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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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.
Berghaus Vapourlight Hypertherm FZ Jacket Review
The Vapourlight Hypertherm Jacket is an incredibly versatile jacket which can be worn in reverse to accommodate multiple weather conditions. It is ideal for a hiker who wants to leverage one piece of gear.
Vertex Solid Fuel Stove Review
A solid fuel/alcohol stove that folds flat for storage and assembles into a rock-solid structure for stable cooking.
RapidPure Filters Review
Some filters leave a bad taste while others do an insufficient job of treating the water. The RapidPure filter changes the game and pushes the boundaries of water treatment.
Exped Lightning 60 Review
Due to a robust internal frame, this pack not only excels at carrying either heavy or light loads, but it's also rather comfortable and lightweight.
Mountain Laurel Designs eVENT Soul Bivy Review
While not commonly found in most hiker's packs, the lightweight and superior construction of this bivy offers good value for a bivy that occupies a narrow market niche occupied by very few products.
Freestanding Double Wall Tents – A Cursory Review of 1P/2P Offerings from Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, and Nemo
Ultralight tents are becoming more lightweight and durable. This is good news for ultralighters.
Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody review
For their first ever attempt, Black diamond created a versatile, durable, and waterproof windshirt that raises the bar for ultralight windshirts.
REI Dash 2 (2-Person, Double Wall) Tent Review
A lightweight, high performance tent great for ultralight backpackers looking for more comfort in the wilderness - most notably couples.
Gränsfors-Bruks Mini Hatchet Review
While not a part of the traditional lightweight backpacker's gear list, a hatchet is a great piece of gear that can bring a unique perspective to fire building and shelter making.
Concerning the Wilderness Serape
Despite the added weight, a Serape is a versatile piece of backpacking gear that can help manage the sudden weather changes.
Stephenson 2C Tent Review – Part 2
A performance review of the Stephenson 2C - the smallest and lightest "climber's" version from the ultralight line of tents from the Stephenson family of New Hampshire.
Lil’ Bugout Shelter Review
An uncommon design transforms the Lil' Bugout into a weather fortress. And it has plenty of space to keep you cozy as you weather the storms.
AT Nordic Ski Systems: Discovering the Best of Backcountry Nordic and Alpine Touring Systems Through Hybridization
Combining the best of both worlds, AT Nordic ski systems give you comfort, stability, and lightweight as you explore the backcountry.
New Balance MT910V1 and MT910V1GTX Trail Shoes Review
The flagship of New Balances's 2014 lineup, the MT910s perform well in a myriad of conditions and provide comfort and stability while on the trail.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Shelter Review
With room for sleeping and gear storage as well as a durable construction that can handle a range of weather conditions, the HMG UltaMid is an ideal shelter for lightweight backcountry travel.
Backpackable Wood Stoves: Theory and Ultralight Application
Backpackable wood stoves will add weight to your pack, but they have many benefits, such as, peace of mind, warmth, and the ability to dry wet gear.
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