Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear is known for its high-quality, hand-crafted ultralight backpacking gear. The company works primarily with lightweight Dyneema fabric (formerly cuben fiber) and have become experts in creating equipment with this durable, waterproof material. After expanding its lineup to include shelters, packs and stuff sacks, Hyperlite is broadening its scope again introducing the new Dirigo 2 tent, the company’s first self-contained, three-season, two-person backpacking shelter.
The Dirigo 2 is the result when a group of outdoors enthusiasts and Dyneema experts decide to build something different. Not only does the tent use Dyneema sourced in the US, but it also is constructed with five different Dyneema Composite Fabrics. Each fabric is placed precisely to minimize the weight and maximize the performance of the tent.
Dyneema is a 100 percent waterproof fabric and is regarded to be among the strongest man-made fibers in the world. For Dirigo 2 owners, this means Hyperlite’s backpacking tent doesn’t need a rainfly or even a ground sheet to protect it from the elements. It also is designed to pitch with trekking poles, so you don’t have to carry separate aluminum tent poles or worry about replacing those poles when they break.
The only hardware in the tent is a small piece of lightweight carbon fiber truss that gives the shelter some rigidity across the top of the tent. Backpackers will appreciate not only the weight savings but also the simplicity offered by the Dirigo 2 backpacking tent.
By trimming all the extras, the Dirigo 2 weighs a mere 28 ounces falling squarely into the ultralight category for tents. The tent includes two doors for easy entry/exit and two vestibules for storing extra gear. The inside of the tent is lined with no-see-um mesh walls and breathable panels at the foot and heard for improved airflow. There’s also an internal mesh pocket for storing small items like headlamps inside the tent. The two-person tent weighs a mere 28 ounces and packs down to 12” x 8” x 6″ in the included stuff sack. When pitched, the self-contained shelter offers 32.5 square feet of living space with enough headroom (45″) to sit comfortably. Hyperlite is now selling the Dirigo 2 on its website for $795.
The limited-edition Current LTD comes loaded with premium upgrades, powerful motor assistance, and features designed for serious trail riding.
Aventon is taking things up a notch with its latest electric mountain bike. The new Current LTD is a full-suspension eMTB packed with high-end components, plenty of power, and some impressive technology. There's one catch, though. Only 99 are being made, and each comes with a $7,999 price tag.
INIU has launched the Rugged 10000, a $54.99 power bank with 45W fast charging and IP67 dust and water protection. Its 10,000mAh battery supplies power through two USB-C ports for phones and outdoor gear.
It’s the first product from the company’s new INIU Outdoor division. Weighing roughly 196g, the silicone-armored battery is designed for hikers who need backup power but want to keep their pack light.
Keeping devices charged and a campsite lit takes a little planning once wall outlets disappear. These four Amazon offers cover portable solar power, satellite communication, and two different approaches to camp lighting. The BigBlue, BioLite, and LuminAID prices require Prime membership.
BigBlue 28W solar charger - $50.97 (15% off)