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Ultralight Three-Season Down Mummy-Style Sleeping Bags: State of the Market Report 2010
Mummy bags win hands down as the most thermally efficient bag design. An ultralight down mummy combined with an ultralight down jacket and pants creates a remarkably warm and versatile sleeping system for colder conditions. Join Will as he rounds up and rates the lightest three-season down mummy bags.
Made in China – A State of the Market Report
If almost everyone is taking manufacturing to China, what are the short- and long-term consequences for both the developed and developing worlds?
State of the Market Report: Single Wall Tents (2008)
Veteran gear editors Chris Townsend and Will Rietveld unlock the mystique of the single wall tent - identifying their advantages and disadvantages, evaluating designs and technologies, listing specifications on the lightest ones available, picking their favorites for a range of applications, and speculating on future trends.
Light Packs for Heavy Loads: State of the Market Report
Chris Townsend reviews the options in lightweight packs for heavy loads.
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.
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!
Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles Review Summary and Gear Guide Overview
Carbon fiber construction has made its way into the trekking pole industry in a big way. The result is a bunch of really light poles. Which are better? We put twelve all-carbon and carbon/aluminum hybrid trekking poles through some seriously tough testing and rate their performance and features.
SuperUltraLight Backpacks REVIEW SUMMARY
These specialized packs are constructed of high-tech materials, weigh as little as 2.75 ounces, and are capable of carrying your sub-5-pound SUL kit for several days.
Unconventional Sleep Systems State of the Market Report
State of the market report and ratings for top bags, quilts, and wearable sleeping bags.
Double Wall Tents Review Summary and Gear Guide Overview
Comparison of, and performance ratings for, lightweight double wall backpacking tents.
Lightweight Metal Frame Snowshoes Review Summary and Gear Guide Overview
Backpacking Light staff apply lightweight principles to rate eleven snowshoes based on field testing and lab measurements.
The Unconventional Sleep Systems Manifesto
A Comprehensive Primer and Market Analysis of Top Bags, Quilts, and Wearable Systems
2005 Lightweight Down Jackets Review Summary and Gear Guide Overview
We rate and compare the lightest down jackets on the market based on our measurements and their performance in the field.
2005 Lightweight Rainwear Review Summary and Gear Guide Overview
Woven waterproof/breathable rainwear weights are dropping as technology improves.
Bomber Tents REVIEW SUMMARY and GEAR GUIDE OVERVIEW
Field performance and features comparison of four lightweight mountaineering tents designed to handle the toughest weather.
Lightweight Trekking Poles REVIEW SUMMARY and GEAR GUIDE OVERVIEW
Comprehensive review of lightweight and ultralight trekking poles used for backpacking.
First Annual Energy Bar Test
Backpacking Light staff members rate six "natural" energy bars on taste and nutrition.
Alcohol Stoves REVIEW SUMMARY and GEAR GUIDE OVERVIEW
Comprehensive review of lightweight alcohol stoves used for backpacking.
2005 High Loft Synthetic (Belay) Jackets REVIEW SUMMARY and GEAR GUIDE OVERVIEW
Comprehensive review of high loft synthetic insulated jackets (belay type) used for backpacking.
Lightweight Canister Stoves REVIEW SUMMARY and GEAR GUIDE OVERVIEW
Comprehensive review of lightweight and ultralight canister stoves used for backpacking.
