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Episode 78 | Stove System Performance (Flame Power vs. Fuel Efficiency)
In this episode, we’re going to address stove system performance and specifically, flame power vs. fuel efficiency.
Why I Pack My Fears
Packing fears adds weight, but smart preparedness matters. In this video, I break down a compact, lightweight emergency kit I carry on every trip, explaining each item and its purpose. Designed as both backup and standalone essentials, this kit is easy to grab for backpacking, summit pushes, or day hikes.
Finally – A Practical First Aid Kit for Backpacking
A practical first aid kit is an essential part of any backpacking system. In this video, I introduce a new series exploring how I build modular gear kits, starting with first aid. I explain each item I carry, why it earns a place, and how it fits into an efficient, trip-ready backpacking system.
Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacks for Backpacking
A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources on ultralight backpacks - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.
Musings: Hiking in Grizzly Country
Musings about backpacking in grizzly bear habitat.
Mantras, Mandalas, and Meditations: A hike through the hidden Tibetan Kingdom of Nepal – the Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang Regions
An account of a trek through Nepal's Central Himalayan Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang region near the border of Tibet via an ancient trading route.
Unresting Event
See how backpacking and forest ranger work in the High Uinta Wilderness and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument influenced Ben Kilbourne’s record, Unresting Event.
Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp Review
The Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp ($210 in silpoly) is a one-person, 2-trekking pole, side/end-entry full-perimeter tarp shelter.
Episode 77 | Planning, Pooping, and Campfires (Backcountry Leave No Trace Challenges During the Winter)
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we’re going to examine some of the principles of Leave No Trace in the context of winter backcountry travel, with a focus on planning, pooping, and campfires.
Episode 76 | Vapor Barrier Gloves and Socks
In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we are going to explore vapor barrier systems for the hands and feet.
Backpacking Food
A curated guide to backpacking food ideas, meals, ingredients, strategies, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.
Strange Homecomings: A Journey on the Colorado Trail
Nikki Stavile returns to Colorado finding her home state changed but finds solace in the unpredictable mountains along the Colorado Trail.
Episode 75 | Winter Layering for the Legs
Much attention is paid to layering for the torso, head, hands, and feet – but the legs are often ignored. However, during winter conditions, an intentional layering strategy for the legs can make the difference between comfort and misery. For mild winter conditions, a layering strategy may look similar to a 3-season lower body layering system. However, when temperatures drop below freezing, and snow and wind increase, the strategy needs to change a bit. Listen to this episode to explore some of these strategies so you can stay warm and comfortable when the mercury drops.
Proposal for a Novel Backpack Component: Movable Lumbar Pad
Effective backpack load transfer depends on a lumbar pad that moves with the body. This article presents a dynamically fitted lumbar pad designed around pelvic gait mechanics, allowing multi-axis rotation and lateral slide. Sensor-based experiments show improved load distribution, reduced swing, and lower shoulder loading, especially when paired with a hip belt.
Home Freeze-Drying vs. Other Trail Food Preparation Strategies
Drew Smith talks about the place of home freeze-drying in the wider context of trail food strategies, and attempts freeze dried french toast!
Lessons from Moving Fast
Ben Kilbourne explores the experience of moving fast through a vast mountain landscape and what you can learn from the experience.
Episode 74 | Shelter Stakes for Winter Camping
Listen Summary In this episode, we address winter shelter stakes for frozen ground, hard snow, and unconsolidated snow. In this Episode: News: Avalanche Awareness and Safety Live Stream Q&AÂ – January…
Superior Wilderness Designs Movement 40L Backpack Review
This review focuses on the modularity of the Superior Wilderness Designs Movement 40L backpack. In particular, the Movement has the ability to morph from a frameless to a framed pack with a suspension capable of carrying 35 pounds (15.9 kg) or so.
Episode 73 | Avalanche Awareness for Backpackers
In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, you’re going to learn about avalanche awareness in the context of winter hiking, snowshoeing, and ski touring.
The Best of Backpacking Light: 2022 Highlights
Highlights of 2022 - the most popular, most engaging content and featured highlights, forums, education, and more.
Winter Hiking & Backpacking Gear – Part 2
Interested in winter hiking and backpacking? In this webinar, learn how to use your existing kit, plus a few extra strategic items, to be safe and comfortable in the winter. Part 2 of 2.
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
Ultralight folding polesCarbon fiber, adjustable, 15" collapsed length.
