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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New Balance MT876OR Review
The latest in the New Balance 87x series of light low-cut joggers - and they're even better than the previously-reviewed MT875ORs.
Sierra Designs Gnar Down Sweater Review
Coming out in fall 2010, the Gnar is a good balance of sizing and fit, features, and overall light weight, but it could be a little warmer.
Integral Designs Wedge eVENT Bivy REVIEW
A three-pound solo shelter made of almost-magically breathable eVENT fabric and designed for alpine climbing, it can handle wild weather, but is it comfortable to live with?
Crux Halo Top Review
Q: What’s a Halo Top? A: an ultralight down-insulated minimalist anorak that weighs just 7.9 oz (225 g), and it’s sized well for taller people.
Brooks-Range Alpini Mountain Anorak Review
The Alpini is a lightweight furnace and lands on our recommended list, but how about a version for non-climbers?
Brunton 7DNL Compass Review
Small, light, easy to use, and about the right size for a simple baseplate model.
Primus Express Spider Stove Review
A good remote canister stove, heading in the lightweight direction.
Terra Nova Laser Tent Review
With the 2.47-lb (1.12-kg) Laser, Terra Nova takes aim at the lightweight backpacker that wants to travel in comfort. Will the Laser hit the bull’s eye, or will we just be blinded by the light?
Darn Tough Vermont Boot Sock Review
In a world where most clothing seems to come from China and be of debatable quality and life, these thick, durable, woollen Made-in-Vermont socks are a standout - and have a well-deserved cult following.
MSR Hubba Hubba HP Tent Review
With new fabrics, a strong design and plenty of pitching options, the HP is quite attractive. Will this relatively lightweight double-wall abode have us exclaiming with enthusiasm or will we hurry on to the next cutie?
New Balance MT910GT Joggers Review
Totally synthetic, solid soles with a good tread and a range of width fittings, a Gore-Tex 'Extended Comfort Footwear' lining, but a slightly stiff sole.
Marmot Venus Jacket Review
With 800 fill-power down and weighing less than 12 ounces, does this attractive and warm jacket ultimately put fashion over function?
Western Mountaineering Expedition Down Bootie Review
Well designed, lightweight, warm down bootie with an integrated tall gaiter and performance equivalent to a multi-layer system.
Ultralight Down Pants: Light, Warm, and Versatile
Ultralight down insulated pants from MontBell, PHD, and Western Mountaineering are reviewed and compared. Down pants provide the most warmth for their weight, and are especially versatile for colder weather camping. Wear them to stay warm in camp and to extend the warmth of an ultralight sleeping bag.
Soto OD-1R Canister Stove Product Review
This Japanese stove is small, light, and well-made, with a unique miniature pressure regulator instead of a needle valve.
JakPak All-In-One Garment Review
Is this the "Three Musketeers" of backpacking gear (all for one, one for all!), or does it leave Chris feeling cold?
Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight Sweater Review
This jacket really rocks - an excellent balance of light weight, basic features, warmth, wind and water resistance, and cost.
Sierra Designs Nitro 30 Sleeping Bag Review
Remarkably lofty and warm for a 30 F (-1 C) rated bag – this is the first sleeping bag I have tested that’s warmer than its claimed temperature rating!
REI Quarter Dome T2 Tent Review
There's a lot of bang for the buck in this roomy, lightweight, double-wall tent!
PHD Minim 400 Sleeping Bag Review
This zipperless down mummy-style 23 F rated sleeping bag is elegant for its simplicity, light weight, and high loft-to-weight ratio.
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Garage Grown Gear Hidden Gems
Discover under-the-radar ultralight gear from small brands.
