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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for black diamond

Winter Backpacking When There’s No Snow?

Dec 1, 2020 by Ryan Jordan

feathered friends lark sleeping bag

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

black diamond, feathered friends, hyperlite mountain gear, mountain safety research, msr, Nemo, phdesigns, Tarp, tarp camping, Western Mountaineering, winter backpacking

Outdoor Research Stargazer AscentShell Bivy Review

Nov 20, 2020 by Iago Vazquez

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.

alpine, AscentShell, bivies, bivy, black diamond, Enlightened Equipment Enigma, helium, Klymit Insulated Static V Lite, New Hampshire, Outdoor Research, shelter, spotlight, Stargazer, Thermarest NeoAir Xlite, three-season, waterproof, waterproof-breathable, white mountains

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Field Notes: Retreat from a Spring Alpine Storm

Apr 12, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

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.

black diamond, hyperlite mountain gear, Patagonia, rei, shelters, suluk46, winter backpacking

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

Jan 31, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

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.

backcountry skiing, black diamond

Podcast 007 | Trekking Poles

Dec 17, 2018 by Backpacking Light

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

black diamond, gossamer gear, Leki, Mons Peak IX, podcast, rei, ruta locura, traction systems, trekking poles, zpacks

Publisher’s Gear Guide (2019)

Dec 2, 2018 by Ryan Jordan

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!

adventure medical kits, aquamira, black diamond, buff, Darn Tough, feathered friends, gaia, garmin, Gear Aid, Good To-Go, Goosefeet Gear, GoPro, GoRuck, hyperlite mountain gear, Joby, Katabatic Gear, katadyn, la sportiva, locus gear, McHale Backpacks, msr, national parks pass, Patagonia, Petzl, Polycro, Qalo Silicone, Raidlight, rei, Sawyer, Saxx, Sea To Summit, Smartwool, Snow Peak, sony, Tarptent, Thinksport, ultralight backpacking bootcamp, Ursack, webinar, Wilderness adventure treks, Zoom, zpacks

Lightweight Trekking Pole Reviews & Gear Guide

Nov 21, 2018 by Backpacking Light

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

black diamond, gossamer gear, helinox, Komperdell, Leki, locus gear, Mons Peak IX, rei, ruta locura, trekking poles, zpacks

Synthetic Insulated Jacket Review & State of the Market Report

Mar 26, 2018 by Max Neale

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.

arc'teryx, black diamond, jackets, LL Bean, Montane, montbell, Nunatak, Patagonia, Rab, synthetic insulation

Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review

Mar 11, 2018 by Max Neale

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

black diamond, insulating clothing, synthetic

2017 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

Dec 31, 2017 by Ryan Jordan

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.

altra, arc'teryx, black diamond, BRS, buff, Butt in a Sling, Fozzils, katadyn, montbell, mountain laurel designs, Nemo Equipment, Nightcore, Northstar Canoes, Nunatak, Osprey, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Petzl, rei, Ripstop by the Roll, seek outside, Staff Favorites, staff picks, Superior Wilderness Designs, Tech4o, Zelph, zpacks

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