Latest
Off-Season on the Oregon Coast Trail

Tides, blowdowns, and sunsets abound as Maggie Slepian and two friends tackle the quirky and challenging Oregon Coast Trail.

Nemo Equipment Kunai 3-4 Season Backpacking Tent Review

The Nemo Kunai 2P Tent ($499, 4 lb 5 oz / 1.96 kg) is a four-season shelter capable of withstanding moderate storms and offers ample headroom and good ventilation.

Staff Picks 2020

Backpacking Light staff and contributors give their 2020 staff picks - their favorite backpacking and hiking gear of the year.

Q & A with Shilletha Curtis

Shilletha Curtis was awarded a Backpacking Light Diversity Grant in 2020 to help her prepare, acquire gear, and train for her next dream: hiking the Triple Crown. We caught up with Shilletha for a quick interview.

NEMO Hornet Elite 2P Review

The NEMO Equipment Hornet Elite 2P (33 oz / 935 g, $499.95) is a semi-freestanding, double-walled, ultralight tent. It features design touches meant to increase the volume of the tent while not adding additional weight.

Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum Tent Review

The Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum (13 oz / 369 g, $349.95) is a single wall, single-entrance, trekking pole-supported, silnylon, one-person tent from Big Agnes. It is one of the lightest shelters in its class.

REI Flash Air 1 Tent Review

The REI Flash Air 1 Tent (20 oz / 567 g, $249) is a hybrid single/double-wall solo tent with a single entrance and vestibule and can be supported by a single trekking pole.

Sleeping Pad R-Values: Not That Useful

R-values alone are not enough for many consumers choosing new sleeping pads, and much of the current guidance is inconsistent.

REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Review (Tent)

This REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Review features a 2-person, double-wall, double-entrance, double-vestibule tent that weighs about 3 lbs.

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon Review (Tent)

This Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon review dives into one of the lightest double walled shelter systems onto the market.

Lightweight Chairs for Backpacking (Gear Guide & Reviews)

Reviews of lightweight chairs and other seating options for backcountry use, including backpacking - 18 chairs and seats less than 25 oz.

Episode 12 | Lightweight Chairs & Seats for Backpacking

In this episode longtime BPL author Doug Johnson gives us a run-down of his favorite ultralight backcountry seating options reviewed in our new gear guide.

Lightweight Backpacking Chairs: REI Flexlite Air Chair vs. Helinox Chair Zero

The purpose of this article is to review the Helinox Chair Zero to the REI Flexlite Air Chair and see if there are any meaningful differences.

REI Quarter Dome SL 1 Review

The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a single person, side entry, single side vestibule, double wall, mostly mesh inner, semi-freestanding tent.

Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L Sleeping Pad Review

The Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L sleeping pad is a plush sleeping pad that adds a touch of luxury to backcountry sleeping. Although discontinued by Nemo, this unique pad may be worth scouring remnant inventory and used gear sales - as of the publication of this review, it may offer the best luxury-comfort-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad ever manufactured.

Big Agnes Insulated Double Z Sleeping Pad Review

The Big Agnes Insulated Double Z sleeping pad is a wide and comfy pad that adds luxury to sleeping in the backcountry.

Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX Quilt Review

This Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex Quilt Review features one of the most customizable and lightest weight synthetic quilts ever made.

The Unconventional Sleep Systems Manifesto

A Comprehensive Primer and Market Analysis of Top Bags, Quilts, and Wearable Systems

Big Agnes Zirkel

Big Agnes Zirkel

Big Agnes Horse Thief

Big Agnes Horse Thief

Join Our Community

Become a Backpacking Light Member


Forum Access

Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.

Premium Content

Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.

Community Posts

Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!

Online Education

Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).

Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!

Get Started

Loading...