Black Packing Light
  • Sections
  • Today’s Features
  • Subscribe
  • Sign In
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • Email Newsletter
  • Membership Info
  • Articles
    • Recent Features
    • Gear Reviews
    • State of the Market Reports
    • Gear Guides
    • Gear Lists
    • Skills & Techniques
    • MYOG
    • Science, Technology & Testing
    • Stories
    • Calendar
  • Education
    • Podcast
    • Webinars
    • Masterclasses
    • Online Courses
    • Guided Treks
    • Education Portal
  • Forums
    • Forum Index
    • Recent Forum Posts
    • Gear Forums
    • Gear Swap (Buy/Sell)
  • Gear Recommendations
  • Gear Deals

Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for Gear Reviews

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.

Learn more about our product review policies, ratings, and awards.

ADVERTISEMENT

Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Review

Aug 21, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (8.5 oz / 241 g, $119.99) is a minimalist trail runner best used for fastpacking. Huarache-inspired straps on the midfoot and instep allow for precisely dialed fit without causing compression.

fastpacking, footwear, minimalist, xero shoes

Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum Tent Review

Aug 14, 2020 by Tully Henke

The Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum (13 oz / 369 g, $349.95) is a single wall, single-entrance, trekking pole-supported, silnylon, one-person tent from Big Agnes. It is one of the lightest shelters in its class.

big agnes, pole-supported, shelters, single wall, tents

Get notified when new articles are published.

+PLUS! Download our Printable Ultralight Backpacking Gear List & Watch our Core Principles of Ultralight Backpacking Video!

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

Lightweight Wood Saws for Backpacking

Jul 22, 2020 by Ryan Jordan

Lightweight wood saws for backpacking can be used for preparing firewood and more. Here’s what affects saw performance and how that’s revealed in four models from Bahco, Suluk46, Coghlan’s, and Sven Saw.

firebuilding, saws

Elemental Horizons Kalais XT Pack Review

Jul 17, 2020 by Jeffrey Garmire

The Elemental Horizons Kalais XT backpack (42.8 oz / 1213 g, $336) is a 60.4-liter pack meant to handle the harshest and most rugged conditions.

backpacks, Elemental horizons, gossamer gear, load-haulers, x-pac

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

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

Seek Outside Divide 4500 Pack Review

May 27, 2020 by Drew Smith

The Seek Outside Divide 4500 is an external frame backpack featuring a roll-top closure, two oversized side pockets, and a back pocket.

Backpack, seek outside, Sierra Designs

Platypus GravityWorks Filter Review (6L)

May 15, 2020 by Drew Smith

We review the 6-Liter model of the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, intended to provide water for groups and for basecamp scenarios.

hydration systems, water filter, water treatment

Spot X Review

May 8, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

The Spot X ( 7 oz / 198 g, $199.99) is a rechargeable two-way satellite messenger with a QWERTY Keyboard among other features.

emergency management, garmin, navigation, satellite communications, spot

LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack Review

May 1, 2020 by Tucker Ballister

The LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack (16 oz / 453 g, $255+*) is a frameless ultralight pack constructed partially of Dyneema Composite fabric.

Backpack, liteaf, Mountainsmith

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Want outdoor gear and skills info you can really trust?

Get our Handbook - the resource you need to make intelligent decisions about gear, safety, comfort, and pack weight.


how to get full access to all articles

Your subscription fees help us create quality content. Subscribe today to gain access to more than 2,000 articles and 4 million words about lightweight backpacking gear, skills, news, stories, and more!

Now accepting PayPal
View Subscription Options
Today’s Gear Deals

Subscribe Right Now

Receive new Members-only content, gain access to 2,000+ articles in the archives, and become a part of the most passionate community of backpacking experts in the world.
Subscribe Now
  • Backpacking Gear Reviews
  • Backpacking Skills
  • Backpacking Trips
  • Backpacking & Outdoor News
  • Outdoor Recreation Science & Technology
  • Backpacking Courses, Webinars & Other Events

Follow Us

Get outdoor skills and gear info you can trust.

Download the Backpacking Light Handbook to help you make intelligent decisions about gear, skills, ultralight philosophy, and reducing your pack weight.

Join Now: Support fair and objective product reviews.

Something for everyone: Basic, Premium, and Unlimited Membership options available.

View Subscription Options

More @ Backpacking Light

  • About Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us
  • Submit a Product for Review
  • Diversity Grants
  • Help / Support / Contact
  • Terms & Policies

Call Us

Membership Sales & Support: 406-640-HIKE (406-640-4453) | About

© Copyright 2001-2021 BEARTOOTH MEDIA GROUP, INC. | U.S. Library of Congress Serial Registration ISSN 1537-0364
BACKPACKING LIGHT® and the FEATHER/MOUNTAIN icon are registered trademarks granted for exclusive use to Beartooth Media Group, Inc. Subscribe here.

  • Subscribe
  • Log In
  • My Account
  • Forum Profile
  • Private Messages
  • Newsletters
  • My Course Enrollments
  • Unlimited Membership Portal
  • Help / Support / Contact