Backpacking Light
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New High-Powered, Lightweight LED Headlamps from Princeton Tec, Petzl, and Black Diamond (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004)
Princeton Tec EOS Princeton Tec is releasing a one watt led headlamp with a lens/collimator. The Princeton Tec “EOS” has current regulation for constant light output for as long as...Shorts from OR: Tidbits and First Looks at New Backpacking Gear (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004)
BIVY SACKS. We found two new minimalist waterproof breathable bivys at the show – an 18 oz 3-layer eVENT bag cover from Integral Designs and an ultralight (7.0 oz) PU...OR News – Day 2 Roundup: New Products for Lightweight Backpacking, Hiking, and Camping (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004)
M Commentary on the State of Declining Backcountry Wilderness Activity Participation by End Users Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) released its state of the market report suggesting that wilderness activity participation...Education as a Means to Foster an Appreciation of Lightweight Strategies for Backcountry Travel (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004)
It’s no secret that pushing ultralight technique and gear to its limits requires a significant amount of consumer education. Few people simply drop their fifty-pound packs mid-way through a PCT...OR News – Day 1 Roundup: New Products for Lightweight Backpacking, Hiking, and Camping (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004)
Day 1 summary of new products from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004.
Travel Channel to Feature Lightweight Backpacking Expert Dr. Ryan Jordan
Dr. Ryan Jordan, a guru of ultralight backpacking in the outdoor industry, will be featured on an upcoming series for the Travel Channel. Jordan, a renowned outdoor enthusiast, engineer, and publisher of BackpackingLight.com, will provide techniques for lightening your load when backpacking. Jordan will appear on the “ultra-lite backpacking” segment of the Travel Gear weekly magazine show, a series of the Travel Channel, at 5 p.m. EDT on August 7. The show will also re-air at 5:30 p.m. EDT on September 18 in the United States and on October 18 in some Asia-Pacific countries.
Packrafting: An Introduction to Wilderness River Running with a Packable Inflatable Boat
Note: Clicking on images will open their enlarged versions in a separate browser window. To return to the article, simply close the browser containing the large image. Bigger isn’t always...Fast and Light with Gary Scott: Lightweight Backpacking and Climbing Strategies
Fast and Light on the Khalde Peak Publisher’s Note: I had the pleasure to sit outside the GoLite warming hut at Brighton Base Camp at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show...Jetboil Stove (Jetboil Personal Cooking System) REVIEW
One of the most innovative products to hit the market. This review summarizes results from more than 600 boil tests.
Moonstone Nitro Jacket REVIEW
The Moonstone Nitro Jacket is a feature-rich rain jacket for the alpinist wanting helmet headroom and a short hem.
Sierra Designs DT Tech Jacket REVIEW
Excellent ventilation and fit, but a poor DWR and zipper durability issues.
Montane eVENT Superfly Jacket REVIEW
Introduction The Montane eVENT Superfly is the most breathable shell we’ve tested. At an honest 15 oz (425 g) the Montane eVENT Superfly is also the lightest hooded jacket using...MEC Aquanator Jacket REVIEW
A solid choice for the sloppy mountains of the Pacific Northwest, but deviates unnecessarily from the basic design of general purpose backpacking rainwear.
Montane Hydra-Lite Smock REVIEW
Introduction The Montane Hydra-Lite Smock is (as far as we know) the lightest fully waterproof rain shell on the market (Smock is UK for anorak or a half-length front zipper)....Mont-Bell Versalite Jacket REVIEW
Introduction At 11.4 oz (320 g), the Mont-bell Versalite Jacket is lightweight and full-featured waterproof/breathable rainwear. The jacket includes some very long (18 in, 45 cm) pit zips, two pack...Haglöfs LIM Ultimate Jacket REVIEW
At this time, the lightest Gore-Tex (Pac-Lite) jacket available in the world - 8.8 oz.
GoLite Phantom Rain Jacket REVIEW
The GoLite Phantom Rain Jacket weighs less than 12 oz yet provides full weather protection and good breathability with Gore-Tex Pac-Lite III fabric. This is a full-featured shell providing parka-length coverage, pit zips, and generous pocket space.

