The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 (55L) Southwest Backpack is a durable Dyneema DCF (formerly called cuben fiber) backpack that’s good for thru-hiking and multi-day backpacking trips in rugged terrain. The 3400 Southwest is basically the same pack as the smaller volume Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 (40L) Southwest Backpack (SectionHiker Gear of …
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Zpacks Plexamid Tent Review
The Zpacks Plexamid is a one-person, single-wall ultralight tent that weighs 14.8 ounces. It is made with 0.51 oz/sq. yard Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF), a waterproof material that has does not stretch or sag, making it well-suited for lightweight tents, tarps, and stuff sacks. But, while the Plexamid “checks all …
Read More »ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack Review
The ULA Ohm 2.0 is a high-capacity 63L ultralight style backpack that’s durable enough for rough and tough adventures. It’s also available with the same male and female shoulder straps and hip belt (available in multiple lengths) offered with ULA’s other lightweight backpacks, so you get a pack that fits you and …
Read More »Katadyn BeFree Gravity Water Filter System – 3 Liter Review
The Katadyn BeFree Water Filter is now available with three different soft bottle capacities: 0.6L (20 oz.), 1.0L (33.8 oz.), and the latest, a 3.0L (101 oz.) bottle. I think the 3.0L size is perfect for backpacking because it can be used to haul additional water for camping or to …
Read More »Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL Quilt Sleeping Bag
The Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL Quilt Sleeping Bag is a 19-ounce quilt sleeping bag designed for backpackers and climbers who want to the flexibility and lightweight of an insulated sleep system that can be used in many ways, including: a hoodless sleeping bag for tent or cowboy camping under the …
Read More »Tarptent Aeon Li Dyneema Tent Review
The Tarptent Aeon Li is a one-person Dyneema trekking pole tent that weighs 15.8 oz. It’s basically a half-pyramid shape, modified so that it has more usable headroom and interior space than regular pyramid tents and tarps. It has a built-in bathtub floor sewn to the sidewalls with mesh for …
Read More »Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review
Zpack’s Classic Sleeping Bag is an ultralight hoodless sleeping bag with a 3/4 length zipper that weighs between 17 oz and 21.6 oz in the 20-degree model, depending on sizing. The zipper means you can also open it up like a quilt or blanket in warm weather when less insulation …
Read More »Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Ultralight Shelter System Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Ultralight Shelter System is a modular tarp shelter system with three components that can be mixed and matched depending on your trip requirements. Made with Dyneema fiber, it’s also very lightweight enabling it to be used by one or two people with little weight …
Read More »Klymit LiteWater Dinghy Review
Don’t let the goofy appearance of the Klymit LiteWater Dinghy (LWD) fool you. This oddly shaped inflatable boat is masterfully designed for flatwater use even though it looks much different from other packrafts. Affordably priced, it provides an enormous amount of value and should definitely be on your shortlist if …
Read More »ULA Backpacks: How to Choose
Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) is one of the oldest and most respected ultralight backpacking gear manufacturers. Their backpacks are quite popular with long distance backpackers and weekend warriors in the United States and are a frequent sight along our National Scenic Trails and in the backcountry. I like ULA’s backpacks because they’re very durable …
Read More »ULA CDT Ultralight Backpack Review
The ULA CDT is a frameless backpack designed for ultralight backpacking, day hiking, and travel with a manufacturer maximum recommended load of 18 pounds or less. Weighing 19 to 24 ounces (with optional pockets), it’s a streamlined backpack with limited closed storage (36 liters in the main bag+extension collar/54 liters …
Read More »Aquamira Water Treatment Drops Review
Aquamira Water Treatment is a liquid chlorine dioxide solution that many backpackers use to purify and disinfect backcountry water sources like streams, ponds, lakes, and rivers. If you’re unfamiliar with chlorine dioxide, it’s a well-established disinfectant that works by releasing a highly active form of oxygen, which is a strong …
Read More »ULA Catalyst Backpack Review
The ULA Catalyst Backpack is the largest volume backpack in ULA’s line of ultralight style packs with over 75 liters of volume. Weighing 44 -48 ounces (depending on configuration), it’s a durable backpack that can carry an enormous amount of gear and food, packed inside its main compartment or lashed …
Read More »ULA Circuit Backpack Review
The ULA Circuit Backpack is a streamlined lightweight backpack with a surprising amount of flexibility for many types of backcountry adventure. Made with bomber fabrics and feature-rich, the Circuit is tough enough for year-round use in 4 season conditions. Internal Storage and Organization With 68 liters of total capacity, the ULA …
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