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
MontBell Crescent 2 Tent Review
Two-person single wall tent with a twist: one side is double wall, so the fly can be rolled up in good weather for extra views and ventilation.
Photon ReX Review
The Photon ReX looks like another one of those little button-cell LED lights, but it has a couple of very nice surprises - and it even works well. Testing it presented some difficulties, but these were generally easy to overcome.
PHD Design Your Own Sleeping Bag
Chris Townsend walks us through the PHD Design Your Own Bag feature online.
Patagonia Traverse Softshell Review
Don Wilson explores the new Patagonia Traverse Softshell clothing, with input from Ryan Jordan.
Komperdell Nature Stick Carbon Trekking Poles Review
With a natural bamboo overlay and a leather grip and strap, these poles have a beautiful and classic look. Underneath the bamboo is a modern tapered carbon fiber trekking pole that is both lightweight and very stiff.
MSR Hyperflow Microfilter Review
A new development in the area of microfilters which is both light and field maintainable, but does it work well enough? There are problems when the water is not crystal clear.
Six Moon Designs Refuge/Refuge X Tent Review
At 25.2 ounces for the Refuge and 15.8 ounces for the "world's lightest two-man" Refuge X, Six Moon Designs now has two of the lightest floored single-wall shelters on the market (and the only floored tent made of Cuben Fiber). Were the design compromises and added expense worth the weight savings?
Tent Stake Holding Power: Comparative Evaluation of Various Designs and Lengths
What type and length of tent stake works best for different conditions? We did the research and have the answers.
Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 Trekking Pole Review
With all-new, tapered and oversized carbon fiber shafts, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 is significantly stiffer than previous models. As reigning “lightest trekking pole” champ, how does this affect the pole’s overall weight?
Pertex/Pile History and Products
Chris Townsend and the Pertex/Pile Revolution.
