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SuperUltraLight Backpacks REVIEW SUMMARY
These specialized packs are constructed of high-tech materials, weigh as little as 2.75 ounces, and are capable of carrying your sub-5-pound SUL kit for several days.
Mountain Laurel Designs 2006 Prophet Backpack REVIEW
Does the perfect frameless backpack exist? The Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet comes pretty darn close.
Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation Backpack REVIEW
Built for the gear-obsessed SUL crowd, the 3.2 ounce Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation pack is the lightest pack on the market while still offering a usable set of features. Further, it is the first commercially-available pack to be constructed of high-tech Cuben Fiber fabric. Impressive – yes, but how does it stand up to the rigors of off-trail hiking?
Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Conduit Backpack REVIEW
Looking for a weekend frameless pack that is both lightweight and durable? Check out the new ULA Conduit.
Dunham Waffle Stomper Alcatraz Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW
Really lightweight shoes for water sports and hiking in wet conditions, but they tortured my toes on steep downhills.
Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW
Panel-loading ultralight frameless backpack with a large top pocket - a great feature set - but it also has a few limitations that affect its field performance.
Comfort and Moisture Transport in Lightweight Wool and Synthetic Base Layers
An in-depth comparison of the properties of wool and synthetic fabric for base layers yielded some surprising results.
Danner Agitator 230 XCR Trail Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW
This low-cut trail shoe performs like a boot – really tough, supportive, and stable.
TechSpun Environmental Sock System SPOTLITE REVIEW
TechSpun makes some strong claims for these socks; is it hype, or do they really work? We tested them in summer and winter to find out.
Wise Women Go Light, Part 1
The first in a series of three articles chronicling the experiences of hiking buddies Jean and Sue as they begin on the journey to lightweight backpacking.
Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder Mid Boot REVIEW
With the new 2006 edition of the Terrastryder, Dunham has corrected the seam failure problem of its predecessor. The new boot merits high marks, except for one annoying carryover problem.
Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder Extra Boot REVIEW
The feature set of this new boot from Dunham suggests that it might be an ideal lightweight, insulated, waterproof boot for snowshoeing and snow hiking. That would be true, if it were not for one serious problem…
Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Carry Weight for Six Lightweight Backpacking Cooking Systems: Part II
Calculating Fuel Usage, Carry Weight Analysis, and Cost/Efficiency Considerations
White Gas, remote canister, top mount canister, integrated canister, alcohol, and fuel tab stove systems - when factoring in fuel carried, trip length, and conditions - which system is the lightest?
Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Gaiters SPOTLITE REVIEW
Lightweight, durable, breathable, water-resistant, and stretch to fit a variety of footwear – but we had a couple of problems with the snaps and sizing.
Tarptent Rainbow Tent REVIEW
This radically different Tarptent is destined for greatness, but needs a few refinements here and there.
Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Carry Weight for Six Lightweight Backpacking Cooking Systems: Part I
Assembling Comparable Cooking Systems and Test Data
White Gas, remote canister, top mount canister, integrated canister, alcohol, and fuel tab stove systems - when factoring in fuel carried, trip length, and conditions - which system is the lightest?
Camera Selection Basics for the Lightweight Backpacker
Features for a lightweight backpacker to look for in a digital or film camera.
Headsweats Race Hat SPOTLITE REVIEW
Way cool hiking hat that really manages the moisture and stays put, but snags fairly easily.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks (Production) SPOTLITE REVIEW
The lightest dry sacks, but also the leakiest (compared to lightweight dry sacks from four other companies) when subjected to harsh conditions.
Lightweight Dry Sacks: Comparison Testing Results
The lightest dry sacks from Granite Gear, Outdoor Research, Sea to Summit, Pacific Outdoor Equipment and Cascade Designs (SealLine) subjected to five tough tests - with lots of failures.
Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Relay Backpack REVIEW
Both lightweight AND durable, the new ULA Relay is a full-featured frameless daypack capable of comfortably carrying a heavy load - but there are a few nits to pick.
