Going ultralight can be a pricey proposition: Upgrading just one of your major pieces of gear can cost hundreds of dollars, occasionally more. If you’ve been searching for a good deal on a lightweight quilt, tent, or pack, now is a great time to snag one, thanks to Garage Grown Gear’s annual holiday sale. We combed through discounted buys from both upstart manufacturers and longtime UL stalwarts to find the best deals on Backpacker-reviewed and -approved gear you can get right now. Here were 7 standouts we spotted.
If you’re thinking about making the jump into quilts, the Revelation is a good place to start: It’s one of the more user-friendly models we’ve tried. An attachment system cinches it to a sleeping pad, and a quarter-length zipper allows you to turn the bottom of the quilt into a legit footbox to eliminate chilled toes. Buy Now
Six Moon’s lightweight, affordable tents have been longtime favorites of our testers, enough so that the Lunar Solo took home a Backpacker Editors’ Choice Award in 2019. The 26 square feet of living space and 8.5 square-foot vestibule provide more than enough room for both you and your gear, and at 26 ounces and just over $200, it’s one of the best deals you’re likely to find on an ultralight shelter. Buy Now
The Two is a classic for a reason: At just shy of 12 ounces per person and with dual vestibules, this tent boasts serious gear storage for the size. Fully taped seams fend off even heavy rainstorms handily (ask us how we know.) Buy Now
Designed in conjunction with The Hiking Viking, the Zerk is an ideal pack for ultralighters, thru-hikers, and compulsive organizers alike. The 1 lb, 13 oz. pack can handle up to 30 pounds and features a strap to hold a bear canister. In our test, it survived a 1,700-mile stretch of the Continental Divide Trail. Buy Now
Looking for an alternative to the trusty SmartWater bottle? This durable soft flask matches with a variety of popular filters including the Sawyer Squeeze and Micro Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree. Bonus: A wide opening on the bottom makes it easy to fill and easier to clean. Buy Now
No, a bear canister isn’t “ultralight,” but with every Triple Crown trail now requiring a bear canister on at least one section, it’s handy to have. The BV475 is one of the lightest Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee-approved canisters on the market, and can fit 4 to 5 days worth of food for an average hiker. Buy Now
From 2023
