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
Atlas 10 Series All Mountain Snowshoe REVIEW
Not the lightest snowshoes we tested, but wonderful performers.
Gossamer Gear NightLight Sleeping Pad (Torso Length) REVIEW
Durable, resistant to compression, and very comfortable for the weight, but a couple of extra inches would be nice.
Jacks ‘R’ Better No Sniveller Universal Quilt REVIEW
Puffy down quilt/underquilt/poncho - so nice! Just trim the footbox please.
Dion Model 168 Rec/Fitness Snowshoe REVIEW
Modular design allows you to customize these snowshoes to the person and snow conditions, or upgrade instead of buying new snowshoes.
Jetboil French Press and Companion Cup REVIEW
Two accessories to add utility to your Jetboil Personal Cooking System.
Crescent Moon Gold Series 12 Snowshoe REVIEW
A sprinter's dream with lightweight - although less durable - materials, narrow tapered tails, and an aggressive toe cleat.
Tubbs Catalyst Snowshoe REVIEW
An asymmetric frame and lightweight durable materials - like titanium crampons - give these racing shoes a lot of attitude, but they're not cut out for general backcountry use.
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe REVIEW
Innovative, with traction - and weight - to spare.
Fanatic Fringe Alpine Trail Backpack REVIEW
A durable small volume pack for SuperUltraLight backpacking or day hiking that would benefit from load control features.
Comparison: Brunton Liberty Mantleless and Vaude/Markill Peak Illuminator Canister Lanterns – Is Mantleless Better?
A mantleless canister lantern is breakthrough technology, but how does it compare with a conventional mantle-type lantern?
Kovea X2 Canister Stove REVIEW
A good value for a sturdy, but heavy canister stove at approximately $27 US (where it’s available).
Brunton Raptor Canister Stove REVIEW
Wide pot supports and rugged - but heavy - stainless steel construction, for only 40 bucks.
Kovea Camp 3 Canister Stove REVIEW
Titanium stove - identical twin to the Markill Peak Ignition, and sister to the Vargo Jet-Ti - that has some problems in wind.
Markill Peak Ignition Canister Stove REVIEW
Compact and lightweight but sensitive to wind. Identical twin to the Kovea Camp 3, and sister to the Vargo Jet-Ti sold in the US.
Rab Quantum Top Bag Sleeping Bag REVIEW
The original top bag is state-of-the art in some ways, and an antique in others.
Montane 180 Rain Shell REVIEW
This waterproof/breathable polyurethane laminate pullover is light, but could lose more weight by eliminating extra features.
MontBell Peak Jacket Rain Shell REVIEW
A full featured rain shell with pit zips that weighs only 11.2 ounces (size L), but how does the fabric - MontBell Breeze Dry-Tec three-layer waterproof/breathable - perform?
Montane Air Jacket Rain Shell REVIEW
Full-featured multi-purpose eVENT rain jacket that weighs less than 13 ounces, but what's the deal with the wire brim on the hood?
Mo-go-gear Fire-fly Alcohol Stove REVIEW
Lightweight alcohol stove cooking system with great fuel economy that needs a pot stand redesign.
Oware Gore-Tex Rain Chaps REVIEW
Bushwalkers take note: these chaps are tough, breathable, and weigh less than six ounces.
