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ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Komperdell Touring Glove Spotlite Review by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Gloves made with Komperdell's new seamless bonding construction get a mixed review. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Granite Gear Vapor Day Pack Review by Will Rietveld Lightweight, full-featured, very comfortable internal frame day pack. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Arc'Teryx Squamish WindShell Review by Don Wilson A full-featured, high quality windshell Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews GoLite Ultra Quilt Review by Steve Nelson High-quality, 800-fill down quilt with Pertex Endurance “Arid Zone” patches at head and foot is a solid value. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Icebreaker Cross Cami SPOTLITE REVIEW by Carol Crooker Women's merino wool top with built in support. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews I/O Biocompatibles Contact Long Sleeve Crew SPOTLITE REVIEW by Carol Crooker A new company provides another choice in technical wool clothing. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2008 LuxuryLite Big Survival Stik Walking Staff REVIEW by Doug Johnson This is a modern version of the traditional hardwood walking staff. Made of carbon fiber, it is much stronger and more robust than even the stiffest of trekking poles. It has an adjustable hand strap, breaks down into sections, and can even be converted into a “trail defense system". Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Golite Pinnacle Backpack REVIEW by Doug and Amy Johnson The Golite Pinnacle is a replacement for the popular Gust pack and is the larger version of the popular Golite Jam2 backpack. It offers many upgrades over the Gust, but how do they affect the pack’s performance? Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Ibex Balance Seamless Sport Bra SPOTLITE REVIEW by Carol Crooker Finally, the magic of wool is available in a bra. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Gear Lists Post-Trip Assessment of Lightweight Gear for Long Distance Hiking by Roger Caffin The gear list we took to France for 3 months is evaluated after our return Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews A Custom Backpack – Designed by You by Will Rietveld I worked with R2 Packs to design and build my dream pack, and report on my experience. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym Hammock REVIEW by Doug Johnson The Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym hammock is a refined backpacking hammock that incorporates full rain and bug protection, and has a convenient entry/exit system. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Hennessy Hammocks Supershelter SPOTLITE REVIEW by Doug Johnson A lightweight system for using a Hennessy Hammock in the shoulder and winter seasons. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS REVIEW by Alan Dixon With the addition of a new ‘H’ high sensitivity receiver, the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS sets a new benchmark for GPS performance in difficult reception areas Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews MSR MIOX Purifier REVIEW by Roger Caffin, with contributions from Backpacking Light staff members Doug Johnson, Mike Martin and Will Rietveld A small electronic device for purifying water with a mixed oxidizer based on electrolyzing salt. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Gossamer Gear Miniposa Backpack REVIEW by Will Rietveld Removable carbon fiber stays make it the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpack in its size class, but curved stays would markedly improve its fit and comfort. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Coleman Powermax Fuel Adapter Spotlite Review by Roger Caffin An adapter to allow you to use your Coleman Xtreme stove in winter with screw-thread canisters rather than the hard-to-find Powermax canisters. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Rite in the Rain Weatherjet Paper SPOTLITE REVIEW by Roger Caffin A waterproof paper you can use in your ink-jet printer to copy maps for field use. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Helix Potty Trowel REVIEW by Roger Caffin, with forum contributions from members Brian King and Peter Lewis A very light carbon fibre and aluminium alloy ‘potty trowel’ (which works quite well as such) which also functions very well as an ultra-light ice axe. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews AntiGravityGear TarpTent REVIEW by Will Rietveld With over 38 square feet of floor area, this single person tent has the highest area to weight ratio in its class (single wall shelter with floor), but it has a few flaws. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis Tent REVIEW by Will Rietveld Lightest bug-proof one-person shelter on the market. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Alpkit Carbonlite Trekking Poles REVIEW by Ken Knight These three section carbon fiber trekking poles are sturdy and stiff and are light in your hands AND on your budget. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Six Moon Designs 2007 Comet Backpack REVIEW by Will Rietveld A durable and versatile “convertible backpack” with removable stays that allow it to be used either frameless or as an ultralight internal frame backpack. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Deuter KangaKid Child Carrier REVIEW by Marty Coatney A lightweight internal frame child carrier that compacts for use as a day pack. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Jacks 'R' Better “Down to Earth” Pad Converter REVIEW by Doug Johnson The Jacks ‘R’ Better Down to Earth Pad Converter converts any JRB quilt, including the No Sniveller, into a top bag system. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews 2007 Feathered Friends Grouse Sleeping Bag SPOTLITE REVIEW by Doug and Amy Johnson A women-specific bag that’s properly sized for a women’s body and uses an ultralight Schoeller NanoSphere shell. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews REI Cruise UL 60 Backpack REVIEW by Will Rietveld A well designed and capable lightweight internal frame backpack from REI with a great feature set, and it’s an excellent value! Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Backpack REVIEW by Will Rietveld Removable carbon fiber stays make it one of the lightest and most versatile internal frame backpacks on the market. