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From Mars simulations to desert treks, my gear obsession predates buzzwords like ‘Gorpcore’ or ‘Techwear.’ Influenced by sci-fi, anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, and real-world expeditions in extreme environments, I’ve always sought equipment that balances form, function, and adaptability.
This year—between Paris Fashion Week invites and a postponed expedition—I revisited my kit and curated a selection of ultralight bags and essentials that have quietly become indispensable. Predominantly black and white, these pieces reflect my Lunarcore leanings.
This collection combines tried-and-true pieces from my personal kit, some items that I selected for my now postponed expedition, with new releases from brands I found special and worth reviewing. Each piece is chosen not only for its aesthetics but for its versatility—whether navigating remote terrain on an expedition, supporting a basecamp setup, or seamlessly converting into a 72-hour bug-out pack.
Readiness Is All
With this year’s expedition postponed, the need for true preparedness hit home. Europe’s recent climate disasters—floods in Italy, wildfires in France, heatwaves across Iberia—prove emergencies don’t wait. This kit rebuild isn’t just about gear as a passion; it’s about building a system that works when nothing else does—ready for both fieldwork and whatever crisis might land closer to home.
Your Next Expedition Starts Here: A (Small) Library for the Wild
In line with this, I’ve been revisiting foundational texts that inform my work at the intersection of art, science, and human resilience that I wanted to share with our readers:
The Other Side of Eden by Hugh Brody has been influential on my decision to conduct anthropology research. It delves into the tension between modernity and traditional ways of living. Brody’s exploration of Indigenous communities in Canada and the Arctic is a study in adaptability—how people survive and thrive in environments that most would consider hostile. Reading it reminded me that the principles behind ultralight gear—efficiency, minimalism, and function-first thinking—have deep roots in human ingenuity long before synthetic materials or technical fabrics.
Back on the Fire by Gary Snyder is a collection of essays and poems that fuse the practical with the philosophical. A world traveler, anthropology researcher, and even Zen master, Snyder is considered a founding figure of Bioregionalism, and I had the incredible opportunity to meet him around 2004. Snyder’s reflections on fire, food, and land stewardship echo the same respect for process and resourcefulness I try to embed in my kit. It’s a reminder that preparation isn’t just mechanical; it’s a mindset, a practice of attentiveness to the environment and the tools that allow us to navigate it responsibly.
Polar Exploration: A Practical Handbook for North and South Pole Expeditions by Dixie Dansercoer is the kind of no-nonsense manual that bridges theory and extreme practice. Every recommendation—from sled packing strategies to survival protocols—underscores the brutal simplicity of efficiency. It’s the polar equivalent of the ultralight ethos: carry only what you need, but carry it smartly, because in certain environments, every gram can be a matter of survival.
Taken together, these texts reinforce why I obsess over each piece of kit, each design choice: survival, artistry, and resilience are inseparable. Gear isn’t just about convenience—it’s a tactile philosophy, one that can carry you through both the frozen poles and the unexpected crises that strike closer to home.
The adage “Two is one, one is none” is often linked to NASA, but its true origin lies with the U.S. Navy SEALs. In elite military circles, redundancy isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival imperative. Whether you’re deep in the field or facing down a real-world emergency, having a backup means you’re still in the fight when Plan A fails.
THE CORE: EXCEPTIONAL CARRYING OPTIONS
These black-and-white essentials reflect a mindset where preparedness meets precision—and aesthetics follow intent.
1. Peli Air 1535 (Drava Edition)
The case that actually started my current obsession for white and black gear: A staple when indestructibility matters. This case is lighter than traditional Pelican models but offers the same bombproof level of protection. Whether it’s carrying sensitive photography and filming gear or heavy-duty hardware, this carry-on-sized beast is travel-proof and style-conscious. I couldn’t resist therefore when I stumbled quite randomly on this White and Black edition by Drava Case, that so far I haven’t seen anywhere else.
2. Norda Toolbox Duffel
Norda, more famous for their ultra-lightweight sneakers, steps into the bag world with a that captures trail-grade performance and clean, urban minimalism.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the compromise between pack weight and preparedness, the Norda Toolbox makes a strong case for getting it right. Constructed almost entirely from Bio-Dyneema®, this 70-liter duffel is astonishingly light yet remarkably tough—a material choice that climbers, ultra-trail runners, and ultralight enthusiasts have been quietly evangelizing for years. The fiber’s strength-to-weight ratio allows you to carry essentials and backups with confidence, without being penalized by unnecessary heft.
