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.
We publish three main types of reviews: performance, limited, and first looks. Learn more about review rating and gear awards program and review our affiliate disclosure. If you represent a brand and would like to submit a product for review, go here.
- GEAR • Gear Reviews
- GEAR • Gear Guides
- GEAR • Gear Checklists
- GEAR • Make Your Own Gear
- GEAR • Gear Testing & Research
- SKILLS • Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
- SKILLS • Wilderness Skills
- SKILLS • Training
- SKILLS • Trip Planning
- SKILLS • Food Preparation
- PLACES • Trips
- PLACES • Routes
- CULTURE • Essays
- CULTURE • Stories
- CULTURE • Issues
- CULTURE • People
- CULTURE • News
- CULTURE • Media Reviews
- ARCHIVES (Before 30.Nov.2015)
- SEARCH LIBRARY
- TRAILHEADS
Latest
Exped DownMat UL 7 Review
Back injuries and poor sleep patterns lead the author to purchase an expensive mat: will it be worth it? A trial of the Exped DownMat UL 7.
Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt Review
The Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt is a lightweight nylon-polyester blend shirt. I use it as a trekking base layer or insect-protection layer in camp. This review reflects my long term experience with this shirt - more than two years and hundreds of miles of use.
MEC Uplink Vest Review
The author tests out the water resistance and warmth of the MEC Uplink Vest with a friendly price point from a Canadian company.
Kokopelli Nirvana Packraft Review
The Kokopelli Nirvana packraft performs well in whitewater, it is durable, well made, and competitively priced.
MSR WindBurner Review (Stove System)
This MSR WindBurner Review determines if this canister stove is a good choice for backpacking trips as well as if it is "windproof."
Enlightened Equipment Booties Review
Community review / giveaway results for the Enlightened Equipment Apex-insulation-filled booties.
Altra Lone Peak NeoShell Review
The Altra Lone Peak Neoshell: light, zero-drop, wide toebox, waterproof-breathable. An ultralight backpacker's shoe for the fringe season?
Tarptent Stratospire 1 Review
This Tarptent Stratospire 1 Review highlights one of the most livable and stormworthy lightweight solo tents available.
Universal TrailPix Trekking Pole Tripod Review
The Universal TrailPix, two trekking poles, and one additional pole make a tripod capable of holding a compact or small DSLR camera. The TrailPix consists of a triangular and mostly flat piece of aluminum with three holes in it for trekking poles. Thumbscrews secure the poles in place.
Primus Winter Gas Review
Primus released a new blend of gas known as Winter Gas. Does this blend increase fuel efficiency? Is it worth the cost?
Paramo Socorro and Katmai Shirts (Flash Review)
The Soccoro ladies shirt can be used in the field or while traveling, and makes for a nice gift.
Nigor Didis 2 Tunnel Tent Review Part 1
Tunnel tents are known for their robust frames and thriving in inclement weather. Does this tent from outdoor industry newcomer Nigor uphold to these standards?
Ruta Locura Jetboil Stove Kit w/BRS-3000T Stove (Review)
Replace stock parts in your Jetboil PCS with a carbon fiber lid and sub-one-ounce stove burner, and save nearly 3 oz on the weight of your cook system.
Flash Reviews No. 13
Introductory Reviews of the Trail Designs Toaks 850ml Ti Pot + Fissure Ti-Tri Bundle, Fenix EO5 Keychain Flashlight, and the Discovery Trekking Outfitters Ultralight Towel.
Flash Reviews No. 12
Introductory Reviews for Backpacker’s Pantry Organic Yakisoba Noodles, All-Ett SoftTech Nylon Wallet, and the MyCharge Portable Device Charger.
Flash Reviews No. 11
Introductory Reviews of the Potable Aqua Pure- Electrolytic Water Purifier, Stio Men's Divide Tech Tee, and Hanz Waterproof Socks.
Guide’s Gear Award No. 1: Gossamer Gear Mariposa Backpack
Guide's Gear features products used by BPL's WTS guides that have withstood the test of time by demonstrating exceptional performance, durability, weight, and value. Guide's Gear No. 1 goes to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa Backpack for offering more features than any other two pound pack on the market.
Iridium GO! Satellite WiFi Review
The Iridium GO! gives you access to technology even in remote locations by creating a backcountry WiFi hotspot for multiple smartphones.
Pat’s Backcountry Beer: Ultralight Beer from Concentrate for Weight-Conscious Backpackers
Still not great as the real deal, Pat's Backcountry Brewery is a nice lightweight option to enjoy some beer in the backcountry.
Rab Vapour-rise Lite Alpine Jacket review
The Rab Vapour-rise Light Alpine is an extremely well designed windshirt, but when compared with other similar weighted windshirts the value is tough to see. However when compared with other soft shells it quickly becomes irreplaceable.
