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The Global Test III: Trekking in Russia
From the Gulag Archipelago to the Pearl of Siberia: between gear choice mistakes, gear failure, corrupt officials, and aggressive cows, at what point does backpacking cease to be fun?
Big Sky International Evolution 2P Tent Review
Creation vs Evolution: one of the thorniest questions ever and one I prefer to stay away from most of the time. But Bob Molen’s latest creation is the ever-evolving Evolution 2P, and one I feel comfortable tackling. It is almost divine...
MYOG: Group Pot Stand and Windscreen
What's better than a communal, one-pot meal between hiking buddies under the stars? Learn how to make a pot stand/windscreen that's sturdy enough to hold a large pot filled with dinner and light enough to not bow your backpack.
The Global Test Part II: Evaluating System Efficiency for a Round-the-World Journey
In Part 1, we answered the question "What should you pack?" Mid-way through our global trek, we now visit the question "How's that working out for you?"
MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent Review
Dropping two full pounds from my current tent weight to use a sub-five-pound three-person double-wall tent all summer sounded too good to be true. How did MSR's lightest 3P shelter work for the Estrella family?
24-Hour Gear Lists
See the winners of our recent contest and download a zip file of all the submissions. Use your favorite to plan YOUR next trip!
MYOG: eVent Rain/Wind Jacket
Turning 2.5 yards of high performance fabric into a lightweight, breathable rain jacket.
Integral Designs eVent Pullover Review
Does the strong appeal, on paper, of the Integral Designs eVent Pullover materialize in real-world use?
Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus Backpack Review
A higher volume (59 L) durable fabric frameless backpack with superb design, construction, and options.
Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Sleeping Bag Review
It's a $100 DOWN bag. Too good to be true? You may be surprised...
PHD Mountain Software Yukon Down Pullover Review
Featuring 900 fill-power down, baffled construction, high loft, and a nearly waterproof shell, the Yukon Pullover is a well-balanced four-season down parka. Is this the ultimate ultralight down garment for cold weather pursuits?
SteriPEN vs H2O Amigo: A Long Distance Hiker’s Comparison
Cutting-edge solar-powered UV water purification or simple gravity filter? I took both on the CDT to compare/contrast their performance, durability, and usage.
Katabatic Sawatch 15 Quilt and Crestone Hood Review
Very warm, quality gear from a cottage manufacturer dedicated to innovative lightweight sleeping solutions.
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.
Retro Racing Character, Built for Everyday WearDrawing on the colorful racing chronographs of the 1960s and '70s, the RS1 Rally pairs vintage motorsport style with the durability expected from a Vaer. Its 40mm case houses a Japanese VK63 meca-quartz chronograph movement, complete with stopwatch functionality and an integrated tachymeter scale, while contrasting subdials give the watch its distinctive retro character. Sapphire crystal, 100 meters of water resistance, a screwdown crown, and strong BGW9 lume make it far more than a style piece. At under $300, it's an easy pick for the car enthusiast or chronograph fan.
