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Why I Go Light
Trends Editor Craig Mortensen discusses the joys of simplification and describes his transition to an ultralight load.
2007 Montane eVENT Quick-Fire Jacket REVIEW
The Montane eVENT Quick-Fire Jacket offers great features such as a full coverage hood, drop tail, excellent sizing, dual vent pockets, and super-breathable eVENT fabric, all at a lightweight 11.9 ounces (size large).
Montane Featherlite H2O Spotlite Review
A 3.5 ounce hoodless, waterproof jacket
Lightweight Gear for Long Distance Hiking: Four Months in Europe
Roger and Sue Caffin's gear lists for their upcoming 4 months in Europe
Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn Tarp REVIEW
Gossamer Gear offers an ultralight spinnaker fabric catenary-shaped tarp for one or two people that weighs just 8 ounces!
Northern Lites Backcountry Snowshoe REVIEW
Durable, loads of flotation, and less than 3 pounds per pair – a lightweight snow traveler’s dream.
Adapt Gear Bison Trekking Pole REVIEW
This fixed-length carbon fiber trekking pole is not as elegant or lightweight as our top choice Gossamer Gear Lightrek pole, but it’s a strong performer and is the value champ at only $72/pair.
Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 3: Model Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Snow Camping
Based on our research and testing, we recommend lightweight footwear systems for specific conditions and activities. In addition, our Backpacking Light staffers describe their favorite systems, and two ultralight nomads – Andrew Skurka and Chris Townsend – share their wisdom.
Mountainsmith PCT 45 Backpack REVIEW
A feature-rich, heavy load carrier, but it tries to be a bit too much for too many people.
Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 2: Components
We cover the components of a lightweight footwear system – shoes/boots, footbeds, socks, vapor barriers, booties, overboots, and gaiters (everything on or around the foot), discuss the pros and cons of different options, and identify our favorites.
Polar Wrap Toasty Feet Insole SPOTLITE REVIEW
Lightweight Insoles containing Aerogel for underfoot insulation.
Keen Growler Boot SPOTLITE REVIEW
Lightweight synthetic fabric waterproof boot with Primaloft insulation - perfect for active snow travel and cold weather hiking.
Forty Below Light Energy TR Overboot and Simple Slipper SPOTLITE REVIEW
An extremely versatile and warm footwear system for snowshoeing and snow camping in frigid conditions.
Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 1: Principles and Techniques for Keeping Feet Dry and Warm
High-tech gear to keep your feet dry and warm is useless without the proper knowledge on how to use it, and that’s especially true for lightweight footwear in cold and wet conditions.
Marmot Atom Sleeping Bag REVIEW
A one pound, three-season bag with top quality materials.
Seirus NeoSock SuperSock and StormSock SPOTLITE REVIEW
Breathable neoprene socks and weatherproof/breathable socks designed to keep feet warm in cold weather pursuits.
RBH Designs VaprThrm Socks SPOTLITE REVIEW
Vapor barrier socks with a good fit and loads of versatility, but slower to dry out when snow camping.
Forty Below Synthetic Fill Camp Booties SPOTLITE REVIEW
Ultra warm non-slip booties for snow camping, and they coordinate well with daytime snow travel footwear.
Make Your Own Gear: Gaiters for Bushwhacking
Lightweight, tough gaiters that are suitable for bushwhacking and easy to make.
Komperdell Featherlight Carbon Trekking Pole REVIEW
Stiff, light, reasonably priced fixed-length pole with contoured grip and wrist strap.
Osprey Talon 44 Backpack REVIEW
A roomy, comfortable, lightweight framed backpack with lots of pockets, good load control, an adjustable torso length, and a few weak spots.
