If you’ve ever stood at a trailhead and thought, “Maybe I packed too much,” then yeah—same here. Overpacking is basically a rite of passage for rookie hikers, but once you’ve slogged uphill for 12 miles with a brick of a backpack digging into your spine, you start learning a new religion: the gospel of ultralight gear. At Light Hiking Gear (formerly AARN USA), we’ve built our mission around this belief—lighter packs, better posture, and gear that moves with you, not against you.

In a world where every ounce matters, serious trekkers know their kit needs to be not just lightweight, but smartly designed and field-tested in the harshest conditions. Whether you’re navigating alpine ridgelines or scrambling through desert canyons, there’s no room for second-rate gear. So today, we’re pulling back the tarp on the tools of the trade: the ultralight hiking gear that’s actually built for the backcountry.

And in case you need some third-party backup, here’s what Forbes had to say about today’s top hiking packs and why ultralight is no longer niche—it’s the standard.

Spot X Satellite Messenger: When Cell Towers Ghost You

Let’s be real—most of us aren’t hiking near Starbucks. And once you’re 20 miles from civilization, your phone is about as useful as a paperweight. Enter the Spot X Satellite Messenger, a compact lifeline with two-way messaging and GPS tracking. It’s not just emergency insurance; it’s peace of mind in your pocket.

We’ve field-tested this thing through rainstorms in the Rockies and remote zones in the Sierra Nevada. The verdict? It holds up. With a battery life that can stretch up to 240 hours on tracking mode, we’ve gone full-week treks without needing a recharge. It’s become a non-negotiable in our ultralight hiking backpacks.

What trekkers love most: the full QWERTY keyboard (no more “texting” by cycling through buttons) and the built-in compass and altimeter. If you’re navigating solo or deep into no-service territory, this is the tool serious hikers swear by.

QUICKSURVIVE Stove: Firepower Without the Fuss

If your cooking gear weighs more than your food, you’re doing it wrong. The QUICKSURVIVE stove is built for efficiency, not fluff. It folds down to nearly nothing, weighs just ounces, and works like a charm even in 30 mph winds or snow-slick ground.

We’ve run this thing through every scenario—altitude, wet wood, frozen mornings—and it’s never let us down. Combined with QUICKSURVIVE fire starters, it lights quickly and burns hot, giving us full meals without draining fuel reserves or patience. It’s why more and more people are choosing to buy survival stoves online directly from trusted sources like ours.

Whether you're heating up dehydrated stew or just making a life-saving cup of coffee, this stove belongs on your ultralight backpacking gear list. It also stashes perfectly in a travel duffel bag, making it great for off-grid campers or weekenders too.

Ultralight Doesn’t Mean Underbuilt: Packs That Do It All

We get it—ultralight packs sound flimsy, right? Like they’re made of tissue paper and good vibes? Wrong. Our ultralight hiking packs are crafted with body-aligned engineering and insanely durable materials that can take a beating and come back for more.

Our Aarn Balance Packs, in particular, are the holy grail. They redistribute weight toward your natural center of gravity, making you feel like you’re carrying half as much. Seriously—ask any thru-hiker who’s switched. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the old “brick-on-a-rope” model again.

These are built with intelligent airflow systems, multiple access points, and rain covers that actually work. Whether you're shopping for a ski touring backpack or a waterproof hiking backpack, we've got you covered—lightly.

Survival Tested: What Real Trekkers Say

It’s not just us hyping this gear—it’s the community. Real reviews, real dirtbags, and real-time usage confirm what we already know: gear from Light Hiking Gear (formerly AARN USA)performs. One PCT hiker called our ultralight packs "a literal game-changer,” saying it reduced her daily fatigue and gave her “knees a second life.”

Another review from a backcountry guide in Utah sang praises for our portable camping chair—because yes, even ultralighters like to sit in comfort after a 20-mile day. The chair weighs less than a water bottle but somehow holds up to 250 lbs. We’ve carried it to alpine lakes and desert vistas alike, and it’s never failed.

Pack Smarter, Trek Longer: Our Essentials Rundown

We don’t believe in packing everything "just in case." We believe in packing what works. Here’s what’s always in our kit:

• Spot X Satellite Messenger (obviously)

• QUICKSURVIVE Stove + fire starters

• Aarn Ultralight Hiking Backpack

• Compact med kit (check expiration dates!)

• Titanium spork + collapsible bowl

• Microfilter water system

• Survival stove refills

• Layers packed in ziplocks for waterproofing

• A ski equipment bag for multi-terrain missions

Every single one of these has been vetted through long-distance trips and wilderness overnights. No gimmicks. Just essentials.

