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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Patagonia Nano Air Hoody Review
The Patagonia Nano Air Hoody was released in July 2014 and was the best performing all-purpose active insulation jacket at that time. Does it hold up to the current crop of insulated jackets?
Outdoor Research Uberlayer Review
This Outdoor Research Uberlayer Review features an active insulation jacket that weighs about four ounces more than similar jackets but does not make up for the extra weight with added comfort, durability, warmth, or lower cost. The Uberlayer performed reasonably well in our tests.
Montbell Thermawrap Guide Review
Our Montbell Thermawrap Guide Review found this great value synthetic insulated parka has a reliable ultralight waterproof shell fabric.
Rab Xenon X Review
The Rab Xenon X used to be the best all-purpose lightweight synthetic insulated jacket on the market. Over the last seven years, the author has used the Xenon and Xenon X for some fantastic outdoor adventures: a 35-day traverse of Alaska's Brooks Range, climbing Denali, Half Dome, and El Cap, and other things. Though the Xenon X performs above average in our tests, a variety of other jackets now offer superior performance.
Arc’teryx Kappa Hoody Review
This Arc'teryx Kappa Hoody Review features a jacket with high levels of durability and inclement weather resistance, but a mediocre warmth:weight ratio.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX Quilt Review
This Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex Quilt Review features one of the most customizable and lightest weight synthetic quilts ever made.
Good To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto Review (Video)
This Good To-Go Herbed Mushroom Risotto review features one of the best packaged backpacking meals I've ever eaten.
Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes Review
This Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes review addresses the use of foam as a snowshoe material, combined with a fixed shoe binding.
A Micro-Utility Knife: The Backnife Review
In this Backnife Review, we focus on the comprehensive (sic) blade technology in this detailed analysis of a cutting tool ;)
(Archives) – 2017 Alpacka Scout
This archived article and video feature the 2017 model Scout.
Asolo Plasmic Shoe Review – Off-Trail Performance
This Asolo Plasmic Shoe Review identifies how this shoe performs. Our take is that it performs well in boulders, scree, and in the forest.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow Review
This Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow review features a waterproof stuff sack by day, and a pillow by night.
Seek Outside Tipi Review: An Ultralight Stove Tent for Cold Weather Backpacking with a Group
This Seek Outside Tipi Review investigates a shelter that is more like a cabin with a stove, increasing comfort during cold nights.
Katadyn BeFree Review: The Light and Fast Water Bottle Filter (First Looks)
This Katadyn BeFree Review features a video discussing the highlights of this water bottle filter technology that's both ultralight and fast.
Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent Review
This Nemo Equipment Blaze 2P Tent review features a product comparison and photo spread of the sub two pound five ounce tent dome style.
Seek Outside Redcliff Shelter Review (With Titanium Wood Stove)
Reviewed in this article is the Seek Outside Redcliff Shelter, a large pyramid tent that also includes a titanium wood stove.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 Review
This Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 review features a lightweight shelter that can be used for mountaineering or family backpacking trips.
Patagonia Airshed Pullover Review
This Patagonia Airshed Pullover Review features a new type of wind shirt that focuses on maximizing the air permeability of the fabric.
Patagonia M10 Anorak Review
This Patagonia M10 Anorak review features a minimally-featured, simply-styled waterproof-breathable rain jacket that weighs 7 oz.
Platypus GravityWorks Filter Review – 4.0L Water Filtration System
This Platypus Gravity Works filter review focuses on the key strength of the system: high treatment capacity for relative ease.
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Garage Grown Gear Hidden Gems
Discover under-the-radar ultralight gear from small brands.
