SpotLite Reviews

A heat exchanger stove in the now fairly standard upright format. Does the Primus Eta Solo outperform the competition? Read More...

Most of us (males) want to wear something under our trousers, but what? Ordinary cotton underpants have several disadvantages: the waist band often conflicts with the hip-belt on the pack, and when they get wet they can take a very long time to dry. The Ex-Officio Give-N-Go Briefs largely solve those two problems. Read More...

The SteriPEN UV wands have been through several generations of development, reaching a very satisfactory state with this SteriPEN Opti unit. Read More...

Many walkers find a razor blade adequate, but there are plenty of situations where a bit more is needed. This knife, with a blade over three inches long yet weighing only two ounces, may suit many lightweight walkers. Read More...

A big burner head, simple design, minimal use of materials, and light weight (1.7 oz) put the Monatauk Gnat at the head of the pack for ultralight canister stoves. Read More...

Lowrance adds touchscreen functionality with its top of the line Sierra GPS. With a plethora of multimedia options, it comes across as more entertainment device than a dedicated navigational aid. How does it work for backpacking? Read More...

Lightweight, extremely versatile hooded down jacket that can be worn as an outer layer or midlayer. Read More...

Great fitting, lightweight, exceptionally versatile eVENT pant. Read More...

One of the lightest Gore-Tex Pro Shell jackets available, with weight and performance (with supplemental ventilation) comparable to a lightweight eVENT jacket. Read More...

Totally synthetic, good soles and a XCR membrane for wet weather use, plus a range of widths, including really wide. Read More...

This multi-purpose bag serves as a waterproof day pack, compression stuff sack, dry bag, and pillow. Read More...

A compact LED lantern, lighter than canister lanterns and fairly bright, but not yet perfect. Read More...

Strong polypropylene, will not burn your lips, twelve fluid ounces capacity, 1.7 ounces weight and $1.75 USD: it can't be too bad! Read More...

Strong polypropylene, almost twenty-four fluid ounces capacity, 1.55 ounces weight and $1.50 USD: it can't be too bad! Read More...

Lightweight durable shell mitt especially suited for snow sports or any situation where a more durable waterproof-breathable mitt is needed. Read More...

Gloves made with Komperdell's new seamless bonding construction get a mixed review. Read More...

Lightweight, full-featured, very comfortable internal frame day pack. Read More...

A full-featured, high quality windshell Read More...

Good lightweight insulated boots for travel in dry snow, but they have some major drawbacks for wet snow travel and for normal hiking and backpacking. Read More...

Women's merino wool top with built in support. Read More...

A new company provides another choice in technical wool clothing. Read More...

Finally, the magic of wool is available in a bra. Read More...

A lightweight system for using a Hennessy Hammock in the shoulder and winter seasons. Read More...

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...

A waterproof paper you can use in your ink-jet printer to copy maps for field use. Read More...

A women-specific bag that’s properly sized for a women’s body and uses an ultralight Schoeller NanoSphere shell. Read More...

A performance sweater made from all natural fabrics Read More...

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...

One-ounce bear hang using flat weave Spectra cord that easily glides over a tree limb. Read More...

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...

For those that love umbrellas, Birdiepal brollies are the lightest available- and they are durable enough to survive the backcountry. Read More...

A review of commercially-available, lightweight gear suited for - if not made for - backpacking with kids. Read More...

A tarp that is larger than a stock hammock tarp and extends coverage for wet, cold, and snowy conditions. Read More...

Lightest self-inflator on the market but the length and shape are not optimal and degrade performance. Read More...

A dense knit merino wool mid-layer Read More...

A 3.5 ounce hoodless, waterproof jacket Read More...

Lightweight synthetic fabric waterproof boot with Primaloft insulation - perfect for active snow travel and cold weather hiking. Read More...

Lightweight Insoles containing Aerogel for underfoot insulation. Read More...

An extremely versatile and warm footwear system for snowshoeing and snow camping in frigid conditions. Read More...

Ultra warm non-slip booties for snow camping, and they coordinate well with daytime snow travel footwear. Read More...

Vapor barrier socks with a good fit and loads of versatility, but slower to dry out when snow camping. Read More...

Breathable neoprene socks and weatherproof/breathable socks designed to keep feet warm in cold weather pursuits. Read More...

An old favorite gets a makeover, making it better than ever, but also a little heavier. Read More...

A full-featured and comfortable daypack using lightweight materials to keep the weight down. Read More...

Simple lightweight vapor barrier socks that perform their function well. Read More...

A comfortable and warm ightweight insulated boot with OutDry WP/B technology. Read More...

Stretchy, grippy, warm gloves that weigh only 1.6 ounces per pair. Read More...

An 11.5 ounce lightweight toploading daypack with top pocket, side panel pockets, and hydration compatability. Read More...

Lightweight 725 fill power down filled sleeping bags with unique draw corded foot section. Read More...

Designed for minimum weight and maximum functionality, but a little too small for big feet. Read More...