Reviews
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
votes
26 comments
MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System
The MSR Windboiler is a one-trick pony — it boils water efficiently even in high winds — and it does that one trick extremely well. But…
reviewed by BigRed
December 23, 2014
votes
23 comments
Osprey Atmos AG 65
Combined with Osprey’s modern features like the removable lid, the “Stow-On-The-Go” trekking pole system, and the “Fit-On-The-Fly”…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
July 21, 2015
votes
15 comments
Klymit LiteWater Dinghy (LWD)
This product is well suited for anyone wanting to enhance their backpacking experience by floating or paddling mild rivers and flat water lakes…
reviewed by Patman
May 26, 2014
votes
20 comments
Ozark Trail Cocoon 200
A shock to anyone familiar with Ozark Trail products...I think the company just might have (knowingly or unknowingly) manufactured the best…
reviewed by Joseph Renow
January 31, 2014
votes
26 comments
My Trail Backpack Light 50L
My Trail Co. has redesigned the Jam series backpack from the GoLite days, with improvements to its lightweight and frameless design. This water-resistant…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
December 27, 2017
votes
7 comments
Gregory Paragon 58
This newly released lightweight backpack is equipped with user-friendly features without adding unnecessary weight. Supreme comfort meets a…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
April 13, 2017
votes
6 comments
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
This quilt is great for those who feel too confined in a mummy bag and are searching for an ultralight alternative to a sleeping bag that won't…
reviewed by Brent Mills
October 24, 2015
votes
9 comments
Dream Hammock DangerBird
An excellent four-season hammock that is built to the specification requests of the user. The quality and innovation of the DangerBird rivals…
reviewed by g00se
April 2, 2014
votes
20 comments
My Trail Down Light Hooded Jacket
My Trail has got a winner with this affordable, warm, down jacket. Perfect balance is achieved, using quality materials at a "WOW" price point.
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
February 4, 2018
votes
4 comments
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit
The Adventure Medical Kits Hiker is a 2-person/2-day first aid kit that is designed to be lightweight, water resistant, and streamlined for…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
June 4, 2017
votes
3 comments
Jetboil MightyMo
The MightyMo is a compact canister stove that will not disappoint! With features like a piezo-style ignition and a simmer control that idles…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
February 2, 2017
votes
2 comments
Tentsile Flite Tree Tent
Tentsile's Flite tree tent is the company's lightest version of its hammock-tent hybrids. Combining the comfort of a hammock with the structure…
reviewed by g00se
April 25, 2016
votes
5 comments
TheTentLab Deuce of Spades #2
Overall, the Deuce of Spades is a cleverly designed latrine trowel that is incredibly lightweight, very strong, and takes up a very minimal…
reviewed by TJ1984
August 31, 2015
votes
9 comments
Hilleberg Enan
The Enan is a lightweight and versatile 3-4 season solo shelter that does not skimp on quality or design features. Ventilation control, a sizeable…
reviewed by trouthunter
May 3, 2015
votes
19 comments
Bergans Compact Light 2
The Bergans Compact Light 2 is an impressively sturdy and weather-resistant four season tunnel tent. It excels in high winds and rain and sets…
reviewed by Ashleigh
August 23, 2013
votes
23 comments
Platypus GravityWorks Filter System 2L
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
votes
9 comments
Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX
The Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX is a very high quality mid-ankle boot that offers superb traction, while still being very lightweight. Inov-8 classifies…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
July 21, 2019
votes
1 comment
Exotac titanLIGHT
This dependable lighter/fire starter quite simply gets the job done! The Exotac TitanLIGHT is ideal for one who frequently lights fires in the…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
August 14, 2018
votes
2 comments
