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
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.
Alpacka Scout Review
The Alpacka Raft Scout packraft (2022 model) weighs less than four pounds. We review its durability and stability for both flatwater and Class 1 river running.
Featured Gear Guides
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?
BatteryBench Tests of Nitecore and Anker Portable Battery Chargers
Anker Powercore PD 10000 and PD 20000 and Nitecore NB10000 and NB20000 carbon fiber portable battery chargers are put through the BatteryBench testing protocol.
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.
