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Episode 34 | Mental Health
In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan talk about mental health. As their jumping-off point, they use a recent paper called Levels of Nature and Stress Response.
Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boot Review (First Looks)
The Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boot is a flexible, insulated, waterproof, zero-drop footwear option for minimalist shoe lovers who still want warm feet in cold and snowy conditions.
Learning Curve: Backpacking is the Great Equalizer
Maggie Slepian considers what it means to be a perfectly average backpacker in a city (and industry) full of high-achievers.
The Overlook: Frozen Tracks – Monument Restoration and the Fate of the Upper Paria
Ben Kilbourne follows tracks in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument as its fate once again hangs in the balance.
Nemo Equipment Kunai 3-4 Season Backpacking Tent Review
The Nemo Kunai 2P Tent ($499, 4 lb 5 oz / 1.96 kg) is a four-season shelter capable of withstanding moderate storms and offers ample headroom and good ventilation.
Standards Watch: Mike Cecot-Scherer on Tent Design
Rex Sanders interviews long-time gear designer Mike Cecot-Scherer about tent design. This is part two of a three-part series.
How Can Cheap Butane Canisters be Modified to Work With Canister Stoves?
Roger Caffin discusses how you can modify and use cheap butane canisters with canister stoves in this MYOG article.
The Overlook: Backpacking in a Time of Uncertainty
Is backpacking suddenly...hard? Ben Kilbourne understands, and discusses how to deal with it during uncertain times.
Life in the Dog House: A Survey of the One-Person Tent, With History
Some observations on cheap one-person shelters, including on their design, proliferation, and history, and comparison between some shelters.
Learning Curve: Learning to Suffer
BPL columnist Maggie Slepian unpacks suffering in endurance sports.
Gratitude and Recovery After Outdoor Trauma
BPL author Rex Sanders meditates on gratitude and 2020 as he recovers from a traumatic brain injury during the time of COIVD and wildfires.
Salamander Song
Rediscovering the Great Smoky Mountains by lens and brush.
Ultralight, Ultradurable, Ultracheap: A Backpack Made From Car Airbags
Greg Perhson details the process of creating your own, lightweight (19.5 oz), MYOG backpack from vehicle airbags!
Helly Hansen Odin Minimalist 2.0 Jacket Review
The Helly Hansen Odin Minimalist 2.0 jacket (180 g / 6.35 oz, $220) is a lightweight 2.5-layer rain jacket with a well-designed hood and minimal features.
Unpacked: When Gear Owns You
A recent multi-sport adventure got BPL columnist Mark Wetherington thinking about gear and our relationship to it.
Staff Picks 2020
Backpacking Light staff and contributors give their 2020 staff picks - their favorite backpacking and hiking gear of the year.
Standards Watch: Tent Designer Mike Cecot-Scherer Talks Standards
Rex Sanders interviews long-time gear designer Mike Cecot-Scherer about a range of common gear standards.
Episode 33 | Digital Route Planning
Andrew and Ryan discuss some digital tools useful for planning your route effectively. Also: An interview with FATMAP founder Misha Gopaul.
The Overlook: Understanding Livestock Grazing in Wilderness Areas
BPL columnist Ben Kilbourne uses a close encounter to examine the practice of livestock grazing on public land.
A Gear Confession
Chances are, you've got something in your pack that could be lighter, but it works for you. Maggie Slepian shares her heaviest items.
Learning Curve: A Shoulder Season Reminder
BPL columnist Maggie Slepian reminds new and old hands alike to prepare for shoulder-season backpacking accordingly.
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Garage Grown Gear Hidden Gems
Discover under-the-radar ultralight gear from small brands.
