black diamond

Black Diamond Blitz Spikes Review

The Black Diamond Blitz Traction Spikes (MSRP $39.95, 1.5 to 1.8 oz / 42 to 50 g) are ultralight, stainless-steel, forefoot-only traction devices for shoes and boots intended for incidental use on hard-packed snow terrain.

Episode 34 | Mental Health

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan talk about mental health. As their jumping-off point, they use a recent paper called Levels of Nature and Stress Response.

Winter Backpacking When There’s No Snow?

My shelter, sleep, clothing, water, and cook system for when temps drop but full-on winter snow and wind hasn't yet arrived.

Outdoor Research Stargazer AscentShell Bivy Review

The Outdoor Research Stargazer AscentShell Bivy (18.9 oz / 536 g, $259) is one of the few waterproof-breathable bivy sacks on the market that weigh just over a pound and also includes mosquito netting and a headroom-extending pole.

Field Notes: Retreat from a Spring Alpine Storm

On the leading edge of the last bomb cyclone storm cycle that hit the Rockies and Midwest this spring (April 2019), I was hoping to get in a quick 24-hour trip up in the high country of Wyoming's Snowy Range.

First Impressions: Black Diamond Glidelite Ski (“Snow Trekkers”) Review (Video)

I put together a 4-minute video montage with my initial thoughts about the Black Diamond Glidelite skis that includes footage from both tracked and untracked trails, with inclines up to about 15 degrees.

Episode 7 | Trekking Poles

This podcast dives into the science to answer the question: are trekking poles worth the weight?

Publisher’s Gear Guide (2019)

My personal recommendations for ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear for 2018-2019 - gear that I've used all year in 2018 that includes the good stuff that's staying in my kit for 2019!

Lightweight Trekking Pole Reviews & Gear Guide

This lightweight trekking poles gear guide discusses the scientific justification for/against poles, and features reviews of 14 models.

Synthetic Insulated Jacket Review & State of the Market Report

This comprehensive State of the Market Report presents more than a dozen synthetic insulated jacket reviews and performance comparison to evaluate their durability, warmth, weather resistance, breathability, and features.

Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review

Our Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review determined that the jacket is an all-purpose winter jacket for around town and some winter sports.

2017 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

The Backpacking Light Staff Picks Gear Guide offers what we consider to be our personal recommendations for high-quality, high-performance, lightweight backpacking gear that we've actually used this year.

Publisher’s Gear Guide: My Personal Lightweight Backpacking Gear Recommendations

A summary of gear that I've used in 2017, and enthusiastically recommend for lightweight backpackers this holiday season.

Staff Picks 2016: Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of the Year

View our staff picks for the best backpacking gear of the year - recommendations from our editors and guides for hiking and backpacking gear.

Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear of 2015: Our Staff Favorites!

This article summarizes our staff's best backpacking gear of the year - the ultralight hiking, backpacking, and camping gear they pick as their favorites for their annual adventures.

MYOG Ultralight, Fixed-Length, Collapsible Trekking Poles

The author presents a method to make your own ultralight, carbon fiber trekking poles.

New Lightweight Backpacking Gear – (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2003) – Public Version

New Lightweight Backpacking Gear – (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2003) – Member’s Version

Summer Alpine Ice Climbing in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains