Gear » State of the Market Reports

Comprehensive review of lightweight and ultralight trekking poles used for backpacking. Read More...

We put eleven different wood-burning models to the test. Check out which performed best, and which stove had catastrophic failure during testing. But don't worry: no forests were harmed in the making of this SOTM! Read More...

Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews Read More...

If almost everyone is taking manufacturing to China, what are the short- and long-term consequences for both the developed and developing worlds? Read More...

Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report Read More...

The second in a series exploring the use of minimalist footwear for backpacking, Damien explores what works when summer is gone. Keeping your feet warm in barely-there shoes is no mean - ahem - feat. Read More...

Unlike more traditional running shoes, there is no set pattern established and accepted as to what characteristics make a good minimalist shoe. We scan the currently available products and test some out to see how applicable these designs are for ultralight backpacking. Read More...

Mini-review for the Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Mats State of the Market Report 2011 Read More...

Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews Read More...

Mini-review for the Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Mats State of the Market Report 2011 Read More...

Mini-review for the Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Mats State of the Market Report 2011 Read More...

A critical look at seven lightweight rain pants to keep you dry this spring. Read More...

Comparison review of single wall tents and shelters for lightweight backpacking. Read More...

A look at five lightweight shelters with extra space for your partner, gear, or four-legged companion. Read More...

Part 1 in our 3 part series on two-way satellite communications for lightweight backpacking. Read More...

Part 2 in our 3 part series on satellite communications focuses on the currently available sat phones suitable for lightweight backpacking. Read More...

Part 3 in our series on satellite communications focuses on the currently available two-way texting devices suitable for lightweight backpacking. Read More...

Performance factors, ratings and specifications for 14 sub-2-pound bivy sacks, staff picks. Read More...

Tired of solo trips? Ditch the tiny tarp for one of these multi-person shelters and share the weight with your friends and family. You may even save a few ounces! Read More...

Three years ago, LED lights couldn't compete with incandescent headlamps in demanding conditions. Today, it's a whole different ballgame. Read More...

Veteran gear editors Chris Townsend and Will Rietveld unlock the mystique of the single wall tent - identifying their advantages and disadvantages, evaluating designs and technologies, listing specifications on the lightest ones available, picking their favorites for a range of applications, and speculating on future trends. Read More...

A lot of designers are moving to add lightweight options in their double-wall tent line-ups. Some have so many advantages and low weights that they may challenge the benefit of choosing a single-wall shelter! Read More...

Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews Read More...

Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report Read More...

These specialized packs are constructed of high-tech materials, weigh as little as 2.75 ounces, and are capable of carrying your sub-5-pound SUL kit for several days. Read More...

BPL's techno guy discusses the attributes of the lightweight backpacker's perfect digital camera - and laments the fact that no one is making it yet! Read More...

Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report Read More...

Fat bike, skis, or snowshoes? A discussion of the most efficient tools for oversnow travel. Read More...

How tunnel tents work, why they can handle extreme weather, and how to pitch them under extreme conditions. Read More...

Part 2 of this tutorial examines the specifics of tunnel tent design and functionality and lists the commercially available tents. Read More...

Part 3 of this tutorial gives the details on the seven tunnel tents included in this report. Read More...

A state-of-the-art overview of ultralight down jackets – we analyze the components and discuss “baffling” issues like shell fabrics, down quality, fill weight, packing density, loft, and warmth. Read More...

Seriously lightweight down jackets – those most suitable for ultralight backpacking and other lightweight pursuits. Our evaluation includes comparative specifications, calculated parameters, warmth testing, ratings, and identifying the standouts for different situations, needs, and preferences. Read More...

Multi-purpose three-season down jackets balance light weight, warmth, and features. These jackets are designed to please as many people as possible, in as many activities as possible, while keeping the overall weight light enough to impress the average consumer. Our evaluation includes comparative specifications, calculated parameters, warmth testing, ratings, and identifying the standouts for different situations, needs, and preferences. Read More...

Mummy bags win hands down as the most thermally efficient bag design. An ultralight down mummy combined with an ultralight down jacket and pants creates a remarkably warm and versatile sleeping system for colder conditions. Join Will as he rounds up and rates the lightest three-season down mummy bags. Read More...

Part 2: Details on the ten jackets in the report. Read More...

Part 1: Why should you buy a WPB rain jacket? And why would you buy one that weighs more than 8 ounces (227 g)? Read More...

State of the market report and ratings for top bags, quilts, and wearable sleeping bags. Read More...

Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews Read More...

Mini-review for the 2011 Lightweight Inflatable Sleeping Pads State of the Market Report Read More...

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Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews Read More...

Weatherproof, lightweight, breathable. Might the windshirt be the ultimate tool in the lighwieght backpacker's arsenal? Read More...

Weatherproof, lightweight, breathable. Might the windshirt be the ultimate tool in the lightweight backpacker's arsenal? Read More...

Wind Shirt Wars Review Summary Read More...