Backpacking Light
Latest
Why I Go Light
Trends Editor Craig Mortensen discusses the joys of simplification and describes his transition to an ultralight load.
Mountainsmith PCT 45 Backpack REVIEW
A feature-rich, heavy load carrier, but it tries to be a bit too much for too many people.
Polar Wrap Toasty Feet Insole SPOTLITE REVIEW
Lightweight Insoles containing Aerogel for underfoot insulation.
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.
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.
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.
Seirus NeoSock SuperSock and StormSock SPOTLITE REVIEW
Breathable neoprene socks and weatherproof/breathable socks designed to keep feet warm in cold weather pursuits.
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?
Manzella Silkweight Windstopper Glove SPOTLITE REVIEW
Stretchy, grippy, warm gloves that weigh only 1.6 ounces per pair.
Integral Designs VB Sock SPOTLITE REVIEW
Simple lightweight vapor barrier socks that perform their function well.
SealSkinz ChillBlocker and Over The Calf Socks SPOTLITE REVIEW
Durable and reliably waterproof socks, but have a couple of distinct drawbacks.
NEOS Trekker Overshoe SPOTLITE REVIEW
A versatile and durable waterproof/non-breathable overshoe suitable for snowshoeing, snow play, and snow camping in frigid temperatures, but heavier than we would like.
MontBell Stretch Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW
Designed for minimum weight and maximum functionality, but a little too small for big feet.
Rocky Gore-Tex Sock SPOTLITE REVIEW
Creates a very versatile footwear system when worn in lightweight trail runners for snow or wet conditions.
Outdoor Research Cascadia Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW
A tall trim-fitting Gore-Tex PacLite gaiter that covers the tops of low-cut trail runners and full-height boots equally well, but balks over bulky boots.
Igloo Building for Fun and Shelter, Part 2 – Using an Igloo as a Backcountry Shelter
Tips for igloo living and interior climate graphs to show you why you want to camp in an igloo.
2007 Sierra Designs Isotope Rainwear SPOTLITE REVIEW
The Isotope is the current lightweight champ for backpacking rainwear – and it’s full-featured!
Company Addresses Needs of Hunters and Mischievious Youth with Ultralight Weaponry
Guns, fire, merge into new innovations at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2007.
Snow Peak LandBreeze Solo Original Tent
This two-pole, wedge, solo, double wall tent is quite something at 4 pounds.
