SpotLite Reviews

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...

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

A synthetic-fill, full-zip jacket with highly breathable stretch panels and thumb-hole wrist sleeves Read More...

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

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

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...

A lightweight travel/daypack with 3-point compression, pockets, and hydration compatability. Read More...

Creates a very versatile footwear system when worn in lightweight trail runners for snow or wet conditions. Read More...

Durable and reliably waterproof socks, but have a couple of distinct drawbacks. Read More...

A tall trim-fitting Gore-Tex PacLite gaiter that covers the tops of low-cut trail runners and full-height boots equally well, but balks over bulky boots. Read More...

A lightweight stainless steel trowel for digging cat holes in hard, rocky ground. Read More...

Heavy-duty warmth and comfort, and good moisture management, for snow travel in frigid conditions. Read More...

This waterproof sleeping bag functions like an insulated bivy sack - is it worth the extra weight and cost? Read More...

A winter weight hybrid baselayer with a wool layer next to skin and a polyester outer layer to wick moisture away. Read More...

The Isotope is the current lightweight champ for backpacking rainwear – and it’s full-featured! Read More...

A unique soft shell jacket with retractable insulation in the torso area. Read More...

Lightweight, dry, and warm handwear for most snow sports, but we found their limits when we used them for snow shelter building. Read More...

A versatile cold weather quilt that can be used in a cold weather hammock system as well as for “ground sleeping”. Read More...

Converts any Jacks ‘R’ Better quilt into a top bag sleep system with an attached sleeping pad. Read More...

A well-designed under quilt that integrates beautifully with Hennessy hammocks. Read More...

A reasonably minimal titanium cookset - very light, works well, but not very low cost. Take just one pot? Read More...

A reasonably light two-man titanium kettle - very light, works well, but not very low cost. Read More...

2.8 ounces, full zip - is there a downside? Read More...

Pertex Microlight shell, PRISM synthetic insulation, 12 ounces with hood Read More...

20 ounces in size long, Pertex Quantum shell, over 4 inches of loft Read More...

A versatile ultralight outdoor cap from Buff. Is it funky or cool – you decide. Read More...

So much warmth in such a light package. Read More...

Designed for the grueling Hardrock 100 endurance race – and that’s no exaggeration! Read More...

If your backpack doesn’t have convenience pockets for your camera and snacks, here is a good way to add them. Read More...

Elegant in their simplicity and functionality, they’re like putting your socks on in the morning. Read More...

A superb shoe for ultralight backpacking on-trail. Off-trail, they performed exceptionally well, except for one weakness. Read More...

Tarptent returns to its roots with a new fast and light bivy-weight 1-person tent. Read More...

A neat solution to windshields getting out of control. Read More...

31 oz bivy sack with hooped pole and a rich feature set for excellent breathability and ventilation. Read More...

Utilitarian bivy sacks that perform their core functions well in the absence of excess luxuries and weight. Read More...

Really lightweight shoes for water sports and hiking in wet conditions, but they tortured my toes on steep downhills. Read More...

This low-cut trail shoe performs like a boot – really tough, supportive, and stable. Read More...

TechSpun makes some strong claims for these socks; is it hype, or do they really work? We tested them in summer and winter to find out. Read More...

Lightweight, durable, breathable, water-resistant, and stretch to fit a variety of footwear – but we had a couple of problems with the snaps and sizing. Read More...

Way cool hiking hat that really manages the moisture and stays put, but snags fairly easily. Read More...

The lightest dry sacks, but also the leakiest (compared to lightweight dry sacks from four other companies) when subjected to harsh conditions. Read More...

Top performing lightweight dry sack with roll top closure and taped seams. Read More...

Fairly lightweight dry sack with roll top closure and taped seams. Read More...

The lightest dry sack available - almost. Read More...

Lightweight dry sack with a twist - purge/inflate valve and welded seams. Read More...

Lightweight, good fit, very comfortable, really wicks moisture away, but snags easily. Read More...

The second generation Jetboil stove system - efficient, but speed of heating can vary wildly. Read More...

Very lightweight (300 g, 10.5 oz US men's 9). Are they lightweight backpacking capable? Read More...

Headsweats offers an alternative to a conventional wide-brimmed sun hat. Read More...

Light Teflon-lined aluminium cookpot for two people. Read More...

Light Teflon-lined aluminium cookpot for two people that is lighter and cheaper than the GSI Hard Anodised Extreme set. Read More...

Down quilt that surrounds a top-entry hammock. Read More...

Compared to a poncho/tarp, is it possibly a better poncho AND a better shelter? Read More...

Looking for an ultralight quilt, but don't trust down insulation? With a few compromises, this may be your solution. Read More...

A wearable down sleeping bag designed to replace, and thus serve as, your insulated clothing. Read More...

Roomy, bombproof floorless shelter for one. Read More...

