Top-Rated Reviews - Trailspace.com

17
votes

23 comments

Hilleberg Soulo

Pricey? Most certainly; but when I want a bomber 4-season solo shelter that I have to depend on to shield me from when Mother Nature decides…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
July 11, 2012

13
votes

8 comments

Power Pot The PowerPot

True innovation, leave those batteries at home! Fire+Water=Electricity. That is the company motto of Power Pot, and they certainly delivered…

reviewed by TheRambler
January 18, 2013

13
votes

13 comments

Sierra Designs Zissou 30 Lite DriDown

The Zissou Light 30 is a versatile, lightweight down sleeping bag, best used for three-season backpacking, especially in areas prone to heavy…

reviewed by gonzan
November 15, 2012

11
votes

20 comments

Westcomb Focus LT Hoody

The Focus LT Hoody with eVent's new DVL laminate is a very lightweight, waterproof, air permeable outer shell that is designed for fast and…

reviewed by rob5073
February 22, 2013

11
votes

14 comments

Wild Things Custom Insulight Jacket

Wild Things (WT for short) is offering its customers the opportunity to custom design a synthetically insulated jacket. This is a hard jacket…

reviewed by Jake W
February 20, 2013

11
votes

9 comments

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm

This is a great 4-season sleeping pad. From the Manufacturer: New for 2012: The XTherm mattress is the warmest mattress in the NeoAir collection,…

reviewed by Arson
October 6, 2012

11
votes

0 comments

Hilleberg Anjan 2

A nicely laid out, lightweight, 2-person, 3-season tunnel that really comes up short in the department of wet weather protection. If Hilleberg…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
August 14, 2012

11
votes

0 comments

Vargo Hexagon

In my testing, the Vargo Hexagon wood stove boils two cups of water almost as fast as a canister stove. Setup is intuitive, and since there’s…

reviewed by pillowthread
October 18, 2011

10
votes

8 comments

Brooks-Range Mojave Jacket

New technology used by Brooks-Range Mountaineering treats the down fill, which allows it to dry fast and retain its loft. The Brooks-Range Mountaineering…

reviewed by Arson
January 14, 2013

10
votes

2 comments

National Geographic The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide

Regardless of whether you are a trail novice or a seasoned trail veteran there is something for everyone in this gear guide that can be adopted…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
April 11, 2012

National Geographic The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide

10
votes

1 comment

Klymit Inertia X Frame

Purchased the X-frame in March of this year and received it at work. The pad weighed in on the postal scale at just over 9 ozs. I had to…

reviewed by Guyz
July 19, 2011

9
votes

1 comment

MSR PocketRocket

A great small canister stove that work in most 3-season activities, but that can be pushed to for season use for day or short trips. It is perfect…

reviewed by Gavin Clarke
January 18, 2013

9
votes

1 comment

Eagles Nest Outfitters Twilight LED Lights

ENO Twilight LED Lights are a great asset to any campsite! They are very versatile and can surprisingly be hung just about anywhere. I never…

reviewed by Ashleigh
December 10, 2012

Eagles Nest Outfitters Twilight LED Lights

9
votes

1 comment

Platypus Big Zip SL

Originally purchased as a backup, this has become my favorite hydration option. Easy to fill. I like the bite valve on this a fair bit better…

reviewed by leadbelly2550
September 26, 2012

9
votes

9 comments

MSR WhisperLite Universal

Finally here is a true multi-fuel (MSR calls it a hybrid) stove that burns both liquid fuels and canister gas (upright or inverted). Not only…

reviewed by trouthunter
May 3, 2012

8
votes

5 comments

Dirty Girl Gaiters Gaiter

Since I have taken to hiking and backpacking with low-cut hiking shoes, I wanted a way to keep debris from accumulating in the shoes and causing…

reviewed by bheiser1
May 5, 2013

8
votes

12 comments

Komperdell Carbon Ultralite Compact

Looking for trekking poles with carbon fiber weight and aluminum strength? Look no further! New for 2013, the Komperdell Carbon Ultralite Compact…

reviewed by Ashleigh
February 20, 2013

8
votes

6 comments

BioLite CampStove

The Biolite Camp Stove is an innovative design utilizing TEG (Thermal Electric Generator) technology, and if continued to be developed has the…

reviewed by TheRambler
December 7, 2012

8
votes

6 comments

Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Solar

I will go without TP before I go without this pad. This is one of those iconic pieces of gear that came along and made the world a better place…

reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
July 30, 2012

8
votes

0 comments

Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2

Context: I mostly go on short (typically two days two nights) backpacking trips in and around East Tennessee, USA. Although the days out are…

reviewed by Patman
January 6, 2012

8
votes

2 comments

Mile High Mountaineering Divide 55

A very well thought out and designed pack that needs to have a few kinks worked out. MHM is a fairly new company so growing pains are to be…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
November 29, 2011

