Ultralight Columnist's Final Gear Picks

A former ultralight columnist for Backpacker has revealed the specific gear he would purchase with his own money after reviewing hundreds of products over five years. Nathan Pipenberg's final recommendations cover packs, insulation, rainwear, and sleeping systems, while advising hikers to avoid costly high-tech fabrics.

Frameless Packs with Vest-Style Straps

Pipenberg has returned to favoring frameless packs due to new strap designs. He states that slightly wider, stretchier "vest-style" straps offer a comfort upgrade comparable to a lightweight suspension system. These straps distribute weight across the entire torso and provide more space for shoulder strap pockets. His favorite is the Gossamer Gear Skala 38, which he calls a nearly perfect frameless pack for being lightweight, simple, supremely comfortable, and affordable.

Insulation and Rainwear

While popular, Polartec Alpha Direct has real competition, according to the columnist. His new favorite midlayer is the Farpointe Tecnowool Cruiser, which he says is as breathable as Alpha Direct, slightly heavier, and softer, stretchier, and less prone to odor.

Most expensive rain jackets are a tough sell for Pipenberg, who finds them unbreathable, uncomfortable, and single-use. He would make an exception for the Showers Pass Cloudburst Hoodie. Despite its $260 price and nearly 10-ounce weight, he praises its rare combination of breathability, comfort, and waterproofness. The fabric is soft, quiet, and stretchy, making it suitable for rainy hikes or as a windbreaker.

Sleeping Systems: Pads and Quilts

Pipenberg would buy an expensive air pad again, specifically the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. He gives three reasons: its weight is barely more than the three-season XLite, it has a more durable 70-denier nylon bottom, and winter pads do not sleep hotter in warm weather. He also notes Therm-a-Rest's lifetime warranty.

While a three-season sleeping bag is versatile, Pipenberg would splurge on a high-quality summerweight quilt. He highlights the Cumulus Neo Quilt 150 as an example, weighing 9.5 ounces and packing down to the size of a Nerf football. He writes that now that he has experienced a truly ultralight summer quilt, it is hard to imagine bringing his 20-degree bag with him unless conditions dictate it.

Avoiding High-Tech Fabrics

The columnist would not spend his own money on Ultra, Dyneema, or other composite fabrics, despite their innovation. He finds them too expensive and flawed. For packs, he argues the minimal fabric used does not justify the cost, noting issues with lamination, abrasion resistance, and stitching. He prefers cheaper, less crinkly nylon.

For shelters, Dyneema is perhaps the best application, but Pipenberg remains unconvinced. Price is a primary concern, along with difficulty in folding and fabric shrinkage from creasing. He states that Dyneema might be stronger on paper, but the stuff used in tents and tarps is so thin that it is a wash once you are out on a thru-hike. He concludes that silpoly is the winner for being cheap, lightweight, and sag-free.

Pipenberg remains skeptical of hiking-specific clothing, arguing that generic polyester workout shirts are nearly identical to outdoor brand versions. He sees little value in the premium for most items, preferring thrift store finds on the trail.