Base Weighted is an independent directory and pack-building tool for ultralight backpackers. We pull together gear from ultralight and cottage brands, put a real weight and price on every piece, and let you compare options side by side and build a complete kit — with your base weight, total weight, and cost updating as you go.
Why we built it
Ultralight gear lives in a hundred small brand stores, and the one number that matters most — weight — is inconsistent, buried, or missing. We normalize it so you can actually compare a tent from one maker against a tent from another, by the spec that counts.
How we source weights
Every weight carries a source badge so you know how much to trust it:
- exact — manufacturer-verified.
- spec — scraped from the maker's spec page.
- listed — stated in the product description (including per-size weights where the maker publishes them).
- est. — estimated from shipping weight; treat as approximate, since it can include packaging.
We never invent a number. If a weight isn't stated, we say so rather than guess.
How rankings work
Our “best of” lists and top picks are ranked by real specs and review volume — not by who pays us. Affiliate relationships never change the order.
Brands & makers
Not on a big marketplace? We'd still like to list your gear. If you're a small brand — including brands that aren't on Shopify — get in touch and we'll add you.