The longer you spend on the trail, the more you begin to appreciate the lighter things in life. That stainless steel saucepan and bulky synthetic sleeping bag that once took pride of place in the kit cupboard are gradually relegated to the shadows in favour of their titanium and compressible down fill counterparts. Little by little, the grams begin to fall and every inch of space becomes a challenge to fill until a compact nesting design is foremost on your wishlist.
Below, we look at a selection of the best ultralight and compact outdoor kit for hiking and trekking; with designs tailored toward 3-season, lower altitude use where changing weather conditions can be expected.
![]() | Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor Volume: 40-60L Weight: 1.16 kg (S/M) Size: 72 x 33 x 25 cm 100D Nylon-Poly RS 420D Nylon Oxford |
Silva Ranger Compass Graduation: 360° Degree Increments: 2° Romer Scales (mm) :1:25K, 1:50K Magnetic Declination Scale: 60° West & East Weight: 32g | ![]() |
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Adjustment: Telescopic, Flicklock Shaft: 3-section, 100% Carbon Weight (Per Pole): - 95-110 cm - 166g - 105-125 cm - 180g - 120-140 cm - 193g Pack Size (cm): 32 | 35 | 40
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Toaks Pot 650 Material: Titanium Volume: 650ml Size: Ø102 x H97 mm Weight: 80g | ![]() |
![]() | Petzl Bindi Lumens: 200 Bulb: LED Weight: 35g IPX Rating: 4 Battery: 680mAh rechargeable Max Burn Time: 50 hours Max Distance: 36m |
Gerber Devour Multi-Fork Material: 7075 T6 Aluminium Weight: 23g Dimensions: 19 x 4 cm - 6 function multi-tool mounts to back
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![]() | Real Turmat Pasta Bolognese Type: Freeze-dried Weight: 122g (dry weight) Energy (kJ) 2196 Energy (kcal) 525g
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Leatherman Skeletool KBX Construction: 420HC Combo Knife Weight: 36g Closed Length: 8.7 cm Blade Length: 6.6 cm Locking Blade: Yes Carry Style: Clip
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![]() | Klymit Inertia Ozone Fabric: 30D Top | 75D Bottom, Polyester Weight: 309g Pack Size: 9 x 15 cm Size: 183 x 54.5 cm Thickness: 4.6 cm |
![]() | Sea To Summit Air Chair Kit Weight: R 230g | L 280g Durable 70D base, 2000mm HH - Converts sleeping mats into a comfortable camp chair |
Soto Helix Coffee Maker Weight: 46g Size: 135 x 120 mm Construction: 18-8 Stainless Steel - Inc. mesh bag & 10 #2 cone coffee filters | ![]() |