All Articles, Dispatches, Podcasts, and Trailheads
- GEAR • Gear Reviews
- GEAR • Market Reports
- GEAR • Gear Guides
- GEAR • Gear Checklists
- GEAR • Make Your Own Gear
- GEAR • Gear Testing & Research
- SKILLS • Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
- SKILLS • Wilderness Skills
- SKILLS • Training
- SKILLS • Trip Planning
- SKILLS • Food Preparation
- PLACES • Trips
- PLACES • Routes
- CULTURE • Essays
- CULTURE • Stories
- CULTURE • Issues
- CULTURE • People
- CULTURE • News
- CULTURE • Media Reviews
- ARCHIVES (Before 30.Nov.2015)
- SEARCH LIBRARY
- TRAILHEADS
Episode 7 | Trekking Poles
This podcast dives into the science to answer the question: are trekking poles worth the weight?
Lightweight Winter Down Parka Reviews and State of the Market Report
This article features lightweight down parkas (usually, full-zip jackets with hoods, a longer hem, and box-baffled construction) appropriate for winter backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, and other cold-temperature activities.
#AskBPL No. 1
Today's Questions: Will you be holding a live film festival event this year? What do you think about adding a chat room at the backpackinglight.com website to allow members to interact with each other? Do you work from home, or do you go to an office every day? When are you going to offer another Lifetime Unlimited Membership sale? If I want to take my summer backpacking clothing and sleep system into winter conditions, what do you think are the most essential pieces of gear to add? Are you ever going to sell your Melanzana High Loft Hoodie?
Publisher’s Gear Guide (2019)
My personal recommendations for ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear for 2018-2019 - gear that I've used all year in 2018 that includes the good stuff that's staying in my kit for 2019!
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Review
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a high volume ultralight backpack that is capable of carrying heavier loads.
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket Review & Zeta SL Pant Review
The Arc'teryx Zeta FL Jacket is a Gore-tex Paclite Plus rain jacket that features a trim fit and hip length. It has articulated tailoring in the hood and arms, a full-length water-resistant zipper, two handwarmer pockets with water-resistant zippers, elastic hem and wrist cuffs, and an adjustable hood aperture.
Lightweight Trekking Pole Reviews & Gear Guide
This lightweight trekking poles gear guide discusses the scientific justification for/against poles, and features reviews of 14 models.
Purple Rain Adventure Skirt Review
An increasing amount of hikers are turning to skirts and kilts for greater mobility and versatility in the backcountry. I felt it high time to give it a try
Q&A on the Publisher’s Blog
I'll be starting a new Q&A series where I'll answer questions about lightweight backpacking, the outdoor industry in general, outdoor gear technology, Backpacking Light behind-the-scenes and future strategy, outdoor lifestyle, minimalism, and more!
Wilderness Adventures 2018 Whitetail Trek (Photo Essay)
As part of the Backpacking Light Wilderness Adventures program, Trek Director Kevin Fletcher and I led a guided trip across the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana in September 2018. This photo essay tells the story of that trek.
Episode 6 | Backcountry Filmmaking and Photography
Backcountry filmmaking and photography used to required thirty or more pounds of gear. Here’s how to produce great media at minimum weight!
Resources, Tools, and Processes for Planning Nontechnical, Off-Trail Backpacking Routes
The purpose of this article is to document the process I often use to plan and execute off-trail trips in the mountains using digital mapping and navigation tools.
Paramo Ostro Ultra Light Windproof Jacket
Paramo's Ostro Ultra Light Jacket is a new version of the popular Ostro Windproof Jacket with features not often found on ultralight jackets.
Sierra Designs High Route 1FL Tent Review
The Sierra Designs High Route 1P Tent is a three-season tent designed for withstanding variable conditions while remaining (sort of) light.
Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag Review
When climbing alpine routes and sleeping on small ledges where you can't pitch tents, the Patagonia Hybrid may be the sleep system for you.
KS Ultralight Gear R-50 Backpack Review
The KS Ultralight R-50 is a backpack designed for a variety of applications including climbing, hiking, and snow sports.
Podcast 005 | Navigation
This podcast is about route planning and navigation skills and discusses a case study in complex navigation.
Atom Packs Prospector Review
The Atom Packs Prospector is a lightweight, durable, and fully customizable flagship backpack from the British company Atom.
MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit Review
The MSR Trail Base Water Filter Kit is a gravity-powered water filtration kit with modular components for versatility.
Butt in a Sling (BIAS) Hammock Review
Butt in a Sling (BIAS) is a cottage manufacturer based in Tennessee, USA that makes some of the lightest and most comfortable hammocks on the market. Their hammocks are all eleven feet (335 cm) long and use ridgelines for a consistent hang. The Weight Weenie Micro is the original model and is available in a variety of widths while the Weight Weenie Micro HD 1.0 is available in one width and uses a slightly heavier and softer fabric. Both hammocks are available with a variety of options. Add the BIAS Suspension Kit and Nano Buginator bug net, and you have a versatile, comfortable, and ultralight hammock setup!
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 5400 Backpack Review
Light and large: our Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter 5400 Backpack review - a lightweight pack with the chops for carrying large loads.

