Category Archives: Gear Reviews

Welcome to the review archive! Here you will find reviews for literally every item we own as well as those that are provided by manufacturers specifically for smackpacker review. We use the following ratings scale to detail the usefulness, quality, weight, and cost/value of the gear reviewed:

Don’t Bother: Not worth your time or money.
Not Bad: Flawed, adequate or average gear that may fit your particular needs.
Recommended: Good stuff we like, with a nitpick or two.
Highly Recommended: Truly excellent equipment. Don’t leave the trailhead without it!

MLD Cuben Solo Pro Tarp Quick Review

Posted on April 11, 2010 by ploss

One of the cuben items purchased for this season is a Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) Solo Pro Tarp. This, although I didn’t necessarily “need” a new tarp, was intended to be used in conjunction with my Super Mica jacket to … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear Reviews | 4 Comments

Marmot Super Mica Review

Posted on April 9, 2010 by ploss

I’ve made MANY purchases for the 2010 backpacking season, including significant purchases of gear constructed of cuben fiber. I’ve not yet chronicled a single item thus far, due to the simple reason of not wanting to review anything I haven’t adequately tested . . … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear Reviews | 11 Comments

BPL Stix Mod: Redux

Posted on February 23, 2010 by McLovin

Addendum to Ploss’ post BPL STIX Mod: Aftermarket Tips from July 2009, which details how to properly add Leki aftermarket tips to these UL trekking poles. Continue reading →

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BPL Firelite Esbit Wing Stove Review

Posted on February 22, 2010 by McLovin

Can this titanium solid fuel stove compete with the blogger’s favorite, the White Box Stove? Can it boil enough h2O for two? A (non-field) full test and comparison. Continue reading →

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Best of the Best

Posted on February 22, 2010 by McLovin

Kicking off the 2010 gear season with this year’s list of my favorite gear. Continue reading →

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MYOG Challenge: Cuben Fiber Pack!

Posted on January 25, 2010 by McLovin

Ploss has been busy figuring out how to spend more money on more, lighter gear – and previously (earlier) whining about how homey don’t play sewing machines. HFY! A real man in need of a cuben fiber backpack should make … Continue reading →

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