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
A Custom Backpack – Designed by You
I worked with R2 Packs to design and build my dream pack, and report on my experience.
2007 Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym Hammock REVIEW
The Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym hammock is a refined backpacking hammock that incorporates full rain and bug protection, and has a convenient entry/exit system.
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS REVIEW
With the addition of a new ‘H’ high sensitivity receiver, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS sets a new benchmark for GPS performance in difficult reception areas
MSR MIOX Purifier REVIEW
A small electronic device for purifying water with a mixed oxidizer based on electrolyzing salt.
Gossamer Gear Miniposa Backpack REVIEW
Removable carbon fiber stays make it the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpack in its size class, but curved stays would markedly improve its fit and comfort.
Helix Potty Trowel REVIEW
A very light carbon fibre and aluminium alloy ‘potty trowel’ (which works quite well as such) which also functions very well as an ultra-light ice axe.
Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis Tent REVIEW
Lightest bug-proof one-person shelter on the market.
AntiGravityGear TarpTent REVIEW
With over 38 square feet of floor area, this single person tent has the highest area to weight ratio in its class (single wall shelter with floor), but it has a few flaws.
Six Moon Designs 2007 Comet Backpack REVIEW
A durable and versatile “convertible backpack” with removable stays that allow it to be used either frameless or as an ultralight internal frame backpack.
2007 Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Poles REVIEW
These three section carbon fiber trekking poles are sturdy and stiff and are light in your hands AND on your budget.
2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better “Down to Earth” Pad Converter REVIEW
The Jacks ‘R’ Better Down to Earth Pad Converter converts any JRB quilt, including the No Sniveller, into a top bag system.
2007 Deuter KangaKid Child Carrier REVIEW
A lightweight internal frame child carrier that compacts for use as a day pack.
REI Cruise UL 60 Backpack REVIEW
A well designed and capable lightweight internal frame backpack from REI with a great feature set, and it’s an excellent value!
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Backpack REVIEW
Removable carbon fiber stays make it one of the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpacks on the market.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Tent REVIEW
Score another winner for SMD – the Lunar Duo is a well-designed, roomy, lightweight, well-ventilated single-wall tent for two people.
Black Diamond Guiding Light Tent REVIEW
Extremely versatile and lightweight four-season, four-person, single-wall, free-standing, breathable fabric tent.
2007 Sherpani Rumba Superlight Child Carrier REVIEW
Ultralight by child carrier standards, the Sherpani Rumba Superlight child carrier offers advanced features and a comfortable ride.
2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better Nest Down Under Quilt REVIEW
A lightweight down hammock under-quilt designed for a Hennessy hammock that still allows for easy bottom entry. It can also be used as a top quilt or as a top bag.
2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better Old Rag Mtn Down Quilt REVIEW
A cold weather quilt that can be used in a cold weather hammock system, as a quilt for ground sleeping, or as a winter overbag.
Kahtoola FLIGHTsystem REVIEW
Innovative snow travel system consisting of an overboot with cleats that click into a snowshoe deck. The design eliminates the snowshoe binding and allows the use of the overboots separately, which allows wearers to use lightweight trail running shoes inside, but there are a few significant drawbacks we discovered from our field testing.
