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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.
STATE OF THE MARKET REPORT: LED Headlamps (2007)
Three years ago, LED lights couldn't compete with incandescent headlamps in demanding conditions. Today, it's a whole different ballgame.
White Box Stove REVIEW
While not the lightest around, this simple pressurised alcohol stove is remarkably robust.
Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW
An old favorite gets a makeover, making it better than ever, but also a little heavier.
The eVENT Single Wall Tent: Here, Then Gone – What’s Replacing It?
Single wall tents made of the more-breathable-than-Gore-Tex eVENT fabric caused a lot of excitement upon their introduction a few years ago. At last, a nearly condensation free single wall tent was possible. Then suddenly, eVENT tents were no longer available. Now a new wave of fabrics touted as “highly breathable” are appearing in single wall tents. What happened? Are these new fabrics as good as eVENT?
SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier REVIEW
A reasonably light and very effective means of purifying water to EPA purifier standards.
MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Action Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
A synthetic-fill, full-zip jacket with highly breathable stretch panels and thumb-hole wrist sleeves
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
New Gear with ALUULA Graflyte FabricsLighter, stronger, more abrasion-resistant, and highly water-resistant - explore ultralight backpacking gear made with ALUULA Graflyte fabrics. Engineered for exceptional strength, durability, and lightweight performance, ALUULA Graflyte helps reduce pack weight without sacrificing reliability, making it ideal for demanding backcountry adventures.
