GoLite Footwear has developed a unique underfoot suspension system that largely accomplishes their intentions. The shoes are comfortable, but there are durability concerns for the soles. Read More...
Trim-fitting ultralight three-season down jacket with a great shell and basic feature set, but its numerous horizontal seams allow down fragments to leak out. Read More...
The E-620 is the lightest mid-sized or "crop sensor" format DSLR with all the functionality and image quality for serious backcountry still photography - even in difficult situations like handheld shots in low morning and evening light. Read More...
Lower volume ultralight backpack with removable stays and other components - so you can set up the pack for individual trips and personal preferences to your heart's content. Read More...
Totally synthetic, luggy soles, and a breathable draining upper, plus a range of width fittings including really wide (4E). (Updated 9/22/09) Read More...
Not the lightest down jacket to be found, but it's an excellent balance of warmth and durability, and versatile the year around as an outer layer or midlayer. Read More...
A packrafting paddle is not a particularly special thing. It’s simply a kayak paddle, capable of being broken down into two or four pieces for easy stowage while inside or attached to a pack. Read More...
A compact digicam with a professional pedigree, the LX3 tempts outdoor photographers with a fast wide angle (f:2.0/24 mm equivalent) zoom lens, RAW file capability, high-definition video and solid performance. Read More...
The Nemo Nano Elite is marketed by the manufacturer as a lightweight, fast set-up tent aimed at adventure racers and the fast-and-light crowd. Since I can't run with the former, I try to hang with the latter. Read More...
Totally synthetic, good soles, and a XCR membrane for wet weather use, plus a range of width fittings including really wide. Very good under some winter conditions, but with a curious defect which limits their use. Read More...
Although the Scarp 2 incorporates several weight-saving and space-making design elements to create a friendly, roomy, well ventilated, and stable tent for two campers, these benefits do not come without compromise. Read More...
With a trail weight of just 1 pound 11 ounces, it's the Guinness World Record holder for the lightest double-wall tent commercially available, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. Read More...
The MSR Hyperflow was previously reviewed in 2008, and was found to be light and convenient for crystal clear water, but it died very quickly in any other water. MSR acknowledged this problem and modified the cartridge to handle poorer water quality. The modified cartridge is tested here to see if there is an improvement. Read More...
At less than four ounces and roomy enough for a weekend of SUL gear (30L), the ZPacks Blast 18 certainly qualifies as "SUL" by the standard set several years ago by the Gossamer Gear G6, but is far more durable (yet has a similar weight as the first G6). Read More...
Backpacking Light has been able to spend time with a pre-production Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Pad in the laboratory, in our living rooms, and in the field. Does the product deliver? Read More...
The Functional Design Sweetie Pie Bag Expander is a versatile, zip-in, sleeping bag expander that can be used singly for individuals that enjoy more space, or together with another expander as a sleeping bag doubler. Two expanders can also be zipped together to form a child-sized bag allowing for an adventurous toddler to have his own space. Read More...
At one ounce per pair, these waterproof/breathable rain mitts are designed for ultralight backpacking, but should they be worn over a jacket sleeve or under it? Read More...
Prior to the Terra Nova Laser Photon, the Laser Competition was listed by Guinness World Records as "the lightest two-skin (double-wall) tent." While no longer the record-holder, at just over 2 pounds, the Laser Competition is still among the lightest double-wall tents on the market. Read More...
At 2 pounds, 10 ounces, the Montana is the lightest two-person double-wall tent available, but extreme lightness comes with a few tradeoffs. Read More...
The Sigma DP1 is a unique compact camera with a large sensor capable of taking superb quality photos but it is slow to use with some poor design features. Read More...
Two nesting bowls, strong polypropylene, ~20 fluid ounces capacity each, about 1.5 ounces weight each and US$8.95 for the set: they can't be too bad! Read More...
Tarptent's newest, lightest solo tent is innovative and available in breathable Tyvek and traditional silnylon versions. At 18.5 ounces, the Tyvek Sublite is the lightest breathable fabric tent available. Read More...
The Exposure Lights Joystick MaXx and Enduro MaXx are rechargeable lights with excellent versatility for multi-sport pursuits. They can go from the bicycle to the backpack very easily, offering exceptional brightness, light weight, and a weatherproof design. Read More...
