, we’re stoked to BA releasing more innovative tents. The 2.5 pound Sarvis VST offers 32 sq ft and unlike the 29 sq ft Copper Spur, can fit two 25″ pads.
Nitecore Carbon Battery 6k
3.1 oz | $40
The Nitecore Carbon 6k is a the lightest weight power bank, and the best way to carry one full phone recharge into the backcountry. An upgrade over last year’s NB Air 5k, in that it gets a higher IPX8 rating, and an addition 1000 mAh, all for the same weight.
Nitecore NB10000 Gen 4
4.9 oz | $85
The 4th edition of the best power bank in the ultralight biz is better than ever! Nitecore NB10k Gen 4 is now down to 4.9 oz from 5.3 oz, and up to IPX7 from IPX5. On top of that, you get faster and more energy efficient charging, and a knock-to-wake function that lights up the power indicators and port illuminators.
Exped Ultra 6.5R
12.7 oz | $200
Exped rereleased their entire Ultra range of sleeping pads for spring 2026, and the specs are really impressive. The mummy-shaped Ultra 6.5R is particularly impressive; slightly lighter, warmer, and comfier than the existing tier-1 ultralight models like NeoAir, Tensor, and Zoom.
REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie
6 oz | $60
REI Co-op Flash Shade is a thin, cool, quick-drying UPF50 sun hoodie, and a sportier alternative to the best selling REI Co-op Sahara Shade. In addition to its high performance fabric, it will make waves as one of first men’s sun hoodie to feature a ponytail port. Read more in our REI Co-op Flash Shade Hoodie Review.
HOKA Speedgoat 7
19.4 oz | $165
The most popular trail shoe is updated for 2026! HOKA Speedgoat 7 boasts bouncier, higher energy return midsole foam, with an improved heel collar and locked-in fit that won’t stretch out. All great micro-improvements on the 6, and a great shoe for technical terrain. Read more in our full length HOKA Speedgoat 7 review.
NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2P (& 1P, 3P)
45 oz | $550
NEMO’s popular Dragonfly lightweight freestanding backpacking tent is enlarged with stronger pre-bent poles, and an elongated spreader bar for a claimed net headroom boost of 34%! It’s a smidge heavier than the previous edition, but we’ll take it because the end result is an overall volume-to-weight increase.
Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated
14.6 oz | $149
Few insulated sleeping pads weigh under a pound, which makes the Sea to Summit Ultralight XR a tempting offer for just $149 in a size regular. While the 2.6″ thick structure is definitely thinner than average and can cause bottoming out, the actual sleeping surface is astoundingly comfy; great for side, stomach, and back sleepers. In fact, it is comfier than StS Ether Light XR, NEMO Tensor, NEMO Eclipse, and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, albeit a notch less warm than all of them. Lastly, the 30d/40d fabric is very tough. We expect this will be a popular best seller, and a great bang for your buck.
ULA Ultra Polarity Pocket
1.7 oz | $43
The magnetic top flap of ULA Ultra Polarity is more user-friendly than zippers or Velcro, and thus our #1 recommended shoulder strap pocket. It is more than secure enough for phone storage, and can be opened with only one hand. On top of that, it’s made with best-in-class, waterproof, hyper-durable Ultra 200X fabric, and comes with a bonus exterior stretch mesh front pocket. The dual G-hook buckles are a no-fuss attachment system that will work on any daisy chain.
Teragon Pioneer Torque Stake
0.32 oz | $30 per stake (yes, you read that correctly)
Teragon Pioneer Torque are the new best-in-class tent stakes, adding a helical twist to their base model! These incredibly durable, 7.7″ Norwegian-made, 3D printed titanium stakes, topped off with Dyneema pull loops, have a better holding-power-to-weight ratio than anything we’ve ever seen before. Yes, they cost an arm and a leg. And the aluminum Y-stake you already own will get the job done perfectly well as-is. But! If you want to splurge on the highest performance option possible within a small but high leverage gear category, these are a good way to do it.
Mount to Coast H1
8.5 oz | $160
The Mount to Coast H1s are a gravel-trail-pavement hybrid, designed for versatility across all surfaces. They are incredibly lightweight, and have the comfiest, bounciest, most sustainable foam midsoles we’ve ever used. Perfect for crushing long cruisy trail days.
Big Agnes Pitchpine VST 1.5
27.1 oz | $650
Give its asymmetrical pitch, exterior pole, bulbous top vents, and dark gray + mint green color combo, Big Agnes Pitchpine VST 1.5 is undoubtedly the most unique tent in the mainstream outdoor brand’s lineup, and one of the most bizarre shelters we’ve ever seen. Weighing in at well under two pounds, it evokes the lengthwise exterior central pole setup of a semi-freestanding TarpTent Rainbow, in the asymmetrical shape and size of a Zpacks Plex Solo. Poled tents this light from have a long history of underperforming in the field, especially in high wind. If you pick one up, let us know how it does for you!
Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5
19.3 oz | $550
The second ambitious new addition to Big Agnes’ ultralight roster, String Ridge VST 1.5, takes on the size and shape of Zpacks Plex Solo, but adds a shorter secondary pole on the non-vestibule side to boost volume and ventilation above and beyond most other single wall solo tents. While the large side vent is certain to boost comfort, it adds setup complexity and leaves lots to be desired in terms of storm resistance; that face can never be pitched on the windward side. We look forward to testing this one out in fair weather conditions.
NEMO Eclipse All-Season
16.0 oz | $160
Assuming it holds up in the backcountry, NEMO Eclipse All-Season is primed to become the best buy among lightweight sleeping pads. With a whopping R-value of 6.2, a heavily dimpled surface, and four inches of thickness, it’s comfier than NeoAir and Tensor (though a 2-3 oz heavier), and $50 less expensive than the similarly specced Sea to Summit Ether Light XR.
Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine Down
15.2 oz | $275
Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine has the fourth highest warmth-to-weight ratio out of 24 lightweight parkas analyzed, yet was the single least expensive at just $275. It’s constructed with a nifty fabric called Zero Stitch™, which weaves the inner and outer shell together to form baffles where stitches would have been, thereby eliminating holes and increasing wind/tear resistance. This is a great buy for ultralight winter backpacking.
Gossamer Gear Mirage 40
19.4 oz | $450
Full frame Mirage 40 is the flagship design in Gossamer Gear’s new Alchemy line, a trio of ultralight packs made with best-in-class, mono-polymer, waterproof welded ALUULA Graflyte fabric. And wowza, 19.4 oz (or 20.8 oz with Alchemy Hip Belt Pockets added), is seriously impressive stuff, and even lighter than the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra series. Features include the carbon fiber X-frame with load lifters, a full suite of external pocket, curved trampoline back panel, and side compression straps.
Gossamer Gear Murmur 36
10.7 | $350
Gossamer Gear’s lightest frameless backpacking pack, the Murmur 36, just got a big overhaul, now “alchemized” with welded ALUULA Graflyte, a best-in-class mono-polymer fabric that outperforms Dyneema and Challenge ULTRA. Not only is the Murmur preposterously light, it’s also waterproof and even more durable than ever. This is a new contender for the best frameless super ultralight pack. Features include a removable torso pad, front mesh pocket and two side pockets; that’s it. Hip belt and pockets sold separately.
Gossamer Gear Elixir 20
6.2 oz | $225
Rounding out Gossamer Gear’s Alchemy roster is the Elixir 20, a super ultralight roll-top daypack weighing just 6.2 oz. Like Mirage and Murmur, it’s made with ALUULA Graflyte, a waterproof, welded, mono-polymer that outperforms both Dyneema and Challenge ULTRA. Feature include two cinchable side bottle pockets, and a front bungee to strap down your handiest layer.
Keen Seek
10.8 oz per shoe | $185
Keen Seek are the comfiest trail runners you’ve never heard of, and exhibit nearly all of our favorite characteristics in an unexpectedly good shoe: wide toe box; high cushion, high traction, and highly breathable mesh upper.
Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus (and Mini 3)
4.4 oz | $500
Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus is likely the new best SatCom device money can buy, adding touch screen and voice commands, to an already impressive feature set which includes photo sending, live tracking, and tri-network connectivity. The Mini 3 (not plus) version is $50 less expensive and doesn’t have photo capabilities.
Fire Maple Petrel 800 ml (Ramen Pot)
6.6 oz | $30
Fire Maple’s latest entry into their heat exchanger cookware range is a wider version of the G2/G3, called Petrel 800 ml Ramen pot. It’s also 50ml larger than the Petrel G2, but the primary difference is that it’s shorter and wider. This has a number of advantages, as well a disadvantage. The wider base traps more heat and boils more efficiently. The wider vessel is easier to eat out of and easier to clean. The disadvantage is that it’s too short to nest eight ounce fuel canisters. It also does not have a neoprene sleeve available at this time.
Flextail Zero Power Bank 10k
5.1 oz | $57
There’s a new tier-1 ultralight power bank on the market, Flextail Zero, and it is in everyway the equal to Nitecore’s market smashing NB10000 series. Weighing in at just 5.1 oz, it’s the lightest 10k battery pack available, and offers the highest mAh-to-weight ratio we know of; albeit by a very small margin. And Zero Power Bank comes with all of the bells and whistles, including dual fast charging USB-C ports, IPX4 waterproof rating, battery indicator, and a forged carbon fiber shell that resists cold and is stronger than metal. On top of that it has two modes – fast charge and efficiency.
Janji Auras Ultrafleece
4.7 oz | $120
We’re always on the lookout for sub-5-oz midlayers, and Janji Auras Ultrafleece Hoodie caught our attention. This design is built with a mesh outer and brushed inner, nearly identical in concept and execution to the popular Mountain Hardwear Air Mesh and other brushed Octa favorites. However, it isn’t claiming any Octa advantage, meaning no hollow core yarn. Rather, it’s under the label of Janji’s proprietary Astra fleece, optimized for breathabilty and quick dry. We’ll see how it holds up vs Alpha, Octa, and Evolve.
