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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Latest
Oware Poncho/Tarp REVIEW
The lightest silnylon poncho/tarp we have reviewed, but also the shortest.
Oware Silnylon Rain Chaps REVIEW
Lightweight (3 oz), simple, and long.
NEMO Hypno AR Tent REVIEW
Slick, two-person inflatable single wall tent.
Patagonia Micropuff Vest REVIEW
Simple, lofty and light - to be replaced fall '06 with a heavier version - too bad.
Western Mountaineering Flash Vest REVIEW
The lightest down vest on the market, with a full zip but no neck coverage.
Jacks ‘R’ Better JRB Down Hood REVIEW
Seals perfectly with the head opening in the JRB poncho quilts and has lots of puff for the weight, but the non-adjustable neck opening can let in drafts when it is used for sleeping.
Innovations by Fin Finbar Hood REVIEW
A big (almost 7-ounce), synthetic hood for cold weather.
Jacks ‘R’ Better JRB Down Sleeves REVIEW
Lightweight, stand-alone down sleeves to pair with a vest or wearable poncho quilt.
Outdoor Research Nimbus Sombrero REVIEW
A warm weather, wide coverage, rain hat from the makers of the classic Seattle Sombrero.
Outdoor Research Women Cloudburst Hat REVIEW
Outdoor Research Women introduces a lightweight, warm weather, sun and rain hat.
Sierra Designs Hyperlight Tent REVIEW
Spacious, durable, wind-stable 4.5 lb tent - while very light for its size, it still can't match the area to weight ratio of our highest rated double wall tent.
Big Sky Evolution 2P Tent REVIEW
Other double-wall tent manufacturers claim that their tent is “ultralight” or even “hyperlight,” but the Evolution 2P really IS light without sacrificing anything in features or convenience - but of course it's not perfect.
Big Sky Revolution 1P Shelter REVIEW
There are lighter and roomier silnylon tents, but this is the lightest freestanding breathable fabric (Epic) solo tent on the market.
Mountainsmith TrekLight AT 55 Backpack REVIEW
Cutting edge design and materials, loaded with features, user-friendly, load capable, and fits like wearing a vest - but a tad heavy by lightweight standards, and needs a few tweaks here and there.
MontBell U.L. Alpine Down Hugger Thermal Sheet Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Summer weight sleeping bag or winter bag liner with great features, but a fairly trim fit.
Big Agnes Lost Dog 50 Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Generously sized summer synthetic top bag that is on the heavy side of lightweight.
Jacks ‘R’ Better Shenandoah Summer Quilt REVIEW
Rectangular down quilt that weighs less than a pound and has features that adapt it for top blanket or hammock underquilt use.
Gregory 2005 G Pack Backpack REVIEW
Comfortable, light (but it should lose half a pound), and compact backpack with enough capacity and load control to support multi-day outings.
Osprey Stratos 34 Backpack REVIEW
New for 2006, the Stratos 34 daypack provides all the features, fit, and comfort you can ask for from a general use daypack. It’s also bomb-proof, and heavy by our standards.
Osprey Exposure 36 Backpack REVIEW
A feature-laden pack designed for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering that doesn't translate well for general purpose use.
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