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Latest
MYOG: 3mil Plastic Tarps
Practice makes perfect: using polyethylene to prototype designs means I can spend less and try more variations before sewing a final product in technical materials.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Air Mat Product Review
Cascade Designs upgraded their ProLite self-inflating mat once again, with another weight reduction. What were the consequences of weight loss on warmth?
Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Pole Review
Lightweight, collapsible, fixed-length poles that use avalanche pole technology to lock the sections.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo Ultralight Modular Shelter System Review
These Cuben Fiber shelter systems are among the lightest out there, consisting of a tarp, mesh insert, and front beak and providing five useful shelter options!
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Treks Review
Will heavier mid and outer soles plus durable leather uppers make for backpacking bliss, or will the Treks leave our feet wrecks?
GoLite Peak Backpack Review
The frameless 36 L Peak backpack has been redesigned: we take an in-depth look, with commentary on the revised Jam and Pinnacle packs.
2010 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear/cool dealio/place of 2010.
Six Moon Designs Traveler Backpack Review
Larger volume frameless backpack, with removable stays, designed to be both a travel pack and a capable backpack once you get to your destination.
High Gear ATF8 Multi-Function Device
The ATF8 is almost everything I am looking for in a multi-function watch, without being merely a watch. It has proven to be accurate, durable, and easy to learn and use.
Black Diamond Infinity 60 & Innova 50 Backpack Review
Freedom of movement is the next advancement in internal frame backpack technology, but it appears to have limitations.
SPOT2 Personal Locator Review and Extensive Field Test
Results of 80 days (750 hours) of field testing of the new SPOT2 in Alaska, the Andes, the Pyrenees, and the Lower 48, including the Sierras and a southwest canyon system.
MontBell Ultra Light Super Spiral Down Hugger #3 Sleeping Bag Review
MontBell’s body-hugging stretch technology is lightweight and adds warmth, yet the bag extends to accommodate a wide range of sizes, shapes, and sleeping positions.
Therm-a-Rest Haven Down Top Bag Review
The Therm-a-Rest Haven is a simple sleeping bag: a zipperless down mummy bag with a bottom opening and pad straps that qualify it as a top bag. At about a pound and a half the Haven is light, packs small, and is relatively affordable for its (claimed) 20 F (-7C) rating.
Big Sky International Mirage 1P Tent Review
Two-pound free-standing single-wall solo tent with lots of interior usable space, good ventilation, good wind and storm protection, and it sets up in one minute!
POE Ether Elite 6 2/3 Length Air Mat Product Review
We know plain air mats tend to be rather cold, but can this be alleviated by including a very thin layer of synthetic insulation inside the mat on one surface? This is what Pacific Outdoor Equipment have attempted to do with this very light Ether Elite 6 air mat.
MYOG Fleece Headgear
Come see the softer side of making your own cozy fleece items!
MontBell Tachyon Anorak and Dynamo Wind Pants Review
This very lightweight wind shirt and pants are remarkably useful and versatile.
Vaude Power Lizard UL Tent Review
The Power Lizard lays claim to the lightest two-person double-wall tent in the world, but does that make it the best one?
ULA Epic Pack Review
This improved pack handles heavy or awkward loads with ease, for your Epic adventures.
Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2 Tent Review
The Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2 has the lowest trail weight of all the company’s two-person double-wall tents at 3.44 pounds (1.56 kg). An interesting pole design adds room to make it more livable inside. Will the Vapor Light be one we want to share, or will it turn out to be Vapor Ware?