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2012 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
An eclectic assortment of the staff's favorite gear for 2012.
An Introduction to Nordic and Backcountry Ski Gear: Part 2 – Advanced Nordic Ski Mountaineering on UL Tele Gear
It is natural for skiers, as their skills improve, to seek more challenging terrain. And, with access to mountainous landscapes, it is inevitable for a skier to enter the realm of ski mountaineering. An overview of UL backcountry ski mountaineering gear and discussion of proper gear choice.
Alpacka Stowaway Dry Suit Review
A 22-ounce waterproof dry suit designed for packrafters with an eye towards saving weight and bulk on longer expeditions.
An Introduction to Nordic and Backcountry Ski Gear
A Primer to Backcountry Ski Travel – Why you can and should overnight ski in the backcountry
How Packs Work
The evolution of the frameless backpack and an analysis of current technology and features of four lightweight packs: the Golite Jam, Mountain Hardwear Thruway, Black Diamond Demon, and the authors MYOG Black and White pack.
Boreas Buttermilks 55 Review
Sure they look nice, but how do these clean, uncomplicated packs from new manufacturer Boreas handle the trails?
Camping in the Snow
Proper gear choices, site selection, and preparation techniques can make or break a winter excursion.
Olicamp Xcelerator/Fire-Maple FMS-117V Ti Stove Review
Finally, a remote-canister stove without the extra weight.
Commentary: The Packraft in 2013
Ten years ago, packrafters had few options. Today, the choices are many, and the future looks very promising.
Depression and Wilderness, Part 2: Wilderness May Not Be Enough
Is wilderness really a cure for depression, or just a temporary escape?
Tools for Human Powered Oversnow Travel – State of the Market Report
Fat bike, skis, or snowshoes? A discussion of the most efficient tools for oversnow travel.
Just Say No To Wicking: Non-Traditional Base Layers Based on a Next-to-Skin Fishnet Model
Introduction and Scope “No fishnet stockings. Never. Not in this band.” – Gene Simmons, KISS This article will explore the possibility that fishnet stockings, and other string-knit garments may be...
Depression and Wilderness: The Benefit of Wilderness as Therapy
"Wilderness settles peace on the soul because it needs no help. It is beyond human contrivance." -- E.O. Wilson
The Future of Baselayers
A glimpse into the future and a mini-review of the Mammut All-Year long sleeve crew.
24 Hours: Packrafting the Grande Ronde River
A new installment of the "24" series - stories about "24 hour" overnight trips.
Windshirts: 2012 State of the Market Report – Part 2: The Present and Future of Windshirts
Weatherproof, lightweight, breathable. Might the windshirt be the ultimate tool in the lightweight backpacker's arsenal?
5 Beginning Concepts for Winter Backpacking
Deep winter; February in the Many Glacier valley, Glacier National Park. 1. Define your winter For the modern first-world human, winter is frightening. Our everyday lives are built around spaces...
Considering Minimalist Footwear for Backpacking
While it sounds romantic to be able to trek in hemp-strapped huaraches or five-toed skins, the reality of wild places and the limitations of your body’s biomechanics may necessitate a different type of minimalist footwear.
Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum Tent Review
At 5 ounces less than its predecessor, is the new Fly Creek worth the extra price?
Tarp Camping Techniques for Inclement Conditions
Tarp campers intimately know not only wind and bugs but also sights of moonlit clouds and shooting stars and dawn, scents of pine needles and flowers and grasses and prowling...
Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness: Photo Essay
Photos and a Gear List from the 2012 Ultralight Backpacking Boot Camp.
