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.
We publish three main types of reviews: performance, limited, and first looks. Learn more about review rating and gear awards program and review our affiliate disclosure. If you represent a brand and would like to submit a product for review, go here.
- GEAR • Gear Reviews
- GEAR • Gear Guides
- GEAR • Gear Checklists
- GEAR • Make Your Own Gear
- GEAR • Gear Testing & Research
- SKILLS • Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
- SKILLS • Wilderness Skills
- SKILLS • Training
- SKILLS • Trip Planning
- SKILLS • Food Preparation
- PLACES • Trips
- PLACES • Routes
- CULTURE • Essays
- CULTURE • Stories
- CULTURE • Issues
- CULTURE • People
- CULTURE • News
- CULTURE • Media Reviews
- ARCHIVES (Before 30.Nov.2015)
- SEARCH LIBRARY
- TRAILHEADS
Latest
Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) CDT Backpack Review
The CDT is a really nice frameless backpack that would be even better with a few revisions. And there is one thing you really need to know…
Big Sky International Evolution 2P Tent Review
Creation vs Evolution: one of the thorniest questions ever and one I prefer to stay away from most of the time. But Bob Molen’s latest creation is the ever-evolving Evolution 2P, and one I feel comfortable tackling. It is almost divine...
MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent Review
Dropping two full pounds from my current tent weight to use a sub-five-pound three-person double-wall tent all summer sounded too good to be true. How did MSR's lightest 3P shelter work for the Estrella family?
Integral Designs eVent Pullover Review
Does the strong appeal, on paper, of the Integral Designs eVent Pullover materialize in real-world use?
Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus Backpack Review
A higher volume (59 L) durable fabric frameless backpack with superb design, construction, and options.
Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Sleeping Bag Review
It's a $100 DOWN bag. Too good to be true? You may be surprised...
PHD Mountain Software Yukon Down Pullover Review
Featuring 900 fill-power down, baffled construction, high loft, and a nearly waterproof shell, the Yukon Pullover is a well-balanced four-season down parka. Is this the ultimate ultralight down garment for cold weather pursuits?
Katabatic Sawatch 15 Quilt and Crestone Hood Review
Very warm, quality gear from a cottage manufacturer dedicated to innovative lightweight sleeping solutions.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Air Mat Product Review
Cascade Designs upgraded their ProLite self-inflating mat once again, with another weight reduction. What were the consequences of weight loss on warmth?
Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Pole Review
Lightweight, collapsible, fixed-length poles that use avalanche pole technology to lock the sections.