Vintage Backpacking Gear

The Seek Outside Flight One Backpack is a lightweight 61 liter internal frame backpack that weighs 2 pounds 4 ounces. With a max recommended load between 35 – 50 lbs (depending on torso length and frame height), it’s built to withstand hard …

The Osprey Aether AG 70 Backpack is designed for multi-day loads that demand capacity, support, and versatility while maximizing comfort. This internal frame backpack has adjustable torso length, is available in a variety of sizes, and is customizable if the off-the-shelf sizes …

This is a review of the earlier model – the Gossamer Gear Silverback 55. The Gossamer Gear Silverback 55 is a refined and highly functional multi-day backpack that can easily be configured in different ways for different kinds of trips, from long-distance thru-hiking …

REI Minimalist GTX Mitts are waterproof/breathable mitten shells that have velcro wrist cuffs and are seam-taped. I use them as rain mitts over a pair of thin wool or fleece gloves. I’ve used other rain mitts in the past including Mountain Laurel …

At 13.1 ounces, the Esbit Alcohol Cookset (CS985H-EX) is a complete out-of-the-box cooking system and has a 1 quart / 1 liter anodized aluminum pot with a heat exchanger included.  Pots with heat exchangers require 30-40% less fuel to cook with. That’s a …

The Six Moons Designs Fusion 50  is a lightweight long-distance backpacking pack with an adjustable length frame and multiple-sized hip belts so you can dial in a custom fit for your body shape and dimensions. Weighing 2 pounds 14 ounces, the Fusion …

The Jansport Katahdin 50 is an adjustable-length and rugged backpack with a top lid, padded hip-belt and dual side pockets that is well-sized for kids and short-statured adults. Weighing slightly more than 2 lbs, it’s roomy and durably made, making it a …

The Kammok Hammock Winter Barrier, an accessory for Kammok’s Mantis and Mantis UL modular hammock systems, is a solid fabric replacement for the zip-off bugnet to be used for increased warmth and weather resistance in cold-weather hammocking. A winter barrier or cover …

The Arcteryx Fortrez Hoody (available for men and women) is a Polartec Power Stretch Hardface fleece jacket that has an integrated balaclava to protect your head and face from the cold.  It excels as a mid or outer layer for colder weather …

The Black Diamond Beta Light is a single wall, ultralight tarp shelter that weighs 19 oz. It’s also a very affordable ultralight shelter, with an MSRP of just $200, making it an excellent value if you’re trying to save money. The Beta …

Atlas’ Serrate Snowshoes are teardrop-shaped, nylon-decked snowshoes with crampons and a heel lift designed for hiking and snowshoeing in mountainous terrain. They have a simple-to-use binding system that’s compatible with virtually any kind of winter boot or shoe but runs a little …

The Montane Future Lite Hoodie is a lightweight, down hoodie that’s insulated with 750 fill power HyperDry RDS-sourced down. It has what manufacturers now call an “under-helmet” hood that’s thankfully tighter-fitting than the Godzilla-sized helmet-compatible down jacket hoods of yesteryear which were …

The Kelty Escape 2 is a well-built but low-cost two-person tent that’s best used for car camping, base camping, and short backpacking trips. It’s compact and easy to set up with a free-standing inner tent, aluminum poles, and a roof vent for …

The NEMO GoGo Elite Inflatable Bivy Tent is a 1-person minimalist shelter that’s more spacious and comfortable than a bivy sack, but far more compact than most 1-person tents making it ideal for trips that require carrying a low volume load like …