Latest
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...
Marmot Precip vs. Cloudveil Drizzle: Raingear for Lightweight Backpacking
Introduction It seems like all major manufacturers have an “ultralight” rain jacket in their line. The problem, however, is that all is not what it seems to be…ultralight often results...
BackpackingLight.com Breaks From Mold as the Anti-Establishment Authority in Lightweight Backcountry Travel

Backpacking Experts Unload the Heavy Gear and Marketing B.S. to Enlighten Outdoor Enthusiasts with Meticulous, Frank, Wilderness-Tested Reviews of Niche Outdoor Gear for Ultralight Hikers

Ibex Icefall Jacket and Glacier Vest
Both the Icefall and Glacier use Ibex’ Climawool™ Lite, which is similar to Schoeller Dynamic. It has a woven shell of Nylon and Lycra but has a napped merino wool...
Cloudveil Veiled Peak Jacket
Weight: 16.3 oz size M The Veiled Peak is Cloudveil’s midweight softshell jacket for aerobic activities. Unlike their famed Serendipity Jacket, which uses a heavier Schoeller Dryskin Extreme, the Veiled Peak...
Cloudveil Prospector Jackets
Introduction We like softshell garments. You know that. They are superbly breathable and offer a wider range of comfort than traditional hardshell clothing. Stretchwoven softshells, in particular, with their trim...
Soft Shells: The Real Story
Soft shells like the Cloudveil Rodeo Jacket (shown here) are becoming increasingly popular among backpackers and alpinists alike. Introduction Given only 60 seconds to choose our clothing for a hike...
Soft Shell Pants
Ibex Alp and Ibex Guide Lite Pants; Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pant; Sierra Designs Ultra Pants; Cloudveil Rodeo Pants Table of Contents Info & Stats on Pants Overview of Softshell Pants...

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...