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Backpacking Light

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You are here: Home / Archives for Gear Reviews / First Looks Reviews

Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boot Review (First Looks)

Feb 9, 2021 by Andrew Marshall

The Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boot is a flexible, insulated, waterproof, zero-drop footwear option for minimalist shoe lovers who still want warm feet in cold and snowy conditions.

footwear, snowshoeing, winter backpacking, xero shoes

CS Instant Coffee Review

Oct 2, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

CS Instant Coffee is a small instant coffee product designed to compete with Starbucks Via and other popular backcountry coffee solutions.

coffee, food

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The HydraPak Flux 1L – A Smartwater Bottle Replacement?

Sep 25, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

The HydraPak Flux 1 L (2.7 oz / 77 g, MSRP $20) is a soft-sided, collapsible, 42 mm threaded, reusable water-bottle aimed at the single-use Smartwater or sports-drink bottle crowd.

filter, hydration, smartwater, water bottle, water treatment

Vargo Bot 700 Review (First Looks)

Jul 28, 2020 by Ryan Jordan

The Vargo Titanium Bot 700 is a 0.7-liter cooking pot made of titanium with a watertight, screw-top lid with a silicone gasket.

cooking pot, cooking systems, cookware, titanium

Enlightened Equipment Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt Review (First Looks)

Jun 26, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

Enlightened Equipment’s new Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt ($335, 24 oz / 686 g) is a fresh take on a classic: The Revelation Quilt.

enlightened equipment, quilts, Sleep System, ultralight sleep system

Goosefeet Custom Down Sweater First Looks

Jun 19, 2020 by Ryan Jordan

This first look at the Goosefeet Gear Custom Down Sweater summarizes features, specifications, and photo details of an ultralight down garment that weighs less than 6 oz (170 g).

clothing, clothing systems, down insulation, Goosefeet Gear, insulated clothing, jackets

First Looks: REI Flash Air 1 Tent

Apr 7, 2020 by Ryan Jordan

The REI Flash Air 1 is a 1-person, hybrid-wall (single/double) tent that can be pitched with a single trekking pole and weighs 20 oz.

double wall tents, rei, shelter systems, single wall tents

Kammock Mantis and Mantis UL Hammock Review

Feb 14, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

The Kammok Mantis and Mantis UL are all-in-one hammock shelters that include hanging systems, tarps, bug netting, and more.

eno, hammock camping, hammocks, hennessy, Kammok, rei

Sawyer Micro-Squeeze Review (First Looks)

May 23, 2019 by Andrew Marshall

The Sawyer Micro Squeeze combines the flow-rate of the Sawyer Squeeze with the weight savings of the Sawyer MINI.

Saywer, water filter, water filtration

Nemo Siren Review (First Looks)

Apr 26, 2019 by Emylene VanderVelden

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

Nemo, Nemo Equipment, quilt, Sleep, Sleep System

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