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.
Author Profile
Brandon Lampley
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 57 by Brandon Lampley

Best Ultralight Backpack of 2023
Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? Over six years, we've purchased and tested over 25 of the best...
Best Buy
Osprey Exos 48 Review
For an easy-to-use, popular introductory ultralight pack, it easily offers the most bang for your buck, making it the...
How to Choose Hiking Shoes
Want some help finding the right shoe for your feet and trail objectives? This article dissects the key considerations...
Best Buy
Granite Gear Virga 2 Review
This entirely frameless pack is perfect for those looking for a lightweight pack that is compatible with a foam...
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...
Top Pick
ZPacks Arc Blast 55 Review
This pack shines in its combination of lightweight materials, thoughtful and specific feature set, and carbon fiber...
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 Review
One of the most unique ultralight packs we tested, the Fastpack 30 allows you to go hands free while running, keeping...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400 Review
A durable, simple, and impressive pack that delivers a lot of volume relative to its weight. The pack's simple design...
Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0 Review
Ultralight Adventure Equipment produces one of the most popular lines of backpacks used by hikers on the Appalachian...
Gossamer Gear Gorilla Review
One of the most adaptable and comfortable ultralight backpacks we tested. Though it is not the most lightweight, the...
Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX Review
The Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX is an altogether different beast than most of the approach shoes we tested. The...
Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2 Review
The Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2 is a large, A-frame style tarp tent. For its weight, it's the roomiest fully-enclosed...
Keen Marshall WP Review
The Keen Marshall WP is a comfortable, minimalist shoe. There's a lot less between the trail and the sole of your foot...
Adidas Outdoor AX2 CP Review
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...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Shelter Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Shelter System is the lightest modular ultraight shelter we tested and provides...
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