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
Montane 180 Rain Shell REVIEW
This waterproof/breathable polyurethane laminate pullover is light, but could lose more weight by eliminating extra features.
Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero Rain Hat REVIEW
A functional and lightweight waterproof-breathable rain hat that becomes a performance liability in warm conditions.
GoLite Ultra-Lite Poncho/Tarp REVIEW
Just because Skurka and Coup chose this raingear/shelter for their record-setting thru-hikes, that doesn't mean it will work for you. Here's the scoop on a tough poncho that makes a great shelter but suffers a little in raingear mode.
GoLite Reed Rain Pants REVIEW
The lightest waterproof/breathable rain pants available: nearly perfect, with one glaring problem - that we show you how to address "easily enough" without adding a lot of weight.
Equinox Full Moon Chaps REVIEW
Silnylon rain chaps that are freakishly light but limited in application and best paired with a poncho or cagoule.
Oware Gore-Tex Rain Chaps REVIEW
Bushwalkers take note: these chaps are tough, breathable, and weigh less than six ounces.
Exped Wallcreeper Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Two-pound down bag rated to freezing with a foot section that can be opened, armholes, and full front zip to convert it into a vest.
Nunatak Arc Ghost Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Innovative variable girth top bag that weighs under a pound and is rated to freezing.
Speer Hammocks PeaPod and Top Blanket REVIEW
Down blanket that completely surrounds a hammock and sleeper, along with a narrow down top blanket designed specifically for hammock use.
Speer Hammocks Frog Sac Sleeping Bag REVIEW
Warm weather, full-length center zip, PrimaLoft insulated sleeping bag.
Six Moon Designs Comet Backpack REVIEW
Removable stays, an internal pad pocket, and adjustability over a wide torso length range make the Comet unique.
Speer Hammocks 8.0 A Hammock REVIEW
Simple, rugged, top entry hammock with large silnylon canopy.
Black Diamond Zenix IQ LED Headlamp REVIEW
Combines 1-watt LED technical lighting prowess with more economical standard 5 millimeter LEDs for non-technical pursuits.
Princeton Tec Corona LED Headlamp REVIEW
Eight-LED array powered by three AA batteries.
Big Sky Products (SummitShelters) Revolution 2P UL Tent REVIEW
Light weight, single-wall Epic shell, two-person freestanding tent.
GoLite Vision Backpack REVIEW
A panel loading internal frame pack with a small volume and very low profile that offers comfort with excellent organizational features.
Gregory Spectrum Backpack REVIEW
An internal frame panel loading pack with a polished design, plenty of features, and rock solid performance. The Lexus of small volume panel loaders? Perhaps.
Mountainsmith Ghost LT Backpack REVIEW
Panel-loading single-compartment 3000 cubic-inch (50 L) internal frame backpack.
Outdoor Designs Summit Extreme Tent REVIEW
Single wall, low-profile, and built for altitude: the Summit Extreme belongs on a high mountain ridge.
Mountain Hardwear EV2 Tent REVIEW
Roomy two-person mountaineering tent with fire retardant waterproof/breathable canopy fabric of pre-stretched polyester.