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Episode 25 | Covid-19: What Does it Mean for Backpacking?
Andrew and Ryan discuss the ethics of backpacking in light of Covid-19. They are joined by Jeff Garmire and Maggie Slepian.
Backpacking and Long-Distance Hiking in the Time of Covid-19
We need to take a hard look at what it means to be a long-distance backpacker in 2020 - what types of trips should be off the table, what types of trips are still okay, and how to keep yourself sane if you can’t make a backpacking trip work this year.
Measuring Waterproofness in Outdoor Performance Fabrics with a DIY Hydrostatic Pressure Test Device at Home
In this article, I present a DIY testing device (and test results for 30 fabrics) that allows me to measure the hydrostatic head of "waterproof' fabrics at home.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket Review
The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket (4.93 oz/140 g, $190) is minimally-featured, made with 75k MVTR fabric, and is reasonably-priced.
Is a heat exchanger pot worth the weight?
This article attempts to determine how a heat exchanger welded to the bottom of a pot actually affects fuel consumption.
Episode 24 | Gear We Love (2020 Edition)
Andrew and Ryan talk about some of the BPL Staff's favorite gear, our gear review philosophy, current news, and more!
Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review
The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is a hooded, full-zip synthetic active insulation mid-layer that weighs 13.2 oz (375 g) and retails for $299.
Kammock Mantis and Mantis UL Hammock Review
The Kammok Mantis and Mantis UL are all-in-one hammock shelters that include hanging systems, tarps, bug netting, and more.
Beginner’s Mind: A Lifelong Ground Sleeper Takes to the Trees
After a lifetime of pole-supported shelters and sleeping pads, I’d decided to give hammock camping a try.
Buy Less, Do More with Good Enough Gear
What you’re really hooked on is the dopamine rush from buying and trying new gear - which doesn’t last very long.
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
This ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket review is comprehensive and addresses long-term performance, breathability, DWR, and more.
Nature Therapy in the Backcountry (Traveling Light Towards Mindfulness and Wellness)
Nature Therapy in the Backcountry is an exploration of mindfulness, wellness, and the mental/emotional aspects of ultralight backcountry travel.
Unlimited Podcast 001 | Stress Fractures
Stress fractures in the lower leg and foot are common injuries among long-distance hikers, hikers who are training for big events, vacation hikers, runners, and older hikers. This video podcast episode discusses the definition, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of stress fractures.
Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Quilt Review
The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Ultralight Top Bag is an affordable, semi-customizable down quilt that is offered in a variety of colors, fill weights (i.e., temperature ratings), foot box types, lengths, and widths. The quilt featured in this review is rated for 30 F (-1 C), has a "wide" width (55 in / 140 cm), standard length (5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 2 in / 170 cm to 187 cm), and a sewn footbox. This model retails for $179.95, has a claimed weight of 22 oz (624 g), and a claimed loft (single layer) of 2 in (5 cm).
Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Loop (Sinks-Little Tennessee River Trip Report)
Trip report: A 6-day, 76-mile backpacking loop in Great Smoky Mountains NP from the Sinks to the Little Tennessee River and back.
Kuju Pour Over Coffee Review
Kuju pour over coffee singles are direct-trade, ethically-sourced coffee packaged in a single-serving disposable pour over pouch.
How to use Turn-by-Turn Directions for Simple Backpacking Navigation
Simple backpacking navigation: turn-by-turn hiking directions aren’t for everybody, but try them before you scoff and proclaim “Never!”
Arc’teryx Venta Mitten Review
The Arc'teryx Venta Mitten and its cousins, the Venta Glove and Venta AR Glove, are windproof, weather-resistant active insulation layers aimed at users participating in high-output activities in moderately cold temperatures.
2019 Staff Picks
The Backpacking Light staff offer their ultralight and other gear recommendations for lightweight backpacking, hiking, and camping.
Episode 23 | Henry Shires of Tarptent
Andrew chats with Henry Shires of Tarptent about his design philosophy and process, fabrics, business journey, the importance of taking time away from your company to recharge, and much more.
Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Cold Winter Temperatures (Two-Layer Systems, Vapor Barriers, and Really Puffy Stuff)
Lightweight backpacking gear for winter temperatures: two-layer insulation systems, vapor barrier systems, and really puffy stuff.
