Shelter Systems

Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism

In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we’re going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism.

Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Base Layers

In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to talk about four season tents, a new ABC watch that could dethrone the Garmin Fenix, and alpaca wool fabrics used for next-to-skin base layer apparel.

Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)

The Publisher’s Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.

Tarptent Dipole 1 DW

Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Tarptent Dipole 1 DW.

Slingfin CrossBow 2 Four-Season

Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Slingfin CrossBow 2 Four-Season.

MSR Pro Bivy Review

The MSR Pro Bivy weighs less than 10 ounces (285 g). It’s a very compact, feature-less bivy sack that embodies the essence of bivy sack camping.

ZPacks Duplex Zip Tent Review

The ZPacks Duplex Zip Tent is a 2-person, 2-door, 2-vestibule, side-entry trekking pole tent made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. The ZPacks Duplex Zip weighs 20.4 ounces (577 g) and has an MSRP of $699.

Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 1

One of the lightest and most livable 2-pole, 2-vestibule, side-entry tents on the market. Unique features: Can be pitched with only four stakes (except in stormy weather) if using stakes…

MSR Core Tent Stake

Our pick for an extremely durable, lightweight stake with exceptional holding power in most soil types. Pack 4 in your stake kit for your shelter corners, and round out the…

Episode 86 | Ultralight Shelter Fabrics

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to talk about ultralight fabrics used in backpacking shelters.

Slingfin NFT Tarp

Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Slingfin NFT Tarp.

Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Review

UPDATED! (Long-term performance) – The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 tent is an ultralight (20.4 oz / 578 g) two-person, side-entry, double-door, double-vestibule single-wall Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) trekking pole-supported shelter.

Yama Flat Tarp Review

Yama Flat Tarp Review: our first looks at this 7′ x 9′ silpoly ultralight shelter for ultralight backpacking.

Using vapor pressure differential to predict condensation in tents

How does vapor pressure differential influence condensation in tents?

Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp Review

The Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp ($210 in silpoly) is a one-person, 2-trekking pole, side/end-entry full-perimeter tarp shelter.

MYOG Tunnel Tent (The Frankenstein Tent: Old Materials Come Alive Again)

An MYOG tunnel tent project using re-purposed fabrics from used gear.

MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes

MSR Access 1 Ultralight, Four-Season Solo Tent

Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the MSR Access 1 Ultralight, Four-Season Solo Tent.

@Stakes Carbon Fiber Tent Stakes

Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the @Stakes Glow-in-the-Dark Carbon Fiber Tent Stakes.

Six Moon Designs Tyvek Footprint

Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Six Moon Designs Tyvek Footprint.