The comfortable hiker
My childhood gave me a deep love for the outdoors. Growing up my parents would always take us camping, hiking, and boating. In my adult years I have rediscovered my love for these things and find they are good for my well being and mental health. However, I am not a spring chicken any more and the old hiking gear had to go if I was going to take up hiking again.
Enter ultra-light backpacking gear! Where were you when I was younger?! Who knew you could get a sleeping bag for under 30 oz and a compact sleeping pad under 15 oz.
Now I get it. Not everyone can afford the ultra-light gear prices. It can get expensive quick but if you are in the back half of life it may be the only path you have to get back on the trail in a comfortable manner.
Here is a short list of some ultra-light gear I personally use and take on most over night hikes:
Warmth Sleeping
Nemo Disco Insulated Down Sleeping Bag a sub 2 lb sleeping bag.
Comfort Sleeping
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad is really compact and weighs in at about 1 lb.
Campfire Relaxing
Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair best pack weight I carry, 1.2 lbs.
Light Weight Cooking
Snow Peak Litemax Field Stove best field stove for the money.
Light Weight Cutlery
Snow Peak Titanium Spork - a titanium spork, what more could you ask for
Ultra-light Shelter
Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent a three season, sub 2 lb tent. Ground protection sold separately.
This is just a short list of some ultra-light gear I personally use. Click here to see a full list of my 2022 hiking gear
