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Latest
Interview with Gear Creator Michael Glavin
Rex Sanders interviews Michael Glavin, the founder and general manager of Zenbivy.
Field Notes: Wet, Snowy, Cold – Spring Backpacking with my Son in Wyoming with Lightweight Gear
Unseasonably cold May temperatures and a winter storm warning were too much to pass up, so we set out for an overnighter in SE Wyoming.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review
This Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite review presents our performance assessment of the lightest full-sized air-filled sleeping pad on the market.
Exped DownMat UL 7 Review
Back injuries and poor sleep patterns lead the author to purchase an expensive mat: will it be worth it? A trial of the Exped DownMat UL 7.
The Holiday Gift Guide of Lightweight Outdoor Gear for Trust-Funded Gear Junkies
Petzl Ultra Rush Headlamp, Benchmade Osborne Knife, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Duffel Bag, MSR Carbon Core Stakes, La Sportiva Stratos Cube Boots.
Notes from the Field: Hidden Lakes, Montana
A quick overnight trip to a nearby lake chain offered opportunities for camaraderie with a friend and communion with nature.
Lightweight Backpacking News: Digest No. 25
FBI Fugitive Found on Appalachian Trail, A Survival Video Game, The Zion Flash Flood, A "Walk In the Woods" Inspires People to Get Out, MSR FlyLite Tent, and much more!
2014 Staff Picks
Backpacking Light's staff is some of the most passionate backpackers around. Take a look at the ultralight gear we use and treasure.
Lightweight Backpacking for Couples
Introduction Most of us do not venture into the backcountry alone. Sharing the outdoors with another person heightens our outdoor experience. That person can be a good friend, parent, brother,...
New Lightweight Backpacking Gear – (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2003) – Public Version
If you are a member and would like to view a version that includes full product specifications and high resolution photos, click here Gear Availability Many of these products will...
New Lightweight Backpacking Gear – (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2003) – Member’s Version
Gear Availability Many of these products will be available in Spring ’04. Some are being released in Fall ’03 (as early as September) and a few are available now or...
MSR, Snow Peak, and Backpacker’s Pantry 1-L + 1.5-L Backpacking Cooksets
Introduction Most hardcore solo ultralight hikers choose miniscule, titanium “pots” that are more appropriately described as “cups”. However, this style remains on the fringe and the defacto standard for a...
Summer Alpine Ice Climbing in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains
This trip report describes a four day backpacking and alpine climbing trip to Whitetail Peak in Montana’s Beartooth Range, July 9-11, 2002. See end of document for gear notes &...
MSR Overland Carbon Trekking Poles
Introduction The Overland Carbon trekking pole from MSR is an all-carbon, non-spring-loaded, 3-section trekking pole designed for backpacking and marketed in particular to ultralight hikers. This review focuses on the...
Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pads
Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pads
Big Agnes Zirkel
Big Agnes Zirkel
Nunatak Arc Alpinist
Nunatak Arc Alpinist
Lightweight Snowshoes: Two Models from MSR and Northern Lights are Cream of the Crop
Overview Snowshoes are essential for traveling in the mountains in most of the winter and spring months. In some places of the western U.S. (e.g., the Cascade volcanoes and Northern...
Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition – August 2001)
Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition - August 2001)
Face-Off: First Aid and Emergency Gear
Face-Off: First Aid and Emergency Gear
