Gear Reviews
Backpacking Light has built a hard-won reputation for comprehensive and fair product reviews, reflecting our Editorial Values of Objectivity, Trust, Authority, Inclusivity, and Clarity.
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Jacks ‘R’ Better Sierra Stealth Quilt Review
The Jacks ‘R’ Better Sierra Stealth Quilt is an ultralight summer quilt designed “with the ground sleeper in mind.” As the lightest of three wearable quilts available from JRB, the Sierra Stealth has a resealable Velcro head hole in the center that allows the quilt to be used as a serape around camp - eliminating the need for a lightweight jacket in addition to sleeping gear.
Seek Outside VersaShelter 6-Person Tipi
This single-wall, three/four-season, tipi-style shelter is the largest tipi in the VersaShelter line. A significant amount of the weight savings comes from the use of an all carbon fiber pole.
Kahtoola MTN 28 Snowshoe Review
Incorporating a stand-alone trail crampon that works along with the snowshoe itself, the Mountain 28 eliminates the need to carry a separate traction device for conditions that call for grip, not float. Intriguing in theory, how did it work in practice?
Nemo Pentalite Review
A versatile shelter with a unique design, the Pentalite manages to bring something new to the realm of pyramid tent design: a large floorspace and optional full bug protection without a full-height inner bug net. The size, weight savings, and flexibility of this design make it a good candidate for a group backpacking, car camping, or base camp use. So far, so good, right?
CAMP Xenon 4 Pole Review
These highly anticipated poles made quite a splash at 2011 ORWM. The Xenon 4 Trekking Poles are light, compact, easy to use and reasonably priced. How did they stand up to testing?
MSR Twin Brothers Shelter Review
On paper, the palatial space and bare-essentials engineering of this tent make it appear like a dream come true for ultralight group travel. How does it actually perform in the real world?
Monatauk Gnat Titanium Stove Review
The lightest canister fuel stove in the world.
Jetboil Sol Advanced Cooking System Review
Same features, nearly the same performance, and less expensive than the Sol Ti Premium Cooking System.
Primus Eta Solo Cooking System Review
An integrated stove from Primus similar to the Jetboil PCS, with a few design improvements but similar performance.
Hilleberg Nallo 4 GT Review
Capable of handling all four seasons as either a single-wall floorless shelter or a fully bug-proof double-wall tent, the Nallo 4 GT can easily be tailored to meet a wide variety of environmental conditions. Is it the right tent for your family backpacking outings?
Jetboil Zip Cooking System Review
A scaled down and inexpensive version of the original PCS, the Zip is lighter weight and a great value.
Jetboil Flash Cooking System Review
The Flash is basically a flashier PCS and will eventually replace it.
Jetboil Sol Ti Premium Cooking System Review
Jetboil’s lightest and most technically advanced integrated canister fuel cooking system.
Vango Helium Superlite 200 Tent Review
A sub-40 ounce, two-person, double-wall, hybrid tunnel tent that sheds wind and rain with ease?
New Balance 1000 Insulated Boot Review
The NB1000 replaces the discontinued Keen Growler as our favorite lightweight insulated boot; it’s made of lighter materials and has the same insulation and functionality.
Berghaus Mount Asgard Smock Review
The Mount Asgard Smock is a minimalist mountaineering shell meant to withstand hard use and bad weather. If Superman needed a jacket, would this be the one?
Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt Review
Patagonia introduces the lightest down jacket to be found. We now have four good contenders for an ultralight down jacket shootout; which one will come out on top?
Hennessy Hyperlite Asym Zip Hammock Review
Can a lighter, easier hammock hang convert this avowed tent user?
Fizan Compact Trekking Poles Review
Straightforward, reliable and lightweight adjustable, collapsible aluminum trekking poles.
Granite Gear Virga Backpack Review
An old stalwart among frameless backpacks, the Virga has remarkable fit and comfort, but it has a few quirks as well.
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Garage Grown Gear Hidden Gems
Discover under-the-radar ultralight gear from small brands.