Osprey's new Exos 46 and Exos 58 backpacks are designed specifically for lightweight backpacking, and, at just over 2 pounds, set a new weight standard for an internal frame backpack with a built-in frame. Plus, they're durable and full-featured. Read More...
This new single wall tent provides convenience and ventilation, plus loads of room for one person and gear and can accommodate two people when needed. Read More...
Two-person single wall tent with a twist: one side is double wall, so the fly can be rolled up in good weather for extra views and ventilation. Read More...
ARTICLES Gear Reviews
Photon ReX Review by Roger Caffin and Rick Dreher, with contributions from Will Rietveld
The Photon ReX looks like another one of those little button-cell LED lights, but it has a couple of very nice surprises - and it even works well. Testing it presented some difficulties, but these were generally easy to overcome. Read More...
With a natural bamboo overlay and a leather grip and strap, these poles have a beautiful and classic look. Underneath the bamboo is a modern tapered carbon fiber trekking pole that is both lightweight and very stiff. Read More...
A new development in the area of microfilters which is both light and field maintainable, but does it work well enough? There are problems when the water is not crystal clear. Read More...
At 25.2 ounces for the Refuge and 15.8 ounces for the "world's lightest two-man" Refuge X, Six Moon Designs now has two of the lightest floored single-wall shelters on the market (and the only floored tent made of Cuben Fiber). Were the design compromises and added expense worth the weight savings? Read More...
With all-new, tapered and oversized carbon fiber shafts, the Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 is significantly stiffer than previous models. As reigning “lightest trekking pole” champ, how does this affect the pole’s overall weight? Read More...
A seven-ounce mosquito-free haven which, when mated with the Gatewood Cape, becomes the inner half of an eighteen-ounce double walled tent system. Read More...
Camp chair aficionados rejoice - the ten ounce barrier has been convincingly broken by Big Agnes with their six ounce Cyclone SL chair kit. Read More...
A unique feature of the Convertible it that a third pole can be added to "convert" it from a three-season tent to a "WinterLite" four-season tent. At 3.5 pounds for a complete two-person double-wall tent, the Convertible in three season mode is 2.6 ounces heavier than Big Sky's award-winning Evolution 2P, but new design elements make it more stable and versatile. Read More...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
A roomy, comfortable, lightweight framed backpack with lots of pockets, good load control, an adjustable torso length, and a few weak spots. Read More...
Right on target for the lightweight backpacker: 70-liter, 3-pound internal frame pack with the right load-carrying capacity and feature set. Read More...
Ultralight mountaineering boots that are great on rock and ice as well as long approaches on the trail. But are they durable and warm enough? Read More...
One ounce of fresh innovation: rotary switch, white-and-red LED array, modular form, storage capsule, waterproof. But not perfect - our tests reveal some weaknesses. Read More...
The Icebox does the igloo engineering for you, but you still have a steep learning curve. Once you master the technique, you may discover a new and fun wintertime activity. Read More...
Introduces some major advancements in single wall tent design and provides user friendliness not seen before in a single wall tent, but there are a few details that could be refined. Read More...
Ultralight (just over 2 1/2 pounds) single wall tent with a bathtub floor and plenty of space for three adults - or maybe the whole family. Read More...
Lightweight single wall, two-person shelter with lots going for it: quality materials and construction, ease of set up, interior space and headroom, and storm worthiness – but it has one major problem. Read More...
Tarptent introduces the 1+ person Contrail, a throwback to the original minimalist Tarptent, but loaded with refinements and new design elements. Read More...
At just over 1 ½ pounds, the Squall Classic improves on the original Tarptent Squall design with bathtub floor, spinnaker cloth construction, Easton aluminum stakes, and guyline adjusters. It drops significant weight from the Tarptent Squall 2 but does it go far enough to justify the cost? Read More...
Radically different snowshoes using an injection-moulded flexible deck with all-over grip, a fast webbing binding and tough crampons, claiming great agility on all slopes. Read More...
If you can fit your gear into 30 liters, for 1 pound 5 ounces you get a bomber pack with almost every conceivable feature (except a frame). Read More...
