The sun is harsh, and generally hates backpackers. Protecting your eyes should be a high priority, especially if you’ll be outside for days on end. The Frazier sunglasses are stylish, comfortable, lightweight sunglasses built from Grilamid with a soothing UV protection applied directly to the lenses. This is what I thought. I’ve been using these … More Spy Optics Frazier Sunglasses
Staying warm in the winter is of the highest priority. That’s why I spend so much time testing and reviewing winter jackets. There are a lot of good jackets out there, but few are truly exceptional. The Alpine Light Down Parka from Montbell, might just be the exception I’ve been looking for. The Alpine Light … More Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka Review
The Odin Minimalist Jacket is an ultra lightweight 2.5 layer rain jacket that’s designed to provide weather protection with the absolute minimal weight penalty. Instead of weighing it down with extra features, it cuts back, providing only the essentials. I put it to the test, and I liked it. The jacket is purely minimalist, consisting of little more than a … More Helly Hansen Odin Minimalist Jacket Review
Light weight and winter; combining the two while enjoying it seems a near impossibility at times. The Big Agnes Slater UL2+ is a shelter designed to bring them closer together, while maintaining a comfortable experience. With an ultralight build based off the immensely popular Fly Creek series but with more internal volume, and a full … More Big Agnes Slater UL2+ Review
Going fast and light often requires ditching the boots and going with something a bit lighter. The Ahnu Ridgecrest is designed to be just that. Waterproof and stable, the light weight yet stable trail shoes offer a more nimble approach to hitting trails without sacrificing protection or durability. I’ve put them to the test, and … More Ahnu Ridgecrest Trail Shoes
The REI Arete 2 falls somewhere between a 4 season mountaineering tent, and a light weight backpacking tent. Beefed up enough to handle high winds and light snow, but light enough to be carried year round it hopes to fill the void that so many backpackers are searching for. Does it work? Borrowing from both … More REI Arete ASL 2 Review
the Gregory Z 30 is a large, spacious daypack designed for fast and light outings and peak bagging. The new ventilated CrossFlo suspension lifts the pack away from the body, allowing air to flow through, keeping the hiker dry and comfortable. I’ve put mine through the paces and it’s turned out to be a solid … More Gregory Z30 Backpack Review
We’re currently testing the REI Arete ASL 2, and I wanted to offer up a preview of it as we’re pretty excited about it. I like the light weight build, but so far I’m not big on the lack of tent stakes and guy lines. Check out the video below. Questions? Just let me know!
We all need a good way to lacerate our carbon based sustenance into small easily masticated bits. The Freescape Camp Kitchen Kit from Gerber comes in handy for just such an endeavor. Combining a cutting board, kitchen knife, and pairing knife into a easy to carry kit, it’s pretty handy to have around while playing camp … More Gerber Freescape Camp Kitchen Kit Review
The Luxury Map camping mattress from Thermarest is a generously designed self-inflating sleeping pad conceived with one purpose; Pure, unconditional comfort. Designed for front-country adventures, the Luxury Map removes consideration of weight and pack-ability, and instead focuses on the bests possible nights sleep. The large, 3″ x 20″ x 72″ mattress is wrapped in a durable … More Thermarest Luxury Map Review
TreeLineBackpacker 