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Latest
Off-Season on the Oregon Coast Trail
Tides, blowdowns, and sunsets abound as Maggie Slepian and two friends tackle the quirky and challenging Oregon Coast Trail.
Unpacked: “Billionaire Wilderness” Book Review
When money and conservation collide.
Staff Picks 2020
Backpacking Light staff and contributors give their 2020 staff picks - their favorite backpacking and hiking gear of the year.
Keeping Gear Handy on the Trail with Multi-Use Accessory and Utility Pouches
Having accessible "pockets" on your pack is useful for keeping little bits of gear handy without taking off your pack. But consider a multi-use pouch that can also be worn as a standalone fanny-style pack.
Tarptent Moment DW Review (2019 Version)
The Tarptent Moment DW is a one-person, single-hoop tunnel, silnylon double-walled backpacking tent with a highly modular design.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket Review
The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket (4.93 oz/140 g, $190) is minimally-featured, made with 75k MVTR fabric, and is reasonably-priced.
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!
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
This ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket review is comprehensive and addresses long-term performance, breathability, DWR, and more.
2019 Staff Picks
The Backpacking Light staff offer their ultralight and other gear recommendations for lightweight backpacking, hiking, and camping.
Osprey Lumina 60 Backpack Review
The Osprey Lumina 60 Backpack is a sub-2lb, internal frame pack that is gender specific and found in outdoor specialty stores.
ZPacks Sleeping Bag Review – Full Zip Version
This Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag review features a hoodless, full-length zipper down bag with multiple temperature ratings weighing 15 oz.
REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Review (Tent)
This REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Review features a 2-person, double-wall, double-entrance, double-vestibule tent that weighs about 3 lbs.
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.
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.
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).
Episode 7 | Trekking Poles
This podcast dives into the science to answer the question: are trekking poles worth the weight?
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!
Lightweight Trekking Pole Reviews & Gear Guide
This lightweight trekking poles gear guide discusses the scientific justification for/against poles, and features reviews of 14 models.
Podcast 002 | Dyneema Composite Fabrics
In this episode, we dive into the design, manufacturing, and applications of Dyneema Composite Fabrics.
2017 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
The Backpacking Light Staff Picks Gear Guide offers what we consider to be our personal recommendations for high-quality, high-performance, lightweight backpacking gear that we've actually used this year.
