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Choosing an Ultralight Shelter for Backpacking (Member Q&A)

How to make the decision of what type of ultralight shelter to use on various types of backpacking trips in different seasons.

How Biking to Trailheads Can Enrich Backpacking

Mark Wetherington explores how trading auto for bicycle for home-to-trailhead transportation impacts the hiking and backpacking experience.

BioLite Headlamp 750 Review

The BioLite Headlamp 750 (MSRP $99.95, 5.3 ounces / 150 g) is a performance-oriented USB-rechargeable headlamp with several unique features but crippling reliability issues.

By the Numbers: Crushing It – How Bad is Thermal Degradation in Synthetic Insulation?

In part two of this investigation, we see what happens when you crush insulation beneath a stack of concrete pavers - again and again.

Episode 46 | Water-resistant Down

Andrew chats with the down experts at the IDFL Laboratory and Institute about water-resistant down.

Vargo ExoTi BOG Backpack Review

The Vargo ExoTi BOG backpack (2 pounds 9 ounces / 1.16 kg, MSRP $299.95) is a roll-top, external, titanium framed backpack with a removable 40-liter 70 denier primary compartment.

Dealing with Mental Lows on Trail

Maggie Slepian uses past experiences on trail to push through rough days on Colorado's challenging Collegiate West.

Durston X-Mid 2P Review

The Durston X-Mid 2P is a 2-person, double-wall, dual side-entry, silpoly shelter with two vestibules that weighs 40 oz (1134 g).

Lightweight Clothing Layering Systems for Backpacking (Member Q&A)

How to assemble and save weight on a clothing layering system for hiking and backpacking to stay warm, dry, and comfortable.

Vargo Titanium Water Bottle Review

I bought the $85 Vargo titanium water bottle to see if it was worth it. The answer? It's complicated. Here's my review.

Finding Meaning on the Green River

Ben Kilbourne hikes and packrafts along the Green River in Wyoming.

Episode 45 | Backcountry Creativity

Andrew and Ryan talk about skills and strategies for painting, writing, composing, and photography while backpacking.

The Search for a Fleece Replacement – A Close Look at Active Insulation and the role of MVTR

What is MVTR's role in active insulation garments?

Simple Gear Tests and USB Recharging

In his new column, Simple Gear Tests, Backpacking Light author Rex Sanders provides suggestions for at-home gear tests you can do with minimal time and expense. First up - a plan for verifying the capacity of your USB-rechargeable devices.

Thinking Behind the Gate

Now when I'm reading on an NPS or USFS website and see "gate closed until..." I don't see a barrier - I see an opportunity for solitude.

Episode 44 | The New Reality of Western Wildfires

Andrew and Ryan chat with Jaden Bales from the Wyoming Wildlife Federation about western wildfires.

It’s Time to Talk About Campfires

Why do so many of us still feel compelled to have fires?

Inov-8 Terraultra G 270 Trail Running Shoes Review

The Inov-8 Terraultra G 270 (9.5 oz / 270 g, MSRP $160) is a moderately-cushioned, zero drop, wide toebox trail running shoe with better-than-average durability and fantastic fit.

A Walk in the Park: 100 Miles Across the Wilds of Kafue National Park

An off-trail trek through a Zambian wildlife preserve.

Episode 43 | Ben Kilbourne Reads “Observing Transition Season”

What are you trying to accomplish when you backpack?

Air permeability vs. moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR): which one impacts moisture transport more in wind and rain jackets?

This study compares the performance of four jackets made with fabrics that span a wide range of air permeability rates and moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR). The study shows that significantly greater moisture removal can be achieved as a function of jacket MVTR than jacket air permeability.

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