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Standards Watch Hikes into the Sunset
Rex Sanders reflects on what he learned after eight months of digging into backpacking standards.
NEMO Dagger 3P Review
The Nemo Dagger 3P (4 pounds 5 ounces / 2 kg, MSRP $529.95) is a three-person, free-standing tent with roomy vestibules, light-diffusing overhead pockets, a stuff-sack system designed to help split the load amongst hiking partners, and pre-bent, color-coded poles (2019 update) for easy setup.
The Overlook: Observing Transition Season
Ben Kilbourne uses the writing of Aldo Leopold to examine his interaction with nature.
Episode 42 | Windscreens
In this Skills Short, Ryan Jordan gives a rundown of some common stove windscreens, talks about their pros and cons, and gives some advice on choosing and using the right one for your needs.
By The Numbers: How Bad is Thermal Degradation in Synthetic Insulation?
The latest findings on thermal degradation in synthetic insulation from Stephen Seeber may surprise you in this By The Numbers column.
Using a New Sport to Refine Your Ultralight Philosophy
Single-speed all the way, baby.
Unpacked: Reservations Required
From first-come, first-served to limited lotteries and everywhere in between, permits are increasingly becoming a fact of life for backcountry adventures
MYOG – More than just a Means to an End
Sticker shock pushed me toward making my own ultralight gear. With basic sewing skills and plenty of trial and error, I built a custom kit that fits my needs exactly. From sorting goose down to sewing shelters and packs, this journey shares hard-earned lessons, imperfect successes, and the deeper connection that comes from using gear you’ve made yourself.
Building a Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Pantry to make Simple and Tasty On-Trail Dinners and Meals
Tired of pricey freeze-dried meals and long rehydration times, I turned to making my own backcountry dinners. Drawing inspiration from Backcountry Foodie and Backpacking Light, I now build simple, flavorful meals with dehydrated pasta and quality ingredients that rehydrate faster and taste better. This article shares my approach, lessons learned, and encouragement to take the first step toward DIY trail food.
Learning Curve: I Finally Had to Plan a Backpacking Trip With No Help
I'm a big planner at home, but not so much with backpacking. On my last OCT solo section, I actually had to do all of the planning myself.
Backpacking Organization
Staying organized keeps my backpacking system efficient and stress-free. This article details how I use Hyperlite Mountain Gear pods to give every item a place, from food and sleep systems to first aid and clothing. I break down my exact pod layout, showing how an organized pack saves time, prevents forgotten gear, and makes life in camp smoother.
Episode 41 | Matt Mason on Bikepacking and Public Lands, Part II
In today’s podcast, we are joined once again by Matt Mason for part two of our ongoing bikepacking conversation. This conversation digs a little more deeply into the nuances and logistical questions of bikepacking.
Nunatak Gear Bears Ears 50 Backpack Review
The Nunatak Gear Bears Ears 50 Backpack (MSRP: $330, ~28 ounces / 794 g) is an innovative frameless pack designed specifically to accommodate bear canisters. It features a unique water bottle storage system, optional shoulder-strap pockets, a removable foam back panel, a floating hipbelt, a large wrap-around exterior pocket, and a closed-cell foam pad attachment system.
The Guilt of Bringing Luxury Items While Trying To Lower Base Weight
Photography drew me into backpacking, but a 40-pound pack nearly ended it. This article traces my journey from budget gear and heavy DSLR kits to lighter, more comfortable setups that make the backcountry enjoyable again. By investing thoughtfully in weight savings, I found a balance that supports both hiking and creative goals—proving backpacking doesn’t have to be miserable to be meaningful.
Benefits of Stretching our Limits
Backpacking began for me as a Boy Scout parent and evolved into a lifetime of adventure by gradually stretching limits. From short trips to the John Muir Trail, cowboy camping, quilts, off-trail travel, packrafting, and extreme environments, each step beyond comfort unlocked new skills, confidence, and unforgettable family journeys across wilderness worldwide.
Standards Watch: Mike Cecot-Scherer Talks Potty Trowels and More
Rex Sanders talks to Mike Cecot-Scherer about his innovative trowel design and more.
Backpacking First-Aid Philosophies
Two ibuprofen and a five-year-old Band-Aid ain't gonna cut it.
Hike Pie Toy
This essay reflects on a lifelong tradition of adventure travel and passing a love of the Sierra Nevada to my children. From Yosemite trips to the playful “Hike Pie Toy” tradition, it explores parenting, persistence, and creativity in getting kids outdoors—and how shared wilderness experiences strengthened family bonds, even through cancer and life’s challenges.
Springtime Solitude in Southern Utah
BPL author Mark Wetherington rambles through Capitol Reef National Park.
The Overlook: Good Gear Lets You Be Present
What's the perfect pack? One that stays off your mind.
Factors that Influence the Ability to Carry Weight in a Backpack
How much weight should you really carry? This article examines backpack load through conditioning, distance, elevation gain, and terrain—not just gear weight. Drawing on decades of experience and classic backpacking wisdom, it argues that comfort, fitness, and trip context matter more than obsessively cutting ounces, and that there’s no single “perfect” pack weight.
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
Pro-Grade Water RepellencyPolypropylene face fabrics: see the future of raingear.