A hoodless, ultralight down sleeping bag designed for integration with an insulating jacket. Read More...

Well under 9 ounces, including pit zips - but those pit zips are pretty small Read More...

Patagonia revamps its Base Layers for Fall 2006 Read More...

This miniscule wonder has most of the functionality of a regular headlamp, at a fraction of the weight. Read More...

Lightweight, solo, double wall tent, with two vestibules. Read More...

Got snot? Slip a Snot Spot over your glove or mitten. Read More...

Is an 11-ounce, 40-degree bag possible? Nunatak thinks so, and now so does Mountain Laurel Designs. Read More...

A synthetic-fill parka with full front zip, handwarmer pockets, and hood. Read More...

A trail running shoe with minimal water absorption, excellent flexibility, integrated gaiter, and an effective tread pattern. Read More...

A 4.5 ounce jacket with quality components. Read More...

6 ounces! 80 bucks! Read More...

Full featured rain jacket that is under 6 ounces. Read More...

The lightest windshirt? Read More...

Light, cheap, Lexan eating utensils. Read More...

2.6 ounces, full zipper, does it hold up with use? Read More...

This 3,200 cubic inch, 13-ounce ultralight pack has loads of innovation and hits a sweet spot for one to three night ultralight backpacking trips. Read More...

3.8 ounces, good features, soft and comfortable fabric - how does it work in the field? Read More...

Sleeves that can be worn under the No Sniveller wearable quilt or with a vest. Read More...

Simple hood that mates with the No Sniveller quilt. Read More...

The primer pan is the darling of this set. Read More...

Robust and powerful alcohol stove that doesn't require a pot stand. Read More...

You won't see this one in stores, or on the Mountainsmith website yet. We take a first look at a super comfortable and well designed alpine/snow sport backpack; a precursor to our full review. Read More...

This snowshoeing accessory adds warmth and water resistance to any shoe, without adding much weight. Will their one-size offering fit your shoes? Read More...

Weather resistant Epic shell, good loft, great price - but heavier than the lightest down jackets of similar loft. Read More...

Lofty, 9.6 ounce hooded down sweater. Read More...

New full-zip 11 ounce down sweater. Read More...

Value priced aluminum-framed snowshoes. Read More...

Tapered snowshoes for multi-purpose use. Read More...

Only 2.8 ounces, fits well, but limited utility. Read More...

A mantle-type canister fuel lantern that puts out lots of light, is silent, and gets good gas mileage Read More...

A free-standing Tarptent with side-entry, loads of headroom, and under two pounds! Read More...

A well-vented top that excels in warm weather Read More...

Marmot's Precip Plus 7 ounce rain jacket Read More...

Nifty cooking system where the pot converts into a double walled mug. Read More...

Anodized aluminum flatware that is light - and aesthetically pleasing. Read More...

Gore-Tex PacLite fabric rain jacket. Read More...

More headroom, usable volume, and pitch options. Also a little more weight and complexity. Read More...

A sub-1-pound summer weight quilt that can be used as a top blanket or hammock under quilt. Read More...

Simple, lightweight, and versatile. Read More...

Spices for those of us who want no fuss, no muss, and little weight Read More...

Mini alcohol stove that doesn't require a pot stand or priming. Read More...

Lightest woven fabric dry sacks on the market today. Read More...

Double wall two-person tent with two doors, two vestibules, easy setup, and interior pockets for organizing gear: all for just a shade over three pounds. Read More...

A first look at a lightweight down quilt for saving weight on your 3-season sleep system. Read More...

First look at the Jacks 'R' Better 8'x8' Square SilNyl Tarp. Read More...

Ultralight and ultra-tough, a ground cloth for the masses with a weight that appeals to the fringe. Read More...

New in the USA: simple packs that redefine the notion of "lightweight durability". Read More...

Full grain leather, leather lined, waterproof, and truly ultralight at two pounds per PAIR. Read More...

Hallelujah! No fragile mantles! Good fuel efficiency and bright output make this a tempting gadget for winter camping. Read More...

Internal frame, enough volume for a long trek, and light weight = more appeal for traditional backpackers looking to "go light" without gettin' freaky about it. Read More...

Fuel miser and a SYSTEM (burner + wind screen + pot support) weight of less than an ounce...take notice. Read More...

A folding windscreen keeps this stove kit small but offers the power for boiling larger volumes of water. Read More...

A tiny stove well suited for backpackers that view pint sized cooking mugs as group cooking devices. Read More...

Rain shirt? Jacket? Who cares: It's 7 oz and has the ability to disappear in a corner of your pack. Read More...

A worthy successor to the long-missed Puffball: less than seven ounces and packs to the size of a (insert cliche here: grapefruit! softball! water bottle!). Read More...

Internal frame option, narrow profile, and ease of use are the hallmarks of this lighweight backpack. Read More...

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