All Articles
Latest
Wilderness Adventures 2018 Whitetail Trek (Photo Essay)
As part of the Backpacking Light Wilderness Adventures program, Trek Director Kevin Fletcher and I led a guided trip across the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana in September 2018. This photo essay tells the story of that trek.
Episode 6 | Backcountry Filmmaking and Photography
Backcountry filmmaking and photography used to required thirty or more pounds of gear. Here's how to produce great media at minimum weight!
Resources, Tools, and Processes for Planning Nontechnical, Off-Trail Backpacking Routes
The purpose of this article is to document the process I often use to plan and execute off-trail trips in the mountains using digital mapping and navigation tools.
Paramo Ostro Ultra Light Windproof Jacket
Paramo's Ostro Ultra Light Jacket is a new version of the popular Ostro Windproof Jacket with features not often found on ultralight jackets.
Sierra Designs High Route 1FL Tent Review
The Sierra Designs High Route 1P Tent is a three-season tent designed for withstanding variable conditions while remaining (sort of) light.
Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag Review
When climbing alpine routes and sleeping on small ledges where you can't pitch tents, the Patagonia Hybrid may be the sleep system for you.
KS Ultralight Gear R-50 Backpack Review
The KS Ultralight R-50 is a backpack designed for a variety of applications including climbing, hiking, and snow sports.
Podcast 005 | Navigation
This podcast is about route planning and navigation skills and discusses a case study in complex navigation.
Atom Packs Prospector Review
The Atom Packs Prospector is a lightweight, durable, and fully customizable flagship backpack from the British company Atom.
MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit Review
The MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit is a gravity-powered water filtration kit with modular components for versatility.
Butt in a Sling (BIAS) Hammock Review
Butt in a Sling (BIAS) is a cottage manufacturer based in Tennessee, USA that makes some of the lightest and most comfortable hammocks on the market. Their hammocks are all eleven feet (335 cm) long and use ridgelines for a consistent hang. The Weight Weenie Micro is the original model and is available in a variety of widths while the Weight Weenie Micro HD 1.0 is available in one width and uses a slightly heavier and softer fabric. Both hammocks are available with a variety of options. Add the BIAS Suspension Kit and Nano Buginator bug net, and you have a versatile, comfortable, and ultralight hammock setup!
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 5400 Backpack Review
Light and large: our Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 5400 Backpack review - a lightweight pack with the chops for carrying large loads.
Navigating Without a Compass, Map, or GPS
This article describes natural navigator techniques I’ve found helpful while bushwhacking - navigating without a compass, map, or GPS.
Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L Sleeping Pad Review
The Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L sleeping pad is a plush sleeping pad that adds a touch of luxury to backcountry sleeping. Although discontinued by Nemo, this unique pad may be worth scouring remnant inventory and used gear sales - as of the publication of this review, it may offer the best luxury-comfort-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad ever manufactured.
Atom Packs “The Atom” Backpack Review (First Looks)
The Atom is the smallest and lightest backpack offered by the UK’s Atom Packs. It is a specialized tool aimed at the fast and light hiker.
MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit Review
The MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit is a complete cook-and-eat solution for one person, featuring a stove, pot, bowl, lid, and pot lifter.
Hummingbird Hammocks Reviews: Single, Single+, Pelican, Warbler, and Suspension System
Hummingbird Hammocks offers a variety of Made in the USA hammocks and accessories including three hammocks, two hammock tarps, a bug net, and other accessories. They have some unique features such as Button Links that eliminate the need for carabiners and integrated tree straps with whoopie slings which simplify the suspension system and make setup very easy. They also offer what is likely the lightest hammock on the market - the Single Hammock, which weighs a scant 5.6 oz. Can the lightest hammock also be the most comfortable?
ThruNite Ti3 Flashlight Review
The ThruNite Ti3 is a diminutive but rugged little flashlight that can produce as much as 120 Lumens of brightness on a single AAA battery.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear REpurpose Bottle Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear REpurpose water bottle is a recycled aluminum bottle developed with the lightweight outdoor community in mind.
Vargo V3 Titanium Pocket Cleats Review
Vargo V3 Titanium Pocket Cleats are half the weight of leading lightweight traction devices, but do they perform for running and backpacking?
Podcast 004 | Guide’s Roundtable
A conversation w/guides Kevin, Dan, Adam and Ryan about the philosophy and benefits of ultralight backpacking.

