Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards 2024
Posted by Andy Neil on Dec 13, 2024
As the year draws to a close, we once again reflect on the standout innovations, designs, and performance-driven products that have transformed our outdoor adventures. From rugged mountain trails to tranquil campfires, these items have proven their worth, delivering comfort, safety, and efficiency in even the harshest conditions.
At Ultralight, we’ve tested and reviewed the very best in hiking, camping, and outdoor gear to compile this definitive list. This year’s winners feature cutting-edge technologies, eco-friendly innovations, and user-focused designs that represent the pinnacle of outdoor excellence.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned adventurer, these award-winning products are sure to inspire your next journey. Join us as we unveil the gear that has set new standards in 2024.
Best Camping Gadgets
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus redefines off-grid communication and safety, earning its award for ground-breaking innovation. This compact, rugged satellite communicator supports two-way messaging via the global Iridium network, offering not just text but also 30-second voice notes and photo sharing—a first-of-its-kind in its category. Lightweight, versatile, and essential for remote adventures, it’s the ultimate safety tool for explorers venturing beyond mobile coverage.
Flextail Zero Pump
The Flextail Zero Pump stands out for its unparalleled simplicity and efficiency, winning its award for redefining camp essentials. At just 85g, this rechargeable pump inflates sleeping pads in under a minute and lasts up to 25 cycles on a single charge. Its ultra-compact design streamlines camp setup, making it a must-have for minimalist adventurers.
Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar Watch
This powerhouse multi-sport watch claims its award for seamlessly integrating essential outdoor features with cutting-edge solar technology. The Suunto Vertical boasts GPS navigation, offline maps, weather forecasting, and route planning. Thanks to its solar charging capability, it also excels in durability and battery life. Rugged yet intuitive, it’s the perfect companion for multi-day expeditions in challenging terrain.
Camp Kitchen
Gram-counter Gear Fuel Saver Gas Transfer Device
Earning its award for practical innovation, the Fuel Saver Gas Transfer Device reduces waste and maximises efficiency. This lightweight gadget allows hikers to transfer leftover fuel between canisters, saving weight, costs, and resources. Perfect for long trips, it’s a simple yet transformative addition to any outdoor cooking kit.
BRS 3000-T Stove
Weighing just 26g, the BRS 3000-T Stove is the lightest canister stove available, making it an ultralight icon. It earns its award for combining exceptional portability with powerful performance, offering 2700W of output capable of boiling a litre of water in under three minutes. Compact, durable, and highly efficient, it’s ideal for thru-hikers and weight-conscious adventurers.
Fire Maple Petrel Ultralight Pot with Heat Exchanger
This 145g pot secured its award for its impressive fuel-saving design. Its integrated heat exchanger significantly reduces cooking times and fuel consumption, making it a top choice for solo hikers. Compact yet durable, the 600ml Fire Maple Petrel is perfect for boiling water for coffee or preparing quick meals on the trail, all while taking up minimal pack space.
Best Mid-Layer
Men's Montane Sirocco Lite & Women's Montane Sirocco Lite Jacket
This 264g (men's) jacket claims its award for its exceptional balance of warmth, wind resistance, and versatility. Designed with recycled Dynamic Insulation and fleece side panels, it delivers impressive thermal efficiency without restricting movement. Adaptable to a variety of weather conditions, it’s a year-round essential for climbers and hikers tackling high-energy activities.
Patagonia Men's R1 TechFace Hoody
The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody wins its award for excelling in unpredictable mountain conditions. Made from Regulator fleece fabric, it combines insulation with breathability, while features like harness-compatible pockets, stretch panels, and low-profile cuffs enhance usability. Reliable, durable, and functional, it’s the ultimate companion for technical climbers and alpine adventurers.
Men's Rab Superflux Hoody & Women's Rab Superflux Hoody
The Rab Superflux Hoody secured its award for optimising performance in high-output activities. Weighing 396g (men's), it features Rab’s Thermic fabric for exceptional warmth, moisture control, and stretch. Thoughtful details like an under-helmet hood, thumb loops, and a tailored fit make it a versatile mid-layer for year-round hiking, climbing, and scrambling.
Best Footwear
Men's Altra Timp 5 GTX & Women's Altra Timp 5 GTX
The Altra Timp 5 GTX earns its award for seamlessly combining GORE-TEX waterproof protection, plush cushioning, and exceptional durability. Featuring a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a responsive EGO MAX midsole, it reduces foot fatigue while providing stability on rugged terrain. With a 29mm stack height and excellent traction, it’s a standout choice for hikers seeking dependable comfort in wet, varied conditions.
Men's Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX, Men's Speedgoat 6 GTX Wide & Women's Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX
This trail-running shoe redefines all-terrain performance, earning its award for legendary grip and comfort. Equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs, Hoka’s signature cushioning, and a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane, it excels in technical terrain and unpredictable weather. Lightweight and waterproof, it’s an essential choice for trail runners and hikers tackling year-round adventures.
Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX
Celebrated as the ultimate hybrid between hiking and mountaineering boots, the Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX wins its award for versatility and performance on mixed terrain. Its durable Perwanger leather upper, GORE-TEX lining and Vibram outsole with BAS technology deliver exceptional grip and weather protection. Rugged yet lightweight, it easily handles technical climbs and demanding treks, making it a top pick for mountaineers.
Best Trekking Trousers
Patagonia Wind Shield Pants
The Patagonia Wind Shield Pants win for their lightweight design and excellent wind protection, making them perfect for cool, breezy treks. Made from 100% recycled polyester with a moisture-wicking Capilene® Cool Lightweight backer, they provide comfort and fast-drying performance. Weighing just 248g, they pack easily yet stand up to rough trails with a DWR finish for light rain resistance. Features like zippered cuffs, no-bounce side pockets, and reflective elements make them practical and versatile for a range of conditions.
Outdoor Research Cirque III Pants
The Cirque III Pants earn their award for rugged durability. Built with tough 90D double-weave fabric, they offer weather resistance and breathability while maintaining flexibility with articulated knees and stretch panels. Reinforced scuff guards and adjustable cuffs make them ideal for mountaineering or backcountry adventures, while thoughtful touches like the integrated belt and secure pockets enhance functionality across demanding terrains.
Rab Torque VR Pants
The Rab Torque VR Pants take the win for winter-ready performance, combining warmth, breathability, and mobility in a lightweight 449g package. The Vapour-Rise™ lining wicks moisture, while the Matrix™ stretch outer ensures freedom of movement. Reinforced panels and thigh vents add durability and ventilation, making these trousers a dependable choice for snowy ridges and steep climbs.
Best Synthetic Insulation
Mountain Equipment Oreus Hooded Jacket
Weighing 397g, the Mountain Equipment Oreus Hooded Jacket earns its award for excelling in harsh mountain environments. Its lightweight Aetherm insulation and windproof 10D Plasma fabric provide reliable warmth and breathability in damp, cold conditions. Features like an adjustable hem and hood and highly packable design make it indispensable for ultralight adventurers navigating variable weather.
Patagonia DAS Light Hoody
This 337g hoody is an alpine climber’s dream, winning its award for its exceptional weather-resistant performance and minimal bulk. Its water-resistant PlumaFill insulation, paired with a Pertex Quantum Pro shell, ensures reliable warmth in wet and cold conditions. Thoughtful details like a helmet-compatible hood, harness-accessible zip, and innovative quilting reinforce its reputation as a go-to layer for high-output activities.
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pants
At just 165g, these trousers redefine lightweight warmth and versatility, securing their award for innovative design and performance. Crafted with CLIMASHIELD APEX insulation, they retain heat even in damp settings, making them perfect for chilly camps or frosty mornings. Features like an adjustable shock-cord waist and wide-leg openings allow for easy layering, while their compact design ensures they’re a key addition to any cold-weather kit.
Best Down Insulation
Men's Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie & Women's Alpine 850 Nano Down
At just 227g (men's), the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie won its award for redefining lightweight insulation. Its ExpeDRY goose down, paired with recycled Pertex Quantum fabric and a PFC-free DWR coating, delivers exceptional warmth, durability, and weather resistance. Designed for multiday alpine adventures, its tailored fit and synthetic side panels enhance performance without adding bulk.
Pajak Eskimo Down Jacket
This versatile jacket earns its award for its unique ability to transform into a lightweight gilet by removing its hood and sleeves. It is filled with 750-fill power RDS-certified Polish white goose down and provides excellent insulation, while the TORAY Airtastic fabric and DWR finish offer reliable water resistance. Weighing 509g, it compresses into its own pocket, making it an adaptable and stylish companion from trail to town.
Montbell Alpine Down Parka
The Montbell Alpine Down Parka claimed its award for delivering an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio in extreme conditions. Weighing 503g, it features 800-fill power down in a box-baffle construction for optimal thermal efficiency. With a windproof, water-resistant Ballistic Nylon shell, helmet compatibility, and compact packability, it’s an ideal choice for climbers facing harsh, icy environments.
Best Shell
OMM Aether Dyneema Jacket
This 222g jacket wins its award for redefining ultralight durability. Crafted from Dyneema Ripstop, it balances exceptional strength with minimal weight, making it a top choice for trail runners and fast-packers. It delivers dependable weather protection with a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000g/m² breathability. Combining sustainability, performance, and weight savings, it’s a true innovation in outdoor gear.
Men's Montane Torren Petrichor 3L Jacket & Women's Montane Torren Petrichor 3L Jacket
This 405g (men's) 3-layer shell earns its award for eco-conscious construction and exceptional functionality in extreme environments. Featuring PETRICHOR TECHNOLOGY™, it provides 20,000mm waterproofing and RET <7 breathability. Recycled Nylon 21D Ripstop fabric and a PFAS-free DWR finish enhance durability, while pit zips, harness-compatible pockets, and a helmet-compatible hood ensure practicality for alpine adventures.
