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Latest
Make Your Own Gear: Wide-Brimmed Rain Hat
Complete instructions to construct a 2.8 ounce (size L), waterproof, wide-brimmed hat.
Rab Top Bag AR Review
An old favorite gets some important upgrades and stands out as a great value for an ultralight 30 °F sleeping bag.
SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker – Full Review
Does this highly anticipated technological breakthrough live up to the hype?
Garmin Colorado 400t Handheld Color Mapping GPS – REVIEW
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.
MYOG Titanium/Carbon Fiber Ice Axe
Following the Review of the ULA Helix Potty Trowel, there was considerable discussion on the Backpacking Light Forum (MYOG, DIY walking axe) regarding the use of a light "ice axe" in areas where one's life or ultimate safety would not be an issue. The author, Steven Evans, asked specific questions regarding the required length of such an ice axe, the general use of such an ice axe, and what people used in situations where a UIAA-certified ice axe would be overkill, but where a tool of some sort would be nice to have. Such a tool could be used to assist in small steep sections of snow and ice and general up-hill travel in less then desirable conditions, but it would have a weight which would be negligible on one's back when not in use. This project was born from that discussion.
MYOG – A Winter Canister Stove using your Summer Upright Stove and the Brunton Stove Stand
The Brunton Stove Stand is a nice bit of engineering, but is it really of any use? Oh yes: it can be turned into a neat winter stove with just a little DIY effort.
GoLite Ultra Quilt Review
High-quality, 800-fill down quilt with Pertex Endurance “Arid Zone” patches at head and foot is a solid value.
2008 LuxuryLite Big Survival Stik Walking Staff REVIEW
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".
Make Your Own Gear: Titanium Snow Stakes
Lightweight and stable titanium snow anchors that are easy to make
Golite Pinnacle Backpack REVIEW
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?
Make Your Own Gear: Shell Top
In "Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Shell" I discussed commercial shirts and a shell top I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here.
Post-Trip Assessment of Lightweight Gear for Long Distance Hiking
The gear list we took to France for 3 months is evaluated after our return
Make Your Own Gear – Trousers
In ‘Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Gear - Trousers’ I discussed commercial trousers and some I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here.
A Custom Backpack – Designed by You
I worked with R2 Packs to design and build my dream pack, and report on my experience.
2007 Hennessy Hyperlight Backpacker A-Sym Hammock REVIEW
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.
Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS REVIEW
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
2007 Backpacking Light Staff Picks
Backpacking Light staff pick their favorite gear of 2007
MSR MIOX Purifier REVIEW
A small electronic device for purifying water with a mixed oxidizer based on electrolyzing salt.
Gossamer Gear Miniposa Backpack REVIEW
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.
Make Your Own Gear: Tarp Guylines
A clean, simple way to attach guylines to your tarp or shelter
