Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards 2025
Jul 15, 2018
Every year, the Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards celebrate the equipment that genuinely improves life on the trail; gear that earns its place in your pack through smart design, dependable performance and meaningful weight savings. Now in its third year, the awards continue to highlight not only the standout innovations in established categories, but also the overlooked gems that deserve far more attention.
For 2025, we introduced a new category: Best Gear You May Not Know About. This addition recognises clever, under-the-radar products that deliver impressive performance despite not always being in the spotlight. Alongside this, we tested and compared hundreds of items across our core categories, from tents and sleep systems to clothing, cookware, and footwear, to find the products that truly excel in real outdoor conditions.
Whether you’re preparing for a thru-hike, refining a minimalist setup or simply keeping up with the year’s most capable ultralight gear, the winners below represent the pieces that stood out for their innovation, reliability and trail-ready design.
Best Camping Gadgets
This award recognises the NB10000 Gen 3 for combining dependable capacity with a market-leading low weight. The dual USB-C ports provide practical flexibility, while the carbon fibre construction offers strength without unnecessary bulk. It delivers consistent, efficient charging on multi-day trips, making it a reliable choice for managing essential electronics outdoors.
Heat It Classic USB-C Insect Bite Healer
This compact device delivers fast, effective relief from insect bite irritation through controlled local heat. It offers precise treatment settings through the included app and draws all power from the connected smartphone. With no chemicals, no internal battery and minimal energy use, it provides a practical, sustainable option. Reliable performance, simple operation and genuine portability justify its recognition as the category winner.
Alpenglow Gear Alpenblow Micro Inflator
The Alpenblow Micro Inflator earns its award for its 7g weight, clear focus on simplicity, and efficiency that aligns with the ultralight ethos. It draws very little power from a power bank, and the included nozzles ensure broad compatibility with the leading mats on the market. Its compact design offers a straightforward way to streamline your kit without adding unnecessary weight.
Best Camp Kitchen
The ThruBottle earns its award through its durable 92g construction, practical design, and filter compatibility. We have never had so many messages about a single item's release date and when it will be in stock. Its emphasis on reducing plastic waste has clearly resonated. Its slim profile, clear measurement markings and robust build highlight its quality.
This lightweight insulating cover enhances outdoor cooking with TOAKS pots by enabling comfortable handling of hot cookware and helping food and drinks retain heat for longer. Its reflective lining, drainage opening and handle recess add practical efficiency, and while designed for specific TOAKS models, it can fit other compatible pots. Effective thermal performance, low weight and thoughtful design details earned it recognition as the category winner.
This ultralight pour-over coffee brewer is perfect for the outdoor coffee lover, with a flexible silicone body that folds flat and attaches securely to its rigid base. It works with standard size 02 filters, offers a practical brew volume, and packs neatly with minimal weight. Its efficient brewing performance, ease of cleaning and dependable portability make it a standout choice in its category.
Best Gear You May Not Know About
Alpenglow Gear Alpenflow Gas Transfer Adapter
The Alpenflow takes the win for delivering a practical, ultralight solution to managing fuel on and off the trail. At just 2.4g, it enables safe, pressure-based transfer between canisters, helping consolidate partial fuel and reduce waste. For hikers wanting to streamline their gas supply at home or top up from half-used canisters on trail, it offers an efficient and effective approach.
Aarn Packs Pace Magic 40 Rucksack
The Pace Magic 40 is highlighted here for bringing a lesser-known but highly effective approach to load carrying. Its lightweight framed design and extensive front storage keep essentials accessible without disrupting balance, while the adjustable harness and hip belt create a stable, mobile fit. With integrated balance pockets and a distinctive layout rarely seen outside Aarn’s designs, it offers an innovative, unconventional solution for fast, well-organised travel.
Mont Adventure Equipment Guide Insulated Hoodie
The Guide Insulated Hoodie earns its place by delivering a level of protection and warmth that deserves far more attention. Its Hydronaute XT shell provides full windproofing and effective water resistance, while the fast-drying synthetic insulation maintains loft in damp, cold conditions. With a well-shaped hood, practical pockets, and solid build quality, it stands out as a capable, under-recognised option for demanding mountain use.
