All Articles, Dispatches, Podcasts, and Trailheads

2006 Jacks ‘R’ Better Nest Quilt SPOTLITE REVIEW

A well-designed under quilt that integrates beautifully with Hennessy hammocks.

MSR Titan Kettle SPOTLITE REVIEW

A reasonably light two-man titanium kettle - very light, works well, but not very low cost.

MSR Titan Mini Cookset SPOTLITE REVIEW

A reasonably minimal titanium cookset - very light, works well, but not very low cost. Take just one pot?

Wingnut Adventure 2006 Backpack REVIEW

Small volume (1600 ci, 26 L) adventure racing pack that is ideal for biking and adequate for hiking.

Western Mountaineering Summerlite Sleeping Bag REVIEW

Hooded, down mummy bag rated to freezing that weighs a mere 19 ounces.

CiloGear 60 Liter WorkSack Backpack REVIEW

Durable and adjustable, but initially confusing to set up.

Petzl e+LITE Headlamp REVIEW

One ounce of fresh innovation: rotary switch, white-and-red LED array, modular form, storage capsule, waterproof. But not perfect - our tests reveal some weaknesses.

Princeton Tec Quad LED Headlamp REVIEW

Waterproof, four-LED headlamp with a wide, regulated beam.

Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 3, Tarp

Complete instructions to construct a 6-ounce tarp with improved weather protection.

Will Rietveld

Montane Jetstream Windshirt SPOTLITE REVIEW

2.8 ounces, full zip - is there a downside?

2006 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

An eclectic assortment of favorite gear for 2006.

Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo Building Tool REVIEW

The Icebox does the igloo engineering for you, but you still have a steep learning curve. Once you master the technique, you may discover a new and fun wintertime activity.

Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 2, Stuff Sack

Complete instructions to construct a 0.2-ounce stuff sack sized right to compress a SUL tarp (Part 3) into a tidy 4 x 4 x 8 inch bundle.

Montane Prism Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW

Pertex Microlight shell, PRISM synthetic insulation, 12 ounces with hood

Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent REVIEW

Introduces some major advancements in single wall tent design and provides user friendliness not seen before in a single wall tent, but there are a few details that could be refined.

Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 Tent REVIEW

A lightweight double-wall three-person tent with full storm protection and great views - but is it really sized for three?

Wise Women Go Light, Part 2

Jean and Sue select and test lighter gear from a dizzying array of choices while receiving an avalanche of expert advice - which they accept with trepidation, reject, or take on wholeheartedly - all the while listening to their own self-wisdom gained in their six (or near six) decades of life experience.

Valandré La Fayette Sleeping Bag REVIEW

A four season bag that offers excellent loft for the weight. The center zip has advantages, but is it the right solution for you?

Tarptent Rainshadow 2 Tent REVIEW

Ultralight (just over 2 1/2 pounds) single wall tent with a bathtub floor and plenty of space for three adults - or maybe the whole family.

Hilleberg Rajd Tent REVIEW

Lightweight single wall, two-person shelter with lots going for it: quality materials and construction, ease of set up, interior space and headroom, and storm worthiness – but it has one major problem.