8
votes

0 comments

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1

A rather nice 3 season UL solo that is very weather resistant, comfortable, roomy and user friendly. But with the light weight comes a price;…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
September 1, 2011

8
votes

1 comment

Sierra Designs Revival 65

Summary My initial impression of the Sierra Designs Revival 65 backpack was that it's well made, with impressive design and attention to detail.

reviewed by gonzan
July 20, 2011

7
votes

6 comments

Platypus GravityWorks Filter System

Overall I found the Platypus GravityWorks 2 liter to be a convenient and easy approach to the problem of providing potable water. No water treatment…

reviewed by Bill S
April 30, 2013

7
votes

5 comments

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew

I'm a recovering coffee snob who, in previous years, would have rather drank mud from a puddle than instant coffee of any brand. Those days…

reviewed by bigger al
March 19, 2013

7
votes

9 comments

Montane Featherlite Down Jacket

The Montane Featherlite down jacket is a very well thought-out and constructed jacket, ideal for active mountain activities, winter trekking,…

reviewed by gonzan
January 4, 2013

7
votes

4 comments

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

These poles are good for anyone needing a light, adjustable height pole for on-trail use. These are the most well balanced trekking poles I’ve…

reviewed by Patman
November 27, 2012

7
votes

3 comments

Petzl NAO Headlamp

The Petzl NAO is a very high tech headlamp featuring a wide range of brightness levels (15 to 355 lumens) and automatic adjustment of brightness…

reviewed by Bill S
November 10, 2012

7
votes

6 comments

NEMO Nocturne 30

The Nocturne 30 is good for lightweight backpacking in temperatures near or at its stated rating and in wet climates. I’m a warm sleeper and…

reviewed by Patman
November 6, 2012

7
votes

5 comments

The North Face Better Than Naked Crew

The Better than Naked Shirt is a loose fitting, lightweight, breathable, quick drying, synthetic fiber shirt, which is designed to be worn during…

reviewed by rob5073
October 22, 2012

7
votes

3 comments

MSR Fury

This tent is bomb proof! It is a lightweight, sturdy, spacious, 4-season tent that will keep you comfy. I would recommend this tent to anyone…

reviewed by mitigwaki
October 10, 2012

7
votes

4 comments

Quietstove Burner Cap for XGK-EX

The QuietStove burner caps are intended as a replacement for the burner flame spreader plate on stoves having the “roarer” style burner,…

reviewed by Bill S
October 7, 2012

7
votes

0 comments

MSR WindPro II

The Windpro II from MSR is new for 2012 with one major difference from the original Windpro... Inverted Liquid Feed. The Windpro II has added…

reviewed by Arson
April 30, 2012

7
votes

0 comments

Outdoor Research Salamander Gaiters

A weather resistant gaiter that suffers immensely from too much thought and over-engineering. Sometimes keeping things simple is a better approach…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
April 18, 2012

7
votes

4 comments

CamelBak All Clear

Overall I found the Camelbak All Clear to be a convenient and easy approach to the problem of providing potable water. No water treatment system…

reviewed by Bill S
April 5, 2012

7
votes

0 comments

Open Country Mors Bush Pot 1.8L

I purchased the 8-cup Mors pot from Ben's Bushcraft. It however is also sold at Four Dog Stoves. I believe this is made by Open Country, but…

reviewed by TheRambler
February 11, 2012

7
votes

1 comment

Hilleberg Unna

Let me start by saying no tent is perfect for everyone...but this one is perfect for me. The Hilleberg Unna is an exoskeletal design (poles…

reviewed by Jake W
November 29, 2011

7
votes

0 comments

Primus OmniFuel

Bomber. Simmers perfectly. Can't get it to simmer? Use it more and learn how to- it's you that's the problem- not the stove. With any fuel type…

reviewed by melt things
December 26, 2010

7
votes

0 comments

MSR Groundhog Tent Stake

reviewed by Arson
October 30, 2010

6
votes

2 comments

Vargo Titanium BOT Bottle Pot

Vargo’s Bot gracefully combines a functional 1-liter titanium pot with a screw-on titanium lid to create a versatile object capable of both…

reviewed by pillowthread
January 8, 2013

6
votes

0 comments

Exped Gemini 2

This tent provides awesome livability, a stable pole structure, and a fast setup. Exped put some time and effort into this tent and it shows.

