Exped's Lightest Ever Kit List
Posted by Andy Neil on Apr 30, 2024
Exped has been crafting cutting-edge camping and backpacking gear in the great Swiss outdoors since 1983. Two students passionate about adventure founded the company, and sustainability remains a central focus. Exped has become renowned for its ultra-lightweight and compact designs, delivering exceptional performance without compromise.
Summer is the perfect time to escape into nature on a multi-day backpacking trip. Simplify your life, shed daily stresses and immerse yourself in stunning landscapes powered by your body. Travelling light lets you cover more ground and enjoy the journey. Here is our ultralight backpacking setup from Exped, crafted for chasing summer adventures:
With a weight of just 1kg, this minimalist one-person tent provides excellent weather protection and a comfortable living space. It features intuitive colour-coded attachments for an easy pitch and a Y-shaped DAC tent pole for strength-to-weight optimisation. The generous vestibule offers extra storage space for your gear.
Roll away one end of the fly sheet for warm nights to open the tent and enhance ventilation, perfect for stargazing. Although not designed for extreme conditions, the Mira I HL offers reliable three-season protection for hiking and camping below the treeline.
Ultra 1R M Mummy Sleeping Mat
Uninsulated and optimised for summer use, this unique 20D nylon air mat is perfect when you don't need extra insulation from the ground. Despite its 7cm thickness, the mummy shape provides ample padding and space for broad shoulders.
Inflation is a breeze with the one-way valve and included Schnozzel pump sack. At 316g for the regular mummy size, it's the lightest and most compact sleeping pad in Exped's lineup, delivering comfort without excess.
Other sizes available: Ultra 1R MW Mummy, Ultra 1R M (Rectangle), Ultra 1R LW Mummy & Ultra 1R LW
Summer nights may bring cooler temperatures at high elevations or remote locations. This lofty 800-fill power hydrophobic down sleeping bag is rated for 0°C, offering warmth when needed while packing down into a compact 17 x 25cm stuff sack.
The draft collar, boxed baffles, and ergonomic foot box maximise warmth for the weight. When temperatures rise, open the full-length zip for ventilation. At just 550g for the regular size, it's a versatile three-season option.
Other sizes available: Ultra 0° L Down Sleeping Bag, Ultra 0° MW Down Sleeping Bag, & Ultra 0° LW Down Sleeping Bag
A favourite among ultralight backpackers, the updated Lightning 45 reduces weight with a streamlined roll-top design and fewer panels. Durable 210 D HMPE ripstop nylon with polyurethane coating to enhance durability and water resistance.
Improved shoulder straps and a sturdy aluminium frame improve comfort under heavier loads. Thoughtfully designed features like trekking pole attachments and hip-belt pockets keep your gear organised. Weighing just over 1kg, it's a capable alpine pack.
This 53g inflatable pillow allows weight-conscious hikers to sleep a restful night. Its soft synthetic fibres and ergonomic shape provide comfort, while the durable 20D fabric prevents punctures. Side loops allow you to attach it to your sleeping pad, ensuring it stays in place.
Refuel after a long day on the trail with this compact yet powerful 83g stove. It can rapidly boil 1 litre of water in under 3 minutes, making it ideal for simple hot meals or drinks.
The stove has a broad burner head and pot support for stability. Its innovative swivelling design allows it to be folded and neatly nestled inside most camping pots and a fuel canister, creating the ultimate minimalist cooking kit.
In Summary
For those planning a long-distance thru-hike or a brief weekend escape, Exped's ultralight gear empowers you to discover more and enjoy the protracted daylight and balmy weather of summer on the trail. Get ready to tackle any trail with the confidence of a seasoned adventurer. Whether trekking through dense forests, navigating rocky terrains, or revelling in the beauty of alpine meadows, this gear will enhance your journey and enable you to create unforgettable memories immersed in the great outdoors.
Exped has been crafting cutting-edge camping and backpacking gear in the great Swiss outdoors since 1983. Two students passionate about adventure founded the company, and sustainability remains a central focus. Exped has become renowned for its ultra-lightweight and compact designs, delivering exceptional performance without compromise. Summer is the perfect time to escape into nature on a multi-day backpacking trip. Simplify your life, shed daily stresses and immerse yourself in stunning landscapes powered by your body.