Ultralight Hiker

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 18 October 2026

# Best ultralight hiking gear in Australia

If you're building an ultralight hiking kit in Australia, I'd prioritise low weight, storm protection, durability and gear you can actually buy locally\. The best setup depends on whether you're doing overnight hikes, multi-day treks or longer walks carrying everything yourself.

A good target for a lightweight solo setup is around 4-6 kg base weight \(your pack, shelter, sleep system and other gear, excluding food, water and fuel). Going below 4 kg is possible, but usually costs more and involves trade-offs.

## My top ultralight gear picks

!OSPREY（オスプレー） エクソスプロ55 OS50380: 楽山荘 - 通販 - Yahoo!ショッピング

### 1\. Backpack - Osprey Exos Pro 55

(Best all-rounder)

Approx. 940 g · 55 L

A strong choice for multi-day hikes where you want a supportive frame without carrying a heavy traditional pack. Also consider the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 if you want a premium ultralight pack. www.wildearth.com.auwww.backpackinglight.com.au

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 - Shop at Ultralight Gear

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!Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 | Enwild

### 2\. Tent - Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1

Approx. 1.1 kg · Solo shelter

My premium pick for a lightweight, freestanding tent with good livability. Worth considering for exposed campsites and changeable weather, provided you pitch it correctly and secure it well.

Shop at Wild Earth

Alternative: a trekking-pole shelter can save weight if you already carry hiking poles. www.wildearth.com.auwww.backpackinglight.com.auwww.lighterfasterhire.com.au

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![One Planet Nitrous -3 (572 grams) 2025 NZ | Dwights - Dwights Outdoors](

### 3\. Sleep system - One Planet Nitrous -3°C

Approx. 600 g · Down sleeping bag

An excellent Australian option to investigate for cool three-season hiking. For warmer trips, you may be able to save more weight with a lighter quilt. For alpine trips, check the expected overnight low and the bag's comfort rating before choosing.

Shop One Planet

www.wildearth.com.auwww.backpackinglight.com.au

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!Matelas gonflable Nemo Tensor All Season Regular Mummy Insulated

### 4\. Sleeping mat - NEMO Tensor All-Season Insulated

Approx. 620 g

A comfortable, packable inflatable mat with insulation for cooler conditions. For Australian hiking, warmth matters as much as weight, especially in Tasmania and the Victorian Alps.

Shop at Paddy Pallin

www.wildearth.com.auwww.backpackinglight.com.au

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!Soto Windmaster Regulator Stove | Blackhawk Outdoor

### 5\. Stove - SOTO WindMaster

Compact canister stove

A good choice when you want reliable cooking in breezy conditions. Pair it with a small titanium pot and a lighter rather than carrying a full cookset.

Shop at Paddy Pallin

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![Montane Unisex Minimus Nano Pull On Waterproof Jacket

- Montane - UK](

### 6\. Rain protection - lightweight waterproof shell

Look at lightweight jackets from Montane, Patagonia or Rab. A proper waterproof layer is particularly important for exposed alpine routes, where wind chill and sudden weather changes can make a light pack dangerous without adequate protection.

Browse lightweight clothing at Backpacking Light

## Where to buy ultralight hiking gear in Australia

These are useful starting points for specialist equipment, advice and local brands.

!Stockists | Find Paradise Coffee Nearby - Paradise Coffee

Backpacking Light

Melbourne CBD · 373 Little Bourke Street

My first stop for ultralight gear, including cottage brands, lightweight packs, shelters and specialist advice.

Website and online store

www.wildearth.com.auwww.backpackinglight.com.auwww.lighterfasterhire.com.au

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!One Planet | Tents - Hiking Backpacks - Sleeping Bags | Trek & Travel

One Planet

Australian outdoor gear brand worth checking for packs and sleeping systems suited to local conditions.

Official store

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!Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag - 3-Piece Set (3/5/8L) - Tarragon/Blue Atoll/Spicy Orange | BIG W

Ultralight Hiker

Useful for lighter accessories and Australian-made gear options.

Explore the store

For a specialist local retailer, Backpacking Light is particularly worth visiting before spending heavily on ultralight equipment. Another option is hiring gear to test what works before buying. Lighter Faster Hire - Melbourne offers ultralight packs and shelters. www.backpackinglight.com.auwww.lighterfasterhire.com.au

## What budget should you allow?

| Setup | Approximate budget in AUD | |--------|--------| | Budget lightweight kit | \$400-800 | | Quality ultralight kit | \$1,500-3,000 | | Premium ultralight kit | \$3,000-5,000+ |

These are planning estimates, not live quotes. Your existing equipment, footwear and clothing can make a substantial difference to the total.

## Let me narrow it down to the best kit for you

1\. What sort of hiking?

Day hikes

Overnight hikes

Multi-day hikes

Long-distance thru-hikes

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2\. Total gear budget

Under A\$500

A\$500-1,500

A\$1,500-3,000

A\$3,000+

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3\. Conditions you'll hike in

Warm-weather and summer

Three-season, including cool nights

Alpine, snow or winter conditions

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4\. Preferred shelter

Tent

Trekking-pole shelter

Open to either

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5\. What's most important?

Lowest possible weight

Best weight-to-value

Durability and comfort

[Build my ultralight kit]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 4 October 2026

Here are some standout female-founded Australian outdoor and adventure brands:

- Ultralight Hiker - Founded by an Australian woman who wanted to create lighter, more practical hiking backpacks; a strong choice for ultralight hiking and pack systems. - Zorali - An Australian outdoor lifestyle brand co-founded by Elise and Cam, known for nature-inspired clothing and gear with a sustainability focus. - Merino Country - Founded by Kerrie Richards in Queensland in 1993, producing Australian-made merino clothing suited to hiking, travel and everyday outdoor use. - Active Truth - Founded by friends Stevie and Nadia, this Queensland brand makes inclusive activewear with sustainability considerations; best for hiking-adjacent activities, training and travel. - DK Active - Brisbane-based and female-founded, offering size-inclusive activewear with an emphasis on sustainability; useful for yoga, gym, walking and light outdoor activity. - Fella Swim - Founded by Rosie Iffla and Christine Tang, this Sydney swimwear label is a good option for coastal adventures, swimming and beach travel.

Best overall picks: - For technical hiking: Ultralight Hiker - For merino layers: Merino Country - For sustainable outdoor lifestyle clothing: Zorali - For inclusive activewear: Active Truth or DK Active - For swim and coastal wear: Fella Swim

Some brands on this list are designed specifically for hiking, while others are better suited to activewear, swimming or outdoor lifestyle clothing.