Nathan Pipenberg

Nathan's work focuses on travel, the outdoors, and environmental issues. His work has been featured in publications like Outside Online, Backpacker Magazine, Mountain Flyer, and REI.

Latest Stories

Ultralight Gear

5 Pieces of Ultralight Gear That Are Worth Your Money Now—and 2 You Should Skip

After five years on the beat, Backpacker's ultralight columnist Nathan Pipenberg is moving on. For his last column, he weighs in on what gear is worth your money today.

September 7, 2026

Gear

After Covering Ultralight Backpacking Gear for Five Years, Here's What I'd Actually Buy

I’ve tested almost all the shiniest new toys and fads, but there’s only a few things I’d spend my own money on.

September 2, 20262

Gear

The Best Ultralight Brands You’ve Never Heard Of

Ultralight backpacking may have gone mainstream, but these brands are still operating under the radar.

August 18, 2026

Sleeping Pads

Make a Custom Inflatable Sleeping Pad for Less Than $100

Heat-sealing fabrics are the key to inflatable MYOG projects. All you'll need for this one is a clothes iron—and a little bit of patience.

July 28, 2026

Gear

Ultralight Has Gone Mainstream. Are Cottage Brands in Danger?

As lightweight gear goes big, ultralight-specific brands might still have the upper hand.

July 22, 2026

Opinion

There's a Debate Over Chainsaw Use in Wilderness. I'm a Trailbuilder and I Have Thoughts.

Trails are disappearing in the Lower 48's largest Wilderness Area. But are chainsaws really the answer?

July 17, 20264

Backpacks

Symbiosis Gear Thinks Women Deserve Better Ultralight Backpacks

The Aspen 38 is the rare ultralight pack designed by—and made for—women.

July 2, 2026

Tents

Big Agnes VST Tents Are Its Lightest Yet—And Among Its Most Expensive

The single-walled shelter is a rare mix of ultralight and traditional tent design. But is it worth the $650 price tag?

June 25, 2026

Gear

Is Tecnowool the Next Great Ultralight Fabric?

The new wool-based fabric is nearly as light as Alpha Direct, but way more versatile.

June 1, 2026

Gear

RIP to These Bygone Backpacking Trends

Take a hike down memory lane to celebrate the gear and fads that got backpacking to where it is today.

May 27, 202610

Gear

Is MEC’s 2 Kilo Project Actually Ultralight?

The Canadian retailer’s newest release is a “Big Four” that weighs in at just four pounds.

May 22, 2026

Sleeping Bags

The Best Ultralight Bags and Quilts for Ounce-Saving Warmth

After testing 34 bags, these nine rose to the top of the ranks.

July 30, 2026

Sleeping Bags

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Any Climate

We tested 28 sleeping bags. Only ten of them kept our trekkers toasty and dry all season.

July 29, 2026

Sleeping Pads

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads to Keep You Warm and Supported

We lost sleep over narrow, scratchy, crinkly pads so that you don’t have to.

May 14, 2026

Tents

These Stakes Weigh Two Grams Each. But Will They Hold Your Tent Down?

Ultralight carbon fiber stakes can cut a few ounces from your pack if you know how to use them.

April 27, 2026

Stories

I'm a Lifelong Hiker. My Scariest Animal Encounter Was With a Herd of Cows.

I’ve come across bears, moose, and almost stepped on a rattlesnake. Nothing scared me like a herd of curious cattle.

April 27, 2026

Gear

3 New Bear-Safety Solutions That Aren't a Pain to Use

From an adjustable canister to the lightest chew-resistant sack on the market, this gear is lighter and more versatile than a typical canister—and a lot easier than a bear hang.

April 20, 2026

Backpacks

Aarn’s “Body Pack” Concept Reinvents the Hiking Backpack

By moving some of the load to the front, the Mountain Magic 50 Pro promises a better, more balanced carry.

April 30, 20263

Trekking Poles

We Tested 54 Trekking Poles From Alaska to Patagonia. Our Winner Is a Folding Pole That Actually Stays Stiff.

Our testers put everything from budget aluminum poles to the fanciest carbon we could find through the wringer. These are our favorites.

June 17, 2026

Essentials

BearVault’s BV One is Our New Favorite Bear Canister

After years of stagnation, there are new bear cans to choose from—and the BV One is the best.

March 26, 2026

Your Privacy Choices

Nathan Pipenberg

Latest Stories

5 Pieces of Ultralight Gear That Are Worth Your Money Now—and 2 You Should Skip

After Covering Ultralight Backpacking Gear for Five Years, Here's What I'd Actually Buy

The Best Ultralight Brands You’ve Never Heard Of

Make a Custom Inflatable Sleeping Pad for Less Than $100

Ultralight Has Gone Mainstream. Are Cottage Brands in Danger?

There's a Debate Over Chainsaw Use in Wilderness. I'm a Trailbuilder and I Have Thoughts.

Symbiosis Gear Thinks Women Deserve Better Ultralight Backpacks

Big Agnes VST Tents Are Its Lightest Yet—And Among Its Most Expensive

Is Tecnowool the Next Great Ultralight Fabric?

RIP to These Bygone Backpacking Trends

Is MEC’s 2 Kilo Project Actually Ultralight?

The Best Ultralight Bags and Quilts for Ounce-Saving Warmth

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Any Climate

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads to Keep You Warm and Supported

These Stakes Weigh Two Grams Each. But Will They Hold Your Tent Down?

I'm a Lifelong Hiker. My Scariest Animal Encounter Was With a Herd of Cows.

3 New Bear-Safety Solutions That Aren't a Pain to Use

Aarn’s “Body Pack” Concept Reinvents the Hiking Backpack

We Tested 54 Trekking Poles From Alaska to Patagonia. Our Winner Is a Folding Pole That Actually Stays Stiff.

BearVault’s BV One is Our New Favorite Bear Canister

Outside+