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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Latest
PHD Design Your Own Sleeping Bag
Chris Townsend walks us through the PHD Design Your Own Bag feature online.
Patagonia Traverse Softshell Review
Don Wilson explores the new Patagonia Traverse Softshell clothing, with input from Ryan Jordan.
Komperdell Nature Stick Carbon Trekking Poles Review
With a natural bamboo overlay and a leather grip and strap, these poles have a beautiful and classic look. Underneath the bamboo is a modern tapered carbon fiber trekking pole that is both lightweight and very stiff.
MSR Hyperflow Microfilter Review
A new development in the area of microfilters which is both light and field maintainable, but does it work well enough? There are problems when the water is not crystal clear.
Six Moon Designs Refuge/Refuge X Tent Review
At 25.2 ounces for the Refuge and 15.8 ounces for the "world's lightest two-man" Refuge X, Six Moon Designs now has two of the lightest floored single-wall shelters on the market (and the only floored tent made of Cuben Fiber). Were the design compromises and added expense worth the weight savings?
Tent Stake Holding Power: Comparative Evaluation of Various Designs and Lengths
What type and length of tent stake works best for different conditions? We did the research and have the answers.
Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 Trekking Pole Review
With all-new, tapered and oversized carbon fiber shafts, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 is significantly stiffer than previous models. As reigning “lightest trekking pole” champ, how does this affect the pole’s overall weight?
Pertex/Pile History and Products
Chris Townsend and the Pertex/Pile Revolution.
Six Moon Designs Serenity Net Tent Review
A seven-ounce mosquito-free haven which, when mated with the Gatewood Cape, becomes the inner half of an eighteen-ounce double walled tent system.
Montbell Thermawrap Pant Review
This full-featured synthetic insulated pant really fits well, and it’s a great value – if you want or need the features.
Big Agnes Clearview Air Pad Review
Finally - a really lightweight, thick, comfy inflatable sleeping pad. Used properly, it's a cushy alternative to a thin torso length pad.
Big Agnes Cyclone SL Chair Kit Review
Camp chair aficionados rejoice - the ten ounce barrier has been convincingly broken by Big Agnes with their six ounce Cyclone SL chair kit.
Big Sky International Convertible 2P Tent REVIEW
A unique feature of the Convertible it that a third pole can be added to "convert" it from a three-season tent to a "WinterLite" four-season tent. At 3.5 pounds for a complete two-person double-wall tent, the Convertible in three season mode is 2.6 ounces heavier than Big Sky's award-winning Evolution 2P, but new design elements make it more stable and versatile.
Gossamer Gear The One Shelter REVIEW
The One optimizes light weight, roominess, features, convenience, and weather/bug protection in a seventeen ounce single wall tent.
Rab Top Bag AR Review
An old favorite gets some important upgrades and stands out as a great value for an ultralight 30 °F sleeping bag.
SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker – Full Review
Does this highly anticipated technological breakthrough live up to the hype?
Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld Color Mapping GPS – REVIEW
Garmin's latest mapping GPS has a large, high-resolution display, streamlined controls (including the new "Rock 'n Roller" input wheel), and topographic maps for the entire United States at 1:100K scale. In many ways, it represents an advance in handheld GPS for the general consumer...but it appears to have missed the mark for lightweight backpacking.
GoLite Ultra Quilt Review
High-quality, 800-fill down quilt with Pertex Endurance “Arid Zone” patches at head and foot is a solid value.
2008 LuxuryLite Big Survival Stik Walking Staff REVIEW
This is a modern version of the traditional hardwood walking staff. Made of carbon fiber, it is much stronger and more robust than even the stiffest of trekking poles. It has an adjustable hand strap, breaks down into sections, and can even be converted into a “trail defense system".
Golite Pinnacle Backpack REVIEW
The Golite Pinnacle is a replacement for the popular Gust pack and is the larger version of the popular Golite Jam2 backpack. It offers many upgrades over the Gust, but how do they affect the pack’s performance?
