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Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Pole Review
Lightweight, collapsible, fixed-length poles that use avalanche pole technology to lock the sections.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: Day 4 – Final Day and Still Plenty of Interesting Gear to be Found
Enduring sleep deprivation and a cold, we roamed the show on the final day and found some very interesting gear – new trail crampons, very lightweight rain mitts, more collapsible trekking poles, a 9-ounce snow shovel, cool apparel and footwear, and more...
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: Day 3 – An Assortment of Awesome Gear
This is not our backpacking gear list (honest!); today we again report on a wide variety of new gear – a new bear canister, more collapsible trekking poles, an insulating skirt for your derriere, lightweight high output lights, an ultralight down jacket from an unlikely source, more footwear, etc, etc...
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: Day 2 – Another Roundup of New and Interesting Gear
Lots of footwear today, for the trail and snow, plus an assortment of jackets, a to-die-for backcountry ski system from La Sportiva, Big Agnes introduces new lightweight trekking poles, a new Klymit skeletal sleeping pad, a 12 ounce sleeping bag from Terra Nova, a 2.3-ounce Quantum GL windshirt from Montane, and more, and more...
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: Day 1 – Let the Hunt Begin!
The show is underway and we are finding loads of new and interesting lightweight gear to report on. Enjoy!
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: The Show Begins With All-Mountain Demo at Solitude Ski Area
New/upgraded snowshoes from MSR, Atlas, Tubbs, and Kahtoola; lightweight Kahtoola crampons; and a new “sidecountry” ski pack from Osprey.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo Ultralight Modular Shelter System Review
These Cuben Fiber shelter systems are among the lightest out there, consisting of a tarp, mesh insert, and front beak and providing five useful shelter options!
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Treks Review
Will heavier mid and outer soles plus durable leather uppers make for backpacking bliss, or will the Treks leave our feet wrecks?
GoLite Peak Backpack Review
The frameless 36 L Peak backpack has been redesigned: we take an in-depth look, with commentary on the revised Jam and Pinnacle packs.
Via Alpina: Not Another Walk in the Woods
Designed as a European cultural itinerary traversing the continent along the backbone of the Alps, you can experience jaw-dropping Alpine beauty, culture, nature, ecology, history and cuisine in whatever region you like!
Backpacking Light 101: The Art of Ultralight
A Lightweight Primer to Backcountry Travel for the Uninitiated.
2010 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear/cool dealio/place of 2010.
Six Moon Designs Traveler Backpack Review
Larger volume frameless backpack, with removable stays, designed to be both a travel pack and a capable backpack once you get to your destination.
High Gear ATF8 Multi-Function Device
The ATF8 is almost everything I am looking for in a multi-function watch, without being merely a watch. It has proven to be accurate, durable, and easy to learn and use.
Black Diamond Infinity 60 & Innova 50 Backpack Review
Freedom of movement is the next advancement in internal frame backpack technology, but it appears to have limitations.
Valley Hopping in the Cordillera Huayhuash – Global Test Photo Essay
Hopscotch over lakes, skip the main trail, and discover the jewels of Peru.
SUL with My Kid Brother
Planning a 2-day, 20-mile trip with my 11-year-old brother meant going SUL, as he wasn't going to tolerate being babied with a lesser load.
Lightweight Backpacking, Wal-Mart Style
I love gear, but I hate paying for it. Could I get a lightweight shelter, pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad for under $100? And if I could... how long would it last me?
SPOT2 Personal Locator Review and Extensive Field Test
Results of 80 days (750 hours) of field testing of the new SPOT2 in Alaska, the Andes, the Pyrenees, and the Lower 48, including the Sierras and a southwest canyon system.
MontBell Ultra Light Super Spiral Down Hugger #3 Sleeping Bag Review
MontBell’s body-hugging stretch technology is lightweight and adds warmth, yet the bag extends to accommodate a wide range of sizes, shapes, and sleeping positions.
Therm-a-Rest Haven Down Top Bag Review
The Therm-a-Rest Haven is a simple sleeping bag: a zipperless down mummy bag with a bottom opening and pad straps that qualify it as a top bag. At about a pound and a half the Haven is light, packs small, and is relatively affordable for its (claimed) 20 F (-7C) rating.
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
Pro-Grade Water RepellencyPolypropylene face fabrics: see the future of raingear.
