Vintage Backpacking Gear

The Enlightened Equipment (EE) Revolt Underquilt is a hammock underquilt with an integrated perimeter suspension system that is compatible with any gathered end hammock. Like many other underquilts, it has a differential cut rather than a rectangular one (the inner shell is …

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 is a great tent for two people. It’s incredibly easy to set up, lightweight, and has two doors so you can come and go at night without disturbing your partner. Nearly freestanding, the pole configuration creates …

The Exped Mira HL 1 is a surprisingly lightweight and comfortable one-person tent weighing just 35 oz. It has two vestibules, one for gear storage, and a second for easy access and exit. A long arched ridge-pole provides lots of headroom, making …

The Montane Anti-Freeze Jacket is a mid-weight insulated down jacket (available for both men and women) that can be worn as a mid-layer in really cold conditions or as a stand-alone jacket. It’s insulated with 750 fill power Hyperdry RDS-certified down with …

Have you ever noticed how sounds are muffled when you wear a Windstopper balaclava on winter hikes? This isn’t a problem when I’m hiking solo, but it’s an issue when I’m hiking with other people and I can’t understand a word they …

Sea-to-Summit’s Alpine eVent Gaiters are high gaiters designed for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Hikers wear high gaiters in winter to keep snow from coming in over the top of their boots and soaking their socks. They also function as a wind layer …

Elemental Horizons is a well-regarded cottage backpack manufacturer based in North Carolina with a small but loyal customer following. They’ve recently added XPac fabric as a material option to their backpacks, including the adjustable frame Kalais XT reviewed here. XPac is an ultralight …

The Hults Bruk Bjork Splitting Axe is a lightweight axe with a 30″ long handle that’s good for splitting softwoods or dry wood with a straight grain. It’s perfectly good for around the house and splitting seasoned wood, but doesn’t cut it …

The Gregory Packs Optic 58 is an ultralight backpack with a ventilated frame that helps evaporate back sweat and keep your shirt dry when hiking. Weighing 40-45 ounces, the Optic is a fully-featured backpack with a lightweight wire frame, large hip belt …

The Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Pro Bivvy is SOL’s highest-end (and most expensive) bivvy sack, made of waterproof-breathable Sympatex Reflexion fabric with an aluminum liner which it claims to reflect 90% of your body heat. This fabric is much different from the …

The Enlightened Equipment Recon Bivy is an ultralight bivy sack with a waterproof bathtub floor and a combination of mesh and breathable water-resistant fabric on the top. The layout of materials makes it very resistant to condensation while also providing splash protection …

The REI Women’s Flash 60 is a ventilated multi-day backpack that’s lightweight but doesn’t lack for features or convenience. Weighing just 3 lbs and 5 oz, it has an adjustable-length frame and women’s-specific shoulder straps and hip belt that will fit comfortably …

KEEN Summit County Winter Hiking Boots are waterproof and insulated winter boots that are good for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and peakbagging. They have KEEN’s signature oversized toe box with body-mapped insulation to keep the parts of your feet that need extra insulation warm. …

The Salomon Toundra Mid WP winter hiking boot is a lightweight boot that is perfect for hiking and snowshoeing in winter weather. Rated for -40 F, the Toundra Mid WP is insulated with Aerogel, an ultralight foam insulation that NASA developed to protect …