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Latest
By The Numbers: Testing the Performance of Mountain Hardwear AirMesh Garments
Is Mountain Hardwear AirMesh a breakthrough product or a prisoner of wicking base-layer physics?
Tarptent Dipole Li Review
The Tarptent Dipole 1 Li and 2 Li are rectangular DCF trekking pole tents with carbon end struts to boost interior volume and stability, and a four-stake footprint that eliminates the need for apex guyline tie-outs in mild weather.
Waymark Gear Lite 50L Backpack Review
The Waymark Gear Lite 50L backpack features a unique shoulder-strap attachment system and several fit-related features that might appeal to larger users.
Nitecore NB10000 Review
The Nitecore NB10000 is a simple portable battery charger built around a carbon-fiber platform for maximum weight savings.
Why is my base layer soaked?
Sometimes a wet base layer just can't be avoided. Soaked-based layers happen. Here is why it will happen to you.
Atom Packs Nanu X25 Review
This First Looks review of the Atom Packs Nanu X25 examines the standout features and multi-use potential of a durable and aesthetically-pleasing daypack.
How to Keep Canister Dirt from Clogging MYOG Remote Inverted Canister Stoves
Roger Caffin proposes several solutions to keep dirty fuel from clogging remote inverted canister stoves.
Zpacks Free Duo Tent Review
In this Zpacks Free Duo Tent review, we dive into its pros (freestanding, Dyneema Composite Fabric) and its cons (low livability, poor storm performance).
Pa’lante V2 Review
The Pa'lante V2 Backpack (16.8 to 17.5 ounces / 476 to 495 g, MSRP $240) is a lightweight, frameless backpack for low to moderate weight loads and compact equipment.
Sunscreen for Hiking and Backpacking: Efficacy, Ingredient Safety, and Best Practices
Dan Hu reviews current research regarding the safety and efficacy of sunscreen for hiking and backpacking, including ingredient efficacy, safety, and best practices for outdoor adventuring.
Discussing the Garmin inReach Mini 2 with Garmin Senior Product Manager Chip Noble
In this video interview, Ryan Jordan and Chip Noble (Senior Product Manager at Garmin) discuss the new features of the Garmin inReach Mini 2, including its improved battery life.
By the Numbers: Compression Resistance of PrimaLoft Gold vs. Climashield Apex (Part 4)
PrimaLoft Gold outperforms Climashield Apex as the more resilient (durable) insulation, capable of retaining more of its original warmth and loft in response to repeated compression.
Nashville Pack Cutaway Review
The Nashville Pack Cutaway backpack is a roll-top 30 L frameless pack with a modular shoulder strap attachment system. Also discussed: The Nashville Pack Tiempo.
Do moisture-wicking fabrics work?
Moisture-wicking fabrics (base layers and underwear) are designed to move sweat away from the skin. In this study, we test if Polartec and other base layer fabrics meet manufacturer claims.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pod Review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods are clamshell design, waterproof stuff sacks designed to fit perfectly inside backpacks.
BatteryBench: A Protocol for Testing Portable Battery Chargers and Electronic Devices for Backpacking
Rex Sanders runs through an extensive protocol for testing portable battery chargers and electronic devices.
Hammock Gear Premium Burrow Quilt Review
The Hammock Gear Premium Burrow Quilt is a customizable backpacking down quilt with a functional pad attachment system and high-end materials.
Synthetic Insulation Degradation Part 2: Thermal Performance vs. Compression
How bad does high-loft synthetic insulation (Climashield Apex and Primaloft Gold) degrade when subjected to repeated compression cycles? What's the impact on backpacking gear and apparel?
Publisher’s Gear Guide
Backpacking Light owner, founder, and publisher Ryan Jordan's commentary on the hiking, camping, and backpacking gear he's been using this year.
Staff Picks 2021
Each year, our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used this year - our infamous Staff Picks!
Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, March 1 - Registration is Free.Trail Days Online! 2025 is this week:
