ultralight sleep systems
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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!
Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Quilt Review
The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Ultralight Top Bag is an affordable, semi-customizable down quilt that is offered in a variety of colors, fill weights (i.e., temperature ratings), foot box types, lengths, and widths. The quilt featured in this review is rated for 30 F (-1 C), has a "wide" width (55 in / 140 cm), standard length (5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 2 in / 170 cm to 187 cm), and a sewn footbox. This model retails for $179.95, has a claimed weight of 22 oz (624 g), and a claimed loft (single layer) of 2 in (5 cm).
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
This Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad review takes an in-depth look at the sleeping pad's comfort, stability, insulative properties, & more!
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review
This Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite review presents our performance assessment of the lightest full-sized air-filled sleeping pad on the market.
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.
Butt in a Sling (BIAS) Hammock Review
Butt in a Sling (BIAS) is a cottage manufacturer based in Tennessee, USA that makes some of the lightest and most comfortable hammocks on the market. Their hammocks are all eleven feet (335 cm) long and use ridgelines for a consistent hang. The Weight Weenie Micro is the original model and is available in a variety of widths while the Weight Weenie Micro HD 1.0 is available in one width and uses a slightly heavier and softer fabric. Both hammocks are available with a variety of options. Add the BIAS Suspension Kit and Nano Buginator bug net, and you have a versatile, comfortable, and ultralight hammock setup!
Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L Sleeping Pad Review
The Nemo Equipment Astro Insulated Lite 25L sleeping pad is a plush sleeping pad that adds a touch of luxury to backcountry sleeping. Although discontinued by Nemo, this unique pad may be worth scouring remnant inventory and used gear sales - as of the publication of this review, it may offer the best luxury-comfort-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad ever manufactured.
Hummingbird Hammocks Reviews: Single, Single+, Pelican, Warbler, and Suspension System
Hummingbird Hammocks offers a variety of Made in the USA hammocks and accessories including three hammocks, two hammock tarps, a bug net, and other accessories. They have some unique features such as Button Links that eliminate the need for carabiners and integrated tree straps with whoopie slings which simplify the suspension system and make setup very easy. They also offer what is likely the lightest hammock on the market - the Single Hammock, which weighs a scant 5.6 oz. Can the lightest hammock also be the most comfortable?
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.
Podcast 001 | Synthetic Insulation
In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew take a deep dive into synthetic insulation: its technology, strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX Quilt Review
This Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex Quilt Review features one of the most customizable and lightest weight synthetic quilts ever made.
Lightweight Backpacking in the Winter: Gear and Techniques from the Arctic
Lightweight backpacking in the winter requires more intentionality with respect to gear selection and skill set, but with great rewards.
Exped DownMat UL 7 Review
Back injuries and poor sleep patterns lead the author to purchase an expensive mat: will it be worth it? A trial of the Exped DownMat UL 7.
Enlightened Equipment Booties Review
Community review / giveaway results for the Enlightened Equipment Apex-insulation-filled booties.
Nigor Didis 2 Tunnel Tent Review Part 1
Tunnel tents are known for their robust frames and thriving in inclement weather. Does this tent from outdoor industry newcomer Nigor uphold to these standards?
Lightweight Backpacking News: Digest No. 26
In This Month's News: Woman Plans 5-Year Trek Across the Americas; Man and Woman Meet and Marry on the PCT; UL Sleeping Bag and Quilt Comparison Table; Ingredients for Planning an Expedition; Beginner Tenkara Tips; and much more!
Notes from the Field: Hidden Lakes, Montana
A quick overnight trip to a nearby lake chain offered opportunities for camaraderie with a friend and communion with nature.
How to Minimize Your Prep for Short Trips
Limiting the number of decisions, and keeping all your gear in one area are the major steps to simplifying your short backpacking trips.
Notes from the Field: Rambling the High Sierra (Revisited)
An alpine ramble along part of the Roper High route of the High Sierras, leaves plenty of time for fishing and relaxation.
The Unconventional Sleep Systems Manifesto
A Comprehensive Primer and Market Analysis of Top Bags, Quilts, and Wearable Systems
