Gear Reviews

Mountainsmith Zerk 40L Fastpack Review (First Looks)

This review of the Zerk 40L Fastpack provides a first look at Mountainsmith's new ultralight backpack aimed at thru-hikers.

Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad Review (First Looks)

A first looks review of NEMO Equipment's Switchback Sleeping pad based on initial impressions at from at home and in the field.

Sport Kilt Review and Kilt Wearing FAQ Companion Guide

The Atom by Atom Packs PERFORMANCE Review

The Atom is a simple pack with a clear mission, having a minimal design and being built for fast and efficient travel.

First Impressions: Black Diamond Glidelite Ski (“Snow Trekkers”) Review (Video)

I put together a 4-minute video montage with my initial thoughts about the Black Diamond Glidelite skis that includes footage from both tracked and untracked trails, with inclines up to about 15 degrees.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review

This Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite review presents our performance assessment of the lightest full-sized air-filled sleeping pad on the market.

Tarptent Stratospire Li Review

Tarptent's Stratospire Li is a two-person DCF shelter with well-considered features and has enough chops for year round use.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa Review

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a high volume ultralight backpack that is capable of carrying heavier loads.

Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket Review & Zeta SL Pant Review

The Arc'teryx Zeta FL Jacket is a Gore-tex Paclite Plus rain jacket that features a trim fit and hip length. It has articulated tailoring in the hood and arms, a full-length water-resistant zipper, two handwarmer pockets with water-resistant zippers, elastic hem and wrist cuffs, and an adjustable hood aperture.

Purple Rain Adventure Skirt Review

An increasing amount of hikers are turning to skirts and kilts for greater mobility and versatility in the backcountry. I felt it high time to give it a try

Paramo Ostro Ultra Light Windproof Jacket

Paramo's Ostro Ultra Light Jacket is a new version of the popular Ostro Windproof Jacket with features not often found on ultralight jackets.

Sierra Designs High Route 1FL Tent Review

The Sierra Designs High Route 1P Tent is a three-season tent designed for withstanding variable conditions while remaining (sort of) light.

Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag Review

When climbing alpine routes and sleeping on small ledges where you can't pitch tents, the Patagonia Hybrid may be the sleep system for you.

KS Ultralight Gear R-50 Backpack Review

The KS Ultralight R-50 is a backpack designed for a variety of applications including climbing, hiking, and snow sports.

Atom Packs Prospector Review

The Atom Packs Prospector is a lightweight, durable, and fully customizable flagship backpack from the British company Atom.

MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit Review

The MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit is a gravity-powered water filtration kit with modular components for versatility.

Butt in a Sling (BIAS) Hammock Review

Butt in a Sling (BIAS) is a cottage manufacturer based in Tennessee, USA that makes some of the lightest and most comfortable hammocks on the market. Their hammocks are all eleven feet (335 cm) long and use ridgelines for a consistent hang. The Weight Weenie Micro is the original model and is available in a variety of widths while the Weight Weenie Micro HD 1.0 is available in one width and uses a slightly heavier and softer fabric. Both hammocks are available with a variety of options. Add the BIAS Suspension Kit and Nano Buginator bug net, and you have a versatile, comfortable, and ultralight hammock setup!

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 5400 Backpack Review

Light and large: our Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 5400 Backpack review - a lightweight pack with the chops for carrying large loads.

Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L Sleeping Pad Review

The Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L sleeping pad is a plush sleeping pad that adds a touch of luxury to backcountry sleeping. Although discontinued by Nemo, this unique pad may be worth scouring remnant inventory and used gear sales - as of the publication of this review, it may offer the best luxury-comfort-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad ever manufactured.

Atom Packs “The Atom” Backpack Review (First Looks)

The Atom is the smallest and lightest backpack offered by the UK’s Atom Packs. It is a specialized tool aimed at the fast and light hiker.