Gear
Backpacking Light offers in-depth gear reviews and gear guides, a used gear swap, a curated gear shop of recommended lightweight backpacking gear, shopping and research tools, and more.
You can also use the Gear Finder to search for gear on sale, and browse gear-related content by Brand or Gear Type.
Featured Gear Reviews
Superior Wilderness Designs Movement 40L Backpack Review
This review focuses on the modularity of the Superior Wilderness Designs Movement 40L backpack. In particular, the Movement has the ability to morph from a frameless to a framed pack with a suspension capable of carrying 35 pounds (15.9 kg) or so.
Alpacka Refuge Review
The Alpacka Raft Refuge Packraft weighs less than six pounds but includes a cargo fly and whitewater deck.
Bearvault BV500 Review
The Bearvault BV500 Journey (41 oz, 700 cubic inches, $88) is an IGBC-certified and SIBBG-approved bear canister. This review focuses on its usability and quality.
Featured Gear Guides
Tenkara Fishing Rods and Gear for Backpacking – Hane, Rhodo, Ito, Satoki, TF39TA
In this video overview, I present the five rods that I've been using over the past few years for most of my backcountry tenkara fishing. They include four models from Tenkara USA (including the new Satoki) and one model from Tenryu (the TF39TA) that remains the staple of my kit. In addition, I'll walk through the basic gear I use and take while tenkara fishing on hiking and backpacking trips.
Staff Picks 2022
Each year, our staff selects their favorite backcountry gear from the past year, and we look forward to you sharing your favorite gear of the year as well in the forum comments below!
2022 Backpacking Light Members Choice Awards
First annual Members Choice Awards - what gear do our members use and love as we near the end of 2022?
Recent Member Gear Reviews
Recent Gear Swap Listings
Shop for Gear
Today's Gear Deals
REI Holiday Deals
New deals are here—up to 50% off! Save on The North Face, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear & more. Discount based on original prices. While supplies last.
Enlightened Equipment Warehouse
This deal links to the Enlightened Equipment Warehouse, where you can find both overstocks and "scratch-and-dent" deals (lightly used, or gear with cosmetic blemishes). This is a great way to get high quality EE gear and apparel at 10-20% discounts.
Patagonia Web-Only Specials
This deal links to current web-only specials at Patagonia. These products include web-exclusive gear and apparel not sold in Patagonia retail stores or outlets, discontinued and overstock items, out-of-season products/colors/styles, and more.