What sets the Toolbox apart is its adaptability. With removable padded straps, it transitions seamlessly from duffel to backpack. Interior compartments and a Stealth Black Dyneema® stow bag make separating clean from dirty gear intuitive, reflecting a thoughtful approach to organization rather than gimmickry. Weather-resistant and breathable, it protects your kit while keeping it accessible—a subtle but crucial consideration for real-world adventure and ultralight travel.
At its price point, it’s an investment, but for anyone serious about expeditions or minimalist packing, the Norda Toolbox demonstrates how modern materials and clever design shows how simple, light and rugged gear haulers can be so darn useful.
3. Samaya Ultra Pace Pack
Pure French alpine minimalism coming straight from the Future. Samaya’s roll-top Ultra Pace uses Dyneema to strip away everything that doesn’t matter in fast-moving environments. It’s not a daily commuter pack but a purpose-built ultralight dream—a sharp roll-top in shades of white and black that says, “I’m moving fast, and doing it in style.” With a volume of 20L and a weight of 365g, insane details and a use of the BOA system for the straps that still amazes me.
4. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Tote
Born in the rugged backcountry of Maine, Hyperlite Mountain Gear has become a cult favorite among ultralight adventurers. Known for its no-frills design philosophy and near-indestructible Dyneema packs, the brand champions a minimalist approach: carry less, go further, move faster.
This tote, though simple, is a lesson in form following function. It’s ultra-light, holds its shape better than you’d expect, and has the sort of understated durability that makes you forget it’s even there. From camp gear organization to city shopping, this tote quietly earns its space (pun intended). Another instant favorite for me.
5. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Tarp
Perfectly stuffed in its own Dyneema bag, a very convenient and super lightweight tarp to be ready for any situation.
As featured above, I also have Hyperlite’s Stuff Sack Pillow, a dual-use reversible stuff sack by day, fleece pillow by night, which weighs nothing and is really super handy, and their so well-thought-out Camera Pod, an ultralight and weatherproof Dyneema® shell to protect your camera gear without adding weight.
6. Freitag F45 LOIS Recycled Tarp Bag
The F45 LOIS feels like a vintage sports duffel with a rebellious streak. Built from recycled battle-worn truck tarps, it carries a lifetime of highway grit into your daily hustle—scuffs and all. The 19L build is just right for gym runs or weekend escapes, with a clever divider to keep sweaty gear separate and a quick-access pocket for essentials. It’s tough, it’s cheeky, and like all FREITAG bags, it wears its history proudly. Definitely not however on the ultra-lightweight size of the balance with its 895g, but I just couldn’t resist including this Black and White piece of art in this selection. At least it is ultra-lightweight in terms of environmental impact since the bag contains 91% recycled material.
THE SYSTEM
Matador Packing Cube Set (White)
A minimalist solution for keeping your kit organized, these packing cubes are lightweight, durable, and compact. The set of three sizes lets you separate essentials, compress efficiently, and access items quickly. Sleek, simple, and thoughtfully designed, they’re perfect for travel, daily carry, or any situation where a tidy, adaptable system matters. Additionally, they provide a smart and simple way to sub-organize the bags featured in ‘The Core’, keeping each compartment orderly and making gear retrieval effortless.
THE ENGINE
Shelter, Fuel, and Sustenance
Enter the engine room. The foundation of any mission: how you sleep, how you cook, how you hydrate, and how you fuel up. It’s the functional spine of the kit, the part that doesn’t always get the spotlight but keeps everything else moving. From basecamp to a 72-hour bug-out scenario, these items are versatile enough to give you plenty of occasions to use them.
Shelter and Sleep
Anchoring the top left is the MSR Freelite, an ultralight, reasonably affordable, two-person tent that brings freestanding confidence without a weight penalty. On the opposite right, rolled tight and emerging from its black pouch, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Max—still one of the best balances of comfort and packability for the gram-conscious traveler. Together, they cover the basics of rest: reliable, light, and quick to deploy.
It’s complemented by the ultralight olive and grey pouches of the LEKA hammock system, doubling as both rest and redundancy: a lightweight shelter that can replace or complement the tent. A true lesson in ultralight gear.
