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

Nemo Equipment Hornet OSMO Elite 1P Review

Gear Reviews August 25, 2025

A review of the Nemo Equipment Hornet Elite 1P ultralight tent, evaluating its design, setup, weather resistance, and durability for backpacking.

backpack next to a log

Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 Review: Search and Rescue & Ultralight Backpacking

Gear Reviews July 28, 2025

An ultralight review of the Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 for search and rescue (SAR) and ultralight backpacking.

nikki with her alphalight quilt

El Coyote Alphalite Quilt Review

Gear Reviews June 30, 2025

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.

Featured Gear Guides

backpacking light x rei gear guide

Backpacking Light x REI Gear Guide

Gear Guides August 21, 2025

Lightweight and ultralight backpacking gear at REI - updated with recommendations, limitations, disclaimers, and consumer advocacy.

nemo dragonfly vs nemo hornet divvy cube side by side

Nemo Hornet OSMO 3P vs Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 3P as a Family Shelter

Gear Guides May 26, 2025

The Nemo Dragonfly & Hornet OSMO 3P tents for family backpacking are ultralight, durable shelters tested here with toddlers.

mountain goat peering into a cottage tent filled with neat new cottage ultralight backpacking gear

Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands

Gear Guides May 12, 2025

Discover the most unique, innovative, and ultralight backpacking gear from small, startup, and cottage brands in our Cottage Gear Guide.

Recent Member Gear Reviews

X-mid Pro Trekking pole Tent

Trekking Pole Tents Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 1 (standard one person size)

Rating: 4.17 / 5.00 by Naomi B September 25, 2025

Insulate bottle

Cooking Systems Vargo Outdoors Alcohol Fuel Bottle (Standard Model)

Rating: 1.83 / 5.00 by Naomi B May 2, 2025

Fragile but Warm, Horrible If wet.

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Jacket (small mens)

Rating: 3.67 / 5.00 by Naomi B April 30, 2025

Only

Cooking Systems MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe (stove only (not the kit))

Rating: 4.33 / 5.00 by Naomi B April 17, 2025

Recent Gear Swap Listings

For Sale (FS) / Borah Gear Bug Bivi

open | $50

Scott Nelson November 7, 2025 Bivy Sacks

Want to Buy (WTB) / WTB Borah Gear Dimma Bivy

open

Michael Sirofchuck November 7, 2025 Bivy Sacks

Want to Buy (WTB) / Mountain Laurel Designs Burn Medium Stealth Grey Gridstop

closed

Matt Robbins November 5, 2025 Frameless Backpacks

For Sale (FS) / Arcteryx Items and a NeoAir Xtherm NXT

open | $12345.00

Mike R November 5, 2025 Clothing Systems

Shop for Gear

aquamira water treatment system in 1 oz bottles

Aquamira

Water Treatment - Chemical

3.0 oz (85g)

arc'teryx squamish hoody

Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody

Wind Shirts

5 oz (142g)

mountain hardwear kor airshell hoody

Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Full Zip Jacket

Wind Shirts

5 oz (142g)

enlightened equipment-copperfield wind shirt

Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Shirt

Wind Shirts

2 oz (57g)

gossamer gear thinlight pad

Gossamer Gear Thinlight Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Pads

2.7 oz (77g)

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt

Sleep Systems

19 oz (539g)

Today's Gear Deals

REI Anniversary Sale is on! Now thru May 27!

New deals are released on Tuesdays. 30% off REI brand clothing & gear. Up to 50% off hiking boots. 60% off at REI Outlet + members get an extra 20%.

Backcountry.com Memorial Day Sale 2024

Memorial Day Sale Is Here! Gear Up For Summer Outside. Up to 30% off. Sale ends 5/27/2024.

Garage Grown Gear, Small Business Sales Week 2024

From Tuesday, May 14th to Tuesday, May 21st, enjoy incredible discounts and special offers from your beloved small outdoor brands.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Memorial Day Sale! 15% off sitewide! Shop now with code GEARUP15 through 5/27.

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