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Ultralight Hiking Collection

Update your hiking gear list with Montbell’s wide selection of “Light & Fast” products!



From state-of-the-art down jackets and sleeping bags, to innovative rain gear and everything in between, these are the painstakingly crafted pieces that define who we are and what it means to hit the trail ultralight.

The rain shells below are what we recommend to users looking to lighten their pack weight. For more experienced ultralight hikers who understand that extremely lightweight technical materials require special care and attention, we recommend the Versalite, Rain Trekker, Torrent Flier and Super DRY-TEC Peak Shell. The higher level of durability that the Storm Cruiser and the Super DRY-TEC Rain Jacket provide make them our #1 recommendation for people just starting to make a foray into ultralight. The Light Weight Rain Wrap allows for quick on and off and delivers versatile rain protection to your layering system.

If you've read our article about Down Fill Power (and if you haven't, go read it now!), you understand that fill power doesn't relate directly to warmth. Meaning, just because it is 1000 fill power doesn't make it magically warm. Out of the garments below, the Plasma 1000 Jacket, Superior, Ignis and EX Light Anorak provide roughly the same amount of warmth, equivalent to a nice warm sweater. If you are expecting cooler conditions or run cold, the Plasma 1000 Alpine is a better choice from a warmth perspective.

One way to reduce weight is to use a wind shell (or "wind shirt") as a breathable weather-resistant replacement for a traditional mid-layering piece. When worn as your outer layer or over your favorite base layer, a wind shell will block ridge-top winds and misty precipitation, delivering benefits not found in a wool or ultralight synthetic fleece. Wind shells such as our Tachyon Hooded Jacket come in at nearly one-sixth the weight of a traditional mid-layer, so light that even the most diligent gram-counter will raise an eyebrow.

Our Cool and Cool Light Series are highly wicking and quick-drying to help you stay dry, cool and comfortable on hot days and during active pursuits. If odor control is in demand, Merino Wool Plus Light is a great choice with its natural ability to fight odors. The Light Cross Runner Shorts and Pants are breathable, provide a bit of water repellency and maintain the mobility needed to stay fast on the trail.

Mirroring the previous category, wool's natural abilities at fighting odors make it great for something you are going to wear everyday. Our Zeo-Line base layers are made with polyester, which has been treated with a wicking agent to effectively move moisture away from your skin and dry quickly. Another bonus of Zeo-Line's quick-drying properties is the ability to wash it everyday and have it dry and ready to wear the next morning.

Lightweight sun protection and cold protection. What more is there to say?

The world class Seamless Down Hugger sleeping bags are well known for the comfort they provide in an ultralight, compact design. Looking to go even lighter? The Seamless Down Hugger 800 Half Length #1 is a great option. Pair it with a down jacket and our Down Balaclava for full coverage. Our air pads are lightweight, compact and provide a comfortable place to rest. To further save on weight, you may consider using a shorter length pad and rest your feet on top of your pack while sleeping. For shelters, our U.L. Mono Frame Shelter and U.L. Zelt offer protection while achieving an ultralight weight that will cut grams from your base weight.

Though these lightweight packs share the common DNA of our "Light&Fast" philosophy, they do have differences. The Alpine Light series is more fully featured; the Aqua Barrier Stuff Sack provides weather resistance, the Roll-up Closure System allows quick access to the inside of your pack, the top lid is removable to use as a shoulder pouch for quick summit attacks and has a more robust back panel to offer support. On the other hand, the Versalite Pack is our lightest pack series and exemplifies a no-frills ultralight experience. Choose the model that best responds to your needs.

Just because you are going ultralight doesn't mean you need to leave the essentials at home. Replacing items you may already have with these lightweight versions will make a surprising difference. Lots of little reductions in weight add up!