Small but smart additions for supplementary safety like the Samaya tarp-001, a minimalist tarp designed entirely in Dyneema® for a minimum weight of 165g and 1.3L folded volume, and Samaya Alpine Case, a tough, ultralight, and water-resistant pouch perfect for carrying your essentials or a compact EDC kit. Built with the same materials as Samaya’s Alpine packs, it’s a minimalist companion for both mountain days and EDC. Smart, ultralight additions like these punch well above their weight, giving you extra safety and organization without adding bulk. They’re proof that every gram in your kit can work harder, keeping you ready for anything from alpine pushes to everyday carry.
Cooking and Heat
The bold orange stove in the top left is the Jetboil Genesis, a compact dual-burner that flips the script on minimalism—designed more for basecamp use than ultra-trail adventures. This is for trips where real cooking matters, when the joy of a proper meal outweighs the grams. Surrounding it is a selection of some of my current favorite long-duration and hiking foods, which can easily double as provisions for a 72-hour bug-out bag—part of my evolving food system. Add in the incredibly versatile Benchmade Station Knife with a Maple Valley Richlite handle, and it’s clear this kit isn’t just about survival; it’s about eating well, anywhere. The knife excels in the kitchen and I guess it would also prove invaluable in a bushcraft scenario.
Food Security and Backup
When it comes to long-duration, shelf-stable food, the options are endless, and you probably already have your favorites. That said, I’ve narrowed it down to my three current top picks—listed alphabetically. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but all have proven themselves in terms of taste, satiety, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. I’ve tested (and tasted) them not just for a now-postponed, extreme expedition, but also as backup for a potential 72-hour bug-out scenario. Knowing these packs have your back gives a surprising sense of calm in the chaos of planning, and it’s fascinating to see how far quality, portable food has come.
The Czech brand Adventure Menu, created by Radek Slabý and Adam Sogel—two ambitious students with a passion for outdoor adventure—has a lot to offer, from vacuum-dried, lightweight meals to sterilized MRE-style dishes. I was particularly impressed by their long-lasting Honey and Chilli Chicken Wings, which I can’t wait to pull out of my backpack and share with crew members on my next expedition as an alternative to the classic chocolate bar surprise. For a 72-hour bug-out scenario, their Emergency Food & Water Pack, complete with sterilized drinking water that can be safely stored for up to 50 years, is a game-changer.
ReadyWise, a US-based company, focuses primarily on emergency and long-term food storage, but it also offers lightweight, tasty meals in a convenient format: a waterproof pouch containing 28 servings, designed to last an impressive 25 years. One highlight is their crunchy granola, which is both delicious and practical. These products are equally suited for expeditions or a 72-hour bug-out scenario, and I’ll certainly be bringing some of them on my next adventure.
Tactical Foodpack, an Estonian company, was built on the expertise of its founder, a former medic in the Estonian Special Operations Force. I’m particularly impressed by their Survival Pack Mike, delivered in a handy waterproof bucket. It’s great value, as it also includes tactical firepots and super handy outdoor showers that allow a full-body wash using 10ml of water only, along with separate cloths for the upper and lower body— I’ve already integrated these into several of my personal kits.
Hydration and Purification
Clean water is non-negotiable, whether you’re deep in the backcountry or packing for a 3-day emergency grab-and-go scenario. This setup keeps things modular and ultralight—flexible storage, on-the-move access, and reliable filtration that fits seamlessly into any kit. The grey tones in the middle row highlight water solutions: the Hydrapak Flux bottle (flexible, collapsible, surprisingly durable), paired with the Hydrapak Force reservoir for on-the-move hydration. To the right, the Platypus DayCap™ In-Bottle Filter—perfectly fitting on most of your favorite wide-mouth bottles. These three together form a modular system: carry what you need, filter as you go, and always have a backup.
The Backbone of Organization
Everything here drops neatly into the beige Gregory Alpaca Gear Basket, a collapsible crate that makes storage and transport effortless. I use it at home to keep my kit organized, but it folds flat for car or van trips and might even work well in larger basecamp setups. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of gear you don’t realize you need until you’ve used it. For smaller essentials, the Gear Pod adds tidy supplementary storage.
UNIFORM
This is a minimalist wardrobe built for versatility—few pieces, maximum function. Each item pulls double duty, performing effortlessly on the trail, in the city, or mid-journey. Scattered among reliable staples are rare finds and exclusive pieces.
A snapshot of my current favorites, including two exclusive items you probably can’t buy.
This kit is all about versatility—gear that works as hard as you do, whether you’re deep in the backcountry or navigating a packed airport terminal.
