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Route Planning Tools & Processes (Member Q&A)
Planning a route for wilderness backpacking trips in remote environments can be complicated. In this webinar, learn about route planning tools and processes that simplify planning and help you plan safe, comfortable trips in the backcountry.
Canyons and Contemplation
Exploration and reflection on a backpacking trip in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
Why Freeze-Dried Food Retains Taste and Nutrition
In part three of his ongoing series on freeze-drying, Drew Smith explores the science behind how freeze-drying preserves important nutrients - and why it matters.
Episode 57 | Cottage Industry Interview: Food for the Sole
Andrew talks to Food for the Sole founders Julie and Henry Mosier about running a food production business, scaling, staff management, recipe iteration, and more.
Where Do I Put My Waterbottles When Backpacking?
What's the best way to store water bottles while backpacking? You've got some options, but the answer depends on what you want to achieve.
Tent Fitting the Easy Way
If you are struggling to find a shelter that fits, you aren't alone. We provide some (mostly useful) advice in the context of a pop culture tour.
Episode 56 | Portable Battery Chargers for Backpacking
In this episode, we chat with longtime Backpacking Light contributor Rex Sanders about his ongoing tests of portable battery chargers. Also, Ryan and Andrew chat about vandalism on public lands, electronic device management, new gear from Atom Packs, and the benefits of freeze-drying.
Mindfulness Meditation for Backpacking
Andrew Marshall explores an ancient life skill that is surprisingly applicable to backpacking - meditation.
Trekking Poles (Member Q&A)
Learn how to choose and use trekking poles for backpacking, trekking pole design, and how trekking poles influence physiological energy costs and biomechanics as related to mitigating overuse injuries.
How Does Freeze-Drying work? (The Physics of Making Freeze-Dried Backpacking Food)
Why and how does freeze-drying work? The physics and science of freeze-drying your own backpacking food, plus a killer freeze-dried hash browns recipe.
Exploration, An Act of Imagining
The horizon is our reminder that the way things are now is not the way things have to be. Exploring, even just backpacking into the hills at the edge of town, expands the known and opens us up to the possibility of more.
Pushing the SOS button on the Garmin inReach Mini in Jasper National Park
"I was suddenly seized by an inability to breathe: the world went black and I was bent over gasping for air, then passed out and collapsed, falling into the marsh."
Pa’lante V2 Review
The Pa'lante V2 Backpack (16.8 to 17.5 ounces / 476 to 495 g, MSRP $240) is a lightweight, frameless backpack for low to moderate weight loads and compact equipment.
Sunscreen for Hiking and Backpacking: Efficacy, Ingredient Safety, and Best Practices
Dan Hu reviews current research regarding the safety and efficacy of sunscreen for hiking and backpacking, including ingredient efficacy, safety, and best practices for outdoor adventuring.
Discussing the Garmin inReach Mini 2 with Garmin Senior Product Manager Chip Noble
In this video interview, Ryan Jordan and Chip Noble (Senior Product Manager at Garmin) discuss the new features of the Garmin inReach Mini 2, including its improved battery life.
By the Numbers: Compression Resistance of PrimaLoft Gold vs. Climashield Apex (Part 4)
PrimaLoft Gold outperforms Climashield Apex as the more resilient (durable) insulation, capable of retaining more of its original warmth and loft in response to repeated compression.
Episode 55 | Managing Perspiration in Layering Systems: Wicking, Evaporation, and Ventilation
Ryan and Andrew discuss strategies and gear for managing perspiration in layering systems, including the processes of wicking, evaporation, and ventilation.
Nashville Pack Cutaway Review
The Nashville Pack Cutaway backpack is a roll-top 30 L frameless pack with a modular shoulder strap attachment system. Also discussed: The Nashville Pack Tiempo.
Base Layers, Wicking, and Backpacking (Member Q&A)
Learn how to choose a base layer for backpacking, base layer material performance differences, and how base layers impact moisture transfer in the broader context of a clothing system.
Trouble Behind
Enriching friendship through fishing and adventure in Colorado’s Middle Park.
Episode 54 | Foot Injuries, Training, and Rehabilitation for Hikers with John Zombro
Physical therapist and athletic performance coach John Zombro chats with Ryan and Andrew about foot injuries, training strategies, and rehabilitation in the context of hiking and long-distance backpacking.
