Backpacking Light
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Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 – Part 2: Lightweight Backpacks, Stoves, and Accessories
OR delivers a fresh crop of lightweight, innovative, and useful gear.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 – Part 3: Lightweight Apparel and Hiking Footwear
We sorted through tons of apparel and footwear to find the lightweight standouts suitable for hiking and backpacking.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 – Part 4: Technical Watches, Minimalist Footwear, and Family Gear
For those who like less on their feet, OR didn't disappoint. For those who like more on their wrist, OR didn't disappoint in that area either. And for those who venture in the outdoors as a family, there were a few nuggets worth noting.
Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Airmats – State of the Market 2011
Part 1: Important Factors When Choosing an Airmat
Why use an airmat instead of a closed-cell foam pad? Lightweight airmats that rival a closed-cell foam pad in weight now exist, so you don't need to carry extra weight to get good comfort anymore. This survey is restricted to airmats weighing less than 400 g (14 oz) for summer use and 800 g (28 oz) for winter use.
Minimalist Footwear for Fall/Spring Backpacking
The second in a series exploring the use of minimalist footwear for backpacking, Damien explores what works when summer is gone. Keeping your feet warm in barely-there shoes is no mean - ahem - feat.
Smartphone Navigation
Use the ubiquitous smartphone to get where you're going, with details on four apps that support maps for more places (not just the States). All you need do is supply the adventure.
Equinox ARAS Eagle Backpack Review
The Eagle is the Platypus of frameless backpacks: it has some unique design features, loads of comfort and convenience features, and it's a great value, but is it the right pack for you?
Lightweight Frameless Backpacks State of the Market Report 2011
Part 2B – Technical Evaluation – Measurement of Pack Load Carrying Capacity
We “lab” test thirteen frameless backpacks to compare their performance in terms of load carrying capability. We also address the debate of whether a coiled or folded sleeping pad is better for creating a “virtual frame” for weight transfer to the hips. And we compare frameless backpacks with stays inserted to lightweight internal frame backpacks. Our data reveal some distinct differences among the packs and a few surprises.
Lightweight Frameless Backpacks State of the Market Report 2011
Part 2A – Technical Evaluation – Measurement of Pack Volume and Volume Reduction Capability
We “lab’ test thirteen frameless backpacks to measure their actual volume and compare their volume reduction capability, which are important factors when choosing a frameless pack. Our data reveal a few surprises!
GoLite Tumalo Storm Jacket & Pants Review
The Tumalo line is GoLite's most affordable WPB rain gear, yet only gives up a little weight on their top-of-the-line offerings. How does it perform?
Across Iceland by Packraft
Encountering waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, rivers, volcanoes, and boiling hot springs during a difficult but delightful Icelandic summer.
The Global Test III: Trekking in Russia
From the Gulag Archipelago to the Pearl of Siberia: between gear choice mistakes, gear failure, corrupt officials, and aggressive cows, at what point does backpacking cease to be fun?
Big Sky International Evolution 2P Tent Review
Creation vs Evolution: one of the thorniest questions ever and one I prefer to stay away from most of the time. But Bob Molen’s latest creation is the ever-evolving Evolution 2P, and one I feel comfortable tackling. It is almost divine...
Global Test Main Page
Danny Milks and Kristin Tennessen left California in September 2009 to embark upon a two-year international backpacking adventure. Follow their travels, break down their gear lists, and step into their photos for a global adventure like nothing you've ever seen!
The Global Test Part II: Evaluating System Efficiency for a Round-the-World Journey
In Part 1, we answered the question "What should you pack?" Mid-way through our global trek, we now visit the question "How's that working out for you?"
MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent Review
Dropping two full pounds from my current tent weight to use a sub-five-pound three-person double-wall tent all summer sounded too good to be true. How did MSR's lightest 3P shelter work for the Estrella family?
24-Hour Gear Lists
See the winners of our recent contest and download a zip file of all the submissions. Use your favorite to plan YOUR next trip!
Keeping it Real in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real: Global Test Photo Essay
Lightweight backpacking in Bolivia's northern Andes.
Tall Tales from Colca Canyon, Peru: Global Test Photo Essay
Trekking in one of the world's deepest canyons.
MYOG: eVent Rain/Wind Jacket
Turning 2.5 yards of high performance fabric into a lightweight, breathable rain jacket.
