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Latest
Staff Picks 2025
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year - the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
Fuel Transfer Valves for Backpacking: Fuel Physics, Myths, Risks, and Real-World Performance
This article examines canister fuel transfer devices from a thermodynamics and engineering perspective, focusing on pressure-driven flow, headspace constraints, fractional distillation of LPG mixtures, and measured transfer rates. It evaluates Alpenflow, FlipFuel, and generic EN 417 adapters and outlines conservative operating practices that respect established EN 417 design safety margins.
Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)
This market report summarizes the category of satellite messaging-centric devices, i.e., devices that focus on satellite messaging as its primary, rather than secondary, function. This is in contrast to navigation-centric devices (which usually offer integrated mapping on the device), such as the Garmin inReach Explorer or Garmin GPSMap.
How does a Quilt’s Pad Attachment System Influence its Heat Loss Resistance?
This study quantifies how quilt pad-attachment geometry affects convective heat loss. Using a controlled thermal surrogate, standardized wind exposure, and time-constant (Ï„) modeling, we compare pad strap to sheet-and-shingle systems. Results show that tighter pad coupling preserves a substantially higher fraction of still-air thermal resistance, especially under modest side winds.
Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
Discover the most unique, innovative, and ultralight backpacking gear from small, startup, and cottage brands in our Cottage Gear Guide.
Backpacking Light x REI Gear Guide
Lightweight and ultralight backpacking gear at REI - updated with recommendations, limitations, disclaimers, and consumer advocacy.
By the Numbers: The Energy Cost of Drying Your Base Layer
Drying wet base layers with body heat demands significant energy. The choice of fabric (wool vs. synthetic) may make less of a difference under some conditions; the quantity of water is key.
Inflatable Sleeping Pads for Backpacking
The product category of inflatable sleeping pads is trending towards larger, warmer, and more comfortable pads - with very little weight penalty. This market report surveys available products and provides use case guidance, context tips, and feedback heuristics for optimizing comfort.
Nemo Equipment Hornet OSMO Elite 1P Review
A review of the Nemo Equipment Hornet Elite 1P ultralight tent, evaluating its design, setup, weather resistance, and durability for backpacking.
By the Numbers: Another Look at Fabric Drying Performance – How can an Alpha Direct Base Layer take Longer to Dry than a Wool Base Layer?
A deep dive into the factors that cause Alpha Direct to take longer to dry than wool.
Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 Review: Search and Rescue & Ultralight Backpacking
An ultralight review of the Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 for search and rescue (SAR) and ultralight backpacking.
Testing Páramo Analogy Waterproof Clothing: How Well Does It Work for Rain (and Wind Shells)?
An in-depth analysis of Páramo Analogy Fabric to see how it performs in wet conditions.
The Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) Framework: A Systems-Based Approach to Measuring the Cost of Walking a Mile
The Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) Framework redefines hiking effort beyond distance. It integrates terrain, fatigue, and environment for accurate energy cost prediction.
Backpacking Chairs: A Comprehensive Guide to the Science of Seated Recovery, Ultralight Chair Design, and Market Landscape
In ultralight backpacking, chairs are often dismissed as luxury. This guide reframes them as recovery tools — exploring their impact on performance, biomechanics, and thermal management. From sit pads to suspended seats, we analyze the design tradeoffs and field use cases that shape the modern camp seating landscape.
El Coyote Alphalite Quilt Review
A review of the El Coyote Alphalite 900+ Quilt, including warmth and value analysis, sizing insights for petite hikers, and performance feedback after 20 nights in the field.
Market Report: State-of-the-Art Fabrics for Hiking Backpacks and Backcountry Shelters
Ultra-light backpack and shelter fabrics: Explore materials, performance, and construction. Nylon, polyester, UHMWPE, coatings & more.
Nemo Hornet OSMO 3P vs Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 3P as a Family Shelter
The Nemo Dragonfly & Hornet OSMO 3P tents for family backpacking are ultralight, durable shelters tested here with toddlers.
Backcountry Lighting (Flashlights and Headlamps)
Comprehensive guide to backcountry lighting technology and products. Learn about headlamps, lumens, battery types, and the best models for hiking and camping.
Advances in Materials and Manufacturing in Ultralight Backpacks: A Technical Review and Case Study
A technical analysis of material and manufacturing innovations in ultralight backpack design, with a case study of the Arc'teryx Alpha SL 30. This report examines fusion bonding, molecularly bonded UHMWPE laminates, and the engineering tradeoffs shaping the next generation of ultralight packs.
Gossamer Gear Whisper Review (Updated)
The Gossamer Gear Whisper is a 1-person, 2-pole, floorless full-perimeter shelter made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. It includes an attached noseeum mesh netting skirt, is pitched with 7 stakes, and weighs 9.8 oz (280 g).
