Keeping it Light with NEMO, Patagonia, and Sea to Summit

by Seth Levy
August 2, 2013

Gear gets lighter every year, but rising consumer skepticism seems to be stemming the tide of "stupid light" products that sacrifice comfort and durability in pursuit of the lightest weight possible. Of all the gorgeous, light products I salivated over today, here are a few from NEMO, Patagonia, and Sea to Summit that strike a balance between lightweight performance and comfort.

NEMO

Two trekking poles prop open one door of the NEMO Veda 2P.

The Veda 2P shelter saves weight by relying on two sets of trekking poles for structural integrity. The single layer waterproof/breathable body saves more weight, and a special wicking coating on the "head" end reduces the condensation that can plague one-layer, three-season tents.

Weight: 2 lb 14 oz
Price: $429.95
Available: Spring 2014

Patagonia

The Patagonia Alpine Houdini glows from within.

The Patagonia Alpine Houdini is the ultimate jacket for the chronically indecisive. It's as light as a wind shell and stuffs into its own pocket. The Houdini is also fully seam-taped and highly water resistant. The hood even accommodates a helmet!

This combination of light weight and a high degree of protection enables an extraordinary degree of flexibility (and indecision) in trip planning.

Weight: 6.5 oz
Price: $199
Available: Spring 2014

Sea To Summit

Toggles make it easy to swap the Ulta-Mesh tent for the Ultra-Vis Net.

The Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp shelter system handles every permutation of nasty weather with equal aplomb, thanks to interchangeable modular components.

First, a 15 Denier siliconized nylon tarp keeps the rain off, and goes solo in wet conditions without bugs. For wet and buggy conditions, the Ultra-Mesh Bug Tent combines bug netting and a welded floor. For dryer conditions with bugs, the Ulta-Vis Bug Vet provides insect protection with no floor.