From top to bottom and left to right:
Heimplanet Crewneck (Light Grey)
From the German brand best known for its innovative inflatable tents, this crewneck shows Heimplanet’s techwear expertise applied to everyday apparel. Blending 55% polyester, 40% merino wool, and 5% spandex, it’s a modern, performance-driven take on a classic silhouette—lightweight, breathable, odor-resistant, and built for travel. The minimalist design hides its technical chops, making it equally at home in the backcountry or a city café. After extensive wear, this piece has earned a permanent spot in my travel rotation.
Part of Poutnik, Tilak’s techwear-focused sub-brand, the Quest Shorts showcase the Czech company’s signature mix of outdoor performance and urban-ready design. Lightweight, quick-drying, and engineered with an anatomical cut. The precision construction, clever pocket layout, and attention to detail speak to Tilak’s obsessive craftsmanship, making these shorts a standout piece for anyone who values functional design with a refined, technical edge.
Gore-Tex Paris Fashion Week Exclusive Tee
A bit of a wildcard in this setup—a rare limited-edition tee offered to friends of GORE-TEX during the Spring Summer Fashion Week in Paris.
Prometheus Design Werx Raider Field Pant EC T-Fit UFG
A perfect balance of function and subtlety, the Raider Field Pant is built for serious adventure without looking overtly tactical. Prometheus Design Werx blends technical materials with a clean, tailored fit, resulting in pants that move effortlessly while offering weather resistance and plenty of well-placed storage. With its low-profile design and performance-focused construction, this is a go-to piece for those who want mission-ready utility in an understated, everyday package.
While the European Space Agency’s online store offers a great selection of apparel, this particular tee is a little more special for me. Gifted to me during an ESA event and apparently not available for purchase online, it’s a low-key collectible that represents the spirit of European space exploration. Proof that sometimes the best gear isn’t bought, but earned.
Prometheus Design Werx Orion Merino Hoodie
The Orion Hoodie has quickly become a new favorite of mine, and it’s easy to see why. Its midweight merino construction strikes the perfect balance—warm when it’s cold, breathable when you’re on the move, and naturally odor-resistant for multi-day wear. The clean, minimalist design gives it a sharp urban look, while reinforced elbows and subtle gear loops ensure it performs just as well on the trail. This hoodie has become a go-to piece for comfort and versatility.
Neutra Hakone V.2 Mesh (White)
The Hakone V.2 Mesh White is a minimalist sneaker that blends refined design with functional performance. Handcrafted in France, it combines breathable AirTech mesh with PFC-free water-repellent suede and premium leather linings for comfort and durability. Vibram soles with recycled rubber and insoles made from post-consumer foam reflect Neutra’s commitment to sustainability. Inspired by Japanese design and the spirit of the Hakone Ekiden race, this sneaker balances timeless aesthetics with modern urban versatility, making it a standout for both casual wear and everyday adventures. These are sleek, breathable, and travel-ready sneakers. They pack small, look sharp, and are just what you want when you swap the trail for the tarmac.
The Blade Shirt from Tilak / Poutnik is a perfect example of technical garment design meeting understated style. Lightweight, durable, and highly functional, it excels in breathability and weather resistance while maintaining a clean, minimalist silhouette.
These shoes are built for serious ground coverage. The Dyneema upper keeps them tough but featherlight, and the Vibram sole grips like a dream to deliver toughness, traction, and all-day comfort across unpredictable terrain. The secure fit, responsive cushioning, and reflective details make them as reliable as they are technical. For me, they’re the perfect complement to the Norda Toolbox duffel I featured earlier in this article—both pieces embody functional, adventure-ready yet almost futuristic design that I genuinely love.
THE SHUTTLE
If my full expedition loadout is the mothership, this is the shuttle — compact, precise, and built with the same deliberate ethos: every gram justified, every story worth telling.
Perched top‑left, this small‑form Gerber is a masterclass in compact readiness. Whether slicing cord, prying, or opening packaging in the field, it’s light enough to vanish in‑pocket until needed.
Grayman & Co. Impact Sunglasses
Another instant favorite. Discreet, ballistic‑rated eyewear built from Italian acetate with Japanese urethane lenses that rival glass for clarity and scratch resistance. They skip the “tactical” look, blending into everyday life while quietly meeting ANSI Z87+ impact standards.
