Inspired by Ray Jardine, this backpacking supplier makes commercial versions of his ultralight designs for tarps, backpacks, sleeping bags, etc. and now is prospering from equipping the various "Eco-challenge" type racers plus lazy people like me. Though I had no use for the Jardine approach to sleeping bags (top layer only; I'm happier with a North Face Cat's Meow), all the other products I've tried have been exceptional. I can particularly recommend:

-- Stewart Brand

Go Lite
888-546-5483
303-546-6000

Umbrella

Jardine is right: for sun and for rain, nothing beats the convenience of a light, simple umbrella. I take it along for everything but night hiking.

Dome Umbrella
(RAY-WAY)
$20.00

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Daypack

It feels positively wispy empty, but reinforced with Spectra thread it's strong enough for all you'll need or want for a day, with particularly convenient mesh pockets on the back and sides.

Breeze Ultra-Lite Hiking Pack
(RAY-WAY)
$69.00

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Tarp

Perhaps the most radical Jardine item, this little handful of silicone-impregnated ripstop nylon replaces everything but a winter tent. No poles---you tie to trees or to any-length sticks you find in the woods. It is dramatically more flexible than a tent, pegged tight to the ground for a storm or poised high overhead as I did once for the nicest night I've ever spent in a light rain. I found it worth replacing some of the dark tie-lines with bright yellow lines now available in outdoor stores, so you don't trip in the dark.

Cave 1 One-Two Person Tarp
(RAY-WAY)
Price: $125.00

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Stuff Sacks

Also of silicone-impregnated nylon, they are light and slippery. I got the smallest for stashing my groundcloth (see below), and the largest works as a waterproof liner for the daypack.

Landlubber's Stow Sack
(RAY-WAY)
$21.00