Article Library
Article Library4.5+ million words and 2,500+ articles about backpacking gear, hiking and camping skills, gear testing, outdoor technology research, backpacking routes and trips, people, philosophy and ideas, outdoor news and commentary, and more. Premium and Unlimited Members get full access to the entire library.
- GEAR • Gear Reviews
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Featured
Latest
Winter Hiking & Backpacking Gear – Part 1
Interested in winter hiking and backpacking? In this webinar, learn how to use your existing kit, plus a few extra strategic items, to be safe and comfortable in the winter....
Falling Stones at Two Goat Camp
Andrew Marshall's account of a Wonderland Trail thru-hike at the intersection of permits, wildfires, the birth of his son, and trauma.
Episode 72 | The Cottage Industry
In this episode we talk to Garage Grown Gear CEO and co-founder Lloyd Vogel where we’ll be diving into the outdoor gear cottage industry.
Staff Picks 2022
Each year, our staff selects their favorite backcountry gear from the past year, and we look forward to you sharing your favorite gear of the year as well in the forum comments below!
Episode 71 | Sleeping Bag Layering Systems
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about how to use multi-layered sleep systems to stay warmer on multi-day trips in cold weather.
2022 Backpacking Light Members Choice Awards
First annual Members Choice Awards - what gear do our members use and love as we near the end of 2022?
Gear Reviews
Alpacka Refuge Review
The Alpacka Raft Refuge Packraft weighs less than six pounds but includes a cargo fly and whitewater deck.
Bearvault BV500 Review
The Bearvault BV500 Journey (41 oz, 700 cubic inches, $88) is an IGBC-certified and SIBBG-approved bear canister. This review focuses on its usability and quality.
Alpacka Scout Review
The Alpacka Raft Scout packraft (2022 model) weighs less than four pounds. We review its durability and stability for both flatwater and Class 1 river running.
Skills
Is Buying a Home Freeze-Dryer Worth the Money?
Home Freeze-dryers are handy but expensive. Are they worth the cost? We show you how to find out.
Walking With Marcus: How Stoic Philosophy Informs My Ultralight Backpacking
Can an ancient Roman philosophy make you a better backpacker? It all depends upon your application.
How to Plan and Execute a Successful Backpacking Trip in Developing Nations
A few suggestions for your next out of the ordinary adventure.
Gear Testing & Research
By The Numbers: What’s the Best Base Layer Fabric? Wool vs. Alpaca vs. Polyester
In this paper, I subject base layers in various weights made from merino, merino blends, and alpaca to the suite of tests I have developed to evaluate base layer performance. I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. We also see if my preconceived notions about merino hold water. Finally, we will see how to choose the fiber for our base layers.
How to Store Freeze-dried Food
Best practices for storing your freeze-dried food (plus one killer chiles rellenos recipe).
By The Numbers: Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight vs. Patagonia Capilene Midweight Performance Comparison
How does Patagonia Thermal Weight Capilene stack up against Midweight Capilene?
Culture
BPL Live! Tour, News, and Q&A
Join us for BPL Live! and take a tour of Backpacking Light, find out what's new, and get answers to your questions about Backpacking Light, using the website, getting the most out of your membership, and more!
Hiking and Backpacking Injuries and Other Medical Issues Dominant inReach SOS Incidents
Data from 10,000 inReach SOS incidents show that hikers and backpackers needing emergency assistance for injuries and other medical issues is the predominant inReach use case.
Garmin inReach Messenger (Preview/Updated)
The Garmin inReach Messenger provides seamless messaging across cellular, WiFi, and satellite networks for only 4.0 ounces. It offers some compelling features over its closest competitor, the Zoleo Satellite Communicator, including an on-device display that makes it a viable standalone device when used without a smartphone.
