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Standards Watch: Standards Are Important (But Not Enough)

Rex Sanders illustrates how difficult it can be to make accurate product comparisons based on manufacturer-provided data.

Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review

This Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review features an ultralight hooded jacket insulated with Climashield Apex that weighs 8.4 oz (238 g).

Episode 26 | Load Hauling

Ryan and Andrew talk load hauling - how to go light when you have to pack heavy. Featuring an interview with Kevin Timm of Seek Outside.

Episode 24 | Gear We Love (2020 Edition)

Andrew and Ryan talk about some of the BPL Staff's favorite gear, our gear review philosophy, current news, and more!

Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review

The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is a hooded, full-zip synthetic active insulation mid-layer that weighs 13.2 oz (375 g) and retails for $299.

Arc’teryx Venta Mitten Review

The Arc'teryx Venta Mitten and its cousins, the Venta Glove and Venta AR Glove, are windproof, weather-resistant active insulation layers aimed at users participating in high-output activities in moderately cold temperatures.

2019 Staff Picks

The Backpacking Light staff offer their ultralight and other gear recommendations for lightweight backpacking, hiking, and camping.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Cold Winter Temperatures (Two-Layer Systems, Vapor Barriers, and Really Puffy Stuff)

Lightweight backpacking gear for winter temperatures: two-layer insulation systems, vapor barrier systems, and really puffy stuff.

Episode 22 | Hypothermia and Frostbite Treatment and Prevention

To help you stay safe this season, this Backpacking Light SKILLS SHORT centers on frostbite and hypothermia.

Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody Review

Max Neale gives a comprehensive review of Patagonia's MicroPuff Hoodie, including its warmth, insulation, cut, and hood.

Field Notes: Wet, Snowy, Cold – Spring Backpacking with my Son in Wyoming with Lightweight Gear

Unseasonably cold May temperatures and a winter storm warning were too much to pass up, so we set out for an overnighter in SE Wyoming.

Lightweight Winter Down Parka Reviews and State of the Market Report

This article features lightweight down parkas (usually, full-zip jackets with hoods, a longer hem, and box-baffled construction) appropriate for winter backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, and other cold-temperature activities.

Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket Review & Zeta SL Pant Review

The Arc'teryx Zeta FL Jacket is a Gore-tex Paclite Plus rain jacket that features a trim fit and hip length. It has articulated tailoring in the hood and arms, a full-length water-resistant zipper, two handwarmer pockets with water-resistant zippers, elastic hem and wrist cuffs, and an adjustable hood aperture.

Synthetic Insulated Jacket Review & State of the Market Report

This comprehensive State of the Market Report presents more than a dozen synthetic insulated jacket reviews and performance comparison to evaluate their durability, warmth, weather resistance, breathability, and features.

Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review

Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review: one of the best lightweight windproof synthetic insulated jackets on the planet. It weighs a mere 9.9 ounces.

Arc’teryx Nuclei AR Review

Our Arcteryx Nuclei AR Review found that this jacket has impressive water resistance and, thus, is the best belay jacket for alpinists.

Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review

Our Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review found that the Proton LT's durability, features, and warmth make it an ideal winter activewear choice.

LLBean Packaway Review (Primaloft Hooded Jacket)

This LLBean Primaloft Packaway Hooded Review concludes that this jacket offers excellent performance for a very good price.

Arc’teryx Kappa Hoody Review

This Arc'teryx Kappa Hoody Review features a jacket with high levels of durability and inclement weather resistance, but a mediocre warmth:weight ratio.

2017 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

The Backpacking Light Staff Picks Gear Guide offers what we consider to be our personal recommendations for high-quality, high-performance, lightweight backpacking gear that we've actually used this year.

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