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Lightweight Winter Down Parka Reviews and State of the Market Report

This article features lightweight down parkas (usually, full-zip jackets with hoods, a longer hem, and box-baffled construction) appropriate for winter backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, and other cold-temperature activities.

Publisher’s Gear Guide (2019)

My personal recommendations for ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear for 2018-2019 - gear that I've used all year in 2018 that includes the good stuff that's staying in my kit for 2019!

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.

Lightweight Trekking Pole Reviews & Gear Guide

This lightweight trekking poles gear guide discusses the scientific justification for/against poles, and features reviews of 14 models.

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.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit Review

The MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit is a complete cook-and-eat solution for one person, featuring a stove, pot, bowl, lid, and pot lifter.

Hummingbird Hammocks Reviews: Single, Single+, Pelican, Warbler, and Suspension System

Hummingbird Hammocks offers a variety of Made in the USA hammocks and accessories including three hammocks, two hammock tarps, a bug net, and other accessories. They have some unique features such as Button Links that eliminate the need for carabiners and integrated tree straps with whoopie slings which simplify the suspension system and make setup very easy. They also offer what is likely the lightest hammock on the market - the Single Hammock, which weighs a scant 5.6 oz. Can the lightest hammock also be the most comfortable?

ThruNite Ti3 Flashlight Review

The ThruNite Ti3 is a diminutive but rugged little flashlight that can produce as much as 120 Lumens of brightness on a single AAA battery.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear REpurpose Bottle Review

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear REpurpose water bottle is a recycled aluminum bottle developed with the lightweight outdoor community in mind.

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