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
Macpac Epic 150 SF Sleeping Bag REVIEW
A waterproof sleeping bag may sound like overkill, until you think about the possibilities – like sleeping under the stars without getting damp or wet insulation, and leaving the bivy sack at home.
Western Mountaineering Flight Down Jacket REVIEW
Lofty, light, warm, and durable for its weight - although it does lose a few feathers at the seams.
MontBell Down Inner Jacket REVIEW
The MontBell Down Inner Jacket is only $139, but lacks the loft of the leading jackets.
Atlas 10 Series All Mountain Snowshoe REVIEW
Not the lightest snowshoes we tested, but wonderful performers.
Gossamer Gear NightLight Sleeping Pad (Torso Length) REVIEW
Durable, resistant to compression, and very comfortable for the weight, but a couple of extra inches would be nice.
Northern Lites Elite Snowshoe REVIEW
The lightest snowshoes on the market, but with less traction than heavier shoes.
Crescent Moon Gold Series 9 Snowshoe REVIEW
Nice innovations including a shape that allows a more natural walking gait, but heavy.
Tubbs Elevation Snowshoe REVIEW
Clever, simple, user-friendly, and durable; but heavy.
Tarptent Virga 2 REVIEW
This upgrade to the classic Virga is a quarter pound heavier and includes some nice improvements, and some changes that need more tweaking.
Jacks ‘R’ Better No Sniveller Universal Quilt REVIEW
Puffy down quilt/underquilt/poncho - so nice! Just trim the footbox please.
Dion Model 168 Rec/Fitness Snowshoe REVIEW
Modular design allows you to customize these snowshoes to the person and snow conditions, or upgrade instead of buying new snowshoes.
Jetboil French Press and Companion Cup REVIEW
Two accessories to add utility to your Jetboil Personal Cooking System.
Crescent Moon Gold Series 12 Snowshoe REVIEW
A sprinter's dream with lightweight - although less durable - materials, narrow tapered tails, and an aggressive toe cleat.
Tubbs Catalyst Snowshoe REVIEW
An asymmetric frame and lightweight durable materials - like titanium crampons - give these racing shoes a lot of attitude, but they're not cut out for general backcountry use.
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe REVIEW
Innovative, with traction - and weight - to spare.
Fanatic Fringe Alpine Trail Backpack REVIEW
A durable small volume pack for SuperUltraLight backpacking or day hiking that would benefit from load control features.
Comparison: Brunton Liberty Mantleless and Vaude/Markill Peak Illuminator Canister Lanterns – Is Mantleless Better?
A mantleless canister lantern is breakthrough technology, but how does it compare with a conventional mantle-type lantern?
Kovea X2 Canister Stove REVIEW
A good value for a sturdy, but heavy canister stove at approximately $27 US (where it’s available).
Brunton Raptor Canister Stove REVIEW
Wide pot supports and rugged - but heavy - stainless steel construction, for only 40 bucks.
Kovea Camp 3 Canister Stove REVIEW
Titanium stove - identical twin to the Markill Peak Ignition, and sister to the Vargo Jet-Ti - that has some problems in wind.
