The climate in the Sierra in summer is very conducive to high-mileage adventures with minimal gear. Avid backpackers come here to thru-hike the John Muir Trail, a classic 200-plus-mile journey through Yosemite’s most scenic high country (read a BACKPACKER trail guide here). Another multiday-or multiweek-option is the Sierra High Route. Also measuring more than 200 miles, this mostly off-trail expedition rarely dips below 10,000 feet, never sees more than a few hikers at a time, and is best for highly experienced backpackers with solid mountain skills and top-notch navigation know-how.
Tent
Some JMT thru-hikers don’t bother carrying a shelter in Yosemite, preferring to take their chances that rain won’t hit (it often doesn’t). But a better choice is a minimalist hybrid like the Tarptent Double Rainbow. This freestanding, mostly mesh shelter is freestanding and roomy, but weighs less than 2.5 pounds. (Requires trekking poles for setup.) BACKPACKER editors reviewed this and dozens of other tents, including several ultralights, this spring.
Backpack
Why carry a big pack with a thick hipbelt and expedition-worthy frame if you’re going minimalist everywhere else? BACKPACKER testers raved about the Osprey Exos 58 < http://www.backpacker.com/gear_guide_2009_osprey_exos_58_review/gear/12897 > this year; at just over 2 pounds, it carried 30 pounds like a dream, and its trampoline back panel provides excellent ventilation. If you’re looking for a more spacious pack that’s still light but has enough room for multiweek trips, check out the Deuter ACT Zero 60+10, an easy-to-fit carrier with a solid suspension at just 3 lbs. 1 oz.
Sleeping Bag
The lightest of the light is GoLite’s Ultra 20, a down mummy that shaves weight with featherweight fabrics, a hoodless design, and no bottom insulation. It’s warm enough for Yosemite summers-and warm enough for spring and fall, too, if you wear all of your clothing layers. The weight is just 1 lb. 3 oz., and it packs as small as a liter of water
Sleeping Pad
With ultralight gear design getting better and better, hikers are making fewer comfort compromises. One noticeable achievement in this arena is the new Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, a 13-ounce sleeping pad that is one of the lightest mats-and probably the most comfortable-that BACKPACKER testers have slept on. Horizontal baffles create mattress-like comfort (it’s 2.5 inches thick) and an internal heat reflector retains your body’s warmth.
Trekking Poles
If you carry the Tarptent, match them with Leki’s Carbon Lite poles. These 13-ounce-per-pair carbon-fiber sticks will give the Tarptent structure, and they’ll absorb much of the shock that would otherwise hit your knees, hips, and shoulders during a 20-mile day.