Ridge Merino Heist 1/2 Zip Hoody
The Heist 1/2 Zip Hoodie is an ideal mid-to-heavy weight hoodie that does an admirable job in warm as well as cold weather. This sleek top is…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
February 9, 2017
votes
5 comments
Ridge Merino Inversion Midweight Bottoms
These high quality, high performance mid-weight base layer bottoms perform without adding unnecessary bulk! Unrestrictive and warm, Ridge’s…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
February 9, 2017
votes
4 comments
Solo Stove Lite
The Solo Stove is a simple, functional, and well-designed wood (biomass) burning stove. It burns freely available fuel efficiently while leaving…
reviewed by Twig
January 13, 2016
votes
6 comments
MSR Flylite
A minimalist, 2-person, non-freestanding shelter best suited for lightweight backpacking in mild weather. As with most any single wall shelter,…
reviewed by Patman
March 21, 2015
votes
15 comments
Vargo Ti-Arc Pack
The external frame pack is back! The Ti-Arc is a first generation backpack from the company that brings us all things titanium. As an initial…
reviewed by g00se
May 5, 2014
votes
34 comments
ULA Equipment Ohm 2.0
Probably my favorite pack of all-time! ULA OHM 2.0 Description If I could only own one pack the Ohm 2.0 is the pack I would choose…and more…
reviewed by Joseph Renow
October 13, 2013
votes
6 comments
Sawyer Select S1
The Sawyer Select series is a new line of purifiers/filters that offers a variety of contaminant removal, depending on one’s needs. All three…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
April 4, 2018
votes
7 comments
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Day Tripper Lite Medical Kit
The Day Tripper Lite is a well designed, user-friendly first aid kit that is organized in a lightweight water resistant bag. This kit is recommended…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
June 4, 2017
votes
1 comment
TheTentLab Deuce of Spades #2
This is a very light, durable, and functional camp shovel with the added benefit of being very useful for a number of other applications around…
reviewed by Mike Mineart
January 23, 2017
votes
7 comments
Mystery Ranch Terraplane
The new Terraplane is an excellent pack for expedition use and other “heavy hauler” users, where it is necessary to haul loads up to 80…
reviewed by Bill S
January 8, 2015
votes
19 comments
Darn Tough Merino Boot Sock Full Cushion
Socks that are comfortable, durable, and odor resistant. ’Guaranteed For Life’ is quite a statement from a sock manufacturer. No strings.
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 5, 2014
votes
6 comments
Soto OD-1RX WindMaster
The SOTO WindMaster is a very lightweight stove top that screws onto gas canisters having the industry standard threaded coupling. In my tests,…
reviewed by Bill S
March 19, 2014
votes
9 comments
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 800 3-Season
The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed is a quality lightweight sleeping bag featuring DriDown technology and an exceptional new design given its…
reviewed by Twig
February 11, 2014
votes
18 comments
Jacks 'R' Better Greylock 3
A high quality, 3/4-length, down UnderQuilt demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship. Exceeds similar products I have tested. The Greylock 3…
reviewed by g00se
January 4, 2014
votes
3 comments
Vargo Hexagon Wood Stove Titanium
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
votes
ULA Equipment Ohm 2.0
This is now my favorite pack after a year of solid testing in all range of temperatures and trail conditions. A lightweight pack with a suspension…
reviewed by PhilNC
January 29, 2017
votes
13 comments
Enlightened Equipment Prodigy
Using Climashield APEX insulation this quilt is made for cold, wet conditions that make down quilts nervous. Made to order in ten degree increments…
reviewed by LoneStranger
December 19, 2016
votes
7 comments
SlingFin CrossBow 2 StormPak
The StormPak is the bare bones configuration of the CrossBow 2 series tent that minimizes weight, yet still has the strength to stand up to…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 22, 2016
votes
2 comments
Backpacker's Pantry Charros Beans & Rice
This VERY FILLING dinner will stuff the most hungry appetite whether on a quick overnight trip, thru-hike, or even at a long, busy day at work.
