superoultralight

Superoultralight is a term used to describe a category of extremely lightweight outdoor gear, often associated with minimalist backpacking and long-distance hiking. The concept emphasizes reducing weight to the absolute minimum while still maintaining functionality and durability for intended use.

This ultralight philosophy extends to all aspects of a backpacker's kit, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, cooking systems, and clothing. Gear in this category is typically constructed from advanced, lightweight materials such as ripstop nylon, Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), and down insulation. The design often foregoes features considered non-essential to save grams, such as extra pockets, robust frames, or thicker padding.

The pursuit of superoultralight gear is driven by the desire to increase comfort, reduce physical strain, and cover longer distances more easily. However, it often involves trade-offs. Lighter gear can be less durable, more expensive, and may require a higher level of skill and care from the user to maintain its integrity. Shelter systems, for instance, might be single-walled or use trekking poles instead of dedicated poles, requiring careful site selection and setup. Similarly, a minimalist sleep system might offer less warmth or comfort in extreme conditions. The definition of "superoultralight" is somewhat subjective, but generally refers to base pack weights (excluding consumables like food, water, and fuel) below a certain threshold, often cited as under 10 pounds (approximately 4.5 kg).