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Six Moon Designs Essence Backpack REVIEW

Panel-loading ultralight frameless backpack with a large top pocket - a great feature set - but it also has a few limitations that affect its field performance.

Comfort and Moisture Transport in Lightweight Wool and Synthetic Base Layers

An in-depth comparison of the properties of wool and synthetic fabric for base layers yielded some surprising results.

Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder Extra Boot REVIEW

The feature set of this new boot from Dunham suggests that it might be an ideal lightweight, insulated, waterproof boot for snowshoeing and snow hiking. That would be true, if it were not for one serious problem…

Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder Mid Boot REVIEW

With the new 2006 edition of the Terrastryder, Dunham has corrected the seam failure problem of its predecessor. The new boot merits high marks, except for one annoying carryover problem.

Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Carry Weight for Six Lightweight Backpacking Cooking Systems: Part II
Calculating Fuel Usage, Carry Weight Analysis, and Cost/Efficiency Considerations

White Gas, remote canister, top mount canister, integrated canister, alcohol, and fuel tab stove systems - when factoring in fuel carried, trip length, and conditions - which system is the lightest?

Tarptent Rainbow Tent REVIEW

This radically different Tarptent is destined for greatness, but needs a few refinements here and there.

Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Carry Weight for Six Lightweight Backpacking Cooking Systems: Part I
Assembling Comparable Cooking Systems and Test Data

White Gas, remote canister, top mount canister, integrated canister, alcohol, and fuel tab stove systems - when factoring in fuel carried, trip length, and conditions - which system is the lightest?

Lightweight Dry Sacks: Comparison Testing Results

The lightest dry sacks from Granite Gear, Outdoor Research, Sea to Summit, Pacific Outdoor Equipment and Cascade Designs (SealLine) subjected to five tough tests - with lots of failures.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) Relay Backpack REVIEW

Both lightweight AND durable, the new ULA Relay is a full-featured frameless daypack capable of comfortably carrying a heavy load - but there are a few nits to pick.

Modified Vargo Triad XE Stove REVIEW

Robust, lightweight, stable titanium alcohol stove that can be hard to get going - until a small modification is made.

Vargo Triad Stove REVIEW

Lightweight, simple titanium alcohol stove with very stable, secure legs but just adequate heat output.

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Sewing a Felled Seam

A tarp and tent ridgeline standard thanks to its water impeding fold.

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Reinforcement Stitches for Lightweight Fabrics

Why standard reinforcement stitches may not be suitable for your lightweight fabric, which ones are, and how to sew them.

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Sewing Machine Setup

Sewing machine setup instructions with photos, and tips for sewing lightweight fabrics.

Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Straight Stitch and Top Stitch

Instructions on how to properly sew two workhorse stitches.

CW-X Sport Support Bra and Firm Support Bra REVIEW

Good looking, quality construction, supportive - and comfortable too?

Stove Windscreen Dynamics and Design: Part II
Practical Applications for the Field

Have you tried a double windscreen to maintain alcohol and fuel tab stove performance in the wind? It really works, and one piece doubles as a GearSheet.

Mini Bull Designs Sketti Stove REVIEW

Powerful, dead easy to light, sturdy alcohol stove - just be careful lifting a pot off before it burns out.

Stove Windscreen Dynamics and Design: Part I
Wind Effects on Stove Performance

The theory (Bernoulli Effect, laminar and turbulent flow) behind how wind affects backcountry cooking.

Water Weight Gain and Drying Characteristics of Lightweight Hiking Shoes after Submersion

How fast do popular lightweight hiking shoes dry after a thorough soaking?

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