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Bushwhacking Gear: Heavyweight Fabrics and Compatible Construction Techniques to Improve Clothing Longevity for Off-trail Bushwhacking
Thorns, scrub and sandstone can rip ultralight clothing to shreds. What materials and construction techniques hold up to serious bushwhacking?
A Lightweight Guide to Backpacking in Sustained, Cold Rain
Techniques, gear and clothing to keep your pack light and a smile on your face during continuous days of rain.
La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX Mountaineering Boot REVIEW
Ultralight mountaineering boots that are great on rock and ice as well as long approaches on the trail. But are they durable and warm enough?
Wise Women Go Light, Conclusion
Wise Women Jean (from 20 to 13 pound base weight) and Sue (14 to 9 pound base weight) put their new lightweight gear to the test in the field.
2006 Jacks ‘R’ Better “Down to Earth” Pad Converter SPOTLITE REVIEW
Converts any Jacks ‘R’ Better quilt into a top bag sleep system with an attached sleeping pad.
2006 Jacks ‘R’ Better Old Rag Mtn Quilt SPOTLITE REVIEW
A versatile cold weather quilt that can be used in a cold weather hammock system as well as for “ground sleeping”.
2006 Jacks ‘R’ Better Nest Quilt SPOTLITE REVIEW
A well-designed under quilt that integrates beautifully with Hennessy hammocks.
MSR Titan Kettle SPOTLITE REVIEW
A reasonably light two-man titanium kettle - very light, works well, but not very low cost.
MSR Titan Mini Cookset SPOTLITE REVIEW
A reasonably minimal titanium cookset - very light, works well, but not very low cost. Take just one pot?
Wingnut Adventure 2006 Backpack REVIEW
Small volume (1600 ci, 26 L) adventure racing pack that is ideal for biking and adequate for hiking.
Western Mountaineering Summerlite Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Hooded, down mummy bag rated to freezing that weighs a mere 19 ounces.
CiloGear 60 Liter WorkSack Backpack REVIEW
Durable and adjustable, but initially confusing to set up.
Petzl e+LITE Headlamp REVIEW
One ounce of fresh innovation: rotary switch, white-and-red LED array, modular form, storage capsule, waterproof. But not perfect - our tests reveal some weaknesses.
Princeton Tec Quad LED Headlamp REVIEW
Waterproof, four-LED headlamp with a wide, regulated beam.
Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 3, Tarp
Complete instructions to construct a 6-ounce tarp with improved weather protection.
Will Rietveld
Will Rietveld has a B.S. and M.S. in Forest Science from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. in Ecological Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Arizona. He spent his...
Montane Jetstream Windshirt SPOTLITE REVIEW
2.8 ounces, full zip - is there a downside?
2006 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
An eclectic assortment of favorite gear for 2006.
Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo Building Tool REVIEW
The Icebox does the igloo engineering for you, but you still have a steep learning curve. Once you master the technique, you may discover a new and fun wintertime activity.
Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 2, Stuff Sack
Complete instructions to construct a 0.2-ounce stuff sack sized right to compress a SUL tarp (Part 3) into a tidy 4 x 4 x 8 inch bundle.
Montane Prism Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
Pertex Microlight shell, PRISM synthetic insulation, 12 ounces with hood
