All Articles, Dispatches, Podcasts, and Trailheads
- GEAR • Gear Reviews
- GEAR • Market Reports
- GEAR • Gear Guides
- GEAR • Gear Checklists
- GEAR • Make Your Own Gear
- GEAR • Gear Testing & Research
- SKILLS • Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
- SKILLS • Wilderness Skills
- SKILLS • Training
- SKILLS • Trip Planning
- SKILLS • Food Preparation
- PLACES • Trips
- PLACES • Routes
- CULTURE • Essays
- CULTURE • Stories
- CULTURE • Issues
- CULTURE • People
- CULTURE • News
- CULTURE • Media Reviews
- ARCHIVES (Before 30.Nov.2015)
- SEARCH LIBRARY
- TRAILHEADS
Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet 25 Backpack REVIEW
A well-designed, low volume 4.4-ounce pack for dayhikes or SuperUltraLight overnights.
Fanatic Fringe Thompson Peak Backpack REVIEW
Improves on the classic (now discontinued) GoLite Breeze, and cuts the weight by a third.
Gossamer Gear G5 Hyperlight Backpack REVIEW
It’s made of spinnaker fabric and must be "handled with care," but the volume to weight ratio will knock your socks off!
Jacks ‘R’ Better JRB Down Hood SPOTLITE REVIEW
Simple hood that mates with the No Sniveller quilt.
Jacks ‘R’ Better JRB Down Sleeves SPOTLITE REVIEW
Sleeves that can be worn under the No Sniveller wearable quilt or with a vest.
AntiGravityGear Universal Alcohol Stove Accessory Pack SPOTLITE REVIEW
The primer pan is the darling of this set.
Mini Bull Designs Sketti Stove SPOTLITE REVIEW
Robust and powerful alcohol stove that doesn't require a pot stand.
2005 Lightweight Down Jackets Review Summary and Gear Guide Overview
We rate and compare the lightest down jackets on the market based on our measurements and their performance in the field.
GoLite Cumulus Jacket REVIEW
A comfortable and lofty 14-ounce jacket with some nice features, but missing ultralight appeal.
2005 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Staff Favorites - Our gear picks from the 2005 hiking and backpacking season.
Gossamer Gear Spinnshelter REVIEW
Full three-season (non-bomber) weather protection for one person for only 11.2 ounces including guylines and stakes.
Gossamer Gear Whisper Uberlight Backpack REVIEW
Minimal features and prone-to-abrasion-damage spinnaker fabric make this the lightest 2000-cubic inch backpack on the market.
GoLite Feather-Lite Sleeping Bag REVIEW
We found a “sleeper” - the Feather-Lite has 1.5 inches more loft than specified.
Mountainsmith Fusion 35 Backpack SPOTLITE REVIEW
You won't see this one in stores, or on the Mountainsmith website yet. We take a first look at a super comfortable and well designed alpine/snow sport backpack; a precursor to our full review.
2005 Backpacking Light Trip Planning Spreadsheet Contest Entries
Reader submissions of spreadsheet files used for trip planning and gear lists.
Western Mountaineering Flight Down Jacket REVIEW
Lofty, light, warm, and durable for its weight - although it does lose a few feathers at the seams.
MontBell Down Inner Jacket REVIEW
The MontBell Down Inner Jacket is only $139, but lacks the loft of the leading jackets.
MontBell U.L. Down Inner Jacket REVIEW
The lightest down jacket on the market.
2006 Osprey Aether 60 Backpack REVIEW
What a conundrum! The upgraded pack has some great improvements, and is now an outstanding value, but (darn it) it's also heavier.
Macpac Epic 150 SF Sleeping Bag REVIEW
A waterproof sleeping bag may sound like overkill, until you think about the possibilities – like sleeping under the stars without getting damp or wet insulation, and leaving the bivy sack at home.
Crescent Moon Booties SPOTLITE REVIEW
This snowshoeing accessory adds warmth and water resistance to any shoe, without adding much weight. Will their one-size offering fit your shoes?
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
Carbon Fiber Power Bank20,000 mAh power bank with a lightweight carbon-fiber shell.
