The Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent is a single-wall 2-person tent made with Dyneema DCF that weighs 20.4 oz. It has two doors, two vestibules, and requires two trekking poles to erect. Despite its high-tech construction, the Duplex Zip is a remarkably simple …
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Montbell Tachyon Hooded Wind Jacket Review
The Montbell Tachyon Hooded Wind Jacket is a gossamer thin 7-denier nylon wind jacket with a 1-way adjustable hood, a full-length front zipper, two handwarmer pockets, underarm vents, and a stow pocket. This is the second Montbell Tachyon wind shirt I’ve owned: …
Read More »Senchi Designs Lark Polartec Alpha Hoodie Review
The Senchi Designs Lark is an ultralight Polartec Alpha Direct Hoodie that is quite warm when worn in a sleeping bag or under a rain shell or wind shirt. Weighing just 5.1 oz, it’s half the weight of other types of gridded …
Read More »KUIU Ultra Merino 145 Zip-Off Bottom Long Underwear Review
Have you ever wanted to wear long underwear on a cold winter day, but decided not to because you know you’ll sweat too much? Imagine having long underwear with side zippers that you could vent if you get too warm, or even …
Read More »MSR Freelite 2 Tent Review
The MSR Freelite 2 is a lightweight double-wall tent weighing 32 oz with a rectangular floor plan that is wide enough to use with two 25″ wide sleeping pads. Newly updated in 2022, it is 9 oz lighter weight than the previous …
Read More »Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 Person Tent Review
The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 2 is the latest generation of ultralight Fly Creek line of tents, boasting increased interior volume by using a steeper door and sidewalls. How significant is the change and what other improvements have been made …
Read More »Mystery Ranch In and Out 22L Backpack Review
The Mystery Ranch In and Out 22L is a lightweight and highly versatile packable day pack. Designed and built to be a fully functioning daypack, this pack is also light enough and packable enough to be your summit pack or “go” pack …
Read More »Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket Review
The Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket is a synthetic insulated jacket with a hood, chest pocket, and hand warmer pockets. It has body-mapped insulation: more on the torso and less along the sides for better thermo-regulation when active. I’ve been using …
Read More »Montbell Mirage Down Parka Review
The Montbell Mirage Parka is an ultralight 900 fill power hooded down jacket, perfect for winter hiking or backpacking trips when you want to get warm fast and stay warm. Weighing just 14.4 oz in a size men’s XL, this jacket is …
Read More »Zpacks Goose Down Jacket Review
The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is an insanely warm 950-fill power goose-down jacket that is perfect to wear in camp on cold nights and as an adjunct to a sleeping bag or quilt. It’s sort of a cross between a parka and …
Read More »Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker Review
The Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker is a half-zip windshirt with a front kangaroo pocket and a zippered stash pocket. It has elastic bindings on the hood, cuffs, and hem with a back panel vent for enhanced airflow and ease of movement. The …
Read More »Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell Review
Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell is a moderately priced, 2.5-layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket that’s lightweight enough for year-round use and for multiple sports from skiing and climbing to hiking and backpacking. It has most of the functionality that hikers and backpackers …
Read More »Paria Ultralight Needle Tent Stakes Review
Paria needle stakes are square aluminum stakes with a curved hook at the end. They’re quite durable, stand up to being pounded with a rock, and the square body has excellent holding power in firm soil and rocky ground. I like using …
Read More »Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpacks: How to Choose
Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) specializes in making rugged multi-sport backpacks and shelters with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. Their distinctive white and black backpacks are quite popular and easy to spot on National Scenic Trails and in the backcountry. One of the things that …
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