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Latest
2014 Staff Picks
Backpacking Light's staff is some of the most passionate backpackers around. Take a look at the ultralight gear we use and treasure.
Gear Guide: Ultralight Inflatable Pillows
Neck problems? Back problems? An ultralight inflatable pillow may be an ideal solution, but don't dive in head first. Read this first to see which ultralight pillows are the best.
Gear Guide: Packrafts
Review the current offerings in the packraft market and find out which boats are most appropriate for a variety of purposes including alpine lake fishing, incidental river crossings, flatwater boating, expedition packrafting, and whitewater paddling.
ISPO 2014, Munich, Part 3
We've covered the materials, the combinations, and now ISPO wraps up with a look at some innovative ski gear.
ISPO 2014, Munich, Part 2
ISPO 2014 features some innovative products. From sleep systems to clothing the new technology is exciting.
2013 Staff Picks
As we close out the year, take a minute and see which gear our staff uses often.
Backpacking Tights – Part 2
Take a more in depth look at the tights best suited for the backcountry.
Tenkara for Backpackers: State of the Market Report – Part 2
Part 1 helped you choose the rod. After reading part 2 you'll be all set with the tackle needed to fish tenkara in the backcountry.
2012 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
An eclectic assortment of the staff's favorite gear for 2012.
2011 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear/cool dealio/thingy-dingy of 2011.
2010 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear/cool dealio/place of 2010.
2009 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear of 2009.
2008 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear of 2008.
2007 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear of 2007
Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Kids
A review of commercially-available, lightweight gear suited for - if not made for - backpacking with kids.
Ultralight Knives and Other Sharp Things
Find out what BPL staffers carry to cut, slice, chop, and snip.
Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 3: Model Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Snow Camping
Based on our research and testing, we recommend lightweight footwear systems for specific conditions and activities. In addition, our Backpacking Light staffers describe their favorite systems, and two ultralight nomads – Andrew Skurka and Chris Townsend – share their wisdom.
Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 2: Components
We cover the components of a lightweight footwear system – shoes/boots, footbeds, socks, vapor barriers, booties, overboots, and gaiters (everything on or around the foot), discuss the pros and cons of different options, and identify our favorites.
Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 1: Principles and Techniques for Keeping Feet Dry and Warm
High-tech gear to keep your feet dry and warm is useless without the proper knowledge on how to use it, and that’s especially true for lightweight footwear in cold and wet conditions.
Bushwhacking Gear: Heavyweight Fabrics and Compatible Construction Techniques to Improve Clothing Longevity for Off-trail Bushwhacking
Thorns, scrub and sandstone can rip ultralight clothing to shreds. What materials and construction techniques hold up to serious bushwhacking?
