All Articles, Dispatches, Podcasts, and Trailheads

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400 Backpack Review

Durable lightweight packs that can carry a larger volume (and higher weight) expedition kit.

Close Encounters with Hypothermia

An unexpected rainstorm and inadequate gear threaten to end one hiker's PCT dreams, and potentially his life. Chapter 3 from Lawton Grinter's new book I Hike: Mostly True Stories from 10,000 Miles of Hiking.

Midlayer Technology: Patagonia Capilene 4 v. Mountain Hardwear Desna Hoody

This winter, increase the versatility of your other layers by adding a midlayer. An overview of two notable options, and discussion of current fabric tech.

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

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

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.