Ultralight essentialism is everywhere in the outdoor space these days. The benefits of a low weight, less gear philosophy are clear, for casual weekend warriors and thru-hike veterans alike. Less weight on your back, means more miles with less effort—and less impact on Mother Nature, too. Like any good outfit, this movement has layers, extending to DIY, sustainability, and beyond.
With ultralight's growth, it’s no surprise to see a major player like Patagonia join the party with gear focused on saving weight and keeping things simple. Their newly released Untethered Kit consists of four essential pieces: a pack, sleeping bag, cooking vessel, and stove. We realize not everyone’s looking to go all the way down the UL rabbit hole, but these pieces are a great place to start for those even moderately interested.
Read on a below for a breakdown of the new Patagonia kit, or diverge and dive into our ultralight backpacking guide, which breaks down the UL movement's rise, from a nutty niche hobby to pandemic-fueled mainstream acceptance.