Wednesday, June 17, 2026

MOST POPULAR POSTS

Haribo Mini Power Bank Review: The Lightest 20,000 mAh Battery in the World?

If you are an ultralight backpacker or photographer looking to trim ounces and save money without sacrificing functionality, this is a serious contender. It may look whimsical, but it works as advertised; and as an ultralight backpacker and landscape photographer: the Haribo Pocket Size Mini Power Bank 20000mAH and Haribo Mini Power Bank 10000mAH has easily earned a spot in my backpack.

SEA to SUMMIT ALTO TR1: Ultralight 1 Person Tent REVIEW

The Sea to Summit Alto TR1 (also known as the Alto Semi-Free Standing Ultralight Tent) is a one-person dual-wall semi-freestanding tent that has garnered...

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Review: Five Years with One Pack

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L is one of those rare pieces of gear that’s stayed in my rotation year after year. This is...

PACK LINERS vs RAIN COVERS: Waterproof your Pack

Why Relying on a Rain Cover Isn’t Enough Living in the Pacific Northwest has taught me that keeping gear dry is not optional. Between packrafting,...

DISASTROVAN v2: AWD Chevy Astro Camper Van Project

Inside My Log Cabin on Wheels Long road trips were a big part of my upbringing. From a young age, I loved the feeling of...

ZPACKS DUPLEXL | Ultralight 2 Person Tent: Full Review

The Zpacks DuplexL is a 2-person ultralight tent for the weight-conscious backpacker who is looking to save weight and stretch their legs. It's a...

BUDGET Ultralight Backingpacking Stove Setup: TOAKS 750ml Pot + BRS 3000T REVIEW

On most trips in the backcountry nearly all of my trail meals are just add-water options, and when boiling water is the goal: your...

Hyperlite Versa Review: Ultralight Camera Carry for Mirrorless Landscape Photographers

Three years ago I bought the Hyperlite Versa and since then, it’s been a constant companion on every trip; deserts, tropics, alpine ridgelines, coastal...

My Favorite Ultralight Mug: GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug – LONG TERM REVIEW

In the world of ultralight mugs, there is no shortage of options. Out of all the ones I have tried, the GSI Outdoors Infinity...

Haribo Mini Power Bank Removed from Amazon: What Happened to the Ultralight Gummy Bear Battery?

UPDATE November, 19th 2025: The Haribo Mini Power Bank 10000mAH is back in stock! We will keep you updated if the 20k battery is...

Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Carbon Trekking Umbrella Review

A Lightweight Umbrella That Pulls Double Duty Ultralight umbrellas traditionally have long divided backpackers. After extensive use across desert trails, alpine ridges, and during moderate...

Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent Review: Ultralight Comfort for One, Tight Quarters for Two

Getting Acquainted with the Hornet Elite 2P The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P is an ultralight semi-freestanding two-person tent. It weighs just over two pounds...

Arcade Motion Belt Review: Built for Everyday, Backed by Experience

I’ve worn Arcade belts across thousands of miles of backcountry, multi-state road trip adventures, and behind more than a few camera lenses. Their Adventure...

Sunday Afternoons Charter Hat Review: Reliable Sun Hat for Open Terrain

A Proven Sun Hat In my opinion, adequate sun protection is at the forefront of self-care in the backcountry. A good sun hat should...

MLD SUPERLIGHT SOLO BIVY Review: Ultralight Simplicity With Serious Versatility

The Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) Superlight Solo Bivy isn’t something I carry on every trip, but I bring it far more often than I...

HOW TO BUILD an EXPANDABLE BED SYSTEM for your Camper van: My Most Refined Van Bed Build Yet

After over a decade of van conversions and road-tested living, I can say with confidence that bed design is one of the most critical...

Ultralight Methods to Protect Your Camera Gear from Moisture Buildup: Landscape Photography Tips

When you're deep in the tropics with salt spray, humidity, and sideways rain hammering the coastline, preventative maintenance is required for protecting your camera...

ThermoWorks ThermoDrop Review: Ultralight Data for Smarter Gear Choices

Accurate Temperature Data on the Trail The ThermoWorks ThermoDrop is a small thermometer; a little bigger then a quarter and lighter than a Bic lighter....

Supai Olo Packraft Paddle Review: Compact Carbon Fiber Simplicity

A Paddle Built for Minimalist Packrafting Picking the right packraft paddle for backcountry trips typically involves compromise. You need something that performs well on the...

PORTABLE KITCHEN: All-In-One WATERPROOF Chuck Box Kit!

When I built out my 1996 AWD Chevy Astro camper van (aka Disastrovan), every square inch had to earn its keep. I’d already dialed in...

Why I Don’t Cook Inside My Camper Van: Outdoor Kitchen Setup

After years of living with, modifying, and using the Disastrovan in real-world conditions, I’ve come to one firm conclusion. I don’t cook inside my...

Ultralight Camera Carry: Hyperlite Versa & F-Stop ICU Review

How I Carry Camera Gear into the Backcountry One of the most frequent questions I get as an avid backpacker and landscape photographer is: how...

How To PLAN Your STORAGE & SHELVES: 3 Design Concepts for Van Life & Campers | ASTRO Van Build

Disastrovan: Chevy Astro Van Camper Project Disastrovan is a a 1996 AWD Chevy Astro van that I turned it into a compact log cabin on...

How I Built Custom Wooden Dutch Doors for my Astro Camper

Custom wooden backdoor covers, also known as Dutch doors, not only add insulation and style: they also cut down on road noise and make...

SLIK i-Bracket Review: Ultralight L-Bracket Alternative for Photographers

Carrying a camera into the backcountry forces you to think carefully about every ounce. Traditional L-brackets work well for switching between horizontal and vertical...

Hest Foamy Mattress: 2 Year Review – A Better Sleep System for Van Life, Road Trips, and Camp Setups.

When I first built out my camper conversion I went the DIY custom route for my mattress. I stacked three inches of ultramarine foam...

Sightglass Coffee: Peru – Women of Coffee Series Review

Sightglass Coffee: Peru – Women of Coffee Series Review A limited release highlighting women producers in Peru Our friends over at Sightglass Coffee sent us over...