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Latest
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?
Pertex/Pile History and Products
Chris Townsend and the Pertex/Pile Revolution.
Six Moon Designs Serenity Net Tent Review
A seven-ounce mosquito-free haven which, when mated with the Gatewood Cape, becomes the inner half of an eighteen-ounce double walled tent system.
Montbell Thermawrap Pant Review
This full-featured synthetic insulated pant really fits well, and it’s a great value – if you want or need the features.
Big Agnes Clearview Air Pad Review
Finally - a really lightweight, thick, comfy inflatable sleeping pad. Used properly, it's a cushy alternative to a thin torso length pad.
Big Agnes Cyclone SL Chair Kit Review
Camp chair aficionados rejoice - the ten ounce barrier has been convincingly broken by Big Agnes with their six ounce Cyclone SL chair kit.
Big Sky International Convertible 2P Tent REVIEW
A unique feature of the Convertible it that a third pole can be added to "convert" it from a three-season tent to a "WinterLite" four-season tent. At 3.5 pounds for a complete two-person double-wall tent, the Convertible in three season mode is 2.6 ounces heavier than Big Sky's award-winning Evolution 2P, but new design elements make it more stable and versatile.
Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Supplement 2: Primus Express and EtaExpress
Measurements of carbon monoxide levels produced by the Primus Express stove and EtaExpress cooking system.
Gossamer Gear The One Shelter REVIEW
The One optimizes light weight, roominess, features, convenience, and weather/bug protection in a seventeen ounce single wall tent.
Make Your Own Gear: Wide-Brimmed Rain Hat
Complete instructions to construct a 2.8 ounce (size L), waterproof, wide-brimmed hat.
Rab Top Bag AR Review
An old favorite gets some important upgrades and stands out as a great value for an ultralight 30 °F sleeping bag.
SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker – Full Review
Does this highly anticipated technological breakthrough live up to the hype?
Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld Color Mapping GPS – REVIEW
Garmin's latest mapping GPS has a large, high-resolution display, streamlined controls (including the new "Rock 'n Roller" input wheel), and topographic maps for the entire United States at 1:100K scale. In many ways, it represents an advance in handheld GPS for the general consumer...but it appears to have missed the mark for lightweight backpacking.
MYOG Titanium/Carbon Fiber Ice Axe
Following the Review of the ULA Helix Potty Trowel, there was considerable discussion on the Backpacking Light Forum (MYOG, DIY walking axe) regarding the use of a light "ice axe" in areas where one's life or ultimate safety would not be an issue. The author, Steven Evans, asked specific questions regarding the required length of such an ice axe, the general use of such an ice axe, and what people used in situations where a UIAA-certified ice axe would be overkill, but where a tool of some sort would be nice to have. Such a tool could be used to assist in small steep sections of snow and ice and general up-hill travel in less then desirable conditions, but it would have a weight which would be negligible on one's back when not in use. This project was born from that discussion.
MYOG – A Winter Canister Stove using your Summer Upright Stove and the Brunton Stove Stand
The Brunton Stove Stand is a nice bit of engineering, but is it really of any use? Oh yes: it can be turned into a neat winter stove with just a little DIY effort.
GoLite Ultra Quilt Review
High-quality, 800-fill down quilt with Pertex Endurance “Arid Zone” patches at head and foot is a solid value.
2008 LuxuryLite Big Survival Stik Walking Staff REVIEW
This is a modern version of the traditional hardwood walking staff. Made of carbon fiber, it is much stronger and more robust than even the stiffest of trekking poles. It has an adjustable hand strap, breaks down into sections, and can even be converted into a “trail defense system".
Make Your Own Gear: Titanium Snow Stakes
Lightweight and stable titanium snow anchors that are easy to make
