Classic Ultralight Gear Brands: The Founders, Their Innovations, and What’s Next
Ultralight backpacking brands have redefined outdoor gear, making it lighter and more efficient. From Gossamer Gear to Zpacks and Enlightened Equipment, discover the founders, innovations, and legendary products that shaped the ultralight movement.
Ultralight backpacking has come a long way from its DIY roots, evolving into a movement that has reshaped the outdoor industry. What started as a niche philosophy—shedding weight to increase efficiency and enjoyment on the trail—has led to a boom in small, independent gear companies focused on innovation.
Many of these brands started in garages, basements, and small workshops, driven by hikers who couldn’t find the gear they wanted and decided to make it themselves. These companies pioneered new materials, minimalist designs, and a fresh approach to backpacking gear. Some remain small and independent, while others have grown into major players.
In this article, we’ll explore the classic ultralight gear brands, their founders, and how they continue to shape the future of backpacking.
The Beginning of Ultralight Backpacking
Before the ultralight revolution took off, backpacking gear was often bulky and heavy. The shift toward lighter, more efficient setups was influenced by long-distance hikers like Ray Jardine, whose PCT Hiker’s Handbook (1992) introduced a philosophy of lightweight, self-sufficient hiking. Jardine’s homemade gear, including tarp shelters and frameless backpacks, laid the foundation for the ultralight movement.
As demand for lighter gear grew, small "cottage industry" brands began emerging in the late 1990s and early 2000s, offering hand-crafted, specialized gear that mainstream outdoor brands weren’t making. These companies redefined backpacking, proving that high-performance gear didn’t have to be heavy.
Now, let’s take a look at the brands that helped shape ultralight backpacking as we know it.
The Original Ultralight Gear Companies (And Their Legacy)
Many of these ultralight brands gained traction not through big marketing budgets, but through passionate hikers sharing their experiences on forums and trail journals. The early 2000s saw a surge in online communities dedicated to ultralight hiking, where brands like Gossamer Gear and Tarptent became household names among long-distance hikers. Even today, these companies thrive on direct customer interaction, offering gear customization and responsive support that bigger brands often lack.
Gossamer Gear (Founded in 1998 – Glen Van Peski)
One of the earliest companies to embrace ultralight backpacking, Gossamer Gear started with the iconic GVP G4 backpack, a frameless pack that became a favorite among thru-hikers. Glen Van Peski’s philosophy was simple: make backpacks as light as possible while maintaining functionality.
Over the years, Gossamer Gear has remained a leader in the UL space, refining their pack designs and expanding into ultralight shelters and accessories. Their Mariposa 60 and Kumo 36 packs continue to be favorites among lightweight hikers.
Six Moon Designs (Founded in 2002 – Ron Moak)
Six Moon Designs took ultralight shelter design to the next level, pioneering hybrid single-wall tents that balanced weight, durability, and livability. Ron Moak, a long-distance hiker himself, wanted to create shelters that were both lightweight and storm-worthy.
The Lunar Solo and Deschutes Tarp remain some of the most popular ultralight shelters on the market, appealing to both thru-hikers and minimalist backpackers.
Tarptent (Founded in 2002 – Henry Shires)
Henry Shires revolutionized ultralight shelters with Tarptent, a brand known for its single-wall, silnylon shelters that provide excellent weather protection at an incredibly low weight.
The ProTrail, Double Rainbow, and StratoSpire models have become staple choices for backpackers seeking a balance between weight and comfort. Tarptent remains a respected name in the ultralight community, constantly evolving with new fabrics and improved designs.
Zpacks (Founded in 2005 – Joe Valesko)
Zpacks is one of the most well-known modern ultralight brands, and for good reason. Joe Valesko started the company by hand-sewing ultralight Dyneema packs in his garage, and today, Zpacks is a leading name in ultralight gear.
Their Arc Haul and Arc Blast backpacks are among the lightest full-featured packs available, while their Duplex tent has become the gold standard for thru-hikers looking for a lightweight but spacious shelter.
Zpacks continues to push the limits of lightweight gear, constantly innovating with new materials and designs.
