Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Reviews

By: Alexandrea Gerke

After a life-changing hike on the PCT with backpacks of their own design, two engineer graduates put their degrees to use to create durable and lightweight gear! Using both engineering and trail experience, Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG) continues to develop versatile, durable, and of course, ultralight products in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. 

CTUG was generous enough to gift us a few of their most popular accessories to test out on the trail.

CTUG Ultralight Wallet

Upgrade the sandwich bag that you have been using to carry your ID, park permits, and cash. CTUG’s Ultralight Wallet is here! Keep organized with this ultralight, water-resistant zippered wallet holding and protecting your essentials. The ultralight weight and slim design make it perfect for bringing what you need without adding any bulk to your pack or pocket. 

Size/Weight

• Stitched Seams: 5.5″ x 3.75” (0.5 ounces)
• Sealed Seams: 5.25″ x 3.5” (0.3 ounces)

MATERIALS

• Abrasion-resistant and waterproof materials (VX21 X-Pac) 
• #3 Water Resistant Uretek Zippers
• 1/2″ Grosgrain Ribbon

DURABILITY / PERFORMANCE

Thanks to its small size, this wallet fits perfectly into the zippered pocket of my mountain bike shorts, easily stashes into a day pack for a hike, zips up in a backpack for longer treks, or can be thrown quickly into my purse for travel. I have fit way more than I thought possible into this little gem! Because of its durability and minimalist design, this has become my everyday wallet! I have been using it for months, and it still looks brand new! I was gifted the Stitched version, but I have had Zero issues with any items getting wet. This fact provides confidence that the Seamed version would ensure even more protection. 

Stitched vs. Seamed, what’s the difference? 

Both wallets use abrasion-resistant and waterproof materials (VX21 X-Pac) complete with #3 Water Resistant Uretek Zippers. These materials ensure that the Stitched wallet is water-resistant and capable of providing excellent protection in light rain. 

The Seamed wallet uses CTUG’s proprietary method of sealing the seams. They are NOT glued or taped but bonded together to create a permanent seal. The bonded sides have no stitches, therefore, no leaks. This method creates a wallet that is VERY water resistant. The small braid of the zipper is the only reason CTUG describes this product as VERY water resistant and not completely waterproof. 

According to the site: “Both versions of this wallet are only water resistant. The sealed version is much more water-resistant. We recommend avoiding submerging either of these wallets but the sealed version has kept its contents dry during quick submersion tests.”

The stitched version is ideal for everyday use, mountain biking, and day hikes. The sealed version would be the best choice for thru-hikes, winter sports, boating, or other activities that could expose you to more rain, water or snow.

PROS

• The seamed wallet is VERY water resistant 
• Ultralight weight (0.3 – 0.5 ounces)
• Water-resistant zippers
• Abrasion-resistant & waterproof material 
• Very durable
• Reasonably priced 

CONS

• Not completely waterproof 

FINAL THOUGHTS & Nancy’s Notes

We make do with the minimum on the trail, but certain ultralight products can make the journey even more enjoyable without adding much bulk or weight. Without a doubt, the CTUG Ultralight Wallet makes the cut. I always considered ultralight wallets just a luxury, but now I can never go back to the sandwich bag!

Nancy’s thoughts mirror Alexandrea’s and she loved using the CTUG Ultralight Wallet on her recent thru hike of the Superior Hiking Trail to hold her money, identification and credit card. She especially loved the bright colors since small gear is easy to misplace!

CTUG WATER BOTTLE SLEEVE

Staying hydrated is essential on the trail! If you hate having to stop and remove your pack every time you want to access your water… CTUG has a solution for that! Add convenience to your next hike and keep your water within arm’s reach with the CTUG Water Bottle Sleeve.

Like the CTUG Chest Strap Pocket, the Water Bottle Sleeve has an easy (and adaptable!) attachment system that fits just about any pack’s straps. You can securely strap this accessory with the included S-clips to backpacks with Daisy Chain webbing and Gear loops… or like me, you can get creative and find a way to attach them to your Bikepacking bags! 🙂 For most packs, adding this Water Bottle Sleeve is a breeze! If you have any difficulties, CTUG has provided photos and videos on their website to provide instruction. 

SIZE / WEIGHT

Standard: 1.4 oz

• 0.7 Liter Smart Water Bottle (or similar)
• 8.25″ tall and made for water bottles with a 2.875″ diameter. 
• The diameter of the sleeve is about 3.125″

Large: 1.6 oz

• 1 Liter Smart Water Bottle (or similar) 
• 10.75″ tall and made for water bottles with a 2.875″ diameter.
• The diameter of the sleeve is about 3.125”

MATERIALS

• X-Pac (VX07)
• Nylon mesh
• 1″ nylon webbing

DURABILITY / PERFORMANCE

Durable nylon pocket mesh surrounds the water bottle to keep it secure, complete with a cinch-top closure to keep it in place. The back panel won’t wear out thanks to the durable Xpac VX07 material that CTUG uses. To provide additional stability, the CTUG site suggests using a 1-liter bottle in a 0.7 Liter Sleeve and securing it by stretching the shock cord over the top of the bottle. Thanks to the nylon mesh webbing, condensation from your water bottle dry quickly. 

