Gear » Reviews

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...

Two-section carbon poles that are very light weight, adjust for different size users, and perform great in the backcountry. Read More...

Super stiff, super strong, these are bomber fixed-length mountaineering and bushwhacking poles! 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...

The Goat Poles rock for simplicity, stiffness, and light weight - but there are a few flaws that need attention. 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...

This carbon fiber snow shovel is the lightest, most versatile, and most beautiful on the market… but also the most expensive. Read More...

Does the perfect frameless backpack exist? The Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet comes pretty darn close. 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...

Looking for a weekend frameless pack that is both lightweight and durable? Check out the new ULA Conduit. 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...

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...

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...

This radically different Tarptent is destined for greatness, but needs a few refinements here and there. 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...

Robust, lightweight, stable titanium alcohol stove that can be hard to get going - until a small modification is made. Read More...

Lightweight, simple titanium alcohol stove with very stable, secure legs but just adequate heat output. Read More...

Good looking, quality construction, supportive - and comfortable too? Read More...

Powerful, dead easy to light, sturdy alcohol stove - just be careful lifting a pot off before it burns out. Read More...

Lightweight (3 oz), simple, and long. Read More...

The lightest silnylon poncho/tarp we have reviewed, but also the shortest. Read More...

Slick, two-person inflatable single wall tent. Read More...

Simple, lofty and light - to be replaced fall '06 with a heavier version - too bad. Read More...

The lightest down vest on the market, with a full zip but no neck coverage. Read More...

A big (almost 7-ounce), synthetic hood for cold weather. 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...

Lightweight, stand-alone down sleeves to pair with a vest or wearable poncho quilt. Read More...

A warm weather, wide coverage, rain hat from the makers of the classic Seattle Sombrero. Read More...

Outdoor Research Women introduces a lightweight, warm weather, sun and rain hat. 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...

There are lighter and roomier silnylon tents, but this is the lightest freestanding breathable fabric (Epic) solo tent on the market. 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...

Generously sized summer synthetic top bag that is on the heavy side of lightweight. Read More...

Rectangular down quilt that weighs less than a pound and has features that adapt it for top blanket or hammock underquilt use. Read More...

Summer weight sleeping bag or winter bag liner with great features, but a fairly trim fit. Read More...

A solid - read, heavy - and well-designed climbing pack with a unique Y-frame capable of carrying a lot of weight. 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 feature-laden pack designed for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering that doesn't translate well for general purpose use. Read More...

Lightweight and versatile snow sports pack with nice features, but falls short in some areas. Read More...

Three-watt collimated LED headlamp with rear-mount battery pack that misses perfection by just a couple of features. 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 tent for two that weighs just over 4 lbs and has a unique pole hub system that makes it a breeze to pitch. Read More...

Wrist-mounted 2.7 oz GPS unit targeted at done-in-a-day activities, tested with Topo! 4.0 mapping software. Read More...

Two-person, three-season, double wall tent with a high price but a sturdy build. Read More...

An all-day, off-piste or hut-to-hut snow sport pack with features that might just validate the weight. Read More...

A heavy, all-purpose snowshoe with an excellent crampon system. Read More...

Lightweight, comfortable, and supportive - yes. Live up to all the manufacturer's claims - no. Read More...