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 • 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
Latest
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.
Mountain Hardwear EV2 Tent REVIEW
Roomy two-person mountaineering tent with fire retardant waterproof/breathable canopy fabric of pre-stretched polyester.
Outdoor Designs Summit Extreme Tent REVIEW
Single wall, low-profile, and built for altitude: the Summit Extreme belongs on a high mountain ridge.
Nemo Tenshi Tent REVIEW
Two-person bomber tent constructed of eVENT - waterproof, very breathable, and now rarely available in tents.
Granite Gear Wisp Backpack REVIEW
Technical day pack that keeps loads close (SUL'ers take note: you might be able to eke an overnight out this one...).
Mountainsmith Wraith Backpack REVIEW
Small, dense, heavy loads carry well in this durable internal frame pack.
Macpac 35 Amp Backpack REVIEW
Light materials with rugged durability, convenient gear access, and comfort for fastpacking.
Big Agnes Sarvis Superlight SL2+ eVENT Tent REVIEW
Single wall? Double wall? With eVENT and silnylon, the Sarvis may offer the best of both.
Aarn Bodypacks Featherlite Freedom Internal Frame Backpack REVIEW
Big loads carry well and redefine what it means to control your center of gravity.
Mont-Bell Lightweight Alpine 60 Backpack REVIEW
A product performance review of the Mont-Bell Lightweight Alpine 60 internal frame pack.
Osprey Atmos 50 Backpack REVIEW
A durable and effective load carrier with an innovative back panel that keeps your back cool.
Wild Things AT Backpack REVIEW
A lightweight classic for many years: does it still have what it takes to compete with the new breed of frameless packs on the market?
Book Review: Fixing Your Feet
"Flyin'" Brian Robinson reviews the seminal work about foot care for hikers, backpackers, adventure racers, and other outdoor athletes.
Moonbow Gearskin Backpack REVIEW
Product performance review of the Moonbow Gearskin frameless pack - a unique harness/compression system that acts like a pack.
LuxuryLite Modular Frame Backpack REVIEW
Performance review of one of the lightest and most innovative external frame packs on the market.
EMS Women’s Ridge Lite Trekking Poles REVIEW
Product performance review of the EMS Women's Ridge Lite Trekking Poles, lightweight poles for backpacking.
Life-Link Guide Ultra Light Trekking Poles REVIEW
Product performance review of the Life-Link Guide Ultra Light Trekking Poles, lightweight poles for backpacking.
Pacerpoles Trekking Poles REVIEW
Product performance review of the Pacerpoles Trekking Poles, lightweight poles for backpacking.