Winner of the 2005 Lightitude Award for best single wall shelter, the Squall 2 improves on the classic Squall with several important updates. Read More...
With a massive total area of 58.3 square feet and a weight of less than 6 pounds, the Hilleberg Kaitum delivers serious livable space for the weight. But how does it stand up to the rough alpine and winter environments it was designed for? Read More...
While the Komperdell C3 Airshock poles are not the lightest trekking poles around, they pack adjustability, grips with comfortable straps, and an antishock system into a very lightweight pole. Read More...
Strong, light, fixed-length carbon fiber poles with one useful extra feature - the ability to break the poles down into two sections for easy transport. Read More...
Stiff, lightweight, and reasonably priced, the Alpkit Carbonlite poles are the carbon trekking pole value leaders. How did they stand up to months of abuse? Read More...
The lightest poles on the market, now with stiffer shafts and more contoured grips. Are the shafts stiff and durable enough for serious trail usage? Read More...
Three-section carbon fiber trekking poles that combine sturdy construction, rigidity, and vibration absorption in a very light and compact package. This “Women’s” pole is sized for most hikers, regardless of gender. Read More...
Unique molded grips add extreme comfort and power to these heavier two-section aluminum/carbon fiber hybrids. But are they worth the weight? Read More...
Innovative dual-fuel stove for canisters and white gas and variants that works very well with canister fuel and reasonably well with white gas. Read More...
Innovative multi-fuel stove for canisters, white gas and kerosene that performs well with canister fuel but is difficult to use with the other fuels. Read More...
Built for the gear-obsessed SUL crowd, the 3.2 ounce Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation pack is the lightest pack on the market while still offering a usable set of features. Further, it is the first commercially-available pack to be constructed of high-tech Cuben Fiber fabric. Impressive – yes, but how does it stand up to the rigors of off-trail hiking? Read More...
Panel-loading ultralight frameless backpack with a large top pocket - a great feature set - but it also has a few limitations that affect its field performance. Read More...
With the new 2006 edition of the Terrastryder, Dunham has corrected the seam failure problem of its predecessor. The new boot merits high marks, except for one annoying carryover problem. Read More...
The feature set of this new boot from Dunham suggests that it might be an ideal lightweight, insulated, waterproof boot for snowshoeing and snow hiking. That would be true, if it were not for one serious problem… Read More...
Both lightweight AND durable, the new ULA Relay is a full-featured frameless daypack capable of comfortably carrying a heavy load - but there are a few nits to pick. Read More...
Seals perfectly with the head opening in the JRB poncho quilts and has lots of puff for the weight, but the non-adjustable neck opening can let in drafts when it is used for sleeping. Read More...
Other double-wall tent manufacturers claim that their tent is “ultralight” or even “hyperlight,” but the Evolution 2P really IS light without sacrificing anything in features or convenience - but of course it's not perfect. Read More...
Spacious, durable, wind-stable 4.5 lb tent - while very light for its size, it still can't match the area to weight ratio of our highest rated double wall tent. Read More...
Cutting edge design and materials, loaded with features, user-friendly, load capable, and fits like wearing a vest - but a tad heavy by lightweight standards, and needs a few tweaks here and there. Read More...
Comfortable, light (but it should lose half a pound), and compact backpack with enough capacity and load control to support multi-day outings. Read More...
New for 2006, the Stratos 34 daypack provides all the features, fit, and comfort you can ask for from a general use daypack. It’s also bomb-proof, and heavy by our standards. Read More...
A four-season solo tent that weights just 3 pounds, offers excellent usable space, is very durable, and provides full storm protection...does the Hilleberg Akto have a down side? Read More...
Double-wall, two-person tent with a minimum weight of 3.5 lbs, good usable space, and an innovative design with some nice features but also a couple of drawbacks. Read More...
A 3.3-pound double wall tent that uses an innovative Y-pole design to maximize interior space. The full mesh inner walls are good...and bad. Read More...
Double wall tent that weighs only 2.5 lbs; fly and pole weigh 1.5 lbs and can be pitched as a tarp. Of course, there's a drawback to these light weights. Read More...
Lightweight for the volume, plenty of weight-carrying capacity, and user-friendly features, although the water bottle pockets could be more easily accessible. Read More...
