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Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 Trekking Pole Review
With all-new, tapered and oversized carbon fiber shafts, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 is significantly stiffer than previous models. As reigning “lightest trekking pole” champ, how does this affect the pole’s overall weight?
Pertex/Pile History and Products
Chris Townsend and the Pertex/Pile Revolution.
Track Notes for the GR52 in France
Roger Caffin leaves the GR5 behind and takes the GR52 to the Mediterranean Sea.
When Things Go Wrong
Roger Caffin shares his adventure in misadventure.
Croatan National Forest – Trip Report
Join Bayley Lawrence on a hike of the Croatan National Forest in North Carolina.
Light Packs for Heavy Loads: State of the Market Report
Chris Townsend reviews the options in lightweight packs for heavy loads.
Lightweight Backpacks 2008: Current Favorites and New Introductions (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
Backpacking Light Associate Editor Will Rietveld highlights our current favorite backpacks in three categories, evaluates some upgrades and new arrivals, and discusses the trends.
Lightweight Shelter Roundup (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
Our latest lightweight shelter roundup turns up the lightest, most user-friendly tents to be found, ever. Major manufacturers are introducing sub-four-pound double wall two-person tents. And two two-person double wall tents break through the three pound barrier.
Six Moon Designs Serenity Net Tent Review
A seven-ounce mosquito-free haven which, when mated with the Gatewood Cape, becomes the inner half of an eighteen-ounce double walled tent system.
Better Bags (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
New sleeping bag designs from Integral Designs, Montbell, Exped, Jacks ‘R’ Better, Mountain Hardwear, and REI show innovative functionality and lighter weight.
Appealing Apparel (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
Mike Martin and Will Rietveld have the highlights on new apparel from ORSM08.
Montbell Thermawrap Pant Review
This full-featured synthetic insulated pant really fits well, and it’s a great value – if you want or need the features.
Done in a Day
Kevin Sawchuk shares his how-to on fast day hikes, and his why-to, too.
Big Agnes Clearview Air Pad Review
Finally - a really lightweight, thick, comfy inflatable sleeping pad. Used properly, it's a cushy alternative to a thin torso length pad.
Big Agnes Cyclone SL Chair Kit Review
Camp chair aficionados rejoice - the ten ounce barrier has been convincingly broken by Big Agnes with their six ounce Cyclone SL chair kit.
Sandals for Summer Backpacking
Chris Townsend shares his sandal wearing experience.
2008 Lightweight Footwear Roundup (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
A primer on choosing footwear for fast and light backpacking, with input from the Backpacking Light staff on the footwear they use; a roundup of promising new lightweight footwear found at the summer 2008 Outdoor Retailer Show; and a description of Ion Mask, a nanotechnology waterproofing process that doesn't affect breathability and could eliminate the need for a waterproof membrane in footwear.
Big Sky International Convertible 2P Tent REVIEW
A unique feature of the Convertible it that a third pole can be added to "convert" it from a three-season tent to a "WinterLite" four-season tent. At 3.5 pounds for a complete two-person double-wall tent, the Convertible in three season mode is 2.6 ounces heavier than Big Sky's award-winning Evolution 2P, but new design elements make it more stable and versatile.
Lightweight Lights (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
Twinkle, twinkle little star...
Lightweight Rainwear 2008: Current Favorites, New Introductions, and New Technologies (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
Associate Editor Will Rietveld provides an in-depth roundup of lightweight rainwear options and highlights current staff favorites, new products in the pipeline, market trends, and a new technology that could dramatically change the waterproof-breathable apparel market.
Plush Pads (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
Exciting things are happening in sleeping pads this year at Cascade Designs (parent company of Therm-a-Rest) and Pacific Outdoor Equipment. Cascade Designs has an extensive new lineup of products that will surely interest lightweight hikers, including a revolutionary new pad technology that promises substantial performance improvements over existing designs. Meanwhile, Pacific Outdoor Equipment is moving towards more eco-friendly materials and is launching a very innovative product design program of which you can be a part.