reviewed by ed20320
November 28, 2012

6
votes

4 comments

MontBell Alpine Light Down Jacket

This jacket is the most warm down jacket I have ever worn! It is great as a stand alone or mid layer. I absolutely recommend it. I am one of…

reviewed by Ashleigh
November 9, 2012

6
votes

2 comments

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

If all backpacking equipment could be simplified and lightened with the excellent results Sawyer has achieved with the filter itself, people…

reviewed by second gear
September 30, 2012

6
votes

2 comments

Osprey Atmos 65

I have an Arc'teryx Bora 95 for long hauls, so I'm used to quality and good fit. The Atmos amazed me. It was SO light, and I don't know WHAT…

reviewed by Sanskrit
September 19, 2012

6
votes

2 comments

Backcountry Solutions Keyhole

The Backcountry Solutions Keyhole Hands-Free Camera Harness is a unique way to keep your camera handy, secure, and motion-free around your neck…

reviewed by JimDoss
September 6, 2012

6
votes

2 comments

Sazzi Decimal

A unique revision of the flip-flop that has some nice foot stability and ground feel. Their light weight, relatively sticky sole, and improved…

reviewed by leadbelly2550
August 25, 2012

6
votes

8 comments

Justin Lichter Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker's Insights Into Hiking and Backpacking

"Trail Tested" is a book aimed at providing a broad spectrum of advice on hiking and backpacking for the novice as well as seasoned hiker wanting…

reviewed by TheRambler
July 13, 2012

Justin Lichter Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker's Insights Into Hiking and Backpacking

6
votes

3 comments

SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger

The Spot 2 is a small, rugged, highly portable, GPS locating device which allows the user to transmit pre-typed messages to friends and family…

reviewed by rob5073
May 19, 2012

6
votes

0 comments

Outdoor Research Prismatic Cap

A bomber noggin topper for a wide range of temperature conditions... with one major quibble. Size: Large Color: Fossil & Black (I own…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
February 13, 2012

6
votes

2 comments

Leki Thermolite Aergon XL Antishock

Pole model: Leki Thermolite Aergon XL Antishock Pole type: Aluminum, collapsible, UL, antishock, trekking Origin(manufactured): Europe…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
October 12, 2011

6
votes

0 comments

Hilleberg Keron 3

(This Keron review was written as a series of smaller reviews while out on several backpacking trips). THE MIGHTY HILLEBERG KERON EARLIER TRIP…

reviewed by Tipi Walter
August 24, 2011

6
votes

0 comments

Primus ExpressSpider

Primus’s ExpressSpider is a small, lightweight (6.9 oz), affordable remote canister stove with manual ignition. It makes an excellent option…

reviewed by trouthunter
November 4, 2010

6
votes

0 comments

LightHeart Gear Solo

I love this tent. It is the fourth tent I have tried this year, and it combines the best of all worlds-- a double wall tent that is extremely…

reviewed by mad4scrapping
October 20, 2010

5
votes

7 comments

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir

Light, comfortable, packs up small. Basically, there are three different types of backpacking mattresses, the familiar blue or yellow closed-cell…

reviewed by peter1955
May 15, 2013

5
votes

2 comments

Eagles Nest Outfitters Ignitor Top Quilt

The ENO Ignitor Topquilt will allow you to extend your hammock camping well into three seasons and even into some milder four-season camping.

reviewed by TheRambler
May 11, 2013

Eagles Nest Outfitters Ignitor Top Quilt

5
votes

4 comments

Scarpa Rapid LT

A real challenger. Lightweight with minimalist comfort, and modern design. An excellent light trail shoe with good traction and good foot protection.

reviewed by peter1955
May 10, 2013

5
votes

2 comments

Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket

The Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket is a great three-season jacket made of 800 fill down and 10 denier ripstop nylon. It is impressively warm…

reviewed by Ashleigh
April 14, 2013

5
votes

2 comments

Rab Strata Hoodie

My new favorite belay jacket. Warm, breathable, water resistant, VERY light! I received this jacket as a sample to review for Trailspace Review…

reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
April 8, 2013

5
votes

3 comments

Therm-a-Rest Antares 20

The Antares is a roomy, versatile 3-season down sleeping bag with a hybrid design which both keeps overall weight low while keeping you on your…

reviewed by pillowthread
March 26, 2013

5
votes

0 comments

Trangia 27-8 UL/HA

The Trangia system is widely used in Europe, even in extreme cold temperatures and high altitudes. It is simple, reliable (no moving parts)…