They’ve earned a spot in my EDC because they tick two boxes I care about:
- Rare tech in a familiar form — cutting‑edge materials you almost never see in civilian eyewear.
- Functional uniqueness — gear that protects at the highest level without advertising its capabilities.
The sunglasses come in a very nice box, and with detachable side eye protection.
Wild Sky Gear DCF First Aid Kit Zip Pouch – 9.5g
Handmade in Britain from 2.92 oz Dyneema® Composite Fabric with taped seams and a YKK Aquaguard® zipper to seal out the elements.
The origin is as compelling as the pouch itself: Skye McGregor was just 15 when he hiked Land’s End to John O’Groats solo, in the depths of winter. To keep his pack ultralight, he began making his own gear, selling the surplus. That necessity‑driven ingenuity grew into a small‑batch workshop whose creations now travel the globe.
For me, it’s more than a piece of equipment — it’s functional art. Each pouch is cut, sewn, and finished by hand, carrying subtle variations that make it one‑of‑a‑kind. Owning one feels like holding a distilled fragment of the maker’s journey: skill, grit, and purpose stitched into something both beautiful and utterly dependable.
GORE‑TEX “Paris Together” Patch – (not commercially available)
A rare gift for friends of GORE‑TEX during Paris Fashion Week SS25.
A masterclass in minimalism, the MT distills everyday utility into a 7cm slab of precision‑machined titanium. Bottle opener, flathead screwdriver/scraper, and pry bar — all in a form so slim you forget it’s there until you need it.
Benchmade Bugout (Custom Explorers Club Laser Engraving)
Ultralight, USA‑made Bugout® with a CPM‑S30V blade— already a benchmark for strength‑to‑weight performance. This one carries a twist: a laser‑engraved Explorers Club logo I personally commissioned, not an official collaboration. That detail turns a proven, hard‑use knife into a singular piece of functional art, blending precision engineering with a story only mine. I have even added to it an MSR Night Glow Zipper Pull for added functionality and customization.
Tarptent – Reflective UltraPE Cord
Feather‑light yellow‑and‑black UltraPE cord: high‑visibility, weather‑resistant, and strong enough for shelter guylines or quick field repairs. From Tarptent, masters of ultralight design, it carries the same precision and purpose as their tents
Modular organizer with loops, slip pockets, and a slim profile — EDC discipline in textile form. A new instant favorite that I will most probably review in depth in my next article.
Matador FlatPak™ Toiletry Bottle
Collapsible, waterproof, and ultralight — built from welded Cordura® to save weight and space without sacrificing hygiene. A perfect balance of form and function, with a sleek, sci‑fi‑inspired design that feels purpose‑built for life on the move.
Porter Yoshida Bottle – 90th Anniversary Edition (gifted during Paris Fashion Week)
A sleek, functional keepsake from Japan’s legendary bag maker, picked up at WORDS SOUNDS COLORS & SHAPES in Paris during Porter Yoshida’s 90th‑anniversary showcase.
Matador Ultralight Travel Towel – Large
Fast‑drying nanofiber tech in a powermesh pouch — comfort and weight savings in equal measure.
A rugged, weather‑resistant vault for your kit. With 45L of stackable, dustproof, and waterproof storage, a clear lid for instant ID, and side handles for easy hauling, it keeps your gear protected, visible, and ready—whether in the garage, the boot, or basecamp.
Heimplanet Carry Essentials Neck Pouch (A6) – Light
Many of the EDC items featured above fit perfectly into this featherweight, weather‑resistant pouch — and the removable neck strap is a small but welcome touch, making it easy to adapt from around‑the‑neck carry to slipping it into a bag. Designed for passports, cards, and other small essentials, it sits close to the body for security and quick access. True to Heimplanet’s design language, it balances clean, geometric lines with technical materials, making it as at home in a city as it is on the trail.
I’m drawn to it for the same reason I love much of my kit: it’s a study in form meeting function, with a minimalist silhouette that wouldn’t look out of place in a sci‑fi wardrobe.
Ready to Keep Going
This year’s postponed expedition could have been a frustration, but instead it became a proving ground. The extra time allowed me to refine my setup, explore the potential of ultralight materials, and put each new piece of gear through its paces. As Sir Ranulph Fiennes reminds us, “The key is to learn from failures, and then to keep going.”
Benjamin Pothier, Ph.D is an explorer, photojournalist, documentary filmmaker, and expert in space missions simulations in extreme environments.
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