Best Mid-Layer & Base Layer
The Alpha 120 Hoodie earns its award through its effective use of Polartec Alpha Direct, providing strong breathability and reliable warmth for high-energy movement. At 200g (medium), it perfectly balances insulation and weight, with its straightforward design that layers cleanly under a shell and over a base layer. Its fast-drying fabric and consistent thermoregulation make it a dependable mid-layer choice.
Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody & Women's R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody
Recognised for its outstanding comfort and year-round versatility, the R1 Air Full Zip Hoody offers breathable, fast-drying performance that keeps you comfortable during active wear. Its practical 347g weight (men's medium) and refined design deliver the ventilation, airflow and ease of layering that users consistently value, making it a trusted choice among our staff and, more importantly, our customers. The full zip adds simple temperature control, creating a reliable year-round piece you will reach for again and again.
Montane Malli Long Sleeve Zip T-Shirt
Chosen for its dependable performance in demanding conditions, the Montane Malli Long Sleeve Zip T-Shirt combines core-spun Merino for softness and odour resistance with a durable nylon structure and practical stretch. Effective moisture handling, low-profile seams and a ventilation zip support comfort during active use, while the lightweight build and refined fit make it an excellent winter layering option worthy of category recognition.
Best Footwear
Recognised for its long-distance comfort and trail reliability, the MTN Racer 4 from TOPO stands out for its wide toe box, highly cushioned midsole, and durable Vibram Megagrip outsole. They have been my go-to footwear of choice for the West Highland Way, summer day hikes, and my section hikes of the Pennine Way, and the tread is still holding up well. The roomy forefoot and secure midfoot fit make this a comfortable option for long-distance hikes and runs on mixed terrain.
Mammut Aenergy Mtn Mid & Aenergy Mtn Low GTX
Awarded for its confident feel on varied terrain, the Aenergy Mtn Mid combines support, cushioning and reliable grip. At 444 g, it remains light for a boot with this level of stability, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole performs well on varied terrain. The secure fit, rocker sole and durable upper create a comfortable option for fast hikes.
Men's Altra Lone Peak 9+ & Women's Altra Lone Peak 9+
This trail classic has been chosen for its natural stride and versatile trail performance, the Lone Peak 9+ delivers through its natural fit, dependable cushioning and the strong traction of its Vibram Megagrip outsole. The zero drop platform and wide toe box support a comfortable, unrestricted stride over long distances, while the updated upper and revised midsole improve durability and ground feel. A standout choice for varied trail conditions.
Best Trekking Trousers
These 270 g (Medium) lightweight trousers deliver the mobility, breathability and abrasion resistance needed for fast alpine ascents. The Matrix fabrics balance stretch with durability, while articulated knees, a gusseted crotch and reinforced high-wear zones support confident movement on technical ground. Harness-compatible pockets, a low-bulk waistband and boot-friendly hems highlight thoughtful design. Strong functional performance and precise mountain focus justify their selection as the category winner.
Taking the win as a long-standing benchmark in trekking legwear, the Terra Pants earn their award through proven durability, reliable comfort, and year-round versatility. They have been our best-selling trekking trousers for years and remain the benchmark. The TACTEL fabric keeps weight and bulk low, while the CORDURA reinforcements, effective ventilation, and practical pocket layout create a hard-wearing option for sustained use in changing conditions.
Berghaus MTN Guide Alpine Pants
Awarded for their balanced protection and mountain-ready design, the MTN Guide Alpine Pants earn their award through their durable softshell construction, effective ventilation and reliable performance across changing mountain conditions. At 371g, they balance protection and mobility well, with deep thigh vents that extend their usefulness beyond cold weather. The articulated fit, reinforced panels and practical pocket layout create a confident option for technical approaches and all-day movement.
Best Synthetic Jacket
Outdoor Research SuperStrand XT Insulated Hoodie
Winning for its balance of warmth, durability and weight, the SuperStrand XT earns its award for its improved insulation, tougher shell fabric and balanced 343 g weight (medium), making it a capable synthetic option for cold conditions. The added fill in the torso improves warmth without compromising packability, while the Pertex Quantum NetPlus shell enhances durability. The refined hood and drawcord hem round out a reliable layer for active use in variable weather.
