The Garmin inReach Mini is the smallest, lightest, and most powerful satellite messaging device on the market.
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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Patagonia 19 Degree Sleeping Bag Review
Of the approximately 70 different sleeping bags I’ve used, the Patagonia 19 Degree Sleeping Bag is the most comfortable all-purpose mummy bag for use above freezing.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shell Jacket Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shell Jacket is made using Dyneema Composite Fabric bonded to a polyester fiber outer face for durability, and to a monolayer eVENT membrane on the inner face for breathability.
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review
Our Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review features one of the highest-performing synthetic jackets we’ve ever evaluated. It’s performance- and feature-to-weight ratio is extremely high and should be a top pick considered for ultralight backpacking.
Nunatak Skaha Apex Review
The Nunatak Skaha Apex is our highest rated windproof synthetic insulated jacket. Even though the jacket costs less than its closest competitors, it is custom-made in Utah. We highly recommend the Skaha Apex to anyone who wants the either the best fitting jacket or the highest warmth to weight ratio.
Patagonia DAS Parka Review
The Patagonia DAS is our highest rated synthetic insulated winter-weight parka. Frequent revisions have created a stunningly effective jacket for expeditions that cross multiple climates and for overnight alpine climbs and backcountry trips where a wet down parka would force you to bail, or worse. Despite a suite of expedition features, the premium insulation and light fabrics keep the DAS lightweight at only 22 oz. in men’s medium. This parka performs so well and is offered at such a reasonable price that we feel it’s the only warm synthetic insulated parka worth buying.
Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review
Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review: one of the best lightweight windproof synthetic insulated jackets on the planet. It weighs a mere 9.9 ounces.
Patagonia Nano Air Light Review (Hoody)
This Patagonia Nano Air Light Review features one of the highest performing hoodies on the market, especially for active use in cool conditions. This one’s a fleece-killer.
Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review
Our Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review found that the Proton LT’s durability, features, and warmth make it an ideal winter activewear choice.
Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review
Our Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review determined that the jacket is an all-purpose winter jacket for around town and some winter sports.