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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for Gear Reviews / Performance Gear Reviews

Performance Gear Reviews

Performance reviews provide an in-depth evaluation of lightweight backpacking gear based on extensive use in a backcountry environment and/or performance testing in a controlled environment. In addition to comprehensive field testing, Performance Reviews compare the specific product’s performance to the key competitors in its niche. Some Performance Reviews have been assigned a formal rating that reflects the standards of our Gear Review Awards Program.

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Nemo Equipment Kunai 3-4 Season Backpacking Tent Review

Jan 31, 2021 by Emylene VanderVelden

nemo kunai 2p tent at corona creek

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.

4-season tents, big agnes, double wall tents, msr, Nemo, rei, winter backpacking

REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent Review

Nov 24, 2020 by Mark Wetherington

The REI Co-op Flash Air 2 Tent is a two-person hybrid single/double-wall shelter with dual entrances and vestibules. It is non-freestanding and can be pitched with two trekking poles to save weight or by using the included pole set.

2P, double-wall, duel entrance, Flash Air 1 Tent, Flash Air 2 Tent, fly fishing, Gossamer Gear The Two, Lunar Duo, montana, REI co-op, review, shelter, single wall, Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo, tenkara, trekking pole supported, two-person, vestibules, yellowstone, Zpacks Duplex

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Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review

Jul 11, 2020 by Backpacking Light

This Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review features an ultralight hooded jacket insulated with Climashield Apex that weighs 8.4 oz (238 g).

arc'teryx, enlightened equipment, insulated clothing, jackets, mountain hardwear, Nunatak, Patagonia, synthetic insulation

Tarptent Moment DW Review (2019 Version)

Apr 10, 2020 by Backpacking Light

The Tarptent Moment DW is a one-person, single-hoop tunnel, silnylon double-walled backpacking tent with a highly modular design.

double wall tents, gossamer gear, hilleberg, hyperlite mountain gear, shelter systems, Tarptent, terra nova, zpacks

Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review

Feb 22, 2020 by Backpacking Light

The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is a hooded, full-zip synthetic active insulation mid-layer that weighs 13.2 oz (375 g) and retails for $299.

active insulation, arc'teryx, inclement weather, jackets, layering, Patagonia, synthetic insulation

ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Feb 7, 2020 by David Hosmer

This ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket review is comprehensive and addresses long-term performance, breathability, DWR, and more.

enlightened equipment, equinox gear, hyperlite mountain gear, lightheart gear, Montane, Outdoor Research, rain gear, rain jacket, zpacks

Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Quilt Review

Jan 25, 2020 by David Hosmer

The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Ultralight Top Bag is an affordable, semi-customizable down quilt that is offered in a variety of colors, fill weights (i.e., temperature ratings), foot box types, lengths, and widths. The quilt featured in this review is rated for 30 F (-1 C), has a “wide” width (55 in / 140 cm), standard length (5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 2 in / 170 cm to 187 cm), and a sewn footbox. This model retails for $179.95, has a claimed weight of 22 oz (624 g), and a claimed loft (single layer) of 2 in (5 cm).

enlightened equipment, hammock camping, hammock gear, Nunatak, paria, quilts, rei, Sleep System, ultralight sleep systems

Drop 40L Backpack Review

Dec 23, 2019 by Joe Wojniak

The Drop 40L is a 30 oz (842 g), small-volume pack designed to make externally stored gear easily accessible while moving quickly.

backpacks, cilogear, drop, hyperlite mountain gear, ks ultralight, Mountainsmith, packing systems

Osprey Lumina 60 Backpack Review

Dec 19, 2019 by Emylene VanderVelden

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

backpacks, granite gear, Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Osprey, packing systems, ULA, zpacks

ZPacks Sleeping Bag Review – Full Zip Version

Dec 7, 2019 by Barbara Tardiff

This Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag review features a hoodless, full-length zipper down bag with multiple temperature ratings weighing 15 oz.

sleep systems, sleeping bags, zpacks

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