Enlightened Equipment (Founded in 2007 – Tim Marshall)
Enlightened Equipment changed the ultralight quilt game. Before EE, most backpackers relied on sleeping bags, but founder Tim Marshall saw the potential of down quilts as a lighter, more adaptable sleep system.
The Revelation Quilt remains a fan favorite, offering customizable warmth and weight for any trip. EE’s focus on ultralight, high-performance insulation has made it one of the most trusted brands for long-distance hikers.
Suluk 46 (Founded in 2008 – Steve Evans)
Suluk 46 is a small, niche brand that specializes in titanium and carbon fiber ultralight gear. Founded by Steve Evans, the company is known for its cutting-edge trekking poles, tent stakes, and ultralight accessories.
Their TiCa Ice Tool and carbon fiber trekking poles have a cult following among hardcore ultralight enthusiasts looking for the lightest, most durable gear possible.
Katabatic Gear (Founded in 2008 – Aaron Martray)
Katabatic Gear is known for making some of the best down sleeping bags and quilts in the world. Their Palisaide and Flex quilts are famous for their warmth-to-weight ratio, attention to detail, and top-tier craftsmanship.
Unlike many quilt companies, Katabatic uses pad attachment systems that reduce drafts and improve warmth, making them a go-to for serious ultralight backpackers.
LightHeart Gear (Founded in 2009 – Judy Gross)
Founded by a former aerospace engineer, LightHeart Gear is best known for its unique single-wall tents that are spacious yet ultralight.
The Solong 6 and LightHeart Duo provide ample interior room without sacrificing weight, making them popular among taller hikers and those who want more comfort in the backcountry.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear (Founded in 2010 – Mike St. Pierre)
Hyperlite Mountain Gear was one of the first brands to fully embrace Dyneema (DCF) fabric for shelters and backpacks. Their minimalist approach led to the creation of some of the most iconic UL packs, like the Southwest 55 and 70.
Their Dyneema shelters, such as the Ultamid, are some of the most storm-resistant and lightweight options available. HMG continues to be at the cutting edge of ultralight design.
| Brand | Best Known For | Founded By | Notable Product | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Gear | Ultralight frameless backpacks | Glen Van Peski | Mariposa 60 | Long-distance hikers |
| Six Moon Designs | Hybrid single-wall shelters | Ron Moak | Lunar Solo | Solo hikers & thru-hikers |
| Tarptent | Lightweight silnylon tents | Henry Shires | Double Rainbow | Budget-conscious UL hikers |
| Zpacks | Dyneema tents & packs | Joe Valesko | Duplex Tent | Hardcore ultralight hikers |
| Enlightened Equipment | Down quilts | Tim Marshall | Revelation Quilt | Cold-weather backpacking |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear | Dyneema backpacks & shelters | Mike St. Pierre | Southwest 55 | Minimalist adventurers |
What’s Next for Ultralight Gear?
- Advances in recycled ultralight materials and sustainability efforts.
- The growing trend of custom and made-to-order ultralight gear.
- How brands are balancing ultralight durability with comfort.
FAQ:
Q: What was the first ultralight backpacking company?
A: While Ray Jardine pioneered ultralight concepts in the 1990s, Gossamer Gear (1998) and GoLite (1998) were among the first dedicated ultralight backpacking brands.
Q: What is the most popular ultralight tent brand?
A: Zpacks and Tarptent are two of the most well-known ultralight tent manufacturers, with the Zpacks Duplex being one of the most popular thru-hiking shelters.
Q: Which ultralight brand makes the warmest sleeping quilt?
A: Katabatic Gear and Enlightened Equipment both make premium ultralight quilts, with Katabatic known for superior draft resistance.
Q: Are ultralight backpacks durable?
A: It depends on the materials. Dyneema packs (Zpacks, Hyperlite Mountain Gear) are highly water-resistant but can be prone to abrasion. Nylon and Robic packs (Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs) offer better durability at a slightly heavier weight.
Packing It Out
From basement startups to major players in the ultralight world, these brands have shaped modern backpacking. Their innovations continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the backcountry.
Which classic ultralight brand is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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