Don Wilson
Latest
Montane Prism Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
Pertex Microlight shell, PRISM synthetic insulation, 12 ounces with hood
Marmot Atom Sleeping Bag SPOTLITE REVIEW
20 ounces in size long, Pertex Quantum shell, over 4 inches of loft
Notes from the Field: Summer on the Pacific Crest Trail
Long distance hikes have a unique character. BPL editor, Don Wilson, shares his perspectives on gear, technique, clothing and philosophy following a lightweight, 6-week section hike of the PCT.
Titanium Goat Take Down Goat Pole REVIEW
Strong, light, fixed-length carbon fiber poles with one useful extra feature - the ability to break the poles down into two sections for easy transport.
Komperdell C3 Airshock Men Trekking Pole REVIEW
While the Komperdell C3 Airshock poles are not the lightest trekking poles around, they pack adjustability, grips with comfortable straps, and an antishock system into a very lightweight pole.
Drying Characteristics of Select Lightweight Down and Synthetic Insulated Tops
Loft recovery and water weight gain measurements of select down and synthetic tops after a thorough soaking.
Patagonia Micropuff Vest REVIEW
Simple, lofty and light - to be replaced fall '06 with a heavier version - too bad.
Western Mountaineering Flash Vest REVIEW
The lightest down vest on the market, with a full zip but no neck coverage.
The North Face DIAD Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
Well under 9 ounces, including pit zips - but those pit zips are pretty small
Patagonia Base Layers SPOTLITE REVIEW
Patagonia revamps its Base Layers for Fall 2006
Osprey Exposure 36 Backpack REVIEW
A feature-laden pack designed for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering that doesn't translate well for general purpose use.
Integral Designs Pertex Wind Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
A 4.5 ounce jacket with quality components.
GoLite Virga Rain Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
6 ounces! 80 bucks!
Montbell UL Wind Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW
2.6 ounces, full zipper, does it hold up with use?
Ibex 17.5 micron Merino wool fabric (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2006)
New 17.5 micron fabric in Men's and Women's garments
Western Mountaineering Summerlite Sleeping Bag (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2006)
A 19 ounce bag designed for the ultralight enthusiast
GoLite Virga Rain Jacket (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2006)
A simple, low cost jacket that is the new lightweight standard in woven rainwear
Western Mountaineering Tamarak Sleeping Bag (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2006)
A 15 ounce half bag from Western Mountaineering
GoLite Whim Pants (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2006)
A 4 ounce wind pant with a polyester/carbon fabric
Patagonia Houdini Full Zip Windshirt SPOTLITE REVIEW
3.8 ounces, good features, soft and comfortable fabric - how does it work in the field?
