Trusted expertise. Backcountry confidence.

BECOME A MEMBER

"Backpacking Light has become the de facto organ of [the ultralight backpacking] subculture." - The Sierra Club


20,000+

active members

100+

hours of online education

3,000+

articles in our library

23+

years helping hikers


Backpacking gear and skills info you can really trust.

Get our Handbook - make intelligent decisions about ultralight backpacking gear, safety, comfort, and pack weight.

Get instant access to our FREE handbook!

"...You guys put out the best, highest quality content that exists in the world of Outdoor. And I'm not just saying that. I manage a famous outdoor shop here in the Lake District and you guys are well respected here."
- Alex C., United Kingdom

Backpacking Articles - Latest

Staff Picks 2023

Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used in 2023 - the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!

Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about wilderness emergency rescue from the very different and unique perspective of an air ambulance service operating in the Canadian Wilderness.

Bear and Food Storage Policy in the National Parks

America’s National Parks each have different food storage requirements for backpackers. This article discusses the requirements, various options, and focuses on what bear canisters are exemplary options, and why.

Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we're going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism.

How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Skills, Tools, and Resources

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources on how to plan a backpacking trip - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, and more.

Episode 91 | Fishnet Mesh Base Layers

In episode 91 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about fishnet base layers and the Swedish ideal of lagom.

Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Baselayers

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about four season tents, a new ABC watch that could dethrone the Garmin Fenix, and alpaca wool fabrics used for next-to-skin base layer apparel.

Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)

The Publisher's Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.

Browse more

Our Backpacking Community - Latest Member Activity

River Crossing (ahem) for the Uninitiate….
Trip Report
Mina Loomis December 2, 2023
Thrills and Spills
Trip Report
dirtbag November 14, 2023
Buckskin Gulch / Paria Canyon: Utah
Trip Report
John "Jay" Menna October 12, 2023
Change of Plans
Trip Report
dirtbag October 12, 2023
Remote hot springs fall trip
Trip Report
AK Granola October 9, 2023
Maroon Bells overnight – with some firsts (for me)
Trip Report
Dan September 27, 2023
Great pack if you use a bear can
Gear Review
Bowen D September 18, 2023

Browse more

Join Our Community

Become a Backpacking Light Member


Forum Access

Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.

Premium Content

Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.

Community Posts

Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!

Online Education

Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).

Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!

Get Started

Loading...