Most Commented
Articles most frequently commented on by BackpackingLight.com readers.
Most Commented This Week
M The SUL Wanderer (Video Series) - Episode 1: Gear
40 New Comments This WeekThe first episode of Backpacking Light's new video series, "The SUL Wanderer" tells stories and teaches techniques about "SuperUltralight Backpacking" - the style of backpacking that focuses on the extremes of light weight, compactness, and simplicity for wilderness travel.
M Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Going SUL in the Mountains with Adequate Shelter, Insulation, and Rain Protection. Part 2B: Selecting the Lightest, Most Functional Gear - Rainwear, Insulation, Headwear, Handwear, and Footwear
16 New Comments This WeekAdapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
M SUL BikeRaftFishPacking (BFRP)
14 New Comments This WeekAn SUL approach to multisport: bikepacking, packrafting, and tenkara fly fishing.
M Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Going SUL in the Mountains with Adequate Shelter, Insulation, and Rain Protection. Part 2A: Selecting the Lightest, Most Functional Gear - Backpack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad
14 New Comments This WeekAdapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
M Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Going SUL in the Mountains with Adequate Shelter, Insulation, and Rain Protection. Part 1: Concepts and Scope.
9 New Comments This WeekAdapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
M Rab Xenon and Patagonia UL Down Hoody: Comparison and Long-Term Review
3 New Comments This WeekNew and evolving technologies necessitate a reexamination of the conventional wisdom of down versus synthetic fill insulation.
M How Safe Is Your Food? Investigating the effectiveness of odor-proof bags
1 New Comments This WeekHow do supposedly "odor proof" plastic bags for backpacking hold up to the keen nose of a Police K9?
M SOTMR: Two-way Satellite Communications for Backpacking: Part 2 - Satellite Phones
1 New Comments This WeekPart 2 in our 3 part series on satellite communications focuses on the currently available sat phones suitable for lightweight backpacking.
Most Commented This Month
M The SUL Mindset
54 New Comments This MonthThe SUL Mindset may be more than gear weights, and performance standards.
M Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Going SUL in the Mountains with Adequate Shelter, Insulation, and Rain Protection. Part 1: Concepts and Scope.
45 New Comments This MonthAdapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
M The SUL Wanderer (Video Series) - Episode 1: Gear
40 New Comments This MonthThe first episode of Backpacking Light's new video series, "The SUL Wanderer" tells stories and teaches techniques about "SuperUltralight Backpacking" - the style of backpacking that focuses on the extremes of light weight, compactness, and simplicity for wilderness travel.
M Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Going SUL in the Mountains with Adequate Shelter, Insulation, and Rain Protection. Part 2A: Selecting the Lightest, Most Functional Gear - Backpack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad
32 New Comments This MonthAdapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
M Lightweight Fry Bake Gear and Technique (Video)
31 New Comments This MonthIf you're a fan of fry-baked meals in the backcountry, and you are reading this article, it's not likely you're one who gets real excited about carrying the two-pound classic Banks' Fry Bake. Here are some options for lighter gear and techniques for fry-baking as a solo traveler, or in smaller groups.
M SUL BikeRaftFishPacking (BFRP)
24 New Comments This MonthAn SUL approach to multisport: bikepacking, packrafting, and tenkara fly fishing.
M Integral Designs Traverse 2 Review
20 New Comments This MonthTunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews
M Enlightened Equipment Revelation Review
20 New Comments This MonthA well-made quilt that offers high-quality materials, high fill-power down, and excellent loft for an incredible price.
M Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking – Going SUL in the Mountains with Adequate Shelter, Insulation, and Rain Protection. Part 2B: Selecting the Lightest, Most Functional Gear - Rainwear, Insulation, Headwear, Handwear, and Footwear
16 New Comments This MonthAdapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear.
M Rab Xenon and Patagonia UL Down Hoody: Comparison and Long-Term Review
14 New Comments This MonthNew and evolving technologies necessitate a reexamination of the conventional wisdom of down versus synthetic fill insulation.
Most Commented All Time
Ultralight Tip of the Week
431 CommentsRotating feature with tips and illustrations from Mike Clelland!'s new book: Ultralight Backpackin' Tips
M Cottage Stagnation and Recent Gems
270 CommentsCommentary on the (lack of) gear you can love from the cottage industry.
M Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Part 1: Definition and Pitching
142 CommentsHow tunnel tents work, why they can handle extreme weather, and how to pitch them under extreme conditions.
M Lightweight Internal Frame Packs: a State of the Market Report - Part 1C: Main Bag & Comfort
141 CommentsWe survey lightweight internal frame packs with a maximum weight of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and a volume generally in the range 50 L to 75 L.
M Lighten Your Heaviest Gear: You!
137 CommentsAs lightweight backpackers, we obsess over the weight of every piece of gear we carry, but many of us give little thought to the weight of the heaviest piece of gear of all: ourselves. How do we begin to treat our own weight with the same care that we treat the weight of our gear? By doing what we already do well: going light.
Podcast: Is National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Ready to Go Light?
126 CommentsSenior NOLS instructors discuss the major hurdles to NOLS going light and propose solutions.
M Lightweight Internal Frame Packs: a State of the Market Report - Part 1A: Testing Overview and List of Packs Tested
111 CommentsWe survey light-weight internal frame packs with a maximum weight of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and a volume generally in the range 50 L to 75 L.
M Field Testing Air Permeable Waterproof-Breathable Fabric Technologies – Part 2: Are There Detectable Differences Under Real World Backpacking Conditions?
111 CommentsManufacturers make lofty claims for the enhanced breathability of the new fabrics. I tested ten jackets under challenging and forgiving backpacking-type conditions, while recording temperature and humidity inside and outside the jackets, and reported my findings. Perhaps I didn’t experience “air and water vapor permeability so shocking you’ll swear it's magic,” but I did identify some standouts and some promising trends of interest to backpackers.