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
October 17, 2016
votes
3 comments
Backpacker's Pantry Granola with Milk and Blueberries
This single serving breakfast is a scrumptious powerhouse! Balancing loads of sugars, carbohydrates, and proteins make this an ideal meal for…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
October 17, 2016
votes
1 comment
Montane Hi-Q Luxe Jacket
This jacket screams PERFORMANCE!!! The Hi-Q Luxe Jacket is a highly water resistant/windproof mid-weight synthetic jacket that continues to…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
February 4, 2016
votes
3 comments
Hilleberg Tarp 5
The Hilleberg Tarp 5 is a minimalist shelter best used for lightweight solo backpacking when durability and material quality are worth a few…
reviewed by Patman
December 14, 2015
votes
13 comments
Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System
Jetboil fans rejoice! Satisfying simmer control plus a new pot size/shape make this complete/modular canister stove worthy of adding to or upgrading…
reviewed by Twig
March 24, 2015
votes
10 comments
Montane Trail Stretch Gaiter
A low trail gaiter that finds a pleasing blend of light weight, durability, and functionality. This product is especially good for trail routes…
reviewed by Patman
December 19, 2014
votes
8 comments
Power Practical 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
votes
9 comments
Sierra Designs Zissou 30 Lite
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
votes
14 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
votes
10 comments
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
The NeoAir XLite ranks as the longest-lasting and most familiar item in my pack...going on 7 years of use. It has earned its 5-star rating more…
reviewed by Twig
July 18, 2012
votes
MSR Front Range Tarp Shelter
This all-season pyramid tarp shelter is both lightweight and spacious, providing the best of both worlds for weathering a storm, or overnight…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
April 6, 2020
votes
7 comments
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest
The 2400 Southwest internal frame, DCF backpack is a minimalist’s dream. It holds just enough for an overnight or for a multi-month journey,…
reviewed by Twig
May 24, 2018
votes
13 comments
Fenix HL60R
This powerful and rechargeable headlamp both packs a punch, and has efficient settings for the outdoors-person that wants a rechargeable device.
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 12, 2017
votes
3 comments
MSR Remote 2
If strength and livability are your goals in a four-season tent the MSR Remote 2 may be for you. MSR Remote 2 The MSR Remote 2 is a tent for…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
January 16, 2017
votes
12 comments
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Camper SV
The NeoAir Camper SV (speed valve) is a great mattress for everything short of alpinism. No more pumping or seeing stars trying to manually…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
May 2, 2016
votes
11 comments
Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho
The Therm-a-rest Honcho Poncho is an indulgent piece of gear that can shed rain and help keep you warm as a garment or convert into a blanket…
reviewed by Bentbrook
February 6, 2016
votes
8 comments
Potable Aqua Pure
This rechargeable water purifier is an innovative, extremely low maintenance device that almost anyone can use to treat drinking water. Through…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
August 12, 2015
votes
10 comments
Zpacks Solplex
An excellent choice for the person who wants to cut pack weight without sacrificing protection from the elements. The Zpacks Soloplex is an…
reviewed by Chris Myers
June 16, 2015
votes
9 comments
Sierra Designs Elite Cagoule
Simple, lightweight, packable, and good ventilation. I have yet to find any real negative to the Elite Cagoule (6.5 oz.). It is lightweight,…
reviewed by trouthunter
April 2, 2015
votes
14 comments
Patagonia Nano Puff Pants
Warm and comfortable in action or at rest, these pants bring the insulation and packability expected from the Nano Puff line. A well-tailored…
reviewed by LoneStranger
March 23, 2015
votes
12 comments
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
If you are a serious four-season outdoor junkie, consider using this jacket. It hits a perfect sweet spot: (from the company) “From trailhead…
reviewed by second gear
January 8, 2015
votes
8 comments
Zpacks Triplex
The ZPacks Triplex tent combines wonderfully lightweight and compact packing with roominess for two (and adequate for three). It would work…
reviewed by Bill S
December 21, 2014
votes
9 comments
