The Magazine of Lightweight Hiking and Backcountry Travel

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ARTICLES Gear Reviews
Members Only Gossamer Gear The One Shelter REVIEW
by Will Rietveld
The One optimizes light weight, roominess, features, convenience, and weather/bug protection in a seventeen ounce single wall tent. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews
Members Only Rab Top Bag AR Review
by Will Rietveld
An old favorite gets some important upgrades and stands out as a great value for an ultralight 30 °F sleeping bag. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews
Members Only SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker - Full Review
by Alan Dixon and Roger Caffin, with assistance from the other members of the SPOT testing team: Mike Martin and Steve Nelson.
Does this highly anticipated technological breakthrough live up to the hype? Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews
Members Only Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld Color Mapping GPS - REVIEW
by Alan Dixon and Steve Nelson
Garmin's latest mapping GPS has a large, high-resolution display, streamlined controls (including the new "Rock 'n Roller" input wheel), and topographic maps for the entire United States at 1:100K scale. In many ways, it represents an advance in handheld GPS for the general consumer...but it appears to have missed the mark for lightweight backpacking. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Members Only 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 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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
Members Only 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 Reviews
Marmot Atom Sleeping Bag REVIEW
by Don Wilson
A one pound, three-season bag with top quality materials. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews
Members Only 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 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 Reviews
Members Only SteriPEN Adventurer Water Purifier REVIEW
by Roger Caffin
A reasonably light and very effective means of purifying water to EPA purifier standards. Read More...

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