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Episode 132 | Satellite Messenger Weather Forecasts
In Episode 132 of the Backpacking Light Podcast we talk about satellite messenger weather forecasts.
11 weeks of aerobic endurance training reduced my calorie expenditure by 20%
An 11-week endurance training program cut my hiking calorie burn by 20%. Can the Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) Framework help reduce food weight, improve efficiency, and transform backpacking performance?
How to submit a public comment to USDA’s proposal to rescind roadless rule
Oppose rescinding the Roadless Rule: why a rushed process threatens U.S. forest protections and weakens wildfire and conservation capacity.
Labor day “sales” are a reminder for cautious spending
Consumer advocacy tidbits and news, sale warnings, affiliate marketing, and more.
Don’t overthink your hiking itinerary
Get your free copy of a hiking itinerary spreadsheet template.
Narrow vs. wide pads with bivy sacks
Exploring the challenges of pairing bivy sacks with wide inflatable pads, and identifying practical alternatives for improved sleep systems
Nemo Equipment Hornet OSMO Elite 1P Review
A review of the Nemo Equipment Hornet Elite 1P ultralight tent, evaluating its design, setup, weather resistance, and durability for backpacking.
Episode 131 – Ultralight First Aid Kit Strategies
Learn to design ultralight first aid kits for backcountry travel, matching modular kits (Overnight, Weekend, Expedition) to trip demands. Avoid errors, maintain your kit, and understand the medical rationale for each.
By the Numbers: Another Look at Fabric Drying Performance – How can an Alpha Direct Base Layer take Longer to Dry than a Wool Base Layer?
A deep dive into the factors that cause Alpha Direct to take longer to dry than wool.
Episode 130 | Bivy Sack Camping
Discover Ryan’s discreet bivy sack camping methodology for alpine environments, encompassing essential gear, requisite skills, and a critical analysis of tent practicality. Embrace the experience of open-air slumber.
Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 Review: Search and Rescue & Ultralight Backpacking
An ultralight review of the Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 for search and rescue (SAR) and ultralight backpacking.
Episode 129 | Field Notes – The Limits of Wilderness Minimalism
Ryan Jordan examines wilderness minimalism under stress, using physiology, psychology, and Stoic philosophy to analyze five high-risk scenarios.
Testing Páramo Analogy Waterproof Clothing: How Well Does It Work for Rain (and Wind Shells)?
An in-depth analysis of Páramo Analogy Fabric to see how it performs in wet conditions.
Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack
What does it really cost your body to carry a backpack in the backcountry? In this episode, we explore the science behind the metabolic demands of load carriage – how pack weight, load distribution, terrain, and walking speed impact energy expenditure. (included: interview with pack designer Dan Durston.)
The Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) Framework: A Systems-Based Approach to Measuring the Cost of Walking a Mile
The Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) Framework redefines hiking effort beyond distance. It integrates terrain, fatigue, and environment for accurate energy cost prediction.
Backpacking Chairs: A Comprehensive Guide to the Science of Seated Recovery, Ultralight Chair Design, and Market Landscape
In ultralight backpacking, chairs are often dismissed as luxury. This guide reframes them as recovery tools — exploring their impact on performance, biomechanics, and thermal management. From sit pads to suspended seats, we analyze the design tradeoffs and field use cases that shape the modern camp seating landscape.
El Coyote Alphalite Quilt Review
A review of the El Coyote Alphalite 900+ Quilt, including warmth and value analysis, sizing insights for petite hikers, and performance feedback after 20 nights in the field.
Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics
In episode 127 of the BPL Podcast, Ryan Jordan explores shelter fabrics: strength-to-weight, waterproofing, coatings, pitch stability, storm resilience, strength-to-weight ratios and waterproofing to coating quality, pitch stability, and storm resilience.
Market Report: State-of-the-Art Fabrics for Hiking Backpacks and Backcountry Shelters
Ultra-light backpack and shelter fabrics: Explore materials, performance, and construction. Nylon, polyester, UHMWPE, coatings & more.
Malaria in the Mountains – A 200-mile Scottish Coast-to-Coast Misadventure
Jeff de Graffenried recounts a TGO challenge misadventure where he was beset by Malaria on trail.
Episode 126 | Field Notes – Ultralight Chairs: Performance or Luxury?
Recovery isn’t passive. It’s a skill – and how you sit at camp might matter more than you think.
"Simplify, then add lightness." - Colin Chapman
Pro-Grade Water RepellencyPolypropylene face fabrics: see the future of raingear.
