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2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better Old Rag Mtn Down Quilt REVIEW
A cold weather quilt that can be used in a cold weather hammock system, as a quilt for ground sleeping, or as a winter overbag.
Kahtoola FLIGHTsystem REVIEW
Innovative snow travel system consisting of an overboot with cleats that click into a snowshoe deck. The design eliminates the snowshoe binding and allows the use of the overboots separately, which allows wearers to use lightweight trail running shoes inside, but there are a few significant drawbacks we discovered from our field testing.
2007 Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Pole REVIEW
These poles use a mix of aluminum and carbon shafts with unique FlickLock adjustments and are solid performers for four season use.
Crazy Creek Backpacker Lite AIR Chair SPOTLITE REVIEW
For lightweight backpackers who crave the luxury of a chair (10 oz) plus a REALLY COMFORTABLE torso sleep pad (11 oz) - this is worth a look.
Keen Shellrock WP Trail Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW
With its eVENT softshell upper, the Shellrock seems like it should be the perfect lightweight trail shoe for wet conditions, but my field testing revealed very mixed results.
AntiGravityGear TreeLine SPOTLITE REVIEW
One-ounce bear hang using flat weave Spectra cord that easily glides over a tree limb.
Lafuma Pro 650 Down Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Priced at only $189 for a 25 °F rated ultralight down sleeping bag, it’s a very nice bag in all respects, except for one major issue.
Ultralight Outfitters Lightning Access Backpack REVIEW
Innovative frameless backpack with seven individual compartments you can reach without taking the pack off.
2007 Birdiepal Umbrellas SPOTLITE REVIEW
For those that love umbrellas, Birdiepal brollies are the lightest available- and they are durable enough to survive the backcountry.
Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Kids
A review of commercially-available, lightweight gear suited for - if not made for - backpacking with kids.
2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better SilNyl Tarp SPOTLITE REVIEW
A tarp that is larger than a stock hammock tarp and extends coverage for wet, cold, and snowy conditions.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 5: Laboratory Measurements for Solid Fuels
Several solid fuels are surveyed at different power levels to assess their carbon monoxide emissions. The results are not good.
Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker REVIEW
The Kestrel provides the technically-minded backpacker much more useful information than a multi-function watch, and is easier to use.
Journey on the Wild Coast, Part 2 – the Gear
Erin describes the gear needed to complete a 4000 mile trek encompassing multiple climate zones, every season, and mixed modes of travel.
Condensation in Single-walled Shelters: Contributing Factors and Tips for Reduction
Condensation in single-walled shelters is a fact of life, but there are many ways to greatly reduce its effects.
Coleman Xtreme Stove REVIEW
One of the few canisters stoves truly designed for winter use, the Xtreme features an innovative liquid feed system.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Part 4: Measurements on Alcohol Stoves
Actual alcohol stoves are surveyed to see which ones are clean and which ones emit too much carbon monoxide. The results are not good.
GoLite VO24 Backpack REVIEW
Lightweight 1600 cubic inch multi-purpose frameless day pack. Score another winner for GoLite!
Journey on the Wild Coast, Part 1
4000 miles. 9 months. Seattle to the Aleutian Islands.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 3: Laboratory Measurements for Canister Stoves
Actual canister stoves are surveyed to see which ones are clean and which ones emit too much carbon monoxide.
Sierra Designs Flash Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Packed with 30 ounces of 800-fill down and other heat-retaining features, this lightweight bag earns its 0 °F rating but its snug fit and curved half zipper are its nemesis.
