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 • Market Reports
- 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
Paradox Packs Evolution pack system review
While it may be on the heavy side of ultralight, Paradox has worked hard to make each ounce count succeeding in creating a pack that excels at carrying extremely heavy loads.
Stephenson 2C Tent Review – Part 1
A preview of the Stephenson 2C - the smallest and lightest "climber's" version from the ultralight line of tents from the Stephenson family of New Hampshire.
Peak Design Capture Pro Camera clip
While the camera clip may be useful in some settings, it is not ideal for wilderness travel.
MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket Review
Although certainly a very dependable jacket, the Plasma seems to be more of a technology statement rather than a high-value jacket.
Altra Lone Peak 1.5 Trail Shoe Review
The quest for the perfect lightweight backpacking shoe continues. Don't hold your breath. While these shoes are great for most hikes they are less than ideal for seriously demanding trips.
New Balance Leadville MT1210 Runners Review
The Leadville Runners are light and we mean really lightweight. But don't worry you won't have to sacrifice comfort or stability as you conquer the outdoors.
Ultralight Group Cooking
Going ultralight and cooking for a group can be a real challenge. The "Critter" stand is lightweight and takes the pain out of cooking for a group.
Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Part 4b: Gear Reviews (Continued)
Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Part 4a: Gear Reviews
Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
Rab Xenon and Patagonia UL Down Hoody: Comparison and Long-Term Review
New and evolving technologies necessitate a reexamination of the conventional wisdom of down versus synthetic fill insulation.
Integral Designs Traverse 2 Review
Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews
New Balance 889 Multisport Review
These new trail shoes have gone the way of the Vibram sole. How does this development affect performance?
Mountain Hardwear SuperMegaUL 2 Review
Mainstream manufacturers are catching on, and competition in the ~2lb tent range is fierce. The SuperMegaUL2 is a brilliant addition to this growing field.
Mountain Hardwear Speed 32 Sleeping Bag Review
A predominantly well engineered sleeping bag that suffers from a small, yet serious design flaw.
Ibex Clothing Review
A merino wool layering system to keep you dry and comfortable on cool summer nights.
Sierra Designs Cloud 15 Review
A 29 oz sleeping bag featuring vertical baffles and Insotect technology... is it worth the weight?
Westcomb Focus LT Hoody Review
Superb fit and finish, high breathability, and nice mix of features, but durability insurance doesn't come with the $280 price tag - and at 9 oz, is it light enough?
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 4400 Backpack Review
Durable lightweight packs that can carry a larger volume (and higher weight) expedition kit.
Alpacka Stowaway Dry Suit Review
A 22-ounce waterproof dry suit designed for packrafters with an eye towards saving weight and bulk on longer expeditions.
Boreas Buttermilks 55 Review
Sure they look nice, but how do these clean, uncomplicated packs from new manufacturer Boreas handle the trails?

