Vintage Backpacking Gear

The MSR Carbon Reflex 1 is an ultralight double-walled tent that weighs just 1 lb 7 oz.  It’s actually a second-generation version of the Carbon Reflex 1, but now 11 oz lighter weight than the earlier generation tent I first tested in …

The Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket is an affordable and fully featured rain jacket with an excellent hood and pit zip ventilation. While nearly twice the weight of minimalist lightweight rain jackets like the OR Helium Jacket, it’s warmer and much more durable, making …

If you’re going to buy Sierra Design’s Elite Rain Chaps, you’re going to want to use them with a rain poncho that completely covers your crotch. Chaps are leggings without a crotch or seat that horseback riders wear to protect themselves when riding …

CAMP USA’s G Comp Wind Gloves will be of interest to winter hikers and ski-mountaineers. The G Comp Wind Gloves are a modular glove system with highly breathable softshell gloves that can be covered with a windproof shell, and stored in a …

The Platypus Meta Bottle + Microfilter is a bottle-based water filter that lets you safely filter backcountry water sources, removing bacteria and protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The unit includes a one liter flexible bottle, a hollow fiber water filter, and a …

The Osprey Packs Volt 75 Backpack is a large multi-day backpack that features a highly adjustable torso and hip belt system. Also available in a smaller 60-liter version, the Volt 75 provides the standard features found on most Osprey Packs including a …

The MassDrop x Granite Gear x60 is a roll top backpack with an optional top lid and an adjustable length hip belt. Weighing 23.2 to 40.2 ounces (depending on the configuration), it has a max load of 30-35 pounds. The X60 is …

Altra’s Lone Peak 4 Trail Runners are hiking and running shoes with an extra large toe box that lets your feet spread out and relax for more comfort on long hikes or runs. Made with breathable mesh, they drain well, dry quickly, …

The NEMO Banshee 20 is a quilt sleeping bag with a full-length zipper, drawstring collar, and drawstring foot box. Weighing 27 oz, the Banshee 20 is best thought of as a hoodless sleeping bag rather than a backpacking quilt because it doesn’t …

The REI Quarter Dome 2 Person Tent is a lightweight backpacking tent with two doors that weighs 3 pounds 4.4 ounces. Newly redesigned, the Quarter Dome 2 sports a number of desirable features including much-enlarged side vestibules, more vertical walls, and higher …

The Granite Gear Vapor Trail 60 is a remake of a vintage ultralight-style backpack that was retired about ten years ago and is no longer made. At one time, the Vapor Trail was the most popular backpack used by thru-hikers on the …

The Exped Spica II UL is a lightweight, two-person tunnel tent with an aerodynamic and beak-like front vestibule designed for three season backpacking. Weighing just under 3 lbs, it’s a spacious double-walled tent that can be set up fly-first if required. While …

Brooks Cascadia 13 Trail Runners are a favorite backpacking and hiking shoe because they’re roomy, stable, fast drying and well ventilated. They have a built-in gaiter attachment point to secure your gaiters to keep out trail debris, with an innovative lacing system …

The REI Flash Air Hammock Shelter System is an all-in-one hammock shelter system that includes a mosquito hammock, whoopie-style suspension system, and tarp. It’s well thought out and has a lot of cool features, although it’s on the small size and more …