Kahtoola FLIGHTsystem REVIEW

Innovative snow travel system consisting of an overboot with cleats that click into a snowshoe deck. The design eliminates the snowshoe binding and allows the use of the overboots separately, which allows wearers to use lightweight trail running shoes inside, but there are a few significant drawbacks we discovered from our field testing.

2007 Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Pole REVIEW

These poles use a mix of aluminum and carbon shafts with unique FlickLock adjustments and are solid performers for four season use.

Lafuma Pro 650 Down Sleeping Bag REVIEW

Priced at only $189 for a 25 °F rated ultralight down sleeping bag, it’s a very nice bag in all respects, except for one major issue.

Ultralight Outfitters Lightning Access Backpack REVIEW

Innovative frameless backpack with seven individual compartments you can reach without taking the pack off.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Kids

A review of commercially-available, lightweight gear suited for - if not made for - backpacking with kids.

Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 5: Laboratory Measurements for Solid Fuels

Several solid fuels are surveyed at different power levels to assess their carbon monoxide emissions. The results are not good.

Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker REVIEW

The Kestrel provides the technically-minded backpacker much more useful information than a multi-function watch, and is easier to use.

Condensation in Single-walled Shelters: Contributing Factors and Tips for Reduction

Condensation in single-walled shelters is a fact of life, but there are many ways to greatly reduce its effects.

Coleman Xtreme Stove REVIEW

One of the few canisters stoves truly designed for winter use, the Xtreme features an innovative liquid feed system.

Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or not? Part 4: Measurements on Alcohol Stoves

Actual alcohol stoves are surveyed to see which ones are clean and which ones emit too much carbon monoxide. The results are not good.

GoLite VO24 Backpack REVIEW

Lightweight 1600 cubic inch multi-purpose frameless day pack. Score another winner for GoLite!

Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?
Part 3: Laboratory Measurements for Canister Stoves

Actual canister stoves are surveyed to see which ones are clean and which ones emit too much carbon monoxide.

Sierra Designs Flash Sleeping Bag REVIEW

Packed with 30 ounces of 800-fill down and other heat-retaining features, this lightweight bag earns its 0 °F rating but its snug fit and curved half zipper are its nemesis.

Ultralight Knives and Other Sharp Things

Find out what BPL staffers carry to cut, slice, chop, and snip.

Sierra Designs Assailant Tent REVIEW

This four-season, one-person, single-wall tent is made of a fabric claimed to be more breathable than eVENT.

2007 Rab Summit Extreme Tent REVIEW

Based on the previous Outdoor Designs tent, the Rab Summit Extreme is a rare eVENT tent that provides the ultimate in single wall breathability. It is built to handle the most extreme alpine environments and has few peers in its extreme mountaineering niche.

Pacific Outdoor Equipment Uber Mtn Sleeping Pad REVIEW

The best sleeping pad in its class, but only because it has no competition as a sub-13-ounce, 1.5-inch thick self-inflator.

Make Your Own Gear: Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Complete instructions for making your own SUL carbon trekking poles from fishing, golf, and kite parts.

Rab Drillium Jacket REVIEW

Lightweight eVENT multi-sport jacket with a terrific fit and feature set, but its appeal depends on whether you need a helmet-compatible hood or not.

Black Diamond Mega Light and Mega Bug Pyramid Tent REVIEW

The Mega Light is a solid, well designed pyramid tent, but the weight-conscious should leave the bug liner behind.

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