Feeling the strain of a heavy pack? Although expensive, these ultralight gear upgrade ideas will have you moving faster and further for longer.
Featured tent: Marmot Limelight UL 2 $999
A three-season freestanding tent for two that’s quick to pitch and offers 2.9m2 of interior space. It has two doors and vestibules, gear cubbies and multiple pockets for storage, along with a 0.6m2 vestibule, ripstop fabrics, DAC Featherlite poles, seam-taped construction and fly vents. 1360g (trail weight).
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 25 $1199.99
This three-season bag has 850-fill down and uses NetPlus fabric made from recycled fishing nets. It features Big Agnes’ Signature Diamond Quilting for a lighter more packable bag, an ergonomic footbox, insulated draft collar and a minimalist hood. 722g.
Rab Mythic Ultra 180 $1099.95
A three-season (7oC rated) bag with heat-reflective Thermo Ionic Lining Technology paired with water-resistant 900FP European goose down. Baffle construction prevents down migration and there’s an angled footbox, internal collar and hood. 400g.
Kiwi Ultralight Down Quilt from $530
This quilt is among the top warmth-for-weight quilts available anywhere. Box-baffle design, pad strap attachments, neck drawstring, multiple sizes, and 20% overfill with 850+FP ethically sourced goose down. Footbox can be zipped and cinched for cold nights or opened flat in warmer weather. Three comfort ratings: 5⁰C, 0⁰C, -5⁰C. From 390g.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT $549.99 (reg)
With an R-value of 4.5, this mat can be used all year. It has ThermaCapture technology and low-bulk Triangular Core Matrix construction to minimise convective heat loss and weight. The WingLock valve ensures quick inflation and deflation. 370g.
Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 $299.95
This award-winning three-season air mat has two layers of heat-reflective fabric (similar to a survival blanket) to reduce radiant heat loss. It has a weight-saving tapered shape, a pump sack and repair kit. 370g.
Salewa Wildfire NXT GTX $419.90
A high-performance, door-to-summit shoe with a seamless Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper and an oversized cushioning midsole. It has a Vibram All-Terrain Megagrip outsole and Salewa’s trademark 3F System to hold the ankle and provide a secure fit. 720g (m), 610g (w).
The North Face Offtrail TR GTX $350
This shoe is built for challenging conditions and has a waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex lining, high-tenacity ripstop rear quarter, durable Matryx and Kevlar reinforcements, a high-rebound EVA midsole and a SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole. 716g (m), 636g (w).
Veil XP 30L $359.95
This waterproof 30l pack for fast-moving pursuits in unpredictable conditions features taped seams, waterproof fabric, a 3D mesh back system, an ultralight Mono mesh harness, stash pockets and a roll-top closure. 553g.
Big Ages Sweetwater UL 43 $524.99
A streamlined design that prioritises fit. It features running-vest-style straps, recycled ultralight nylon fabric and webbing, minimalist design, and an adjustable suspension system. It has an injection-moulded, anatomically curved framesheet, a top-loading main compartment, hiking pole holders and a rain cover. 1130g.
Montane Trailblazer 44 $320
This pack uses recycled materials throughout and has a pre-curved aluminium frame, a large mesh zipped front pocket, mesh side pockets, side zip access to the main compartment and relocatable T-hooks for adaptable front-panel storage. Hydration compatible. 1090g.
SOL Escape Bivvy Hooded $199.99
This emergency bivvy can be used to shelter quickly from adverse weather or as a sleeping bag in warmer months. It’s made with breathable, windproof and water-resistant fabric that reflects 70% of body heat. 196g.
Kiwi Ultralight Bush Cloth $22.50
The ultralight, reusable cloth for drying off after peeing in the backcountry. Soft suede front to pat dry, waterproof backing to keep your hands dry and clean. Nine patterns, mini carabiner or retractable cable attachment options. 15g.
Summit Series Superior FUTURELIGHT Jacket $600
This seam-sealed three-layer jacket is made from recycled polyester and has an adjustable hood and waist, stow pocket, two-way reverse-coil water-resistant front zip and secure-zip hip pocket. 185g (m), 178g (w).
BioLite Dash 450 $149.99
This slimfit headlamp, just 1cm thick, promises a no-bounce fit. It’s USB-C rechargeable and offers up to 450 lumens and a 90m range. It has a moisture-wicking headband, red rear light and runtime of up to 60hr. 78g.
Rab Phantom Jacket $399.95
This waterproof shell uses 7D 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric and has secure elasticated cuffs, a ventilated roll-away hood (which the jacket stuffs into) and a full-length zip. 116.5g.
Earth Sea Sky Silk Weight Sun Hoodie $199
Constructed from US-made Polartec Power Dry Polyester, this hoodie has a relaxed fit, a soft, silky finish and a generous hood for extra sun protection. It’s quick drying and rated to UPF35+. Made in New Zealand. 198g (m), 164g (w).
Inselberg Quintic Hoody $260
This shower-resistant windshell uses 30D ripstop nylon fabric and is engineered to block wind. The YKK concealed zippers are slotted between wind-resistant layers to expose only the zipper head, and elasticated cuffs and hood and dual hem adjusters seal out draughts. It has articulated sleeves, gusseted underarms and a regular fit to accommodate layers underneath. 105g.
34 years of inspiring New Zealanders to explore the outdoors. Don’t miss out — subscribe today.
Questions? Contact us
