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

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Review

The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus can send short text, photo and audio messages, weighs 4.1 ounces and has an MSRP of $500.

Comfort vs. Weight: Gear Guidance for Aging Backpackers

Ronni Wilde writes about her adventures lightening her pack to allow her to do more backpacking at an older age.

Ultra-light, ultra-performance backcountry electronics (revised and updated)

In this updated gear guide, I'll provide some insight into the backcountry electronics I use, discuss their use cases, and explain why I chose those brands and models.

Inflatable Sleeping Pads: Finding Comfort when Sleeping on the Ground (Updated)

The product category of inflatable sleeping pad is trending towards larger, warmer, and more comfortable pads - with very little weight penalty.

Episode 106 | Tent Stake Holding Power

In episode 106 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about tent stake holding power and have a chat about tent stake design with Suluk 46 founder Steve Evans.

A Place to Sit: A Perspective on Ultralight Camp Chairs (Updated)

My perspective on camp chairs, and perspectives on how it has changed in the past five years.

REI Magma Trail Quilt 30 Review (Updated)

This REI Magma Trail Quilt 30 review features a high quality, well-insulated quilt that uses water-resistant down and includes an insulated draft collar.

The Accursed Mountains: Exploring the Borderlands of Albania and Montenegro
Introduction The lads at the landing were working hard as the ferry pulled in. Laden with cars from the city of Shkoder to the southwest, the boat would need to...

Browse more

Our Backpacking Community - Latest Member Activity

Yosemite High Route North Aug/Sep 2024
Trip Report
Charlie Brenneman September 4, 2024
Leaking gas canisters? Help please.
Member Blog
Roger Caffin August 8, 2024
Death Valley Traverse
Trip Report
Drew Smith July 26, 2024
Tahoe Rim Trail – July 2024
Trip Report
Trevor Wilson July 22, 2024
3 Days in Harriman
Trip Report
dirtbag July 2, 2024
Walking to Fire Island
Trip Report
dirtbag June 17, 2024
Exploring Shuyak Island, Alaska
Trip Report
Philip Tschersich June 11, 2024
Trampas Lakes (NM, USA)
Trip Report
Alex (he/him) June 9, 2024

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...