PAKA Mayu Ultralight Jacket
9.2 oz | $249
Designed to be a Patagonia Nano Puff killer, the PAKA Mayu Ultralight is just as warm, 3.8 ounces lighter weight, naturally anti-microbial, and arguably more sustainable. Instead of PrimaLoft Gold Eco, its insulation is comprised of 50% lofted, traceable alpaca fiber. More natural, less plastic! Alpaca fiber is notable for its hollow core, which traps additional dead air without weight. Mayu is available as a jacket and vest; we await the hooded version.
Petzl Swift LT
1.5 oz | $55
Another ultralight headlamp enters the fray! For just 1.5 oz, the Petzl Swift LT has a respectable battery (880 mAh), a respectable brightness (380 lumens max), and a respectable water resistance (IPX4). It even has three brightness levels, red or white light, and tilt! We’ll have to report back on how comfy the headband is though.
Samaya Instant2
33.3 oz | $1200
Samaya Instant2 is an ultralight, ultra sturdy freestander, notable for its combination of Dyneema and waterproof/breathable canopy fabrics. As a brand, Samaya focuses mostly on ultralight mountaineering equipment, and their 4-season design chops shine through in this trail shelter. We immediately love the use of 7.8mm carbon poles, which are beefier than what we’ve seen from others. Apart from the eye popping price tag, the biggest downside is that the 26 sq ft interior is smaller than average, though in line with other single wall, 2 lb, 2p freestanding tents. Make ’em bigger, please!
La Sportiva Lumina 200
8.8 oz | $379
The new-for-2025 La Sportiva Lumina 200 offers the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any puffy in its weight class, and for a very reasonable price. Most other jackets like this run $400-$550. A remarkable 50% of Lumina 200’s weight is comprised of 1000 fill power down plumes (4.4 oz)! Choose this if you run cold or want to push a single puffy into 4-season use.
La Sportiva Lumina 100
5.9 oz | $289
If you’re packing super ultralight, we recommend the new-for-2025 La Sportiva Lumina 100. It’s remarkably affordable as 1000 fill power puffies go, and not stingy with the plumes either (2.5 oz). Compared to its peers from Montbell and Black Diamond in the sub-6-oz 1000 fp weight class, Lumina 100 costs less and has nearly 50% more down fill.
Igneous NOBO Bottle
2.3 oz | $22
Meet the Igneous NOBO Bottle – healthier and more ethical than Smartwater; half the weight of Mazama x M!GO, more squeezable than CNOC ThruBottle. And of course, the 28mm threading is compatible with most filters and bidets. Igneous is notable for their plastics expertise, and NOBO’s HDPE composition resists microplastics shedding, slows bacterial growth, and holds up to UV and a lifetime of squeezing. All-in, this is a likely contender for best reusable ultralight water bottle.
Montbell Versalite
5.9 oz | $285
Montbell Versalite is arguably the most classic ultralight rainwear in existence, and it just got an overhaul for fall 2025. The original was made with WINDSTOPPER and a two layer 10d face fabric which scored 43k on breathability. The new version is now three layer (!!!), and uses Montbell’s proprietary Super Dry-Tec membrane and a 7d face with 52k on breathability. It still has pit zips, but no pockets. All in, this is a major upgrade on an already great piece of gear.
Kahtoola MICROspikes® Ghost
6.8 oz | $104
Kahtoola MICROspikes® Ghost represents a huge upgrade over the base model, offering comparable steel spike traction in a 43% lighter weight package. This is due to this use of a majority TPU base that replaces heavy steel chains. As original MICROspikes® were already the default choice and Ghost is seemingly even better, we are one season of testing away from crowning them the new best-in-class snow traction accessory.
Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon 60
31.5 oz | $275
The re-launch of Outdoor Vitals’ Shadowlight, now “Shadowlight Carbon” is an improvement package and $25 price increase to their signature ultralight pack, an already great design and value proposition. Upgrades include a new carbon frame that increases load carrying capacity to 40 lbs, (up from 35), deeper side bottle pockets, an improved and quite comfy foam back panel, and a materials swap from traditional mesh to ULTRA stretch mesh on the front exterior pockets. It retains the dual top side pockets and unique zipper divided front mesh pocket design, which we weren’t keen on then and still aren’t now. Nonetheless, this is one of the very best ultralight packs you can buy for under $300, kudos to Outdoor Vitals. Read more in our Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight Carbon Review.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak 22
19.2 oz | $229
The HMG Daybreak, which was already our favorite clamshell-style ultralight daypack, is new and improved by a bevy of feature upgrades! This includes the use of Dyneema Stretch Mesh on the exterior pocket suite for more secure storage, and the addition of front zipper pocket. Daybreak is an exceptional EDC pack, and we recommend it highly for adventure, travel, hiking, and everyday use.
New Ultralight Gear Log Conclusion
Thanks for reading our new ultralight gear release log, where we you hope you discovered exciting new cottage industry designs. Small manufaturers have always been at the cutting edge of ultralight gear design, and we hope that never changes. This post will be updated frequently, as new gear drops, but please leave us a comment if there is something you’d like to see featured.
