Gear Reviews
Backpacking Light has built a hard-won reputation for comprehensive and fair product reviews, reflecting our Editorial Values of Objectivity, Trust, Authority, Inclusivity, and Clarity.
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Latest
Elemental Horizons Kalais XT Pack Review
The Elemental Horizons Kalais XT backpack (42.8 oz / 1213 g, $336) is a 60.4-liter pack meant to handle the harshest and most rugged conditions.
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review
This Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket Review features an ultralight hooded jacket insulated with Climashield Apex that weighs 8.4 oz (238 g).
Enlightened Equipment Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt Review (First Looks)
Enlightened Equipment’s new Rev-HOLE-ation Quilt ($335, 24 oz / 686 g) is a fresh take on a classic: The Revelation Quilt.
Goosefeet Custom Down Sweater First Looks
This first look at the Goosefeet Gear Custom Down Sweater summarizes features, specifications, and photo details of an ultralight down garment that weighs less than 6 oz (170 g).
Seek Outside Divide 4500 Pack Review
The Seek Outside Divide 4500 is an external frame backpack featuring a roll-top closure, two oversized side pockets, and a back pocket.
Platypus GravityWorks Filter Review (6L)
We review the 6-Liter model of the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter, intended to provide water for groups and for basecamp scenarios.
Spot X Review
The Spot X ( 7 oz / 198 g, $199.99) is a rechargeable two-way satellite messenger with a QWERTY Keyboard among other features.
LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack Review
The LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack (16 oz / 453 g, $255+*) is a frameless ultralight pack constructed partially of Dyneema Composite fabric.
Tarptent Double Rainbow Li Tent Review
The Tarptent Double Rainbow Li is a 2-person, side-entry, 2-door (and 2-vestibule) hybrid single/double-wall tent made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics that weighs 27 oz (765 g).
REI Flash Air 1 Tent Review
The REI Flash Air 1 Tent (20 oz / 567 g, $249) is a hybrid single/double-wall solo tent with a single entrance and vestibule and can be supported by a single trekking pole.
Feathered Friends Eos Down Vest Review
The Feathered Friends Eos Down Vest (7 oz / 200 g, $249.00) is a simple, well-constructed, well-fitting down vest with a high warmth-to-weight ratio.
Tarptent Notch Li Review (Updated: V2 2020 Version)
This Tarptent Notch Li Review presents the benefits of Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) for ultralight backpacking shelters, assesses its design/feature set, and compares the Notch Li to its competitors.
Tarptent Moment DW Review (2019 Version)
The Tarptent Moment DW is a one-person, single-hoop tunnel, silnylon double-walled backpacking tent with a highly modular design.
First Looks: REI Flash Air 1 Tent
The REI Flash Air 1 is a 1-person, hybrid-wall (single/double) tent that can be pitched with a single trekking pole and weighs 20 oz.
Biolite Headlamp 200 Review
The Biolite Headlamp 200 (1.75 oz /50 g, $44.95) is a USB-rechargeable headlamp with a unique design that makes it very comfortable and stable.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket Review
The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket (4.93 oz/140 g, $190) is minimally-featured, made with 75k MVTR fabric, and is reasonably-priced.
Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review
The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is a hooded, full-zip synthetic active insulation mid-layer that weighs 13.2 oz (375 g) and retails for $299.
Kammock Mantis and Mantis UL Hammock Review
The Kammok Mantis and Mantis UL are all-in-one hammock shelters that include hanging systems, tarps, bug netting, and more.
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
This ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket review is comprehensive and addresses long-term performance, breathability, DWR, and more.
Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Quilt Review
The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Ultralight Top Bag is an affordable, semi-customizable down quilt that is offered in a variety of colors, fill weights (i.e., temperature ratings), foot box types, lengths, and widths. The quilt featured in this review is rated for 30 F (-1 C), has a "wide" width (55 in / 140 cm), standard length (5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 2 in / 170 cm to 187 cm), and a sewn footbox. This model retails for $179.95, has a claimed weight of 22 oz (624 g), and a claimed loft (single layer) of 2 in (5 cm).
