OV Blog

Written by Derek Rasmussen | July 2026 | Outdoor Vitals The Tushar Rain Jacket is a 7.4 oz ultralight shell built for backpackers who face real weather. It uses Toray TORAIN body-mapped waterproof membranes, a...

Condensation is one of the most common frustrations backpackers experience with ultralight tents. You finally cut weight, switched to a trekking pole shelter, and everything feels great… until you wake up to damp walls, dripping...

learn what “good suspension” really means, what most ultralight packs get wrong, and why Outdoor Vitals’ CARBONFLEX™ Suspension System—used in the Carbon Evo 50 Backpack and the Shadowlight Carbon 60 Backpack—is built to solve the comfort problem without abandoning the ultralight mission.

Understanding fabric technology like Zero Stitch™ is just as important as understanding down fill power and jacket fit — because at the end of the day, your gear either works, or it leaves you cold.

When it comes to puffy down jackets, chasing the lowest possible weight often backfires—especially for backpackers who rely on their jacket as a static insulation layer.

If your down jacket weighs under 10 ounces, there’s a good chance it isn’t doing the job you actually need it to do.

Backpackers know the truth: above tree line, your puffy isn’t just insulation. It’s survival. The wrong jacket means frozen nights, brutal windchill, and cutting trips short. The right jacket means warmth, confidence, and miles you never thought possible.

The Mountain Pursuit Line is our newest Performance-First Ultralight Gear collection built for use above treeline. It’s a system of layers designed for high-exertion movement and brutal stillness at elevation—i.e. hiking, scrambling, hunting, or watching out from a ridge in freezing wind.

The reason you feel cold outside probably isn't what you think. It's likely NOT because of a 'bad jacket.'  3 OTHER main things are likely the reason you feel cold in the backcountry, & this article will help you understand them!

One term you’ve probably seen while shopping for a sleeping pad is "R-value," a standardized measure of insulation. Despite its importance, there are many misconceptions about R-values and how they impact your camping experience.

Let’s bust three common myths about R-values and sleeping pad insulation, so you can make informed decisions for your next adventure.

From overheating to improper washing, this article educates readers on common pitfalls.

Missing out on something is one of the worst feelings... We want to help eliminate that possibility of missing out this holiday season by make sure you know about ALL of the new gear items...

Shopping for ultralight backpackers doesn't always have to mean dropping $300+ on some jacket, tent, or backpack. In fact, there are plenty of gift ideas under $50 that are perfect for lower budgets or stocking stuffers....