Brandon graduated from Duke University, receiving degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, and Psychology; he then promptly moved to California to climb in Yosemite and backpack throughout the Sierra Nevada. He has hiked and climbed in 48 States and 20 or so countries. Brandon has summited Denali and Ama Dablam, pioneered first ascents in the Indian and Chinese Himalaya, and topped out a few El Cap routes. Kayaking in the Sea of Cortes for a month was a lifetime highlight. When his shoulders said no more climbing for a while, he decided to abuse his feet, and thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail with only 4 months off in between. Today he lives in the Colorado mountains when not traveling and playing. Brandon remodels historic homes and landmarks, and he trains and advises adventure athletes. He hikes, runs, and climbs in the mountains to stay sane.
Showing 1-15 of 57 by Brandon Lampley

Best Ultralight Backpack of 2022
Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? Over six years, we've purchased and tested over 25 of the best ultralight backpacks. We've done the leg work, highlighting our top...
How to Choose Hiking Shoes
Want some help finding the right shoe for your feet and trail objectives? This article dissects the key considerations among hiking footwear options
Best Buy
Osprey Exos 48
For an easy-to-use, popular introductory ultralight pack, it easily offers the most bang for your buck, making it the obvious choice for our Best Buy Award for ultralight backpacks. This...
Best Buy
Granite Gear Virga 2
This entirely frameless pack is perfect for those looking for a lightweight pack that is compatible with a foam sleeping pad. The pad is placed inside this simple pack to provide a simple...
How to Choose an Ultralight Backpack
Our first side-by-side review of ultralight backpacks compares eight of the best and most popular options for lightweight and ultralight backpacking trips. Here in our Buying...
Top Pick
ZPacks Arc Blast 55
This pack shines in its combination of lightweight materials, thoughtful and specific feature set, and carbon fiber frame. Its 21.3 ounce weight stuns ultralight backpackers when paired...
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30
One of the most unique ultralight packs we tested, the Fastpack 30 allows you to go hands free while running, keeping necessary items close by.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400
A durable, simple, and impressive pack that delivers a lot of volume relative to its weight. The pack's simple design is pared with plenty of external storage pockets as well as a...
Gossamer Gear Gorilla
One of the most adaptable and comfortable ultralight backpacks we tested. Though it is not the most lightweight, the Gorilla and its cousin and award winner, the Mariposa, were our...
Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0
Ultralight Adventure Equipment produces one of the most popular lines of backpacks used by hikers on the Appalachian Trail and we were impressed by the performance of the ULA Ohm 2.0. This...
Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX
The Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX is an altogether different beast than most of the approach shoes we tested. The Gore-Tex liner makes it the only waterproof product we tested and the sole...
Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2
The Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2 is a large, A-frame style tarp tent. For its weight, it's the roomiest fully-enclosed ultralight shelter that we tested. The single layer of waterproof ripstop...
Keen Marshall WP
The Keen Marshall WP is a comfortable, minimalist shoe. There's a lot less between the trail and the sole of your foot in this shoe, creating great sensitivity. It is an excellent choice...
Adidas Outdoor AX2 CP
We wore the Adidas Outdoor AX2 CP on a variety of short hikes as well as dry trail and muddy trail runs. It's super light and we love the traction, but the floppy upper paired with the...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Shelter
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Shelter System is the lightest modular ultraight shelter we tested and provides class-leading weather protection when using all three component parts...
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