Men's Montane Fortes XT Insulated Hoodie & Women's Fortes XT Insulated Hoodie
Awarded for delivering serious protection in exposed winter conditions, the Fortes XT earns its award through its substantial warmth, durable outer fabric, and focused design for use on exposed mountains. I have been using this jacket since March, and the 588 g (men's medium) build delivers consistent protection in cold, static conditions. The body-mapped PrimaLoft Gold, protective hood, and tough ripstop shell make it a reliable synthetic option for harsh weather. Selected for its outstanding balance of warmth, airflow and weight, this insulated jacket uses body-mapped PrimaLoft Gold Active+ to regulate temperature during sustained movement. The breathable shell, articulated fit, under-helmet hood and secure pocket layout support efficient use in technical terrain. Its versatility as either an active outer layer or dependable mid-layer earns it its place as a category winner.
Men's Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket & Womens Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket
Selected for its outstanding balance of warmth, airflow and weight, this insulated jacket uses body-mapped PrimaLoft Gold Active+ to regulate temperature during sustained movement. The breathable shell, articulated fit, under-helmet hood and secure pocket layout support efficient use in technical terrain. Its versatility as either an active outer layer or dependable mid-layer earns it its place as a category winner.
Best Down Insulation
Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody
Recognised for redefining what an ultralight down layer can be, the Deploy Down Hoody earns its award through its exceptionally low 172 g weight, outstanding 1000 fill insulation, and clear commitment to an ultralight philosophy. It provides a high level of warmth with minimal pack bulk, a slim cut, and a practical pocket layout. The thin shell demands care, but the efficiency and packability it offers make it a standout down layer.
The Ignis Down Parka earns its category win through an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, achieved with 1000-fill-power down in a 294 g package and supported by a weather-resistant Super Dry Tec shell. The shell helps preserve loft in damp, windy conditions, while refined fit, adjustable hood, secure cuffs and practical pocketing increase usability. Its blend of insulation efficiency, protection and low bulk makes it a highly capable winter layer.
Taking the win for serious alpine insulation, the Kamen XT earns its award through its high-loft ExpeDRY 800 fill down, durable Diamond Fuse shell and focused construction for severe alpine conditions. At 592 g, it provides substantial insulation with offset baffles that minimise cold spots and maintain loft under pressure. The refined hood, tough fabric choices and practical pocket layout create a reliable option for static and exposed winter use.
Best Shell
Winning its category for all-around mountain protection, the Latok Mountain GTX stands out with its robust Gore-Tex Pro ePE construction, dual-weight fabrics, and dependable protection in persistent rain and wind. At 405 g, it balances durability and mobility well, with reinforced panels that handle pack abrasion and rough terrain. The fit, ventilation and coverage make it a strong choice for serious mountain walking in harsh weather.
Taking the top spot for fast-moving shell performance, the Peak Shell Jacket impresses with its 189 g weight, upgraded Gore-Tex construction and improved ventilation that suits high-output days in mixed weather. The pit zips, precise fit, and minimal seam pattern enhance comfort, while the adjustable hood and clean design make it a strong ultralight choice for thru hikes and alpine and mountain travel.
Mont Adventure Equipment Lightspeed 3L Jacket
The Lightspeed 3L Jacket earns its place as a category winner through its exceptionally low 171g weight, high 20,000 mm hydrostatic head and outstanding breathability. The Hydronaute Ultra fabric delivers reliable protection in sustained wet weather while remaining comfortable during high-output movement. Its streamlined cut, precise construction and minimalist features make it a highly effective ultralight shell for fast, wet-weather missions.
Best Sleeping Mat
The Hypersphere 9.5 takes the win for its industry-leading R-value of 9.5, delivering exceptional insulation in extreme cold conditions. Its 10 cm thickness provides excellent comfort, while the down-filled chambers and durable 75D recycled fabric offer dependable protection on demanding expeditions. This combination of warmth, stability and strength makes it a standout winter mat.
The NeoLoft stands out as a category winner for combining outstanding comfort with a dependable R-value, while remaining surprisingly packable. Its 11.7 cm thickness, soft stretch-knit surface, and supportive 3D profile offer a notably comfortable night’s sleep. With stable construction and reliable insulation, it suits hikers who prioritise a good night's sleep over a minimalist base weight.
The Tensor Elite takes its place as a category winner thanks to its ultralight 268 g construction, stable 8 cm cushioning and three-season practicality. I used it on the West Highland Way and was consistently impressed by the comfort it provides for such minimal weight. The baffle design offers reliable support, though a wider version would be a welcome addition in future.
