Introduction The Timmermade Waterbear Hood is a cottage-crafted down sleeping hood with a twist – a Climashield tunnel for warming the air around your face on extra-cold nights. I used the Waterbear Hood on a frigid eastern Sierra late-winter trip. It kept me cozy in my quilt while providing flexible options for warmth in variable […]
Gear Reviews
Reviews and comparison reports about the use and performance of lightweight backpacking, hiking, camping, trail running, bikepacking, packrafting, backcountry fly fishing, survival, and other outdoor gear.
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Tarptent Aeon Review (First Looks)
The Tarptent Aeon Li is one of the lightest solo (1-person) backpacking tents available. Made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), the Aeon is a single-wall design featuring a zippered side-entry with a vestibule. The Aeon requires 4-7 stakes and is pitched with a single trekking pole.
Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra Gear Review
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Mountainsmith Zerk 40L Fastpack Review (First Looks)
This review of the Zerk 40L Fastpack provides a first look at Mountainsmith’s new ultralight backpack aimed at thre-hikers.
Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad Review (First Looks)
A first looks review of NEMO Equipment’s Switchback Sleeping pad based on initial impressions at from at home and in the field.
Sport Kilt Review and Kilt Wearing FAQ Companion Guide
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The Atom by Atom Packs PERFORMANCE Review
The Atom is a simple pack with a clear mission, having a minimal design and being built for fast and efficient travel.
First Impressions: Black Diamond Glidelite Ski (“Snow Trekkers”) Review (Video)
I put together a 4-minute video montage with my initial thoughts about the Black Diamond Glidelite skis that includes footage from both tracked and untracked trails, with inclines up to about 15 degrees.
Navigation & GPS App Reviews & Gear Guide
This Gear Guide features GPS App Reviews, including AllTrails, Gaia, Google Maps Offline, Guthooks, Hiking Project, MapMyHike, Outdoor Active, Ramblr, REI – National Parks, Spyglass, and ViewRanger.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review
This Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite review presents our performance assessment of the lightest full-sized air-filled sleeping pad on the market.
Tarptent Stratospire Li Review
Tarptent’s Stratospire Li is a two-person DCF shelter with well-considered features and has enough chops for year round use.
Staff Picks 2018: Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of the Year
Backpacking Light’s editorial team, guides, contributors provide their favorite gear choices in BPL’s Staff Picks gear guide for 2018.