Toronto-based Steve Evans is like most in the ultralight backpacking crowd – maniacal about shaving weight from his backcountry kit.

Evans has an advantage. He's an accomplished engineer. His need for lighter gear and profession converged when he started Suluk 46, a one-man ultralight gear company.

Evans first ingenious idea was the Tica Ice Tool – maybe the lightest ice axe. Evans worked the forums on Backpacking Light's website to understand the interest level and for input from the ultralight community.

As the design evolved and his progress noted on the Backpacking Light forum, interest mounted in the local ultralight community in Toronto and worldwide.

The Tica Ice Tool has evolved over time and is now on its third revision. The latest version weighs 4.9 ounces (50 cm). It runs for $245, and Evans gives it a personal touch since he does all the machining for it. It's available in sizes up to 73 cm.

Suluk 46 offerings extend beyond the Tica Ice Tool and include titanium tent stakes and innovative bivies designed with cuben fiber. Next up for Suluk 46 are a carbon fiber bow saw and a headlamp.