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Latest
Staff Picks 2020
Backpacking Light staff and contributors give their 2020 staff picks - their favorite backpacking and hiking gear of the year.
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.
The Unconventional Sleep Systems Manifesto
A Comprehensive Primer and Market Analysis of Top Bags, Quilts, and Wearable Systems
Comparison Review of Tarps and Other Floorless Shelters
Overview The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the floorless shelters for lightweight backpackers. Herein, we review products from GoLite, Integral Designs, TarpTent, Oware, Granite Gear,...
GoLite Lair 1 Shelter REVIEW
The GoLite Lair 1 Shelter offers more weather protection than a tarp without a dramatic weight penalty. At less than 12 oz, the Lair 1 is ideally suited for solo travel in areas where ventilation is important but the chance for rain is very real.
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) – 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...
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...
Revisiting Wind Shirts
Revisiting Wind Shirts: Breaking the 3 oz Barrier When we last reviewed wind shirts in “Windshirt Wars”, the lightest fabrics were 1.4 to 1.1 oz/sq.yd. nylons and the lightest hoodless...
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
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 &...
GoLite Vapor Ultra-Lite Local Barrier Vest
The GoLite Vapor Vest capitalizes on vapor barrier principles to keep your insulation dry while wearing a backpack and hiking (or skiing, or climbing) in very cold conditions.
GoLite Hex 3 Shelter REVIEW
The GoLite Hex 3 Shelter is a winter traveler's dream: a floorless shelter that provides bombproof wind and storm protection. For 3-season use, the Hex 3 is a roomy refuge from fringe season storms.
Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking, 1st Edition (August 2002)
Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking, 1st Edition (August 2002)
Beyond Backpacking, by Ray Jardine (Book Review)
Book Review: Beyond Backpacking
GoLite Flash Sleeping Bag REVIEW
The Polarguard 3D-filled GoLite Flash Sleeping Bag takes a modular approach to sleep systems, with a removable top that can be used to adjust the temperature range of the bag: when it's warm, simply zip it off and leave it home.
GoLite, Integral Designs, and Wild Things High Loft Synthetic Insulating Jackets (Comparison Review)
Overview High-loft insulating garments have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than any other type of clothing. So, they are perfect complements to a lightweight backpacking clothing system when temperatures plummet. This...
2001 Raingear Roundup Review Summary
Introduction Long awaited, read the results of a months-long review of raingear that includes extensive laboratory and field testing of fabrics and garments by the BackpackingLight.COM Product Review Staff. Introduction...
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)
Wind Shirt Wars Review Summary
Wind Shirt Wars Review Summary
