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Winter Backpacking
A curated guide to winter backpacking gear, strategies, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.
Stove Systems for Winter Backpacking
Ryan discusses how you build and utilize your stove system for winter cooking and snow melting to maintain hydration.
Animal Encounters in the Backcountry
Ryan shares some principles about how to manage wildlife encounters, based on his own encounters with wild animals in the backcountry.
Episode 96 | Building Resilience for Backcountry Adversity
Listen Summary In episode 96 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn how to build resilience in the backcountry. In this Episode: What’s New at Backpacking Light? Thriving...By The Numbers Fabric Air Permeability and MVTR are Closely Related, Just Not How You Might Expect
This work explores the relationship between air permeability and MVTR in fabrics that do not include a waterproof membrane.
Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove Review (Updated)
The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove (2.5 oz / 71 g, $40) is the warmest glove I've found that I can use effectively with a smartphone.
By The Numbers – How Much Wind Penetrates Your Air Permeable Outer Layer at Hiking and Running Speeds?
Stephen Seeber helps us answer the question, "do air-permeable garments allow a noticeable amount of ventilation while hiking or running?"
Podcast 95 | Natural Fibers in Outdoor Performance Apparel
In episode 95 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the types of natural fibers that make up the fabrics we use for base layer and insulating apparel.
Field Notes: Curry and Fire
A curry dinner explodes during this overnight trek inspired by a winter storm warning.
Episode 94 | Backcountry Cooking + SOS Buttons
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about pressing the SOS button, as well as gear and best practices for backcountry cooking in ultralight style.
Backpacking Light Staff Picks: Our Favorite Gear
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year - the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about wilderness emergency rescue from the very different and unique perspective of an air ambulance service operating in the Canadian Wilderness.
Bear and Food Storage Policy in the National Parks
America’s National Parks each have different food storage requirements for backpackers. This article discusses the requirements, various options, and focuses on what bear canisters are exemplary options, and why.
Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we're going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism.
How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Skills, Tools, and Resources
A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources on how to plan a backpacking trip - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, and more.
Episode 91 | Fishnet Mesh Base Layers
In episode 91 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about fishnet base layers and the Swedish ideal of lagom.
Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Base Layers
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about four season tents, a new ABC watch that could dethrone the Garmin Fenix, and alpaca wool fabrics used for next-to-skin base layer apparel.
Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)
The Publisher's Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.
MSR Pro Bivy Review
The MSR Pro Bivy weighs less than 10 ounces (285 g). It's a very compact, feature-less bivy sack that embodies the essence of bivy sack camping.
Granite Gear Crown2 60 Gear Review
The Granite Gear Crown2 60 is a 60 liter capacity internal frame backpack that carries up to about 35 pounds comfortably and weighs around 2.1 to 2.5 pounds.
Field Notes: Careening into Winter
Join Ryan Jordan and a demon virus on a trip that brings early-season winter to Rocky Mountain National Park.