Gear Reviews

The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is a multi-purpose backpack with vest-style shoulder straps that can be used for backpacking, thru-hiking, or long day hikes. I hesitate to call it a fast-pack because its utility extends far beyond that narrow style of use. Weighing …

The REI Flash 3 is a freestanding, double-wall 3-person tent that’s lightweight and compact enough for backpacking but spacious enough for car camping. While REI rates it for 3 people, I think it’s on the small size for three full-grown adults unless …

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Hiking Pants are lightweight quick-drying hiking pants with a lot more stretch (14% spandex) than most hiking pants. They’ve quickly become my go-to pants on and off the trail because they are comfortable and look so good. Available …

The REI Flash Air 2 Tent (substantially revised for 2023) is a two-person, single-wall trekking pole bikepacking/ backpacking tent that weighs 2 lbs 4.5 oz on our digital scale. It was two doors and two vestibules and comes with 2 black collapsible …

The NEMO Kayu 15 is a down-insulated mummy sleeping bag designed for three-season backpacking and camping. Weighing 2 lbs 3 oz, the Kayu is not the lightest weight sleeping bag in its class, but it has several features that differentiate it from …

Bug season can be unpleasant, but it’s no reason to give up hiking and backpacking. You just need to cover up with insect-proof clothing and wear bug dope. If you never hike when insects are active, you’re not going to get much …

The REI Flash Air 1 Tent (new in 2023) is a single-wall ultralight pyramid-shaped tent with a deep bathtub floor and a large front vestibule. Weighing 27.2 oz / g, it’s an affordable ($299) ultralight trekking pole tent (optional pole included) designed …

The Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 is a wonderfully versatile, comfortable, and bombproof backpack suitable for extended day hikes or 1-2 night backpacking trips with a streamlined gear list. If you’re unfamiliar with Mystery Ranch’s backpacks, let me preface this review by saying …

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Wide GTX is a high-top version of the Ultra Raptor II GTX trail running shoe. While some might classify it as a hiking boot, it’s basically the same shoe with a high ankle cuff for …

The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 is an ultralight double-wall semi-freestanding tent that is highly packable for bikepacking and backpacking, more so than a tent made with Dyneema DCF because it’s made with conventional fabrics that stuff more compactly. Weighing 34 oz, it …

Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is a sun hat with a wide brim and a neck cape to protect your neck from the sun and a UPF rating of 50+. It has many great features to recommend including a unique sunglasses holder, …

The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 is an ultralight down sleeping bag designed for back sleepers that weighs 20 ounces (1 lb 4 oz) and is insulated with 900 fill power waterproof down. It has a box-baffled construction to eliminate cold spots and a …

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack is an ultralight backpack weighing 30.1 oz (853g) made with Dyneema DCF. Design-wise, it’s a pretty radical departure from Hyperlite’s past backpacks with large side pockets, a redesigned and replaceable hip belt, the use of …

If you’re looking for innovative new ideas and products for your hiking and backpacking habit, Etsy is a craft-oriented shopping site that hosts the shops of many up-and-coming ultralight backpack gear manufacturers. There are about 30-40 companies actively making backpacking gear today …