Camping Gear

Beyond just having a gear list to tick off, what makes camping supplies ‘good’ boils down a few important factors: 

Functionality

Good camping supplies are those that effectively address your specific needs and preferences. So, to determine if a specific piece of outdoor equipment is good or not, you have to consider the type of camping you'll be doing (hiking, 4WDing, etc.), the weather conditions you’ll be facing and any specific activities you’ll be doing. 

High-Quality Construction

In order for any camping gear to be good, it needs to be well-made. Makes sense, right? So when you’re shopping for good camping gear, prioritise lightweight hiking equipment made from high-quality fabrics with proven performance advantages in challenging outdoor environments. 

Durability

Lightweight camping gear needs to be able to withstand tough conditions, so look for outdoor gear made with high-quality materials and designs that deliver durability over the long haul. 

Lightweight

All good camping gear will be lightweight, but just how light you go is up to you. Some extreme ultralight camping gear may sacrifice some durability and comfort in order to be as light as possible – but maybe that’s worth it to you. Here at Alton, we have strategically developed our ultralight camping gear to have the optimal weight-to-strength ratio, meaning it lasts longer and is more reliable in tough conditions while still being super light and compact.

Ease of use

Setting up your campsite after a long day shouldn’t leave you feeling flustered and frustrated. Good camping supplies will be user-friendly, making them easy to assemble and pack away when you’re done. 

Value

Good ultralight camping gear is not cheap. And if it is, then chances are that someone in the production chain is paying the price for that, either with unsustainable production methods, unethical labour or low-quality materials – or all of the above! This is why it is important to consider value, and choose good-quality camping supplies that are responsibly made AND fairly priced. Investing in good value camping gear will save you money in the long run because it will last a whole lot longer than cheaper alternatives.

All in all, how ‘good’ your lightweight camping gear is ultimately depends on how well it suits your individual needs and preferences. 

P.s 

If you’re looking for a list of camping supplies, we’ve got you covered – the Alton blog is packed full (pun intended) with helpful articles on lightweight camping gear.

Lightweight camping, also known as ultralight hiking or ultralight backpacking, is all about minimising the weight you carry on your back while maximising comfort and functionality. 

Here are the key principles of lightweight camping to keep in mind: 

1. Invest in hiking gear made from lightweight materials. Carefully consider the weight of each item you purchase and look for ultralight camping gear that is light as possible while still being durable and functional. 
2. Don’t carry redundant items. Make a list of all of your lightweight camping gear and the weight of each item. Carefully evaluate each item and ask yourself if it is necessary. Prioritise taking gear that can be used for multiple purposes. 
3. Equip yourself with high-quality gear. High quality gear is going to be more effective and reliable in the long run, so we suggest paying a bit more up front if it means you’ll get more use out of your ultralight hiking gear in the long run. 
4. Plan your meals meticulously. On longer hikes, your food often makes up a significant portion of the overall weight you’re carrying. For this reason, carefully plan out your meals. Choose high-calorie, lightweight food options like dehydrated meals, energy bars, and trail mix and remove all unnecessary packaging. 

Invest in lightweight hiking boots. Studies show that weight on your feet requires between 4.7 and 6.4 times as much energy to carry compared to weight on your back. Don’t underestimate the difference that a lightweight pair of hiking boots will make if you’re trying to go light and fast!

It sure does. All our lightweight camping gear comes backed by our All Good Guarantee, a Lifetime Warranty* that covers your gear for as long as you own it. 

Shop our best-selling hiking gear today and receive free shipping for all orders over $100 AUD in Australia and $150 USD in the USA.