Gear » Reviews

Take a walk through the backpacking addicted mind of Ray as he explains his journey to custom quilts, and read a review of his favorite model, a 14-ounce beauty made by fellow BPL-er Javan Dempsey. Read More...

Can 100% titanium justify the price tag? Read More...

Simplicity and strength in an all-season shelter. Read More...

Nemo becomes a serious player in the ultralight tent category. The Obi Elite 1P is a cutting edge one-person double-wall tent that matches the weight and roominess of many single-wall tents. Read More...

Durable lightweight packs that can carry a larger volume (and higher weight) expedition kit. Read More...

If unlimited traction is what you want in a snowshoe, the Lightning Flash delivers; it can rightfully lay claim to the title of lightest high-traction snowshoe available. Read More...

Large sensor. High resolution. Small package. Interchangeable lenses. Is the DSLR finally dead for the backpacking photographer? Read More...

Rab's new baselayers blend merino wool and synthetic fabrics - do they achieve the best of both worlds? Read More...

For fast, easy over-snow travel, combine the traits of a snowshoe and those of a ski. A short, fat ski would keep the maneuverability, packability and hopefully light weight of a snowshoe as well as the glide and easy trail breaking of a ski. How well does this theory play out in reality? Read More...

The Jacks ‘R’ Better Sierra Stealth Quilt is an ultralight summer quilt designed “with the ground sleeper in mind.” As the lightest of three wearable quilts available from JRB, the Sierra Stealth has a resealable Velcro head hole in the center that allows the quilt to be used as a serape around camp - eliminating the need for a lightweight jacket in addition to sleeping gear. Read More...

Incorporating a stand-alone trail crampon that works along with the snowshoe itself, the Mountain 28 eliminates the need to carry a separate traction device for conditions that call for grip, not float. Intriguing in theory, how did it work in practice? Read More...

This single-wall, three/four-season, tipi-style shelter is the largest tipi in the VersaShelter line. A significant amount of the weight savings comes from the use of an all carbon fiber pole. Read More...

These highly anticipated poles made quite a splash at 2011 ORWM. The Xenon 4 Trekking Poles are light, compact, easy to use and reasonably priced. How did they stand up to testing? Read More...

A versatile shelter with a unique design, the Pentalite manages to bring something new to the realm of pyramid tent design: a large floorspace and optional full bug protection without a full-height inner bug net. The size, weight savings, and flexibility of this design make it a good candidate for a group backpacking, car camping, or base camp use. So far, so good, right? Read More...

On paper, the palatial space and bare-essentials engineering of this tent make it appear like a dream come true for ultralight group travel. How does it actually perform in the real world? Read More...

The Flash is basically a flashier PCS and will eventually replace it. Read More...

Jetboil’s lightest and most technically advanced integrated canister fuel cooking system. Read More...

Same features, nearly the same performance, and less expensive than the Sol Ti Premium Cooking System. Read More...

A scaled down and inexpensive version of the original PCS, the Zip is lighter weight and a great value. Read More...

The lightest canister fuel stove in the world. Read More...

An integrated stove from Primus similar to the Jetboil PCS, with a few design improvements but similar performance. Read More...

The NB1000 replaces the discontinued Keen Growler as our favorite lightweight insulated boot; it’s made of lighter materials and has the same insulation and functionality. Read More...

A sub-40 ounce, two-person, double-wall, hybrid tunnel tent that sheds wind and rain with ease? Read More...

The Mount Asgard Smock is a minimalist mountaineering shell meant to withstand hard use and bad weather. If Superman needed a jacket, would this be the one? Read More...

Patagonia introduces the lightest down jacket to be found. We now have four good contenders for an ultralight down jacket shootout; which one will come out on top? Read More...

Can a lighter, easier hammock hang convert this avowed tent user? Read More...

Straightforward, reliable and lightweight adjustable, collapsible aluminum trekking poles. Read More...

An old stalwart among frameless backpacks, the Virga has remarkable fit and comfort, but it has a few quirks as well. Read More...

The Eagle is the Platypus of frameless backpacks: it has some unique design features, loads of comfort and convenience features, and it's a great value, but is it the right pack for you? Read More...

Just slightly heavier than the 740s, do the 814s finally hit all Roger's sweet spots despite their weight? Read More...

ZPacks offers a range of pack sizes, fabrics, and innovative pack options that minimize weight. You end up with a really lightweight custom pack. How does the tested ZPacks Dyneema X 26 compare to other lightweight frameless packs for ultralight backpacking? Read More...

Created to eat up miles without eating up your feet, but is Brad suitably impressed? Read More...

The Aquilo is the mouse that roared. I expected it to be a smaller frameless backpack based on its specifications, but it jumped into the high volume pack category, then it came out on top in that group. Read More...

These lightweight synthetic baselayers are remarkably warm for their weight and highly versatile. Read More...

Another fine member of the lightweight low-cut New Balance jogger family. Read More...

Terra Nova maintains their reputation with the latest “lightest double-wall shelter in the world,” weighing just over 1 pound. This one has a Cuben Fiber canopy and floor. Read More...

The Tumalo line is GoLite's most affordable WPB rain gear, yet only gives up a little weight on their top-of-the-line offerings. How does it perform? Read More...

German innovation hits the frameless backpacking market: water resistant with a volume that manages to work well for overnighters and week-long expeditions. Is it too good to be true? Read More...

A lower volume frameless pack constructed of a Cuben fiber/ripstop nylon laminate that’s cutting edge and raises the bar for frameless backpack elegance. Read More...

The CDT is a really nice frameless backpack that would be even better with a few revisions. And there is one thing you really need to know… Read More...

Creation vs Evolution: one of the thorniest questions ever and one I prefer to stay away from most of the time. But Bob Molen’s latest creation is the ever-evolving Evolution 2P, and one I feel comfortable tackling. It is almost divine... Read More...

Dropping two full pounds from my current tent weight to use a sub-five-pound three-person double-wall tent all summer sounded too good to be true. How did MSR's lightest 3P shelter work for the Estrella family? Read More...

Does the strong appeal, on paper, of the Integral Designs eVent Pullover materialize in real-world use? Read More...

It's a $100 DOWN bag. Too good to be true? You may be surprised... Read More...

A higher volume (59 L) durable fabric frameless backpack with superb design, construction, and options. Read More...

Featuring 900 fill-power down, baffled construction, high loft, and a nearly waterproof shell, the Yukon Pullover is a well-balanced four-season down parka. Is this the ultimate ultralight down garment for cold weather pursuits? Read More...

Very warm, quality gear from a cottage manufacturer dedicated to innovative lightweight sleeping solutions. Read More...

Cascade Designs upgraded their ProLite self-inflating mat once again, with another weight reduction. What were the consequences of weight loss on warmth? Read More...

Lightweight, collapsible, fixed-length poles that use avalanche pole technology to lock the sections. Read More...

These Cuben Fiber shelter systems are among the lightest out there, consisting of a tarp, mesh insert, and front beak and providing five useful shelter options! Read More...