A poncho/tarp is a good choice for SuperUltraLight backpacking. With this one you get a good shelter, rainwear, and pack cover for only 7 ounces. Read More...
A waterproof sleeping bag may sound like overkill, until you think about the possibilities – like sleeping under the stars without getting damp or wet insulation, and leaving the bivy sack at home. Read More...
This upgrade to the classic Virga is a quarter pound heavier and includes some nice improvements, and some changes that need more tweaking. Read More...
An asymmetric frame and lightweight durable materials - like titanium crampons - give these racing shoes a lot of attitude, but they're not cut out for general backcountry use. Read More...
A full featured rain shell with pit zips that weighs only 11.2 ounces (size L), but how does the fabric - MontBell Breeze Dry-Tec three-layer waterproof/breathable - perform? Read More...
The lightest waterproof/breathable rain pants available: nearly perfect, with one glaring problem - that we show you how to address "easily enough" without adding a lot of weight. Read More...
Just because Skurka and Coup chose this raingear/shelter for their record-setting thru-hikes, that doesn't mean it will work for you. Here's the scoop on a tough poncho that makes a great shelter but suffers a little in raingear mode. Read More...
An internal frame panel loading pack with a polished design, plenty of features, and rock solid performance. The Lexus of small volume panel loaders? Perhaps. Read More...
Product performance review of the Advanced Mountain Products Alumilite Stove Set Alcohol Stove, a lightweight alcohol stove for backpacking. Read More...
Product performance review of the OutdoorEquipmentSupplier Ultralight Backpacking Alcohol Stove, a lightweight alcohol stove for backpacking. Read More...
Product performance review of AntiGravityGear Pot Cozy including comparison data on how long contents stay warm in a pot with and without a Cozy in freezing and room temperature conditions. Read More...
Product performance review of the Arc'Teryx Fission Belay Parka, a lightweight synthetic insulated backpacking jacket with a Gore Dryloft shell. Read More...
Product performance review of the Coleman Exponent F1 Ultralight canister stove - a performance underdog among small stoves on the market. Read More...
Single wall two hoop design provides exceptional headroom and interior space, and a full panel door offers terrific views and good ventilation. Read More...
So, how do you make a waterproof tent out of non-waterproof fabric? Black Diamond shows us how with the Firstlight EPIC by Nextec single wall freestanding tent. Read More...
The 50 liter GoLite Infinity provides stable load carrying with an innovative internal frame and enough options to sufficiently organize your gear, for less than three pounds. Read More...
The GoLite Dawn provides a compact, stable carry for small dense loads. Although billed as a day pack, the accomplished ultralight backpacker will find plenty of room for several nights on the trail. At less than a pound, the GoLite Dawn is a very attractive option for ultralight hiking with small volume loads. Read More...
The GoLite Jam Backpack is a frameless pack that carries well. A smaller cousin to the GoLite Gust, the Jam offers a few more features and better load stability for smaller load volumes. Read More...
A solid choice for the sloppy mountains of the Pacific Northwest, but deviates unnecessarily from the basic design of general purpose backpacking rainwear. Read More...
The GoLite Phantom Rain Jacket weighs less than 12 oz yet provides full weather protection and good breathability with Gore-Tex Pac-Lite III fabric. This is a full-featured shell providing parka-length coverage, pit zips, and generous pocket space. Read More...
The GoLite Lair 1 Shelter offers more weather protection than a tarp without a dramatic weight penalty. At less than 12 oz, the Lair 1 is ideally suited for solo travel in areas where ventilation is important but the chance for rain is very real. Read More...
The GoLite Vapor Vest capitalizes on vapor barrier principles to keep your insulation dry while wearing a backpack and hiking (or skiing, or climbing) in very cold conditions. Read More...
The GoLite Hex 3 Shelter is a winter traveler's dream: a floorless shelter that provides bombproof wind and storm protection. For 3-season use, the Hex 3 is a roomy refuge from fringe season storms. Read More...
The Polarguard 3D-filled GoLite Flash Sleeping Bag takes a modular approach to sleep systems, with a removable top that can be used to adjust the temperature range of the bag: when it's warm, simply zip it off and leave it home. Read More...
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