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Standards Watch: Standards Are Important (But Not Enough)

Rex Sanders illustrates how difficult it can be to make accurate product comparisons based on manufacturer-provided data.

Staff Picks 2020

Backpacking Light staff and contributors give their 2020 staff picks - their favorite backpacking and hiking gear of the year.

By the Numbers: Patagonia Worn Wear Micro Puff vs. New Micro Puff

In his new column for Backpacking Light, Stephen Seeber runs thermal testing on used and new Patagonia Micro Puff jackets.

Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review

This Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review features an ultralight hooded jacket insulated with Climashield Apex that weighs 8.4 oz (238 g).

Episode 24 | Gear We Love (2020 Edition)

Andrew and Ryan talk about some of the BPL Staff's favorite gear, our gear review philosophy, current news, and more!

Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review

The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is a hooded, full-zip synthetic active insulation mid-layer that weighs 13.2 oz (375 g) and retails for $299.

2019 Staff Picks

The Backpacking Light staff offer their ultralight and other gear recommendations for lightweight backpacking, hiking, and camping.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Cold Winter Temperatures (Two-Layer Systems, Vapor Barriers, and Really Puffy Stuff)

Lightweight backpacking gear for winter temperatures: two-layer insulation systems, vapor barrier systems, and really puffy stuff.

Brynje Thermo Mesh Review (Wool and Synthetic Base Layers)

This Brynje Thermo Mesh Review features both Super Thermo and Wool Thermo base layers utilizing an open-weave (fishnet) construction.

Patagonia Macro Puff Hoody Review

Max Neale gives a comprehensive review of Patagonia's MicroPuff Hoodie, including its warmth, insulation, cut, and hood.

Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Mountain Travel (Case Study)

In this video, I walk through my gear during a 9-day summer trek in the high mountains of the western US. This was a trip with friends and family - 3 other adults and four children ages 7-11. We moved camps every day but one, and spent 70% of our miles off-trail, with camps up to about 11,600 feet. Scroll down for gear notes and trip photos!

Episode 14 | Training for Backpacking

It’s no secret: the more physically prepared you are for a backpacking trip, the more you are going to enjoy yourself. But what are the most effective ways to reach optimal backpacking condition? That’s the topic of today’s BPL SKILLS SHORT: training.

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.

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.

Field Notes: Winter Backpacking in Southeast Wyoming

Lightweight backpacking in winter: field notes from SE Wyoming - tarp camping, firebuilding, wood stove cooking, and more (VIDEO).

Staff Picks 2018: Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of the Year

Backpacking Light's editorial team, guides, contributors provide their favorite gear choices in BPL's Staff Picks gear guide for 2018.

Lightweight Winter Down Parka Reviews and State of the Market Report

This article features lightweight down parkas (usually, full-zip jackets with hoods, a longer hem, and box-baffled construction) appropriate for winter backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, and other cold-temperature activities.

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!

Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag Review

When climbing alpine routes and sleeping on small ledges where you can't pitch tents, the Patagonia Hybrid may be the sleep system for you.

Patagonia 19 Degree Sleeping Bag Review

Of the approximately 70 different sleeping bags I've used, the Patagonia 19 Degree Sleeping Bag is the most comfortable all-purpose mummy bag for use above freezing.

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