Rick Dreher
Latest
Therm-a-Rest Haven Down Top Bag Review
The Therm-a-Rest Haven is a simple sleeping bag: a zipperless down mummy bag with a bottom opening and pad straps that qualify it as a top bag. At about a pound and a half the Haven is light, packs small, and is relatively affordable for its (claimed) 20 F (-7C) rating.
Petzl Tikka XP2 and Tikka Plus2 LED Headlamp Reviews
Petzl has been busy upgrading and gives us two new versions of an old stand-by.
Panasonic Lumix LX3 Digital Camera
A compact digicam with a professional pedigree, the LX3 tempts outdoor photographers with a fast wide angle (f:2.0/24 mm equivalent) zoom lens, RAW file capability, high-definition video and solid performance.
Black Diamond Sprinter Rechargeable Headlamp (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
Internal rechargeable lithium polymer battery, 60 lumen output, three main beam modes, IPX7 (1 meter, 30 minutes) waterproof rating, 3.5 ounces, strobing rear red “taillight," all for $80.00.
CamelBak All Clear Microbiological UV Water Purifier (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
CamelBak introduces a complete and easy to use UV water purification system, marking the adoption of this proven technology by a big company.
Energizer Micro Headlamp is Powered by a Single AA Cell (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
A bright and lightweight LED headlamp from battery giant Energizer that offers several attractive features at $30 and 3.1 oz with a lithium battery (as weighed by BPL).
Micro Four-Thirds Slashes Camera Size and Weight, Retains dSLR Benefits? (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008)
New Micro Four-Thirds digital camera standard stirs hope for pro-grade, interchangeable-lens cameras that are lightweight, compact and can be tailored to your exact needs.
Osprey Talon 44 Backpack REVIEW
A roomy, comfortable, lightweight framed backpack with lots of pockets, good load control, an adjustable torso length, and a few weak spots.
STATE OF THE MARKET REPORT: LED Headlamps (2007)
Three years ago, LED lights couldn't compete with incandescent headlamps in demanding conditions. Today, it's a whole different ballgame.
Petzl e+LITE Headlamp REVIEW
One ounce of fresh innovation: rotary switch, white-and-red LED array, modular form, storage capsule, waterproof. But not perfect - our tests reveal some weaknesses.
Princeton Tec Quad LED Headlamp REVIEW
Waterproof, four-LED headlamp with a wide, regulated beam.
The Backpacker’s Digicam Manifesto
BPL's techno guy discusses the attributes of the lightweight backpacker's perfect digital camera - and laments the fact that no one is making it yet!
Leki Carbon Ergometric Trekking Pole REVIEW
The first carbon trekking pole from Leki - top quality and very expensive.
Gregory 2005 G Pack Backpack REVIEW
Comfortable, light (but it should lose half a pound), and compact backpack with enough capacity and load control to support multi-day outings.
Petzl MYO XP LED Headlamp REVIEW
Three-watt collimated LED headlamp with rear-mount battery pack that misses perfection by just a couple of features.
Princeton Tec Corona LED Headlamp REVIEW
Eight-LED array powered by three AA batteries.
Black Diamond Zenix IQ LED Headlamp REVIEW
Combines 1-watt LED technical lighting prowess with more economical standard 5 millimeter LEDs for non-technical pursuits.
Mountainsmith Ghost LT Backpack REVIEW
Panel-loading single-compartment 3000 cubic-inch (50 L) internal frame backpack.
Princeton Tec EOS LED Headlamp REVIEW
Product performance review of the Princeton Tec EOS 1-watt LED headlamp.