Best Rucksack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55
The Southwest 55 earns its award through its upgraded 200D Woven Dyneema, which delivers significantly improved abrasion resistance while maintaining the low weight and weatherproof performance central to Hyperlite’s design ethos. At 883g, it remains competitive for an ultralight-framed pack, and the refined harness, deeper side pockets, and efficient load transfer create a reliable, hard-wearing option for long-distance and minimalist travel. Combining a 587 g frameless build with supportive carry and well-judged storage, this rucksack performs strongly on lightweight overnights. Broad straps, a removable back pad and secure compression keep loads stable, while the roll-top design and accessible pockets streamline packing and access. Its durable materials, thoughtful layout and dependable trail comfort clearly justify its award in this category.
Combining a 587 g frameless build with supportive carry and well-judged storage, this rucksack performs strongly on lightweight overnights. Broad straps, a removable back pad and secure compression keep loads stable, while the roll-top design and accessible pockets streamline packing and access. Its durable materials, thoughtful layout and dependable trail comfort clearly justify its award in this category.
The Circuit SV 48 earns its place this year for delivering a streamlined 48-litre capacity with the durability and support needed for longer miles. At 1064g, it stays light while comfortably carrying loads up to 16 kg, and the tough UltraStretch front pocket, refined suspension and improved organisation make it an excellent choice for efficient multi-day setups.
Best Sleeping Bag or Quilt
The Pulse UL Quilt stands out this year for delivering dependable three-season warmth in an exceptionally lightweight package. At 545g, it offers excellent loft from its 1,000-fill ExpeDRY down and an efficient baffle layout that limits cold spots. It has been my go-to quilt since late March, performing consistently right through to early November thanks to its well-sealed footbox, effective draft collar, and adaptable pad-attachment system.
Sea to Summit Spark Pro Sleeping Bag
This lightweight bag wins this category by combining high-loft 900+ fill-power down with an efficient baffle layout and extensive ventilation options that suit a wide temperature range. Full and partial-zip configurations, including separate foot venting, allow precise control of warmth, while upgraded 10-denier fabrics and waterproof panels at key contact points add practical protection and enhance overall performance.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt
This cold-weather quilt earns its place as a category winner through its high-loft 1000-fill down, thoughtful baffle construction and sub-600 g weight, delivering strong warmth for shoulder-season use without unnecessary bulk. The stitched footbox, reliable pad attachment system and well-shaped neck closure help retain heat efficiently, while the light 7D shell keeps pack size to a minimum for minimalist setups in cool conditions.
Best Tent
The Mid 1 earns its place as a category winner through its 450 g weight, generous living space, and the proven durability of Dyneema Composite Fabrics. Its stable single-pole design and effective ventilation make it dependable across a wide range of three-season conditions. Our founder, Mark, used it on his Chamonix to Zermatt journey, praising its capability as a lightweight, protective piece for demanding long-distance routes.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack Tent
This tent earns its category win by bringing updated HyperBead fabric, which improves strength and waterproofing at low weight, to the established Copper Spur design in a bikepacking format. The Shortstik poleset packs neatly on a bike, and with a freestanding pitch, effective ventilation and well-designed storage, it delivers a capable and comfortable shelter for multi-day rides.
Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent
The updated Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent takes the win by combining an 802 g weight with practical space-boosting features and advanced OSMO fabric. The material improves water resistance and reduces stretch while using recycled, PFAS-free yarns. A Flybar clip, triangulated guy-outs and DAC Featherlite poles enhance interior volume and structure, and the efficient layout, dual doors and quick pitch make it a highly capable shelter for lightweight trips.
Every year, the Ultralight Outdoor Gear Awards celebrate the equipment that genuinely improves life on the trail; gear that earns its place in your pack through smart design, dependable performance and meaningful weight savings. Now in its third year, the awards continue to highlight not only the standout innovations in established categories, but also the overlooked gems that deserve far more attention. For 2025, we introduced a new category: Best Gear You May Not Know About. This addition recognises clever, under-the-radar products that deliver impressive performance despite not always being in the spotlight. Alongside this, we tested and compared hundreds of items across our core categories, from tents and sleep systems to clothing, cookware, and footwear, to find the products that truly excel in real outdoor conditions.