reviewed by Blacksmith
March 21, 2013

5
votes

4 comments

Gerber Bear Grylls Parang

This machete is heavy duty and stands up to repeated hard use. It is heavy, but it performs heavy duty chores that a lighter blade may not be…

reviewed by malotrekker
March 6, 2013

5
votes

3 comments

Lowe Alpine AirZone Pro 45:55

The Lowe AirZone Pro is a lightweight internal frame pack that can serve a lot of different purposes. Because it has the "Airzone' back that…

reviewed by leadbelly2550
February 22, 2013

5
votes

2 comments

Tarptent Contrail

The TarpTent Contrail is a good single-wall shelter that provides rain and bug protection. Very lightweight and roomy for one person. On a trip…

reviewed by mangus7175
February 8, 2013

5
votes

0 comments

SteriPEN Adventurer

A fast, reliable, lightweight, and easy to use water purification/treatment option. It takes the fiddle factor out of having to mess with filters…

reviewed by TheRambler
January 5, 2013

5
votes

0 comments

Exped ComfortFoam Pillow

The Exped ComfortFoam Pillow is a great backcountry pillow. One of the most important elements of backpacking for me is to be comfortable when…

reviewed by Ashleigh
December 11, 2012

5
votes

7 comments

Black Diamond Icon Polar

The Black Diamond Icon Polar is a high tech headlamp featuring a wide range of brightness levels (4 to 200 lumens) and easy, continuous adjustment…

reviewed by Bill S
November 26, 2012

5
votes

0 comments

Stoic Ti Kettle

Super lightweight, 700ml pot/lid combo, designed for use as a cup or a gram counting, solo kettle. Overview: This pot/lid combo is manufactured…

reviewed by rob5073
November 7, 2012

5
votes

4 comments

Outdoor Research StormTracker Gloves

An excellent softshell glove that provides great dexterity, comfort, and protection from the elements. I would most certainly purchase these…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
November 4, 2012

5
votes

8 comments

LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot

Tired of wet gear inside a tent? Put your tent over this cot and enjoy dry and comfort inside your tent even in a 5" all night rain. Did it…

reviewed by Mark Jones
September 25, 2012

5
votes

3 comments

Outdoor Research Foray Jacket

Gore-Tex works! Great design in the best OR tradition, and an excellent fabric. Outdoor Research Foray Jacket, Berg Lake Trail, Mt. Robson,…

reviewed by peter1955
September 4, 2012

5
votes

4 comments

Klymit Inertia X Frame

The Klymit Inertia X Frame pad is an exceptionally lightweight pad designed for long distance hikers, bike tourists, or other backcountry adventurers…

reviewed by Seth Levy
July 13, 2012

5
votes

0 comments

Bearded Stocking cap (home-made)

I showed a few pictures of these to my mom and she made a couple for my son and I. So I saw these bearded stocking caps online for twenty to…

reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
April 11, 2012

5
votes

0 comments

MSR Reactor

On long trips you'll only need one fuel canister! My Reactor boils water fast, even when it's windy. I take my Reactor when I'm on trips of…

reviewed by Mt2Mt
April 1, 2012

5
votes

1 comment

Mountain Hardwear Elkommando Kilt

The only thing I have missed since I left my pants behind and started hiking in kilts? A kilt made of fast-drying, brush-resistant nylon. The…

reviewed by Ian F
March 20, 2012

5
votes

0 comments

Osprey Stratos 26

Pack model: Stratos 26 Pack type: Daypack/Top Loader/Hydration compatible Pack Size/Weight/Volume: Medium/2lb 9oz (1.16kg)/1600ci (26L) Pack…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
February 8, 2012

5
votes

0 comments

Victorinox Swiss Army Soldier's Knife

Model: Victorinox Swiss Soldier Knife Type: Outdoor Origin: Switzerland Year of production: 2010(stamped on main blade) Model number: 53945…

reviewed by Rick-Pittsburgh
October 15, 2011

5
votes

0 comments

Zamberlan 308 Trekker RR

This is my first attempt to write a full review of Zamberlan's Trekker 308. I have been doing very serious hiking now for 2 years. The problem…

reviewed by Oldman Mike
October 1, 2011

5
votes

0 comments

Optimus Nova

Purchased four or five years ago to replace a twenty-year-old MSR XGK — which is still operational, by the way. In addition to the XGK and…

reviewed by leadbelly2550
August 11, 2011

5
votes

0 comments

Soto Muka

Here is a video review of the new high tech Soto Muka OD-1NP stove. HJ

reviewed by hikin_jim
May 3, 2011

5
votes

0 comments

Clif Shot

The full lineup of Clif Shot energy gels. I tested the new (2011) formula of Clif Bar's Clif Shot energy gels while hiking, snow-biking, and…

