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Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent REVIEW
Introduces some major advancements in single wall tent design and provides user friendliness not seen before in a single wall tent, but there are a few details that could be refined.
Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3 Tent REVIEW
A lightweight double-wall three-person tent with full storm protection and great views - but is it really sized for three?
Wise Women Go Light, Part 2
Jean and Sue select and test lighter gear from a dizzying array of choices while receiving an avalanche of expert advice - which they accept with trepidation, reject, or take on wholeheartedly - all the while listening to their own self-wisdom gained in their six (or near six) decades of life experience.
Valandré La Fayette Sleeping Bag REVIEW
A four season bag that offers excellent loft for the weight. The center zip has advantages, but is it the right solution for you?
Tarptent Rainshadow 2 Tent REVIEW
Ultralight (just over 2 1/2 pounds) single wall tent with a bathtub floor and plenty of space for three adults - or maybe the whole family.
Hilleberg Rajd Tent REVIEW
Lightweight single wall, two-person shelter with lots going for it: quality materials and construction, ease of set up, interior space and headroom, and storm worthiness – but it has one major problem.
Gossamer Gear / Tarptent Squall Classic Tent REVIEW
At just over 1 ½ pounds, the Squall Classic improves on the original Tarptent Squall design with bathtub floor, spinnaker cloth construction, Easton aluminum stakes, and guyline adjusters. It drops significant weight from the Tarptent Squall 2 but does it go far enough to justify the cost?
Tarptent Contrail Tent REVIEW
Tarptent introduces the 1+ person Contrail, a throwback to the original minimalist Tarptent, but loaded with refinements and new design elements.
Fibraplex Fibrapole 292 Carbon Fiber Tent Poles REVIEW
Fibraplex carbon fiber tent poles can save ounces of tent weight - are they durable enough?
Results: John Muir Trail (JMT) Record Attempt – Unsupported, Without Resupply
BPL subscriber, Al Shaver, didn’t break the JMT speed record for an unsupported hike without resupply, but his account may inspire you to try.
Crescent Moon Silver 10 Backcountry Snowshoes REVIEW
Lots of nice features, climbs like a goat, and would be near perfect if they were lighter.
Yowie Snowshoes REVIEW
Radically different snowshoes using an injection-moulded flexible deck with all-over grip, a fast webbing binding and tough crampons, claiming great agility on all slopes.
Marmot Atom Sleeping Bag SPOTLITE REVIEW
20 ounces in size long, Pertex Quantum shell, over 4 inches of loft
Notes from the Field: Summer on the Pacific Crest Trail
Long distance hikes have a unique character. BPL editor, Don Wilson, shares his perspectives on gear, technique, clothing and philosophy following a lightweight, 6-week section hike of the PCT.
Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape Rainwear/Shelter REVIEW
The Gatewood Cape has the same dual functionality as a poncho/tarp, but promises better shelter.
GoLite Multi-Sport Backpack REVIEW
If you can fit your gear into 30 liters, for 1 pound 5 ounces you get a bomber pack with almost every conceivable feature (except a frame).
The Backpacker’s Digicam Manifesto
BPL's techno guy discusses the attributes of the lightweight backpacker's perfect digital camera - and laments the fact that no one is making it yet!
Valandré Mirage Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Beautifully constructed, lightweight, and highly-efficient mummy for three-season conditions. But does it have the versatility you need?
Tent Comparison: Tarptent Squall 2 and Six Moon Designs Europa
These two outstanding tents vie for the title of best two-person ultralight single-wall shelter – which one has the edge?
Six Moon Designs Europa Tent REVIEW
Possibly the finest 2-pound two-person shelter on the market - providing you don't intend to use it above tree line in intense winds.
Tarptent Squall 2 Tent REVIEW
Winner of the 2005 Lightitude Award for best single wall shelter, the Squall 2 improves on the classic Squall with several important updates.
