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Hiking Lighter, Hiking Smarter
Experiences of a Montana news journalist taking the trail to backpacking enlightenment.
Backcountry Fly Fishing: Lightweight Gear and Style
Outdoor writer Larry Tullis brings a lightweight ethic to backcountry fishing.
Top 10 Reasons to Carry a Spork
Results of a BackpackingLight.com reader contest, featuring the Top 10 Reasons to Carry a Spork List, and "Ode to a Spork" cowboy poetry by Paul Johnson.
Foot Care for Diabetic Hikers
Perspectives on footwear and foot care from a type II diabetic backpacker.
Jacks ‘R’ Better 8’x8′ Square SilNyl Tarp SPOTLITE REVIEW
First look at the Jacks 'R' Better 8'x8' Square SilNyl Tarp.
Jacks ‘R’ Better No Sniveller Universal Quilt SPOTLITE REVIEW
A first look at a lightweight down quilt for saving weight on your 3-season sleep system.
Gossamer Gear Polycryo Ground Cloth SPOTLITE REVIEW
Ultralight and ultra-tough, a ground cloth for the masses with a weight that appeals to the fringe.
Ion Alcohol Stove SPOTLITE REVIEW
Fuel miser and a SYSTEM (burner + wind screen + pot support) weight of less than an ounce...take notice.
Patagonia MicroPuff Vest SPOTLITE REVIEW
A worthy successor to the long-missed Puffball: less than seven ounces and packs to the size of a (insert cliche here: grapefruit! softball! water bottle!).
Brunton Liberty Mantleless Canister Fuel Lantern SPOTLITE REVIEW
Hallelujah! No fragile mantles! Good fuel efficiency and bright output make this a tempting gadget for winter camping.
Six Moon Designs Comet Pack SPOTLITE REVIEW
Internal frame option, narrow profile, and ease of use are the hallmarks of this lighweight backpack.
Mo-go-gear Go-torch Alcohol Stove SPOTLITE REVIEW
A folding windscreen keeps this stove kit small but offers the power for boiling larger volumes of water.
Notes from the Field: Arizona Canyoneering, SuperUltraLight Style
Field notes on perspectives from the field, with commentary on gear and technique in the canyons of the desert southwest.
Mo-go-gear Fire-fly Alcohol Stove SPOTLITE REVIEW
A tiny stove well suited for backpackers that view pint sized cooking mugs as group cooking devices.
Montane 180 Waterproof/Breathable Shirt SPOTLITE REVIEW
Rain shirt? Jacket? Who cares: It's 7 oz and has the ability to disappear in a corner of your pack.
GoLite Galaxy Internal Frame Backpack SPOTLITE REVIEW
Internal frame, enough volume for a long trek, and light weight = more appeal for traditional backpackers looking to "go light" without gettin' freaky about it.
Granite Gear Wisp Backpack REVIEW
Technical day pack that keeps loads close (SUL'ers take note: you might be able to eke an overnight out this one...).
Mountainsmith Wraith Backpack REVIEW
Small, dense, heavy loads carry well in this durable internal frame pack.
Macpac 35 Amp Backpack REVIEW
Light materials with rugged durability, convenient gear access, and comfort for fastpacking.
Almost to Katahdin: Appalachian Trail Section Hike to the Kennebec River
Section hiking progress towards the 2000 mile patch by Don "Photon" and Dave Johnston.
PHOTO ESSAY: Navajo Canyon, Arizona
BPL Staffers enjoy a rare opportunity to explore Arizona's Navajo Canyon.
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
Insulated Food PouchLightweight insulated pouch that keeps trail meals hot while they rehydrate.
