Emylene VanderVelden

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Travel Day Pack Review

The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Travel Day Pack (MSRP: $29.95, 1 oz / 30g) is an 18 L summiting daypack that can be compressed to the size of an egg and tucked into a multiday pack for peak-bagging on longer trips.

Rab Expedition Slipper and Rab Hot Socks Review

This gear review will cover two foot-insulation options from Rab; the Rab Expedition Slipper and the Rab Hot Socks. Both pieces of gear are lightweight options to add warmth to camp insulation, though they differ in terms of insulation level and type, materials, and intended use.

Nemo Equipment Kunai 3-4 Season Backpacking Tent Review

The Nemo Kunai 2P Tent ($499, 4 lb 5 oz / 1.96 kg) is a four-season shelter capable of withstanding moderate storms and offers ample headroom and good ventilation.

Escape from COVID-19 at Corona Ridge

Longtime Backpacking Light author Emylene VanderVeldon takes on a suspiciously-named untraversed route, one of the most difficult she’s ever attempted.

CrazyCap LED Water Purifier Review

The CrazyCap 2 ($59, 1.9 oz/56 g) is an ultraviolet water treatment device that takes the form of a bottle cap. At first glance, this little multi-use item seems like the perfect invention for ultralight backpackers on the fly. But how does it perform in the field with its bottle compatibility issues?

Fozzils Foldable Dishware: Useful or Not?

Fozzils Solo Pack dishware is a unique, folding, ultralight, compact set of dishes which at first blush are a luxury-seeking, ultralight backpackers dream. But we ran into problems when testing them with hot liquids.

Traversing the Elusive Nahanni River by Canoe – Part 2: River of Dreams

A detailed account of our expedition down the Nahanni River by canoe.

Traversing the Elusive Nahanni River by Canoe – Part 1: Before the Trip

Part 1 of a detailed account of our expedition down the Nahanni River by canoe, including our pre-trek preparation and training.

Nature Therapy in the Backcountry (Traveling Light Towards Mindfulness and Wellness)

Nature Therapy in the Backcountry is an exploration of mindfulness, wellness, and the mental/emotional aspects of ultralight backcountry travel.

Osprey Lumina 60 Backpack Review

The Osprey Lumina 60 Backpack is a sub-2lb, internal frame pack that is gender specific and found in outdoor specialty stores.

Lightweight Sunscreen for Hiking and Backpacking

How to create a lightweight sunscreen strategy by using your backpacking apparel and supplies.

Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

This Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad review takes an in-depth look at the sleeping pad's comfort, stability, insulative properties, & more!

Field Notes: The Fryatt Valley Hike

My Fryatt Valley Hike trip report - photos, gear notes, planning and prep.

Interview with a Physio Therapist: A Biophysical Perspective on Backpacking Footwear

My interview with a physio-therapist, as well as my personal history with foot injuries, is making me think more carefully about backpacking footwear.

Lightweight First Aid and Trauma Kits: Perspectives from a Mountain Rescue Medic

This article features an interview with a Canadian Mountain Rescue Medic, focusing on how to assemble lightweight first aid and trauma kits for backcountry travel.

Nemo Siren Review (First Looks)

This Nemo Equipment Siren Quilt review covers a warm-weather backpacking quilt that packs a feature rich, ultralight punch.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra Gear Review

Sport Kilt Review and Kilt Wearing FAQ Companion Guide

Purple Rain Adventure Skirt Review

An increasing amount of hikers are turning to skirts and kilts for greater mobility and versatility in the backcountry. I felt it high time to give it a try

Vancouver Island: Trauma on a West Coast Trail Backpacking Trip

Vancouver Island and I are on a collision course for a rematch. Here's a story about my recent trials on a West Coast Trail backpacking trip.