Men's Montbell SUPER DRY-TEC Peak Shell Jacket & Women's Montbell SUPER DRY-TEC Peak Shell
At just 195g (men's), this ultralight shell secured its award for high-performance minimalism. Featuring Montbell’s proprietary SUPER DRY-TEC fabric, it provides 20,000mm waterproofing and a breathability rating of 50,000g/m². With a 3-way adjustable hood, deep pit zips, and 7D nylon ripstop construction, it’s perfect for weight-conscious thru-hikers facing unpredictable conditions.
Best Sleeping Mat
Flextail R05 Zero Regular Sleeping Mat
The Flextail R05 Zero earns its award for delivering unmatched comfort and insulation in a compact, ultralight design that is also budget-friendly. Weighing 720g, it features 3.9 inches of cushioning and a 5.6 R-value for true four-season performance. The vertical tube structure minimises pressure points, ensuring restful sleep even on uneven terrain. Paired with the Flextail Zero Pump, it’s a reliable choice for rugged trails.
Rab Stratosphere 5.5 Sleeping Mat
Awarded for its eco-conscious design, this mat delivers warmth, stability, and sustainability in one. This 8cm mat features 75D recycled polyester and Stratus R insulation for durability and heat retention. Its oversized baffles deliver stability, while the lightweight pump sack simplifies inflation. With a 5.5 R-value and compact packability, it’s perfect for hikers seeking warmth, performance, and sustainability.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Mat
This 570g mat earns its award for balancing warmth, portability, and comfort. With 9cm of plush cushioning and a 4.8 R-value, it provides reliable three-season performance. Quilted baffles ensure stability, while the upgraded pump sack allows effortless inflation. Designed for extended use, it’s a dependable option for backpackers prioritising weight savings.
Best Rucksack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40
This 842g pack wins its award for combining ultralight construction with rugged durability. Made with DCH50 fabric, it can be used for extended periods while maintaining minimal weight. Its roll-top closure, dual-entry front pocket, and spacious side pockets offer excellent organisation, while its aluminium frame optimises weight distribution, making it comfortable for long treks.
Pajak XC3 Ultralight 45L
At 615g, the XC3 earns its award for redefining ultralight backpacking with its minimalist yet functional design. Reinforced materials ensure durability, while elastic Power Mesh pockets add versatility for gear storage. Weather-resistant and sleek, it’s perfect for fast-and-light adventurers seeking reliable performance.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50
This 822g pack reclaimed its place as a favourite, winning its award for blending capacity, sustainability, and comfort in an ultralight design. Constructed with recycled materials, it features a roll-top closure, multiple external pockets, and an updated frame system for improved weight transfer. Ideal for thru-hikers, it’s a trusted option for multi-day journeys.
Best Sleeping Bag
Pajak Radical 4Z
Weighing 761g, this sleeping bag earns its award for exceptional insulation and innovative design. Designed for cold-weather expeditions, it delivers warmth and efficiency in a sleek, lightweight build. It is filled with 900FP Polish white goose down and offers superior warmth with minimal bulk. Features like 3D zipper baffles, a waterproof footbox, and a hood enhance comfort in damp conditions, making it a dependable choice for year-round expeditions.
Turbat Ultar
The Turbat Ultar earns its award for balancing ultralight design with practicality. Weighing 701g, it combines 850FP Ukrainian white goose down with ultralight Japanese fabrics for warmth and compressibility. Unique Features like a curved zip and foot ventilation add versatility, making it ideal for three-season backpacking.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
This 350g quilt redefined versatility in sleep systems, earning its award for ultralight adaptability. It features 950FP down and transitions seamlessly between an open blanket for warm nights and a cinched encompassing bag for cooler weather. Compact, efficient, and perfect for three-season use, it’s a must-have for minimalist adventurers.
Best Tent
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent
At just 618g, this tent redefines ultralight performance, earning its award for balancing minimal weight with exceptional durability. Dual No-See-Um mesh doors and large vents minimise condensation, while 3-D sidewalls enhance internal space. Reinforced corners and taped seams ensure stability in harsh weather, making it a top pick for fast-paced adventures.
Hilleberg Rogen 3P Tent
This 2285g three-person tent claims its award for offering unparalleled durability and practicality. With dual entrances, spacious vestibules, and a robust dome design, it handles challenging conditions with ease. Built with Kerlon 1000 fabric and 9mm poles, it’s a dependable choice for group trips and multi-day expeditions.
Liteway Illusion Solo
Weighing 625g, the Liteway Illusion Solo wins its award for delivering exceptional functionality in a minimalist package. Made from Silpoly 20D Ripstop, it offers robust weather protection and includes features like dual ventilation ports and a 60cm vestibule for gear storage. Lightweight, packable, and easy to pitch, it’s ideal for solo adventurers.
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Andy Neil |
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Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. |
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At Ultralight, we’ve tested and reviewed the very best in hiking, camping, and outdoor gear to compile this definitive list. This year’s winners feature cutting-edge technologies, eco-friendly innovations, and user-focused designs that represent the pinnacle of outdoor excellence. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned adventurer, these award-winning products are sure to inspire your next journey. Join us as we unveil the gear that has set new standards in 2024.