Backpacking Light
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Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: Day 3 – An Assortment of Awesome Gear
This is not our backpacking gear list (honest!); today we again report on a wide variety of new gear – a new bear canister, more collapsible trekking poles, an insulating skirt for your derriere, lightweight high output lights, an ultralight down jacket from an unlikely source, more footwear, etc, etc...
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: Day 2 – Another Roundup of New and Interesting Gear
Lots of footwear today, for the trail and snow, plus an assortment of jackets, a to-die-for backcountry ski system from La Sportiva, Big Agnes introduces new lightweight trekking poles, a new Klymit skeletal sleeping pad, a 12 ounce sleeping bag from Terra Nova, a 2.3-ounce Quantum GL windshirt from Montane, and more, and more...
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: Day 1 – Let the Hunt Begin!
The show is underway and we are finding loads of new and interesting lightweight gear to report on. Enjoy!
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2011: The Show Begins With All-Mountain Demo at Solitude Ski Area
New/upgraded snowshoes from MSR, Atlas, Tubbs, and Kahtoola; lightweight Kahtoola crampons; and a new “sidecountry” ski pack from Osprey.
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Treks Review
Will heavier mid and outer soles plus durable leather uppers make for backpacking bliss, or will the Treks leave our feet wrecks?
GoLite Peak Backpack Review
The frameless 36 L Peak backpack has been redesigned: we take an in-depth look, with commentary on the revised Jam and Pinnacle packs.
2010 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear/cool dealio/place of 2010.
High Gear ATF8 Multi-Function Device
The ATF8 is almost everything I am looking for in a multi-function watch, without being merely a watch. It has proven to be accurate, durable, and easy to learn and use.
Black Diamond Infinity 60 & Innova 50 Backpack Review
Freedom of movement is the next advancement in internal frame backpack technology, but it appears to have limitations.
Valley Hopping in the Cordillera Huayhuash – Global Test Photo Essay
Hopscotch over lakes, skip the main trail, and discover the jewels of Peru.
SPOT2 Personal Locator Review and Extensive Field Test
Results of 80 days (750 hours) of field testing of the new SPOT2 in Alaska, the Andes, the Pyrenees, and the Lower 48, including the Sierras and a southwest canyon system.
Reader Tips: Best Way to Pitch a Tarp with Fewest Stakes or Guylines
We asked, you answered! Responses to our solicitation for the best tarp pitch using the fewest poles, stakes, or guylines.
The Effect of Cold on Gas Canisters
Ever tried to use your stove in the cold only to find that it just won't work, even although shaking the canister tells you there is plenty of fuel left? Then, when you check it at home to see what's the matter, it works perfectly. What is going on?
Philmont Redux: A Returning Scouter’s Report
Nearly 40 years after his first visit, Tom brought his son's Troop to experience the magic of Philmont - and the magic of lighter packs!
Patagonia Down Sweater Review
This popular jacket has been around and evolved over the years. We love the sizing and fit, but how does it stack up for backpacking?
Aconcagua Photo Essay and Gear List
Tackling big mountains with lightweight gear is becoming our trademark, and it never gets dull!
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010: Open Air Demo
While the first day of Outdoor Retailer is dedicated to water sport, we found a few products that could carry over for backpacking as well... plus some that are just plain fun, no bones about it!
GoLite Demaree Canyon Jacket and Anorak Review
Attractive fully-featured multi-purpose insulated down garments, but are they warm enough for our backpacking needs?
The Global Test: One Gear List for Two Years and Five Continents
Part 1: Backpackers are all over the map when it comes to answering the question... What should I pack?
Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 Part 3
Multi-purpose three-season down jackets balance light weight, warmth, and features. These jackets are designed to please as many people as possible, in as many activities as possible, while keeping the overall weight light enough to impress the average consumer. Our evaluation includes comparative specifications, calculated parameters, warmth testing, ratings, and identifying the standouts for different situations, needs, and preferences.