reviewed by Seth Levy
April 5, 2011

5
votes

0 comments

Vibram FiveFingers TrekSport

As interest in barefoot or minimal footwear builds in the running and trail communities, Trailspace assigned three reviewers to test the utility…

reviewed by leadbelly2550
February 16, 2011

5
votes

0 comments

Osprey Argon 85

SummaryDescribed by Osprey as "a favorite of weekend warriors to elite mountaineers," I tested a 2010 Argon 85 expedition pack. The 2010 model…

reviewed by Bill S
February 2, 2011

5
votes

0 comments

Eureka! Spitfire 1

reviewed by Arson
November 10, 2010

5
votes

0 comments

MSR WindPro

This stove is remarkably compact, easy to clean, easy to light, good for bigger groups, has great temperature control, is remarkably lightweight,…

reviewed by second gear
November 2, 2010

5
votes

0 comments

The North Face Minibus 33

If you are in the market for a roomy 3P tent for 2 adults then you owe it to yourself to check this one out in person in the store. Like most…

reviewed by mnowacki
August 27, 2010

5
votes

0 comments

Primus EtaPower EF

This is hands down the most efficient stove I've ever owned. Proof? 5 weeks on the trail with one big can of gas. Used for coffee in the morning,…

reviewed by HWM
April 13, 2010

5
votes

0 comments

Tarptent Cloudburst 2

Regarding the review by Demetri Kolokotronis: We need to respond publicly to Demetri's complaint. Here is a copy of the letter we sent him and…

reviewed by hshires
April 10, 2009

5
votes

0 comments

Optimus Svea

I have had mine since I purchased in new in the early seventies. With only two moving parts (the valve and the needle on the "R" model), it…

reviewed by Erich
May 8, 2008

5
votes

0 comments

MSR Reactor

Like one of the other reviewers, I'm a longtime Dragonfly user. I bought this as a second stove for shorter/lighter trips and mountaineering.

reviewed by Bart
March 12, 2008

5
votes

0 comments

Mystery Ranch G6000

HERE'S MY REVIEW and a follow-up to an earlier Trailspace.com review. Okay, I've used this pack every month for the last 3 years on trips between…

reviewed by Tipi Walter
April 30, 2007

4
votes

2 comments

Casio 3202 Twin Sensor Watch

A reliable multi-function watch, with altimeter, at an excellent price point. What can I say? I'm cheap! For a few years, I've been looking…

reviewed by peter1955
May 11, 2013

4
votes

5 comments

Rab Infinity Jacket

The Infinity jacket by Rab is designed to be super-light, yet very warm. This 850 European down jacket weighs only 18 oz and even has a hood.

reviewed by TNHiker70
May 7, 2013

4
votes

2 comments

Outdoor Research Drycomp Ridge Sack

A well built summit pack that is able to carry the essentials and tools when bagging peaks from a base camp. I sought out this pack to fill…

reviewed by Jim51111
May 6, 2013

4
votes

2 comments

Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Patagonia's Baggies are my go-to, do it all shorts. They are lightweight, breathable, packable, abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, quick drying…

reviewed by Ashleigh
May 3, 2013

4
votes

4 comments

Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Jacket

The Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Jacket is a versatile, light-to-midweight softshell that's best for fast-paced activity in cold weather. The Dawn…

reviewed by Seth Levy
April 30, 2013

4
votes

7 comments

Westcomb Apoc Jacket

The Holy Grail is Found: After using Gore-Tex Pro Shell, Performance Shell, and Paclite products for many years, and never having been very…

reviewed by Richard Proulx
April 19, 2013

4
votes

2 comments

Optimus Vega Stove

The Optimus Vega is a small, lightweight remote canister stove billed as a high performance four-season stove because of its ability to easily…

reviewed by JimDoss
March 24, 2013

4
votes

0 comments

Exped SynMat 7 Pump

Save your lungs! The Exped SynMat 7 Pump takes the strain out of sleeping soundly. As my user name might imply, I'm a big guy. Sleeping on…

reviewed by bigger al
March 24, 2013

4
votes

1 comment

Feathered Friends Snow Goose

This is the mother of all high quality goose down sleeping bags. It is overbuilt in every regard. This bag will go to most any place on the…

reviewed by kmcmahon
February 7, 2013

4
votes

0 comments

Brunton Restore

The Restore is a compact, extremely rugged solar charger and back-up battery designed for small USB electronics like iPhones, androids, iPods,…

reviewed by MoeIsMe
February 7, 2013

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