Vintage Backpacking Gear

The MSR Revo Ascent is a mountaineering-style snowshoe that has lightweight plastic decking, a saw-toothed crampon-style frame, televators, and MSR’s ski-strap style lay-flat binding. It shares many of the same features as the pricier MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe, but has one less rear crampon, making it somewhat less aggressive for steep …

REI’s Co-Op Cycles Soft Shell Pants (men’s and women’s) are a wind-resistant, double weave soft-shell pant that’s good for cold weather riding. They’re quite warm, with a brushed interior that makes them extremely comfortable to wear even when I’m not sitting on bicycle seat. While they’re quite similar to the soft shell …

The Exped Traverse 40 Backpack is a lightweight alpine style backpack with an innovative frame that can be curved when you want more airflow for back ventilation or flattened when you need a backpack that hugs your back and hips more closely. A convenient rear hatch also provides panel-style access …

The Sierra Designs Divine Light 1 FL Tent is a trekking pole tent that weighs just 2 pounds and 7 ounces. It takes the best features of Sierra Designs’ groundbreaking Flashlight UL 1, Clip Flashlight and Tensegrity tents and combines them in a new solo shelter that’s roomy,  easy to …

The Therm-a-Rest Slacker Super Snuggler Underquilt is a simple-to-use hammock insulation layer that’s more comfortable to use than trying to wrestle with a sleeping pad in a gathered-end hammock. While designed for use with Therm-a-Rest’s Slacker hammock, it can be used with other gathered end hammocks that use carabiners to clip …

Granite Gear backpacks have been longtime favorites with Appalachian Trail thru-hikers because of their lightweight, carrying capacity and durability. The Blaze AC 60 incorporates many improvements over past models of Granite Gear packs, including a better compression system and a large front mesh pocket. I’ve been testing the Blaze AC for …

The REI Flash 45 is a lightweight backpack with an adjustable, ventilated frame that’s perfect for weekend backpacking trips or more technical day hikes. Weighing just 2 lbs 14 oz in a size L, (a women’s specific version is also available) it’s a surprisingly comfortable and functional backpack capable of …

The My Trail Company Down Light Hooded Jacket is an 800 fill power down jacket that’s well suited for hanging out in camp or as a way to augment a down quilt in an ultralight sleep system. Available with or without a hood, it has a 20d nylon exterior treated …

The My Trail Company Pyramid 3 Tent is a three-person pyramid shelter with an optional inner tent. The design is basically identical to the Shangri-La 3 tent (click for review) originally made by the bankrupt ultralight backpacking manufacturer GoLite and now produced by My Trail Company with few noticeable changes over the previous …

The Backpack Light 50L ($149) is a frameless ultralight style backpack weighing 34.5 oz (L) sold by My Trail Company, which has started manufacturing the same backpacks and tents that GoLite sold before it went bankrupt in 2014. The Backpack Light 50L reviewed here is virtually identical to the Golite Jam …

The Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt 700/35 is a down quilt rated to 35 degrees that combines all the advantages of an ultralight down quilt with a hood, ideal in colder weather when you need extra thermal protection for your head. The unique hideaway hood on this Sierra Designs Quilt is magnificent in the cool weather …

Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Titanium Omni-Heat Winter Hiking Boot (where do they come up with these product names) is a 600 gram insulated winter boot rated down to -65 fahrenheit. If you get cold feet on winter hiking trips or at home, these boots are for you. While these are high …

The Montane Alpha Guide Jacket is designed to insulate your core while giving greater freedom of movement for your arms. It is insulated with Polartec Alpha, a highly breathable and compressible insulation that was designed for soldiers to eliminate the need of shedding or adding layers while on the move. The jacket …

The Mid-Atlantic Mountain Works (MAMW) Marcy 20 is a 20 degree 850 fill power down top quilt with an innovative side cinching system that blocks side drafts without the awkward and easy-to-lose strap systems used by other quilt makers. Owned by Jared Bebee, MAMW makes a variety of quilts ranging …