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Latest
MSR Pro Bivy Review
The MSR Pro Bivy weighs less than 10 ounces (285 g). It's a very compact, feature-less bivy sack that embodies the essence of bivy sack camping.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Shelter is a single-wall, Dyneema Composite Fabric, 2-person, 2-trekking-pole-supported tent with two vestibules, two side-entry doors, a weight of about 24 oz (g), and an MSRP of USD $699.
Using vapor pressure differential to predict condensation in tents
How does vapor pressure differential influence condensation in tents?
Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp Review
The Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp ($210 in silpoly) is a one-person, 2-trekking pole, side/end-entry full-perimeter tarp shelter.
Tent Fitting the Easy Way
If you are struggling to find a shelter that fits, you aren't alone. We provide some (mostly useful) advice in the context of a pop culture tour.
Durston X-Mid 2P Review
The Durston X-Mid 2P is a 2-person, double-wall, dual side-entry, silpoly shelter with two vestibules that weighs 40 oz (1134 g).
Standards Watch: Mike Cecot-Scherer on Tent Design
Rex Sanders interviews long-time gear designer Mike Cecot-Scherer about tent design. This is part two of a three-part series.
NEMO Hornet Elite 2P Review
The NEMO Equipment Hornet Elite 2P (33 oz / 935 g, $499.95) is a semi-freestanding, double-walled, ultralight tent. It features design touches meant to increase the volume of the tent while not adding additional weight.
Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum Tent Review
The Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum (13 oz / 369 g, $349.95) is a single wall, single-entrance, trekking pole-supported, silnylon, one-person tent from Big Agnes. It is one of the lightest shelters in its class.
Episode 27 | Listener Q & A
Ryan and Andrew answer listener questions gathered from Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Tarptent Notch Li Review (Updated: V2 2020 Version)
This Tarptent Notch Li Review presents the benefits of Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) for ultralight backpacking shelters, assesses its design/feature set, and compares the Notch Li to its competitors.
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!
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon Review (Tent)
This Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon review dives into one of the lightest double walled shelter systems onto the market.
Slingfin Splitwing UL Tarp Review
The SlingFin SplitWing UL Tarp is a modular 24 oz, 1-2 person shelter that bridges the gap between minimalist tarps and fully enclosed tents.
Episode 13 | Tent-bound in a Storm
In this episode, Ryan offers some practical guidelines for managing wet gear, condensation, and camp chores if you have to be holed up in a tent during a prolonged period of inclement weather.
REI Quarter Dome SL 1 Review
The REI Quarter Dome SL 1 is a single person, side entry, single side vestibule, double wall, mostly mesh inner, semi-freestanding tent.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 Tent Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 is a two-person, hybrid single/double wall, two-vestibule Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) tent that can be pitched with two trekking poles. This review assesses wind loading, snow loading, rain, condensation resistance, ease of setup, livability.
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.
Tarptent Aeon Review (First Looks)
The Tarptent Aeon Li is one of the lightest solo (1-person) backpacking tents available. Made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), the Aeon is a single-wall design featuring a zippered side-entry with a vestibule. The Aeon requires 4-7 stakes and is pitched with a single trekking pole.
Tarptent Stratospire Li Review
Tarptent's Stratospire Li is a two-person DCF shelter with well-considered features and has enough chops for year round use.