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
A lot of backpackers look at pillows as luxury items and leave them behind because they are too heavy or bulky. The new Sea to Summit Aeros…
reviewed by Ashleigh
September 14, 2014
votes
12 comments
Kelty PK 50
The Kelty PK 50 is a near perfect backpack for someone new to backpacking who is looking for one versatile, all-round pack. The ability to strip…
reviewed by Jake W
January 2, 2014
votes
13 comments
Arc'teryx Altra 48 LT
The three pound Arc’teryx Altra 48 is a highly organized, low-profile, and stable pack that is built for multi-day adventures, yet it is small…
reviewed by Ashleigh
July 30, 2013
votes
7 comments
Sierra Designs Flash 2
The Sierra Designs Flash 2 is a hybrid single wall, double walled tent that further blurs the line between tent, tarptent and tarp. It is best…
reviewed by Jake W
July 22, 2013
votes
15 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
votes
4 comments
Black Diamond Dirt Bag Mitts
Black Diamond's Dirt Bag Mitts are a very warm, durable product at a spectacular price-point ($44.95 USD). These highly water resistant mittens…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
March 17, 2020
votes
Inov-8 All Terrain Gaiter
The Inov-8 All Terrain Gaiter is an accessory that is designed to keep debris from entering footwear at the ankle. This product is ideal for…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 3, 2019
votes
3 comments
Six Moon Designs Minimalist
The Six Moon Designs Minimalist is a backpack engineered to let you change configurations easily to match your changing needs. The frame and…
reviewed by LoneStranger
July 16, 2019
votes
11 comments
Petzl Reactik +
The Petzl Reactik Plus incorporates Petzl's reactive technology light settings with the added feature of being Bluetooth compatible to pair…
reviewed by Jim51111
February 26, 2017
votes
6 comments
SlingFin CrossBow 2 Footprint
This factory footprint is functional and lightweight, helping protect the valuable bathtub floor of the CrossBow 2 tent. Simplicity of design…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 22, 2016
votes
1 comment
SlingFin CrossBow 2 Mesh Drop-In
This accessory is designed for the CrossBow 2 StormPak, allowing the user to be well protected from insects, while minimizing weight with the…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 22, 2016
votes
SlingFin CrossBow 2 R/S
The SlingFin CrossBow 2 R/S is the solid bodied, ripstop four-season tent in the CrossBow 2 family. Two backpackers and ALL OF THEIR GEAR can…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 22, 2016
votes
1 comment
SlingFin CrossBow 2 Mesh
The CrossBow 2 Mesh is the workhorse configuration of the SlingFin CrossBow 2 family. This tent will stand up to virtually any weather and conditions…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
November 22, 2016
votes
Backpacker's Pantry Granola with Bananas & Milk
Loaded with calories, this Backpacker’s Pantry breakfast is an excellent product for one VERY hungry hiker, or two people with normal appetites.
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
October 17, 2016
votes
2 comments
Outdoor Research Ensenada Sun Hoody
This comfortable pullover is a great sun protection alternative for anyone who is outside enjoying summertime, whether in the bay or just out…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
September 8, 2016
votes
1 comment
Princeton Tec Helix Bluetooth
The Princeton Tec Helix Backcountry is a collapsible lantern, which uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery (1800 mAh or 3 AA batteries as a…
reviewed by Jake W
May 15, 2016
votes
6 comments
Sierra Designs Elite Rain Chaps
Simple, lightweight, packable, and good ventilation. I have yet to find any real negative to the Elite Rain Chaps (5 oz.). They are lightweight,…
reviewed by trouthunter
April 3, 2015
votes
6 comments
BioLite KettleCharge
A kettle with a built-in thermoelectric generator that can charge USB-powered devices off-grid. Heat water, get a charge. A superb option for…
reviewed by Bentbrook
March 14, 2015
votes
11 comments
Exped Synmat WinterLite
We all know that winter camping gear can really weigh our packs down. Exped thinks your winter sleeping pad shouldn’t have to! This spring,…
reviewed by Ashleigh
February 3, 2015
votes
12 comments
MontBell EX Light Down Anorak
While simple in design and weighs little, the Mont-bell Down Anorak is unexpectedly warm when needed. The jacket packs down small, taking up…
reviewed by PNW_John
January 4, 2015
votes
13 comments
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2P
Bigger on the inside, than it appears from the outside, it’s a well-constructed 3-season tent for those looking for an ultralight option.