The Difference Is in the Details

What sets us apart isn’t just the lightness—it’s the thoughtfulness. We obsess over stitching, zippers, pack ventilation, and where the shoulder straps hit. Because if you’re going to be 60 miles from the nearest road, your gear better feel like an extension of you—not a burden.

Whether you're grabbing a hiking backpack for weekend trails or upgrading to day hiking packs for minimalist sprints, we’re here to help you cut the weight without cutting corners.

Built for the Backcountry… And You

At the end of the day, our gear isn’t about looking cool (although let’s be honest, it helps). It’s about freedom. The freedom to go further, climb higher, and spend longer in the wild without feeling crushed under your own pack. That’s the whole deal. And we’re not just selling gear—we’re handing you the keys to a better trail life.

But let’s dive deeper because if you’re like us, you want to know not just what works—but why it works.

Ergonomics That Actually Make Sense

You’ve probably seen brands slap “ergonomic” on just about anything these days. But we don’t play that game. Our packs are designed with the human body in mind—especially for movement across uneven, unpredictable terrain. The Aarn Balance Packs, for example, keep the load centered where it should be: over your hips and spine, not dragging behind you like a tailpipe. It’s not magic—it’s bio-mechanical brilliance.

We’ve hiked switchbacks in the Tetons, crossed glacial scree in the North Cascades, and yes, even taken one too many wrong turns in the Arizona sun—and our backs were still feeling good at the end of the day. That’s the kind of difference you feel, mile after mile.

Built-In Versatility for Real-Life Adventure

We’re also super intentional about how our gear adapts to the way people hike. Some of us are all about the alpine ascents, while others are more into desert solitude or coastal routes. That’s why our lineup ranges from compact daypacks for hiking setups to multi-day ultralight backpacking packs that can haul your entire life for a week.

Got a trip that involves skis? Boom—we’ve got the backcountry ski packs and ski touring backpacks that are lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clip and go. Planning a thru-hike where you need every inch of efficiency? Our ultralight packs give you the flexibility of modular pockets and hydration compatibility without the weight of overbuilt frame systems.

Bottom line: we’ve built our gear to flex with you, not box you into a single “type” of hiker.

The Real Test? Nature Doesn’t Care About Labels

You know what nature doesn’t care about? Buzzwords. It doesn’t care how pretty your gear looks on Instagram or whether your jacket matches your gaiters. What nature does care about is whether your pack rips on a rockface. Whether your stove fails in a sudden windstorm. Whether your gear gets soaked because your “waterproof” bag wasn’t up to the job.

We’ve stress-tested every stitch, buckle, and zipper in the real world. Our testers are the folks who wake up to frost in their beards and eat oatmeal with a pocket knife when they lose their spoon. These aren’t lab tests. These are life tests—and if it doesn’t hold up, we don’t offer it.

Community-Tested, Trail-Approved

And hey, we’re not out here pretending we’ve got all the answers. Some of our best gear improvements come from the folks who use our products day in, and day out. Guides, rangers, solo trekkers, vanlifers—they hit us up with feedback, and we listen. That’s why we’re constantly updating designs, tweaking harnesses, improving pocket placements, and even reconsidering materials.

One of our proudest moments? Hearing from a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail who said our pack lasted 2,000+ miles without a single busted strap. That’s not just a win for us—that’s a win for thoughtful design, quality materials, and our obsession with doing it right.

So Yeah, It’s Built for the Backcountry. But More Than That…

It's built for you. For the dawn risers chasing summit views. For the quiet wanderers who pitch camp far from crowds. For the weekend warriors shaking off city stress. For the backcountry dreamers making plans and pinning maps.

Whether you’re planning your first overnight trek or prepping for a serious solo expedition, our gear is here to support every sweaty, joyful, mud-caked, awe-filled step of the journey. So if you’re looking to go lighter, last longer, and feel stronger out there, we’ve got your back—literally.

Welcome to Light Hiking Gear (formerly AARN USA). You bring the trail stoke—we’ll bring the gear that lets you chase it.

Go Light, Go Far

At Light Hiking Gear (formerly AARN USA), we believe that the best adventures happen when you’re unburdened by heavy packs and unnecessary weight. That’s why we provide lightweight, ergonomic, and high-performance hiking, backpacking, and camping gear—so you can focus on the trail ahead. From ultralight hiking packs to survival stove essentials, every item is built for the backcountry. Call now to level up your kit.