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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for synthetic

Interview with Gear Creator Michael Glavin

Feb 19, 2021 by Rex Sanders

Rex Sanders interviews Michael Glavin, the founder and general manager of Zenbivy.

backcountry bed, cascade designs, down insulation, EN, GSI Outdoors, hood, hubba hubba, Michael Glavin, msr, mummy bag, north face, outdoor retailer, pad, quilt, R-value, ratings, rei, REI co-op, rex sanders, Sierra Designs, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, standards, Standards Watch, synthetic, synthetic insulation, Therm-a-Rest, toque, vestibules, zenbivy, zenbivy light bed

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review

Mar 18, 2018 by Max Neale

Our Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review features one of the highest-performing synthetic jackets we’ve ever evaluated. It’s performance- and feature-to-weight ratio is extremely high and should be a top pick considered for ultralight backpacking.

hoody, jacket, micro puff, Patagonia, synthetic

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Patagonia DAS Parka Review

Mar 18, 2018 by Max Neale

The Patagonia DAS is our highest rated synthetic insulated winter-weight parka. Frequent revisions have created a stunningly effective jacket for expeditions that cross multiple climates and for overnight alpine climbs and backcountry trips where a wet down parka would force you to bail, or worse.  Despite a suite of expedition features, the premium insulation and light fabrics keep the DAS lightweight at only 22 oz. in men’s medium. This parka performs so well and is offered at such a reasonable price that we feel it’s the only warm synthetic insulated parka worth buying.

jacket, Patagonia, synthetic, synthetic insulation

Montane Spitfire One Review

Mar 18, 2018 by Max Neale

Our Montane Spitfire One Review determined that this is one of the best value, very warm synthetic insulated parka for wet conditions.

insulating clothing, Montane, synthetic

Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review

Mar 18, 2018 by Max Neale

Arcteryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review: one of the best lightweight windproof synthetic insulated jackets on the planet. It weighs a mere 9.9 ounces.

arc'teryx, insulating clothing, jackets, synthetic

Arc’teryx Nuclei AR Review

Mar 18, 2018 by Max Neale

Our Arcteryx Nuclei AR Review found that this jacket has impressive water resistance and, thus, is the best belay jacket for alpinists.

arc'teryx, insulating clothing, jackets, synthetic

Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review

Mar 11, 2018 by Max Neale

Our Arcteryx Proton LT Hoody Review found that the Proton LT’s durability, features, and warmth make it an ideal winter activewear choice.

arc'teryx, insulating clothing, synthetic

Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review

Mar 11, 2018 by Max Neale

Our Black Diamond Heat Treat Hoody Review determined that the jacket is an all-purpose winter jacket for around town and some winter sports.

black diamond, insulating clothing, synthetic

LLBean Packaway Review (Primaloft Hooded Jacket)

Mar 11, 2018 by Max Neale

This LLBean Primaloft Packaway Hooded Review concludes that this jacket offers excellent performance for a very good price.

arc'teryx, insulating clothing, synthetic

Montbell Thermawrap Guide Review

Mar 6, 2018 by Max Neale

Our Montbell Thermawrap Guide Review found this great value synthetic insulated parka has a reliable ultralight waterproof shell fabric.

insulating clothing, montbell, parka, synthetic

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