Ultralight outdoor gear is often positioned for the select group of hardcore users, the folks who count every ounce and gram that goes into their backpacks to make them as carriable as possible. They do this because it helps them walk further and climb higher with less impact on their bodies. That’s something that everybody could benefit from though, and now that some of the big brands are making more lightweight gear and apparel, ultralight is earning its place in the mainstream.
Backcountry is currently running a massive Semi-Annual Sale, and as an ancillary promotion, it’s giving an extra 20 percent off a handful of brands including Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research and The North Face. Among the offerings are a handful of high-quality low-weight jackets that are perfect for the transitional weather that characterizes the end of summer and the start of fall. Below are four of our favorites.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Lite Hooded Jacket

This jacket weighs just over three ounces and packs down easily into its own stuff sack pocket. Wear it during rain and wind storms, stash it away once they pass.