reviewed by Daniel Oates
May 13, 2014
votes
9 comments
Black Rock Gear The Original
The Black Rock Hat is a 900-fill Goose Down Beanie that became my new best friend during the Winter of 2014. Though price is a consideration,…
reviewed by g00se
March 6, 2014
votes
17 comments
Petzl Tikka RXP
The Petzl Tikka RXP is a very high tech headlamp featuring a wide range of brightness levels (215 - 7 lumens) and automatic adjustment of brightness…
reviewed by Bill S
February 19, 2014
votes
6 comments
Evernew Appalachian Set
The Appalachian stove's versatility makes Evernew's stove a necessity in the backcountry, a leader in the industry and a must-have in your backpack!
reviewed by David Drake
February 5, 2014
votes
18 comments
Dirty Girl 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
votes
5 comments
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
votes
2 comments
Kahtoola MICROspikes
2020 UPDATE: For 13 winters and counting I've relied on Kahtoola MicroSpikes traction devices to keep me upright while running on snowy and…
reviewed by Alicia MacLeay
March 3, 2008
votes
7 comments
Black Diamond HeavyWeight WoolTech Liner
The Black Diamond HeavyWeight WoolTech glove liners provide good hand dexterity in cool weather (sub 40°F), while also working as a liner under…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
January 24, 2020
votes
4 comments
My Trail Poncho UL Tarp
For those willing to accept compromises in the pursuit of a low pack weight, the Poncho UL Tarp provides a reasonably durable, value option…
reviewed by Bentbrook
February 10, 2019
votes
7 comments
Jetboil Flash Cooking System
The new 2018 Jetboil Flash is designed to boil water even faster than the original Flash. Jetboil’s Flash cooking system is a convenient option…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
September 12, 2018
votes
2 comments
Sawyer Select S2
The Sawyer Select series is a new line of purifiers/filters that offers a variety of contaminant removal, depending on one’s needs. All three…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
May 29, 2018
votes
3 comments
Tarptent StratoSpire 1
The Stratospire 1 is lightweight, able to withstand severe weather, roomy, and well-constructed. An ingenious design brings together many of…
reviewed by PhilNC
February 10, 2018
votes
8 comments
Vargo Dig Dig Tool
This is a very strong, durable, and functional backpacking potty shovel and spare tent stake with the added benefit of potentially being useful…
reviewed by Mike Mineart
September 26, 2017
votes
9 comments
SOL Escape Pro Bivvy
The Escape Pro Bivvy blurs the line between an emergency survival shelter and an ultralight sleeping bag cover. While it is comfortable and…
reviewed by pillowthread
August 1, 2017
votes
6 comments
Therm-a-Rest Slacker Hammock House
The Slacker Hammock House is the “grand slam” Therm-a-Rest needed to prove they are a worthy contender in the hammock market. The Hammock…
reviewed by g00se
April 24, 2017
votes
15 comments
DeLorme inReach SE
The safety of an SOS button connected via satellite to a monitoring response team combined with features you can use on every trip. Those features…
reviewed by LoneStranger
February 16, 2017
votes
14 comments
Hilleberg Kaitum 3
One of the most spacious, strong, and easy-to-pitch tents in this weight category. It equally fits for family trips as well as for severe weather…
reviewed by Vladimir Gorbunov
October 3, 2016
votes
20 comments
Therm-a-Rest Z-Shield
The Therm-a-Rest Z-Shield is a dense, accordion style, closed cell foam mat. I’d recommend not relying on this as your primary sleeping pad,…
reviewed by Daniel Oates
January 30, 2016
votes
5 comments
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Sleeves
OR ActiveIce Sun Sleeves work well protecting the wearer from harmful UV rays, while keeping cool with ActiveIce technology. This product works…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
July 22, 2015
votes
11 comments
The North Face Fuse Uno Jacket
The North Face Fuseform Uno is a lightweight (12oz), 3-layer HyVent Alpha, alpine designed shell which boasts an industry changing innovation…
reviewed by Jake W
January 21, 2015
votes
12 comments
ZebraLight H600 MK II
The H600 MK II is a nearly indestructible headlamp, providing a blinding 1,090 Lumens of light. Combine that with its long battery life and…
reviewed by g00se
October 15, 2014
votes
13 comments
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