Gear
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Latest
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
Golite Pinnacle Backpack REVIEW
The Golite Pinnacle is a replacement for the popular Gust pack and is the larger version of the popular Golite Jam2 backpack. It offers many upgrades over the Gust, but how do they affect the pack’s performance?
Make Your Own Gear: Shell Top
In "Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Shell" I discussed commercial shirts and a shell top I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here.
Post-Trip Assessment of Lightweight Gear for Long Distance Hiking
The gear list we took to France for 3 months is evaluated after our return
Make Your Own Gear – Trousers
In ‘Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Gear - Trousers’ I discussed commercial trousers and some I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here.
A Custom Backpack – Designed by You
I worked with R2 Packs to design and build my dream pack, and report on my experience.
2007 Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym Hammock REVIEW
The Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym hammock is a refined backpacking hammock that incorporates full rain and bug protection, and has a convenient entry/exit system.
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS REVIEW
With the addition of a new ‘H’ high sensitivity receiver, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS sets a new benchmark for GPS performance in difficult reception areas
2007 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear of 2007
MSR MIOX Purifier REVIEW
A small electronic device for purifying water with a mixed oxidizer based on electrolyzing salt.
Gossamer Gear Miniposa Backpack REVIEW
Removable carbon fiber stays make it the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpack in its size class, but curved stays would markedly improve its fit and comfort.
Make Your Own Gear: Tarp Guylines
A clean, simple way to attach guylines to your tarp or shelter
Make Your Own Gear: Aloksak Chest Pocket
You say your SUL pack doesn’t have enough pockets? Using inexpensive materials, add some storage with ultralight appeal.
Notes from the Field – Bushwhacking Shell
Features and design for a shell jacket that can handle tough bushwhacking
Notes from the Field – Bushwhacking Trousers
BPL's resident brush-buster describes pants that work in tough conditions without falling apart.
Helix Potty Trowel REVIEW
A very light carbon fibre and aluminium alloy ‘potty trowel’ (which works quite well as such) which also functions very well as an ultra-light ice axe.
Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis Tent REVIEW
Lightest bug-proof one-person shelter on the market.
AntiGravityGear TarpTent REVIEW
With over 38 square feet of floor area, this single person tent has the highest area to weight ratio in its class (single wall shelter with floor), but it has a few flaws.
Six Moon Designs 2007 Comet Backpack REVIEW
A durable and versatile “convertible backpack” with removable stays that allow it to be used either frameless or as an ultralight internal frame backpack.
