This is not a true duffel bag so much as “the world’s first true wide-mouth packing system,” as Rux calls it, but it is nevertheless an impressive piece of equipment from a company known for its modular gear-toting systems. Not unlike a foldable version of the popular 70L storage container, the Duffel box starts completely flat, but the sides pop up, and the patent-pending top rolls down to form a box that stays open on its own. There are no zippers involved in its construction, but there are multiple straps, panels, and pockets, and you will most likely need to watch an instructional YouTube video to make full use of all the features. However, the beauty of this bag is that it can be just about anything you want it to be. Long-term storage, luggage, a gear box—even a backpack. All is possible with the included straps and dividers in the right places.

Over the past four months, my family has used it as a traditional duffel bag, a storage box, and, currently, a portable equipment organizer for my son’s club soccer team. It’s been stepped on, rained on, and thrown in wagons and vehicle trunks, with nary a scratch on the 105D nylon gridstop fabric. (Though it did get stuck in a downpour once, and I will say I’m not sure I’d quantify the fabric as fully waterproof—closer to water resistant.) Lash points along the inside walls allow it to integrate with Rux’s line of accessories and packing bags (sold separately), in which we’re currently keeping pinnies and goalkeeper gear.

The Duffel Box will be officially for sale on March 16 in two sizes, 55L and 75L; pictured is the 55L. Note that a “Plus” version will include a removable universal shoulder strap, which connects to lash points on the outside, for an extra $25. —Kat Merck

Mountain Hardware’s Ghost Whisperer UL hoodie has been a popular pick among ultralight backpackers since it was introduced a few years ago. It remains the best puffer jacket for anyone trying to shave every last ounce off their pack weight. It weighs just 6.7 ounces for a men’s medium (7.3 ounces for the men’s large I tested), packs down to a tiny little thing (stuffing into its own pocket), and the 1,000-fill-power goose down offers one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios on the market. The very lightweight shell material is a mix of 5D and 7D ripstop nylon, which is a bit more fragile than heavier jackets, but it has held up well so far in my testing. I can safely say that the Ghost Whisper UL is everything I ever wanted in an ultralight down puffer and then some.

What sets it apart from some other very nice puffers out there are the little details. First there’s the 1.9 ounces of 1,000-fill-power down, which is as high a fill power as you’ll find in a jacket of this class, meaning you’re getting the maximum warmth and loft that you can for the least amount of weight. My only caveat for this jacket would be, if you are the type of person who gets cold easily, you might want something with a bit more fill. The classic Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody (not the ultralight) has 3 ounces of 800 fill power and is slightly warmer in most scenarios, the trade-off being it’s heavier as well (about 9 ounces for a men’s medium). Also check out the Katabatic Gear puffer below, which is considerably warmer. I do not get cold easily, and I have found the Ghost Whisperer UL works well for me as a warm layer to throw on in camp at high elevation is summer, a mid-layer for hiking in cold conditions, and a mid-layer under the Rab Glaceon Pro in extreme cold.

Other details that make the Ghost Whisperer UL our top pick for ultralight hiking include two very nice zippered hand pockets with a good amount of space to stash little stuff like a three-season hat and some gloves, along with an adjustable drawstring at the waist to keep drafts out. I also love how small this thing packs down, well under the size of a 1L bottle (see photo). It packs into its own left pocket with a reversible zipper, although it will stuff down even smaller if you get a separate stuff sack.

My only gripe about this jacket is that there’s no drawstrings. The hood, cuffs, and waist hem are all elastic. This works fine for the cuffs and hood, but I wish there were a drawstring for the waist. For this reason, if I am expecting temps below 40, I bring a heavier puffer. The rest of the time, this is what you’ll find in my backpack. Note that I found the fit to be a little small. According to the fit guide on the Mountain Hardware website, I am right between medium and large. I tried both and found the large fit much better.