Best Backpacking Gear of 2026 Ultralight Staff Picks

If you’re looking for the best backpacking gear, then you’ve come to the right place. On this list, you’ll find the lightest, smartest, and most innovative ultralight hiking products on the market. This is what we take to Alaska, Patagonia, Utah, Appalachia, the Sierra, and everywhere in between.

It’s what we recommend to our closest friends, and it’s what we recommend to you if you want to improve your gear and your backpacking experience. This guide focuses entirely on hard good, but you can jump over for ultralight hiking clothes. For a complete item-by-item kit, check out our 9 Pound Ultralight Gear List. Happy trails!

Continue reading to learn more about the best ultralight backpacking gear, written by Alan Dixon and Jaeger Shaw.