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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 Baselayers
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.
Bikepacking: More Miles, More Smiles
Mark Wetherington tries his hand at ultralight bikepacking and hiking to remote places along the CDT in Montana.
Home Range: A Place that Keeps the Wild in Your Life
Drew Smith reflects on hiking in the places close to home as he explores a nearby mountain drainage during all seasons.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P vs. ZPacks Duplex Zip
The Unbound 2P and Duplex Zip beg for a direct comparison. Both of them are six-panel, symmetrical designs with zip-access, side-entry storm doors, and both are generally pitched with a total of 8 tent stakes. They have similar footprints, similar weights, and offer similar levels of weather protection.
Episode 89 | Fall Layering Systems
In episode 89 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we are going to talk about fall layering systems.
ZPacks Duplex Zip Tent Review
The ZPacks Duplex Zip Tent is a 2-person, 2-door, 2-vestibule, side-entry trekking pole tent made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. The ZPacks Duplex Zip weighs 20.4 ounces (577 g) and has an MSRP of $699.
Seven Lakes Basin and the High Divide Loop
Daniel Hu backpacks the High Divide Loop, one of the most beautiful hikes in Washington State and Olympic National Park.
Gossamer Gear Whisper Review
The Gossamer Gear Whisper is a 1-person, 2-pole, floorless full-perimeter shelter made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. It includes an attached noseeum mesh netting skirt, is pitched with 7 stakes, and weighs 9.8 oz (280 g).
On Finding and Claiming Femininity in the Backcountry
"...they never felt more powerful, or more fit, or happier about themselves and their bodies, than when they were thru-hiking." - Nikki Stavile on femininity in the backcountry.
Episode 88 | 2023 Ultralight Gear Update
Episode 88 of the Backpacking Light podcast features nine pieces of gear from Ryan's kit that he liked, didn't like, and is sitting on the fence about.
The Gift of Surprise in the Rawah Wilderness
James Montavon hikes in Colorado’s Rawah Wilderness, and discusses the differences between using different trip planning softwares.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Shelter is a single-wall, Dyneema Composite Fabric, 2-person, 2-trekking-pole-supported tent with two vestibules, two side-entry doors, a weight of about 24 oz (g), and an MSRP of USD $699.
Episode 87 | Publisher’s Gear Guide
Episode 87 of the Backpacking Light podcast features highlights from our new Publisher's Gear Guide - the gear that I actually own and use on my backcountry adventures.
Backcountry Skiing to a Fire Lookout
BPL author Mark Wetherington skis into a remote fire lookout tower in Montana’s backcountry on a chilly winter night.
Up to 40% off hiking and backpacking gear:REI Sale June 21 to July 4:
