Hall of Fame Features

The following list features Backpacking Light's "Hall of Fame" - the highest traffic articles ever published at BPL - a great place to start reading for new visitors and subscribers!

Today's Most Popular Gear Reviews & Articles

M Backpacking and Hiking with an Umbrella

34 Comments
By Francis Tapon | on February 07, 2012 | in Techniques » Techniques & Best Practices
Francis is an umbrella advocate, eschewing typical rainwear. Find out why he's backpacked over 12,500 miles with an umbrella... and decide if you should follow his lead.

M Crazy for Quilts – How Quilts Became My Sleep System of Choice, PLUS A Review of My Favorite, the Stateless Society Custom Quilt

13 Comments
By Ray Estrella | on February 07, 2012 | in Gear » Reviews
Take a walk through the backpacking addicted mind of Ray as he explains his journey to custom quilts, and read a review of his favorite model, a 14-ounce beauty made by fellow BPL-er Javan Dempsey.

Ultralight Tip of the Week

415 Comments
By Mike Clelland! | on January 13, 2012 | in Techniques » Techniques & Best Practices
Rotating feature with tips and illustrations from Mike Clelland!'s new book: Ultralight Backpackin' Tips

Backpacking versus Thru-hiking

39 Comments
By Francis Tapon | on September 20, 2011 | in Techniques » Techniques & Best Practices
Thru-hiking is not simply a longer version of a backpacking trip. Considering thru-hiking a long trail? Make sure you know what you're getting into and set yourself up for success.

Backpacking Checklist (Gear List): 3-Season, 3-Day

43 Comments
By Ryan Jordan | on October 11, 2011 | in Gear » Gear Lists
An example of what a lightweight backpacker might take on a 3-day outing.

M Katabatic Sawatch 15 Quilt and Crestone Hood Review

42 Comments
By Roger Caffin | on February 22, 2011 | in Gear » Reviews
Very warm, quality gear from a cottage manufacturer dedicated to innovative lightweight sleeping solutions.

M Storm Resistance of Ultralight Shelters: Part 1, Introduction

61 Comments
By Ryan Jordan | on January 31, 2012 | in Technology » Science, Theory & Math
Evaluating the wind and snow loading of shelters for ultralight backpacking in inclement conditions.

2011 Backpacking Light Staff Picks

40 Comments
By BackpackingLight.com Staff | on December 27, 2011 | in Trends » Commentary
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear/cool dealio/thingy-dingy of 2011.

M Deep Freeze: A Cold, Hard Look at Winter Stoves

39 Comments
By Brad Groves | on January 31, 2012 | in Gear » State of the Market Reports
Investigating the lightest-weight options on the market and assessing ease-of-use, reliability, fuel efficiency, and time to boil.

M Mountain Laurel Designs TrailStar Shelter Review

122 Comments
By Ryan Jordan | on January 24, 2012 | in Gear » Reviews
Simplicity and strength in an all-season shelter.


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