Latest
Sigma DP1 Review

The Sigma DP1 is a unique compact camera with a large sensor capable of taking superb quality photos but it is slow to use with some poor design features.

Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Supplement 3: Brunton Vapor AF

Measurements of carbon monoxide levels produced by the Brunton Vapor AF Stove.

GSI Outdoors nFORM Ultralight Nesting Bowl and Mug Set Review

Two nesting bowls, strong polypropylene, ~20 fluid ounces capacity each, about 1.5 ounces weight each and US$8.95 for the set: they can't be too bad!

Tarptent Sublite Tent Review

Tarptent's newest, lightest solo tent is innovative and available in breathable Tyvek and traditional silnylon versions. At 18.5 ounces, the Tyvek Sublite is the lightest breathable fabric tent available.

Make Your Own Gear: Snow Stakes Revisited

After using the original snow stakes in extreme conditions, the design has been enhanced to extend the life of both your snow stakes and your guylines.

2008 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear of 2008.

Exposure Lights – Joystick MaXx and Enduro MaXx Review

The Exposure Lights Joystick MaXx and Enduro MaXx are rechargeable lights with excellent versatility for multi-sport pursuits. They can go from the bicycle to the backpack very easily, offering exceptional brightness, light weight, and a weatherproof design.

Lightweight in Wonderland

Circumnavigating Mount Rainier's premier walk with lightweight gear has J. Sinclair Oal grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

Osprey Exos Backpack Review

Osprey's new Exos 46 and Exos 58 backpacks are designed specifically for lightweight backpacking, and, at just over 2 pounds, set a new weight standard for an internal frame backpack with a built-in frame. Plus, they're durable and full-featured.

AntiGravityGear O2 Tent Review

This new single wall tent provides convenience and ventilation, plus loads of room for one person and gear and can accommodate two people when needed.

MontBell Crescent 2 Tent Review

Two-person single wall tent with a twist: one side is double wall, so the fly can be rolled up in good weather for extra views and ventilation.

Photon ReX Review

The Photon ReX looks like another one of those little button-cell LED lights, but it has a couple of very nice surprises - and it even works well. Testing it presented some difficulties, but these were generally easy to overcome.

PHD Design Your Own Sleeping Bag

Chris Townsend walks us through the PHD Design Your Own Bag feature online.

Patagonia Traverse Softshell Review

Don Wilson explores the new Patagonia Traverse Softshell clothing, with input from Ryan Jordan.

Komperdell Nature Stick Carbon Trekking Poles Review

With a natural bamboo overlay and a leather grip and strap, these poles have a beautiful and classic look. Underneath the bamboo is a modern tapered carbon fiber trekking pole that is both lightweight and very stiff.

MSR Hyperflow Microfilter Review

A new development in the area of microfilters which is both light and field maintainable, but does it work well enough? There are problems when the water is not crystal clear.

Six Moon Designs Refuge/Refuge X Tent Review

At 25.2 ounces for the Refuge and 15.8 ounces for the "world's lightest two-man" Refuge X, Six Moon Designs now has two of the lightest floored single-wall shelters on the market (and the only floored tent made of Cuben Fiber). Were the design compromises and added expense worth the weight savings?

Tent Stake Holding Power: Comparative Evaluation of Various Designs and Lengths

What type and length of tent stake works best for different conditions? We did the research and have the answers.

Make Your Own Gear: Silnylon Mountain Poncho

This silnylon mountain poncho covers both you and your pack against some of the worst weather, allows ease of movement on mixed terrain, and isn't prone to condensation.

Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 Trekking Pole Review

With all-new, tapered and oversized carbon fiber shafts, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 is significantly stiffer than previous models. As reigning “lightest trekking pole” champ, how does this affect the pole’s overall weight?

Join Our Community

Become a Backpacking Light Member


Forum Access

Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.

Premium Content

Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.

Community Posts

Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!

Online Education

Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).

Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!

Get Started

Loading...