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Winter’s Tone
The sights, sounds, and moods of the Ozark Trail.
Ultralight Waterproof-Breathable Jackets: 2012 State of the Market Report
Part 1: Why should you buy a WPB rain jacket? And why would you buy one that weighs more than 8 ounces (227 g)?
Páramo Vista Rain Jacket Review
An incredibly breathable full-zip rain jacket that manages to fend off precipitation without using a membrane.
How to Best Pack Your UL/Frameless Backpack with UL Gear
The advantages of having a lightweight, frameless backpack are huge - but without that heavy frame, the backpack has all the qualities of a large sack. For maximum comfort, you'll need to pack carefully, in a way that gives your backpack form and balance.
2012 Photo Contest Winners!
The votes are counted, photos drooled over, and the top ten are in. Congrats to all who entered - the eye candy was gorgeous!
Montane Slipstream GL Jacket Review
A very lightweight hoodless windshirt utilizing Pertex’s newest lightest fabric – Quantum GL. In addition to his thorough evaluation, Will includes a discussion of the versatility of a windshirt.
Mountain Laurel Designs SuperMid Review
A large but still lightweight pyramid that can shelter three to four adults in all four seasons.
Make Your Own Gear: Igloos
Build an igloo using the “hub and spoke method” and lightweight backpacking tools.
Hiking Hells Canyon Rim to Rim
Crossing the deepest river gorge in North America with unmaintained trails, poor communication, and a little conflict: will frustration be followed by triumph or a turn-around?
Andrew Skurka’s The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Book Review
Are You an Ultimate Hiker? Andy Skurka’s approach to backpacking.
Fast and Light Shoulder Season Footwear Tips
Avoiding wet feet in the shoulders seasons can be impossible. Follow a few simple principles to ensure your feet are happy, no matter the conditions!
What a Beginner Needs for Backpacking: Part 2
Clothing, Footwear, Group Gear (Water Treatment, Stoves and Fuel, Shelter). Basic training for the beginner and/or young backpacker, with a focus on Scouts.
What a Beginner Needs for Backpacking: Part 1
The Lightweight Lesson, Essentials, Backpack, Sleeping Bag and Pad, Personal Kit. Basic training for the beginner and/or young backpacker, with a focus on Scouts.
CAMP Flash Anorak Review
An innovative design makes this wind shell easy to put on and take off.
Crazy for Quilts – How Quilts Became My Sleep System of Choice, PLUS A Review of My Favorite, the Stateless Society Custom Quilt
Take a walk through the backpacking addicted mind of Ray as he explains his journey to custom quilts, and read a review of his favorite model, a 14-ounce beauty made by fellow BPL-er Javan Dempsey.
Backpacking and Hiking with an Umbrella
Francis is an umbrella advocate, eschewing typical rainwear. Find out why he's backpacked over 12,500 miles with an umbrella... and decide if you should follow his lead.
Storm Resistance of Ultralight Shelters
Evaluating the wind and snow loading of shelters for ultralight backpacking in inclement conditions.
Deep Freeze: A Cold, Hard Look at Winter Stoves
Investigating the lightest-weight options on the market and assessing ease-of-use, reliability, fuel efficiency, and time to boil.
Mountain Laurel Designs TrailStar Shelter Review
Simplicity and strength in an all-season shelter.
Clikstand T-2 Alcohol Stove System Review
Can 100% titanium justify the price tag?
Nemo Obi Elite 1P Tent Review
Nemo becomes a serious player in the ultralight tent category. The Obi Elite 1P is a cutting edge one-person double-wall tent that matches the weight and roominess of many single-wall tents.
