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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.
Tenkara Fishing Rods and Gear for Backpacking – Hane, Rhodo, Ito, Satoki, TF39TA
In this video overview, I present the five rods that I've been using over the past few years for most of my backcountry tenkara fishing. They include four models from Tenkara USA (including the new Satoki) and one model from Tenryu (the TF39TA) that remains the staple of my kit. In addition, I'll walk through the basic gear I use and take while tenkara fishing on hiking and backpacking trips.
MYOG Tunnel Tent (The Frankenstein Tent: Old Materials Come Alive Again)
An MYOG tunnel tent project using re-purposed fabrics from used gear.
Winter Hiking & Backpacking Gear – Part 1
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 1 of 2.
Falling Stones at Two Goat Camp
Andrew Marshall's account of a Wonderland Trail thru-hike at the intersection of permits, wildfires, the birth of his son, and trauma.
Episode 72 | The Cottage Industry
In this episode we talk to Garage Grown Gear CEO and co-founder Lloyd Vogel where we’ll be diving into the outdoor gear cottage industry.
Staff Picks 2022
Each year, our staff selects their favorite backcountry gear from the past year, and we look forward to you sharing your favorite gear of the year as well in the forum comments below!
Episode 71 | Sleeping Bag Layering Systems
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about how to use multi-layered sleep systems to stay warmer on multi-day trips in cold weather.
2022 Backpacking Light Members Choice Awards
First annual Members Choice Awards - what gear do our members use and love as we near the end of 2022?
BPL Live! Tour, News, and Q&A
Join us for BPL Live! and take a tour of Backpacking Light, find out what's new, and get answers to your questions about Backpacking Light, using the website, getting the most out of your membership, and more!
Episode 70 | Fall Backpacking & Cold Feet
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we talk about how to mitigate cold feet during fall-season backpacking conditions.
Hiking and Backpacking Injuries and Other Medical Issues Dominant inReach SOS Incidents
Data from 10,000 inReach SOS incidents show that hikers and backpackers needing emergency assistance for injuries and other medical issues is the predominant inReach use case.
By The Numbers: What’s the Best Base Layer Fabric? Wool vs. Alpaca vs. Polyester
In this paper, I subject base layers in various weights made from merino, merino blends, and alpaca to the suite of tests I have developed to evaluate base layer performance. I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. We also see if my preconceived notions about merino hold water. Finally, we will see how to choose the fiber for our base layers.
Alpacka Refuge Review
The Alpacka Raft Refuge Packraft weighs less than six pounds but includes a cargo fly and whitewater deck.
Episode 69 | Ultralight Shelters in Inclement Weather
Episode 69 of the Backpacking Light Podcast dives into ultralight shelters and how their structures hold up during inclement weather.
Bearvault BV500 Review
The Bearvault BV500 Journey (41 oz, 700 cubic inches, $88) is an IGBC-certified and SIBBG-approved bear canister. This review focuses on its usability and quality.
Episode 68 | Unpacking the New Garmin inReach Messenger
In today's gear short episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about the brand new Garmin inReach Messenger and how it fits into the broader market of satellite communications devices for backcountry users.
Garmin inReach Messenger (Preview/Updated)
The Garmin inReach Messenger provides seamless messaging across cellular, WiFi, and satellite networks for only 4.0 ounces. It offers some compelling features over its closest competitor, the Zoleo Satellite Communicator, including an on-device display that makes it a viable standalone device when used without a smartphone.
Is Buying a Home Freeze-Dryer Worth the Money?
Home Freeze-dryers are handy but expensive. Are they worth the cost? We show you how to find out.
Alpacka Scout Review
The Alpacka Raft Scout packraft (2022 model) weighs less than four pounds. We review its durability and stability for both flatwater and Class 1 river running.
Can Apple’s New iPhone 14 Replace Your Garmin inReach?
Should/will the iPhone 14 replace my Garmin inReach (or similar satellite messaging devices)?