Gear Reviews

Lightweight Backpacking Chairs: REI Flexlite Air Chair vs. Helinox Chair Zero

The purpose of this article is to review the Helinox Chair Zero to the REI Flexlite Air Chair and see if there are any meaningful differences.

Sawyer Micro-Squeeze Review (First Looks)

The Sawyer Micro Squeeze combines the flow-rate of the Sawyer Squeeze with the weight savings of the Sawyer MINI.

REI Quarter Dome SL 1 Review

The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a single person, side entry, single side vestibule, double wall, mostly mesh inner, semi-freestanding tent.

Therm-A-Rest Vesper Quilt Review

A detailed review of the Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20F Sleeping bag over 3 seasons of use including detail commentary.

Nemo Siren Review (First Looks)

This Nemo Equipment Siren Quilt review covers a warm-weather backpacking quilt that packs a feature rich, ultralight punch.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 Tent Review

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 is a two-person, hybrid single/double wall, two-vestibule Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) tent that can be pitched with two trekking poles. This review assesses wind loading, snow loading, rain, condensation resistance, ease of setup, livability.

Timmermade Waterbear Hood Review (First Look)

Tarptent Aeon Review (First Looks)

The Tarptent Aeon Li is one of the lightest solo (1-person) backpacking tents available. Made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), the Aeon is a single-wall design featuring a zippered side-entry with a vestibule. The Aeon requires 4-7 stakes and is pitched with a single trekking pole.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra Gear Review

Mountainsmith Zerk 40L Fastpack Review (First Looks)

This review of the Zerk 40L Fastpack provides a first look at Mountainsmith's new ultralight backpack aimed at thru-hikers.

Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad Review (First Looks)

A first looks review of NEMO Equipment's Switchback Sleeping pad based on initial impressions at from at home and in the field.

Sport Kilt Review and Kilt Wearing FAQ Companion Guide

The Atom by Atom Packs PERFORMANCE Review

The Atom is a simple pack with a clear mission, having a minimal design and being built for fast and efficient travel.

First Impressions: Black Diamond Glidelite Ski (“Snow Trekkers”) Review (Video)

I put together a 4-minute video montage with my initial thoughts about the Black Diamond Glidelite skis that includes footage from both tracked and untracked trails, with inclines up to about 15 degrees.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review

This Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite review presents our performance assessment of the lightest full-sized air-filled sleeping pad on the market.

Tarptent Stratospire Li Review

Tarptent's Stratospire Li is a two-person DCF shelter with well-considered features and has enough chops for year round use.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa Review

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a high volume ultralight backpack that is capable of carrying heavier loads.

Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket Review & Zeta SL Pant Review

The Arc'teryx Zeta FL Jacket is a Gore-tex Paclite Plus rain jacket that features a trim fit and hip length. It has articulated tailoring in the hood and arms, a full-length water-resistant zipper, two handwarmer pockets with water-resistant zippers, elastic hem and wrist cuffs, and an adjustable hood aperture.

Purple Rain Adventure Skirt Review

An increasing amount of hikers are turning to skirts and kilts for greater mobility and versatility in the backcountry. I felt it high time to give it a try

Paramo Ostro Ultra Light Windproof Jacket

Paramo's Ostro Ultra Light Jacket is a new version of the popular Ostro Windproof Jacket with features not often found on ultralight jackets.