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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Rab Top Bag AR Review
An old favorite gets some important upgrades and stands out as a great value for an ultralight 30 °F sleeping bag.
SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker – Full Review
Does this highly anticipated technological breakthrough live up to the hype?
Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld Color Mapping GPS – REVIEW
Garmin's latest mapping GPS has a large, high-resolution display, streamlined controls (including the new "Rock 'n Roller" input wheel), and topographic maps for the entire United States at 1:100K scale. In many ways, it represents an advance in handheld GPS for the general consumer...but it appears to have missed the mark for lightweight backpacking.
GoLite Ultra Quilt Review
High-quality, 800-fill down quilt with Pertex Endurance âArid Zoneâ patches at head and foot is a solid value.
2008 LuxuryLite Big Survival Stik Walking Staff REVIEW
This is a modern version of the traditional hardwood walking staff. Made of carbon fiber, it is much stronger and more robust than even the stiffest of trekking poles. It has an adjustable hand strap, breaks down into sections, and can even be converted into a âtrail defense system".
Golite Pinnacle Backpack REVIEW
The Golite Pinnacle is a replacement for the popular Gust pack and is the larger version of the popular Golite Jam2 backpack. It offers many upgrades over the Gust, but how do they affect the packâs performance?
A Custom Backpack â Designed by You
I worked with R2 Packs to design and build my dream pack, and report on my experience.
2007 Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym Hammock REVIEW
The Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym hammock is a refined backpacking hammock that incorporates full rain and bug protection, and has a convenient entry/exit system.
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS REVIEW
With the addition of a new âHâ high sensitivity receiver, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS sets a new benchmark for GPS performance in difficult reception areas
MSR MIOX Purifier REVIEW
A small electronic device for purifying water with a mixed oxidizer based on electrolyzing salt.
Gossamer Gear Miniposa Backpack REVIEW
Removable carbon fiber stays make it the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpack in its size class, but curved stays would markedly improve its fit and comfort.
Helix Potty Trowel REVIEW
A very light carbon fibre and aluminium alloy âpotty trowelâ (which works quite well as such) which also functions very well as an ultra-light ice axe.
Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis Tent REVIEW
Lightest bug-proof one-person shelter on the market.
AntiGravityGear TarpTent REVIEW
With over 38 square feet of floor area, this single person tent has the highest area to weight ratio in its class (single wall shelter with floor), but it has a few flaws.
Six Moon Designs 2007 Comet Backpack REVIEW
A durable and versatile âconvertible backpackâ with removable stays that allow it to be used either frameless or as an ultralight internal frame backpack.
2007 Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Poles REVIEW
These three section carbon fiber trekking poles are sturdy and stiff and are light in your hands AND on your budget.
2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better âDown to Earthâ Pad Converter REVIEW
The Jacks âRâ Better Down to Earth Pad Converter converts any JRB quilt, including the No Sniveller, into a top bag system.
2007 Deuter KangaKid Child Carrier REVIEW
A lightweight internal frame child carrier that compacts for use as a day pack.
REI Cruise UL 60 Backpack REVIEW
A well designed and capable lightweight internal frame backpack from REI with a great feature set, and itâs an excellent value!
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Backpack REVIEW
Removable carbon fiber stays make it one of the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpacks on the market.
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Garage Grown Gear Hidden Gems
Discover under-the-radar ultralight gear from small brands.