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Indigenous Designs Terra Sport SPOTLITE REVIEW by Don Wilson A performance sweater made from all natural fabrics Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Tent REVIEW by Will Rietveld Score another winner for SMD – the Lunar Duo is a well-designed, roomy, lightweight, well-ventilated single-wall tent for two people. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Black Diamond Guiding Light Tent REVIEW by Will Rietveld Extremely versatile and lightweight four-season, four-person, single-wall, free-standing, breathable fabric tent. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better Nest Down Under Quilt REVIEW by Doug Johnson A lightweight down hammock under-quilt designed for a Hennessy hammock that still allows for easy bottom entry. It can also be used as a top quilt or as a top bag. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Sherpani Rumba Superlight Child Carrier REVIEW by Doug Johnson Ultralight by child carrier standards, the Sherpani Rumba Superlight child carrier offers advanced features and a comfortable ride. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better Old Rag Mtn Down Quilt REVIEW by Doug Johnson A cold weather quilt that can be used in a cold weather hammock system, as a quilt for ground sleeping, or as a winter overbag. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Pole REVIEW by Matt Eckhart These poles use a mix of aluminum and carbon shafts with unique FlickLock adjustments and are solid performers for four season use. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Kahtoola FLIGHTsystem REVIEW by Steve Nelson and Will Rietveld Innovative snow travel system consisting of an overboot with cleats that click into a snowshoe deck. The design eliminates the snowshoe binding and allows the use of the overboots separately, which allows wearers to use lightweight trail running shoes inside, but there are a few significant drawbacks we discovered from our field testing. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Crazy Creek Backpacker Lite AIR Chair SPOTLITE REVIEW by Carol Crooker For lightweight backpackers who crave the luxury of a chair (10 oz) plus a REALLY COMFORTABLE torso sleep pad (11 oz) - this is worth a look. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews AntiGravityGear TreeLine SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld One-ounce bear hang using flat weave Spectra cord that easily glides over a tree limb. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Keen Shellrock WP Trail Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld With its eVENT softshell upper, the Shellrock seems like it should be the perfect lightweight trail shoe for wet conditions, but my field testing revealed very mixed results. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Lafuma Pro 650 Down Sleeping Bag REVIEW by Will Rietveld Priced at only $189 for a 25 °F rated ultralight down sleeping bag, it’s a very nice bag in all respects, except for one major issue. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Ultralight Outfitters Lightning Access Backpack REVIEW by Tanya Warnecke Innovative frameless backpack with seven individual compartments you can reach without taking the pack off. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews 2007 Birdiepal Umbrellas SPOTLITE REVIEW by Doug Johnson For those that love umbrellas, Birdiepal brollies are the lightest available- and they are durable enough to survive the backcountry. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Kids by Jay Ham A review of commercially-available, lightweight gear suited for - if not made for - backpacking with kids. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews 2007 Jacks 'R' Better SilNyl Tarp SPOTLITE REVIEW by Doug Johnson A tarp that is larger than a stock hammock tarp and extends coverage for wet, cold, and snowy conditions. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker REVIEW by Will Rietveld The Kestrel provides the technically-minded backpacker much more useful information than a multi-function watch, and is easier to use. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Coleman Xtreme Stove REVIEW by Roger Caffin One of the few canisters stoves truly designed for winter use, the Xtreme features an innovative liquid feed system. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews GoLite VO24 Backpack REVIEW by Will Rietveld Lightweight 1600 cubic inch multi-purpose frameless day pack. Score another winner for GoLite! Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Sierra Designs Flash Sleeping Bag REVIEW by Will Rietveld Packed with 30 ounces of 800-fill down and other heat-retaining features, this lightweight bag earns its 0 °F rating but its snug fit and curved half zipper are its nemesis. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Staff Picks Ultralight Knives and Other Sharp Things by Mike Clelland! Find out what BPL staffers carry to cut, slice, chop, and snip. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Sierra Designs Assailant Tent REVIEW by Will Rietveld This four-season, one-person, single-wall tent is made of a fabric claimed to be more breathable than eVENT. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Pacific Outdoor Equipment Uber Mtn Sleeping Pad REVIEW by Carol Crooker The best sleeping pad in its class, but only because it has no competition as a sub-13-ounce, 1.5-inch thick self-inflator. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Pacific Outdoor Equipment Uber Lite Sleeping Pad SPOTLITE REVIEW by Carol Crooker Lightest self-inflator on the market but the length and shape are not optimal and degrade performance. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Rab Summit Extreme Tent REVIEW by Doug Johnson Based on the previous Outdoor Designs tent, the Rab Summit Extreme is a rare eVENT tent that provides the ultimate in single wall breathability. It is built to handle the most extreme alpine environments and has few peers in its extreme mountaineering niche. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Black Diamond Mega Light and Mega Bug Pyramid Tent REVIEW by Jay Ham The Mega Light is a solid, well designed pyramid tent, but the weight-conscious should leave the bug liner behind. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Rab Drillium Jacket REVIEW by Will Rietveld Lightweight eVENT multi-sport jacket with a terrific fit and feature set, but its appeal depends on whether you need a helmet-compatible hood or not. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Atlas BC24 Snowshoe REVIEW by Will Rietveld This showshoe lets you climb like a mountain goat, but needs more flotation and some weight reduction. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Ibex Shak Full Zip SPOTLITE REVIEW by Don Wilson A dense knit merino wool mid-layer Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews 2007 Montane eVENT Quick-Fire Jacket REVIEW by Doug Johnson The Montane eVENT Quick-Fire Jacket offers great features such as a full coverage hood, drop tail, excellent sizing, dual vent pockets, and super-breathable eVENT fabric, all at a lightweight 11.9 ounces (size large). Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Montane Featherlite H2O Spotlite Review by Don Wilson A 3.5 ounce hoodless, waterproof jacket Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Gear Lists Lightweight Gear for Long Distance Hiking: Four Months in Europe by Roger Caffin Roger and Sue Caffin's gear lists for their upcoming 4 months in Europe Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Gossamer Gear SpinnTwinn Tarp REVIEW by Will Rietveld Gossamer Gear offers an ultralight spinnaker fabric catenary-shaped tarp for one or two people that weighs just 8 ounces! Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Northern Lites Backcountry Snowshoe REVIEW by Will Rietveld Durable, loads of flotation, and less than 3 pounds per pair – a lightweight snow traveler’s dream. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Adapt Gear Bison Trekking Pole REVIEW by Will Rietveld This fixed-length carbon fiber trekking pole is not as elegant or lightweight as our top choice Gossamer Gear Lightrek pole, but it’s a strong performer and is the value champ at only $72/pair. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Mountainsmith PCT 45 Backpack REVIEW by Ken Knight A feature-rich, heavy load carrier, but it tries to be a bit too much for too many people. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Keen Growler Boot SPOTLITE REVIEW by Janet Reichl Lightweight synthetic fabric waterproof boot with Primaloft insulation - perfect for active snow travel and cold weather hiking. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Polar Wrap Toasty Feet Insole SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Lightweight Insoles containing Aerogel for underfoot insulation. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Forty Below Light Energy TR Overboot and Simple Slipper SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl An extremely versatile and warm footwear system for snowshoeing and snow camping in frigid conditions. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Marmot Atom Sleeping Bag REVIEW by Don Wilson A one pound, three-season bag with top quality materials. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Forty Below Synthetic Fill Camp Booties SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Ultra warm non-slip booties for snow camping, and they coordinate well with daytime snow travel footwear. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews RBH Designs VaprThrm Socks SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Vapor barrier socks with a good fit and loads of versatility, but slower to dry out when snow camping. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Seirus NeoSock SuperSock and StormSock SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Breathable neoprene socks and weatherproof/breathable socks designed to keep feet warm in cold weather pursuits. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear Reviews Komperdell Featherlight Carbon Trekking Pole REVIEW by Carol Crooker Stiff, light, reasonably priced fixed-length pole with contoured grip and wrist strap. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews Osprey Talon 44 Backpack REVIEW by Rick Dreher A roomy, comfortable, lightweight framed backpack with lots of pockets, good load control, an adjustable torso length, and a few weak spots. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear State of the Market Reports STATE OF THE MARKET REPORT: LED Headlamps (2007) by Rick Dreher Three years ago, LED lights couldn't compete with incandescent headlamps in demanding conditions. Today, it's a whole different ballgame. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews White Box Stove REVIEW by Roger Caffin While not the lightest around, this simple pressurised alcohol stove is remarkably robust. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR Shoe SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl An old favorite gets a makeover, making it better than ever, but also a little heavier. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier REVIEW by Roger Caffin A reasonably light and very effective means of purifying water to EPA purifier standards. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Gregory Iso Backpack SPOTLITE REVIEW by Jay Ham A full-featured and comfortable daypack using lightweight materials to keep the weight down. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Integral Designs VB Sock SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Simple lightweight vapor barrier socks that perform their function well. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Kamik Force Boot SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld A comfortable and warm ightweight insulated boot with OutDry WP/B technology. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews Manzella Silkweight Windstopper Glove SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Stretchy, grippy, warm gloves that weigh only 1.6 ounces per pair. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews MontBell Versalite 20 Backpack SPOTLITE REVIEW by Jay Ham An 11.5 ounce lightweight toploading daypack with top pocket, side panel pockets, and hydration compatability. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews MontBell U.L. Alpine Down Hugger #3/#5 SPOTLITE REVIEW by Jay Ham Lightweight 725 fill power down filled sleeping bags with unique draw corded foot section. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews MontBell U.L. Thermawrap Action Jacket SPOTLITE REVIEW by Jay Ham A synthetic-fill, full-zip jacket with highly breathable stretch panels and thumb-hole wrist sleeves Read More...
ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews MontBell Stretch Gaiter SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl Designed for minimum weight and maximum functionality, but a little too small for big feet. Read More...	ARTICLES Gear SpotLite Reviews NEOS Trekker Overshoe SPOTLITE REVIEW by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl A versatile and durable waterproof/non-breathable overshoe suitable for snowshoeing, snow play, and snow camping in frigid temperatures, but heavier than we would like. Read More...