Besides holding my water bottle, I used this extra storage for many other things! It is the perfect size to hold a can of cold brew, an ideal spot to quickly stash gloves and a beanie, or a great location to access snacks easily. 

PROS

• Quality materials designed to last
• Reasonably priced 
• Convenience 
• Ultralight weight 
• Multi-use storage possibilities 
• Durable 

CONS

• Non-essential (but oh so convenient!)  

FINAL THOUGHTS

Make staying hydrated a breeze by keeping your water within your reach at all times on the trail. This ultralight accessory is less than 2 oz, and thanks to its adaptable attachment system, it can fit onto almost all packs. Cover more miles hydrating on the go with the CTUG Water Bottle Sleeve!

It keeps your water secure and stable and can stash many other goodies too!

CTUG SHOULDER STRAP POCKET

Can you ever really have enough pockets?! Keep your essentials within reach while protecting them from the elements with CTUG’s water-resistant zippered Shoulder Strap Pocket.

Like the CTUG Water Bottle Sleeve, the CTUG Shoulder Strap Pocket features an easy (and adaptable!) attachment system using S-clips. You can securely strap this accessory onto Daisy Chain Webbing or Gear Loops. I was also able to attach this accessory to my Bikepacking bags! For most backpacks, adding these accessories is simple! If you have trouble, check out their site’s photos and videos.

SIZE / WEIGHT

• Stitched:1.7 oz
• 6.75” x 3.75” x 1.5-1.75”
• Sealed:1.6 oz
• 6.75” x 3.5” x 1.25-1.5”

* According to CTUG site: “The different construction methods of this product leave slight variations in the size of the Zipper Pocket. Dimensions listed here may vary by about 1/4”

MATERIALS

• X-Pac VX21
• Nylon Webbing
• #5 Water Resistant Uretek Zipper
• Lycra Mesh (4-way stretch)
• 1/2″ Elastic

DURABILITY / PERFORMANCE

As someone who has to wear prescription glasses/sunglasses, I prefer a dedicated space for these pricey items, so they don’t get left lost. I’m even happier when I don’t have to take off my whole pack to reach them! The CTUG Shoulder Strap Pocket is perfect for keeping my glasses safe in their case and within arm’s reach. It allows easy access to my wallet (CTUG’s ultralight wallet) and can even store my iPhone 14 with this Spigen Case.

In addition to the secure water resistant zipper pocket, you’ll appreciate the addition of the strong yet stretchy Lycra Mesh pocket for additional storage. I have used this feature to store extra snacks, bike chain lube, tools, chapstick, and more!

Stitched VS Seamed, what’s the difference? 

Both versions use abrasion-resistant and waterproof materials (VX21 X-Pac), complete with #5 Water Resistant Uretek Zipper. This design allows the Stitched version to be water-resistant and capable of protecting items from light rain or a splash of water. 

The Seamed Shoulder Strap Pocket uses CTUG’s proprietary method of sealing the seams that bonds the seams together to create a permanent seal. They are NOT glued or taped, and because the bonded sides have no stitches, there are no leaks. This method makes this accessory VERY water resistant. Like the wallet, the zipper braid is the only reason CTUG describes this product as VERY water resistant and not waterproof.

PROS

• Additional storage with minimal weight 
• The Seamed version is VERY water resistant 
• Ultralight (less than 2 oz!) 
• Water-resistant zippers
• Durable 
• Reasonably priced 
• Protects sensitive gear from the weather 

CONS

• It does not easily fit all phones  
• Not completely waterproof

FINAL THOUGHTS and Nancy’s Notes

Adding an extra pocket can improve even the best backpack! Use the CTUG Shoulder Strap Pocket to keep your gear safe in unexpected weather. The adaptable attachment system allows you to use this accessory on various packs and keep everything you need within arm’s reach. Plus, the mesh pocket provides even more accessibility to small items. Oh, and if you were wondering, each version is available in 12 different color options!

Once again, Nancy’s thoughts mirror Alexandrea’s, and she was very impressed with the CTUG Shoulder Strap Pocket during her Superior Hiking Trail thru hike. She used it to store her phone and small snacks, and it performed exceptionally well in rain. She had a little trouble attaching it to her Gossamer Gear Mariposa’s shoulder strap without referring to the CTUG website for instructions, but it was easy after reading the correct way to attach it.