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Patagonia 19 Degree Sleeping Bag Review

Of the approximately 70 different sleeping bags I've used, the Patagonia 19 Degree Sleeping Bag is the most comfortable all-purpose mummy bag for use above freezing.

Alcohol Stove Comparison: Trail Designs (12-10 and Kojin) vs. Zelph (Starlyte and Starlyte Mod)

This review compares the boil time and fuel consumption performance of the Trail Designs 12-10 and Kojin alcohol stoves, and the Zelph Starlyte and Starlyte Mod alcohol stoves, under a variety of wind conditions.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shell Jacket Review

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shell Jacket is made using Dyneema Composite Fabric bonded to a polyester fiber outer face for durability, and to a monolayer eVENT membrane on the inner face for breathability.

Podcast 002 | Dyneema Composite Fabrics

In this episode, we dive into the design, manufacturing, and applications of Dyneema Composite Fabrics.

Xero TerraFlex Review

This Xero Terraflex review features shoes that should interest both trail runners and ultralight hikers looking for a true minimalist shoe option for rugged terrain: super-flexible sole, zero drop, some cushioning, and very good traction.

A “Speshul” Hiker: Junaid Dawud and the Colorado 14ers Thru-Hike

Junaid “Speshul 41” Dawud may have cut his teeth on the Pacific Crest Trail - twice - but he earned one of the top ten FKTs of 2013 for completing his "14ers" thru-hike. This route links all 58 of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado.

Vancouver Island: Trauma on a West Coast Trail Backpacking Trip

Vancouver Island and I are on a collision course for a rematch. Here's a story about my recent trials on a West Coast Trail backpacking trip.

Synthetic Insulated Jacket Review & State of the Market Report

This comprehensive State of the Market Report presents more than a dozen synthetic insulated jacket reviews and performance comparison to evaluate their durability, warmth, weather resistance, breathability, and features.

Podcast 001 | Synthetic Insulation

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew take a deep dive into synthetic insulation: its technology, strengths, weaknesses, and applications.

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review

Our Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review features one of the highest-performing synthetic jackets we've ever evaluated. It's performance- and feature-to-weight ratio is extremely high and should be a top pick considered for ultralight backpacking.

Nunatak Skaha Apex Review

The Nunatak Skaha Apex is our highest rated windproof synthetic insulated jacket. Even though the jacket costs less than its closest competitors, it is custom-made in Utah. We highly recommend the Skaha Apex to anyone who wants the either the best fitting jacket or the highest warmth to weight ratio.

Patagonia DAS Parka Review

The Patagonia DAS is our highest rated synthetic insulated winter-weight parka. Frequent revisions have created a stunningly effective jacket for expeditions that cross multiple climates and for overnight alpine climbs and backcountry trips where a wet down parka would force you to bail, or worse.  Despite a suite of expedition features, the premium insulation and light fabrics keep the DAS lightweight at only 22 oz. in men's medium. This parka performs so well and is offered at such a reasonable price that we feel it's the only warm synthetic insulated parka worth buying.

Montane Spitfire One Review

Our Montane Spitfire One Review determined that this is one of the best value, very warm synthetic insulated parka for wet conditions.

Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review

Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review: one of the best lightweight windproof synthetic insulated jackets on the planet. It weighs a mere 9.9 ounces.

Arc’teryx Nuclei AR Review

Our Arcteryx Nuclei AR Review found that this jacket has impressive water resistance and, thus, is the best belay jacket for alpinists.

Patagonia Nano Air Light Review (Hoody)

This Patagonia Nano Air Light Review features one of the highest performing hoodies on the market, especially for active use in cool conditions. This one's a fleece-killer.

Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review

Our Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review found that the Proton LT's durability, features, and warmth make it an ideal winter activewear choice.

Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review

Our Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review determined that the jacket is an all-purpose winter jacket for around town and some winter sports.

LLBean Packaway Review (Primaloft Hooded Jacket)

This LLBean Primaloft Packaway Hooded Review concludes that this jacket offers excellent performance for a very good price.

Rab Nimbus Review

This Rab Nimbus review summarizes the jacket's performance and compares it to others in its class while using it on a number of mountaineering and trekking expeditions in Alaska and other parts of North America.

Patagonia Nano Air Hoody Review

The Patagonia Nano Air Hoody was released in July 2014 and was the best performing all-purpose active insulation jacket at that time. Does it hold up to the current crop of insulated jackets?

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