Sleep Systems
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Inflatable Sleeping Pads for Backpacking
The product category of inflatable sleeping pads is trending towards larger, warmer, and more comfortable pads – with very little weight penalty. This market report surveys available products and provides use case guidance, context tips, and feedback heuristics for optimizing comfort.
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Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
Discover the most unique, innovative, and ultralight backpacking gear from small, startup, and cottage brands in our Cottage Gear Guide.
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Staff Picks 2025
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
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How does a Quilt’s Pad Attachment System Influence its Heat Loss Resistance?
This study quantifies how quilt pad-attachment geometry affects convective heat loss. Using a controlled thermal surrogate, standardized wind exposure, and time-constant (Ï„) modeling, we compare pad strap to sheet-and-shingle systems. Results show that tighter pad coupling preserves a substantially higher fraction of still-air thermal resistance, especially under modest side winds.
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Episode 130 | Bivy Sack Camping
Discover Ryan’s discreet bivy sack camping methodology for alpine environments, encompassing essential gear, requisite skills, and a critical analysis of tent practicality. Embrace the experience of open-air slumber.
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El Coyote Alphalite Quilt Review
A review of the El Coyote Alphalite 900+ Quilt, including warmth and value analysis, sizing insights for petite hikers, and performance feedback after 20 nights in the field.
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Episode 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems
In episode 122 the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about unconventional sleep systems—alternatives to traditional sleeping bags that emphasize modularity and minimalism.
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Down-Filled Backpacking Quilts (Market Survey and Gear Guide)
This comprehensive market survey features 60+ models of down-filled backpacking quilts, 27+ brands across North America and Europe. Includes analysis (warmth, weight, value), expert recommendations, market overview, and more.
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Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures
In episode 120 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to continue our study of how to sleep warm in cold temperatures, focusing on the gear that makes up your sleeping system.
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Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines
In episode 119 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about bedtime routines and practices for sleeping warm in the backcountry.
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Episode 113 | Pad Pumps
In episode 113 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about current PAD PUMP trends in the ultralight cottage industry, the challenges faced by small businesses during the holiday season plus a few interesting stocking stuffers.
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Staff Picks 2024
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
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Episode 108 | EI Coyote Quilts and Photo Satellite Messaging
On episode 108 of the Backpacking Light podcast, Nikki Stavile interviews Brian Noakes of El Coyote quilts, and we talk about a new satellite messaging device that can now send photos and voice memos.
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Episode 101 | Take Less, Do More, With Glen Van Peski
In episode 101 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to talk to Glen Van Peski about the life lessons we can learn from ultralight backpacking.
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Gossamer Gear Thinlight Sleeping Pad
Gossamer Gear Thinlight closed cell foam (Evazote) pad info, shopping links, reviews, and more.
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Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Versatility across a wide range of temperatures and premium materials are the hallmark features of the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt. The zippered footbox can be unzipped, converting the quilt into…
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Backpacking Light Staff Picks: Our Favorite Gear
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
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NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad.
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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.
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Katabatic Gear Alsek 22°F Quilt
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Katabatic Gear Alsek 22°F Quilt.
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