All Articles
Latest
REI Flash Air 1 Tent Review
The REI Flash Air 1 Tent (20 oz / 567 g, $249) is a hybrid single/double-wall solo tent with a single entrance and vestibule and can be supported by a single trekking pole.
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.
Feathered Friends Eos Down Vest Review
The Feathered Friends Eos Down Vest (7 oz / 200 g, $249.00) is a simple, well-constructed, well-fitting down vest with a high warmth-to-weight ratio.
Tarptent Notch Li Review (Updated: V2 2020 Version)
This Tarptent Notch Li Review presents the benefits of Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) for ultralight backpacking shelters, assesses its design/feature set, and compares the Notch Li to its competitors.
Tarptent Moment DW Review (2019 Version)
The Tarptent Moment DW is a one-person, single-hoop tunnel, silnylon double-walled backpacking tent with a highly modular design.
First Looks: REI Flash Air 1 Tent
The REI Flash Air 1 is a 1-person, hybrid-wall (single/double) tent that can be pitched with a single trekking pole and weighs 20 oz.
More Reasons to Modify Gear
There are many good motives for altering equipment. Mostly we focus on reducing weight, fixing problems, or adding features. Here are a few more reasons.
Biolite Headlamp 200 Review
The Biolite Headlamp 200 (1.75 oz /50 g, $44.95) is a USB-rechargeable headlamp with a unique design that makes it very comfortable and stable.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Resources for the Backpacking Light Community
This document provides information for the Backpacking Light community on matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus.
Episode 25 | Covid-19: What Does it Mean for Backpacking?
Andrew and Ryan discuss the ethics of backpacking in light of Covid-19. They are joined by Jeff Garmire and Maggie Slepian.
Backpacking and Long-Distance Hiking in the Time of Covid-19
We need to take a hard look at what it means to be a long-distance backpacker in 2020 - what types of trips should be off the table, what types of trips are still okay, and how to keep yourself sane if you can’t make a backpacking trip work this year.
Measuring Waterproofness in Outdoor Performance Fabrics with a DIY Hydrostatic Pressure Test Device at Home
In this article, I present a DIY testing device (and test results for 30 fabrics) that allows me to measure the hydrostatic head of "waterproof' fabrics at home.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket Review
The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket (4.93 oz/140 g, $190) is minimally-featured, made with 75k MVTR fabric, and is reasonably-priced.
Is a heat exchanger pot worth the weight?
This article attempts to determine how a heat exchanger welded to the bottom of a pot actually affects fuel consumption.
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.
Kammock Mantis and Mantis UL Hammock Review
The Kammok Mantis and Mantis UL are all-in-one hammock shelters that include hanging systems, tarps, bug netting, and more.
Beginner’s Mind: A Lifelong Ground Sleeper Takes to the Trees
After a lifetime of pole-supported shelters and sleeping pads, I’d decided to give hammock camping a try.
Buy Less, Do More with Good Enough Gear
What you’re really hooked on is the dopamine rush from buying and trying new gear - which doesn’t last very long.
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
This ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket review is comprehensive and addresses long-term performance, breathability, DWR, and more.
Nature Therapy in the Backcountry (Traveling Light Towards Mindfulness and Wellness)
Nature Therapy in the Backcountry is an exploration of mindfulness, wellness, and the mental/emotional aspects of ultralight backcountry travel.
Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, March 1 - Registration is Free.Trail Days Online! 2025 is this week:
