Ultralight Hiking Gear - The particular No Tent ApproachPosted by Bjerring Morse on April 29th, 2021 
Hiking and backpacking have become an extremely popular pastime, but ultralight backpacking, and ultralight hiking have grown to be a bit of a specialised art. Keeping down the weight of what you are carrying on your own back, means that it is possible to travel further in less time. Or it is possible to travel at a more relaxed pace, giving you time and energy to enjoy your surroundings.
Ultralight hiking and backpacking is really only suitable for the warmer times of year, such as late spring to late summer. The reason being the biggest weight saving will undoubtedly be on things like your tent and sleeping bag, which are usually two of the heaviest items in your backpack.
For
ultralight backpacking gear of lugging around a heavy tent, you could consider going for a hooped Gore-Tex bivi bag. This is only a small single skinned tunnel tent. Just large enough for one person and their gear it includes quite good protection from sun and rain, as it is both waterproof and breathable. It can however be considered a bit claustrophobic, and I always tend to feel shut down from the outside, unless I leave the door open.
Another alternative to a tent is a lightweight tarp, or basha. They are very versatile, and just with the aid of your hiking poles could be erected in various ways. Found in conjunction with a waterproof, breathable sleeping bag cover, this is about as light as you can get. If found in a sheltered location from strong winds, you'll get a genuine sense of sleeping in the wilds. It is so quick and easy to set up that it can even be utilized for a shelter from the rain throughout the day, or even just to cook under.
One other alternative which is enjoying something of a comeback is the good old hammock. This type of camping is fantastic for the ultralight hiker who is more interested in the specific hiking as apposed to the camping side of backpacking.There are some excellent hammocks on the market that come with their own waterproof fly sheet, and are complete with mosquito- midge netting. If you work with one of these you don't even need to carry a kip mat, so saving even more weight.
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