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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.
Unpacked: The Backpacking Tithe Project
Is backpacking your hobby or your habit? Examining the subtle difference can provide profound insights into how to spend your time.
Learning Curve: Unpacking Backpacking
In a year of back-and-forth hiking plans and a busy career in backpacking media, Maggie works on understanding what backpacking means to her.
YAR.gear Mountain Drifter 38L Review
The YAR.gear Mountain Drifter 38L (~18 oz / 510 g, MSRP $200) is a light and modular fastpacking pack that can accommodate heavier loads for short distances if need be.
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