Best New Ultralight Gear 2023 – GWC Mag

Editor’s Notes, October 13, 2023

We’ve been thrilled about the Zpacks Offset series, currently comprised of the 2P Offset Duo, and 3P Offset Trio. These two tents are each best-in-class within their respective sizes in the Zpacks family, and we love this update to their line. Zpacks was overdue for some tent innovation and boy we got it. The only bummer is that,  from a technical perspective, the Offset tents are so good that they practically invalidate the original Duplex and Triplex, which are now worth considering only because they’re $100 less expensive. Read more in our article, How To Choose A Zpacks Tent.

Editor’s Notes, June 16, 2023

At time of publication, we’re nearly halfway through 2023, and thus far, it has been something of a Hyperlite Mountain Gear renaissance. HMG had been resting on their laurels for most of a decade with marketplace dominance via their best-selling Dyneema backpacks. But years of R&D are now coming to fruition, and they have launched excellent and competitive new offerings informed by contemporary thru-hiker preferences. This includes 1P and 2P fully-enclosed tents, a top of the line quilt, and a sweet new backpacking pack and daypack with improved external storage.

We also nod to ULA Equipment for re-releasing their entire line of burly-yet-ultralight backpacks in Challenge Ultra. These are now offered in addition to the classic Robic Nylon styles and each is made to order. And speaking of Challenge ULTRA, we are seeing more brands adopt this best-in-class fabric and also note the advent of Ultra-X, an updated version of original ULTRA with a more durable laminate.