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Armless Sunglasses: Rethinking Eyewear for the Backcountry
Explore a lighter, more durable, and comfortable alternative to traditional eyewear for backcountry travel in this review of Ombraz armless sunglasses.
Wind Shirts for Backpacking
Wind shirt performance - design, technology, features, standardized breathability and air permeability data (MVTR and APR testing).
Collateral Damage: How Tariff Policy Is Gutting America’s Outdoor Gear Innovators
Ryan Jordan breaks down the impacts of the 2025 US tariff chaos on the cottage industry for backpacking gear.
Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking
In episode 123 of the Backpacking Light podcast, we’re going to learn about Fastpacking – the art of traveling long distances with very little gear in a short amount of time
Family Tents for Backpacking
A gear guide summarizing the state of the market of 3-person double wall tents and ultralight backpacking shelters.
Episode 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems
In episode 122 the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about unconventional sleep systems—alternatives to traditional sleeping bags that emphasize modularity and minimalism.
Legacy of Fire: The Ghost of Trees
Nikki Stavile writes on the impact of fire on hikers and the communities they hike through using stories from Jasper and the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Timmermade SUL 1.5 Down Sweater Gear Review
The Timmermade SUL 1.5 Down Sweater is a down jacket with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for ultralight backpackers.
Episode 121 | How to Plan a Short Thru-Hike
In episode 121 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about how to plan a short thru-hike.
Down-Filled Backpacking Quilts (Market Survey and Gear Guide)
This comprehensive market survey features 60+ models of down-filled backpacking quilts, 27+ brands across North America and Europe. Includes analysis (warmth, weight, value), expert recommendations, market overview, and more.
Cottage Gear Innovation Awards
The Cottage Gear Innovation Awards celebrate the small, startup, and cottage products, brands, and people that bring forth new methods or ideas that reflect unique originality, creativity, and advances in materials, design, application, or aesthetic to help hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts thrive outdoors.
Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures
In episode 120 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to continue our study of how to sleep warm in cold temperatures, focusing on the gear that makes up your sleeping system.
Feminine Hygiene: Avoiding Infections
Sarah Ortiz discusses research based strategies for avoiding urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis in the backcountry.
Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
In this episode, we’ll introduce you to the Trail Days speakers and give you a sneak peek at their presentation topics and expertise. From ultralight pack design to scrambling techniques, backcountry hygiene to desert travel, there’s something for everyone.
Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines
In episode 119 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about bedtime routines and practices for sleeping warm in the backcountry.
Traction Spikes
An in-depth guide to traction spikes for hiking, backpacking and running in all seasons. Compare models, materials, and performance attributes with insights from field testing to find performant options for different use cases.
MYOG: SUL Remote Inverted Canister Winter Stove Update
Roger Caffin shows how to solve a fuel vaporisation process failure in his SUL remote inverted canister stove.
How to Make Coffee in the Backcountry: Gear and Methods
This article provides an overview of coffee-making methods (how to make coffee in the backcountry) while backpacking, with a study of their complexity and weight.
Episode 118 | Traction Spikes
In episode 118 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about traction systems for snow travel.
No Normal Coffee Paste Review
No Normal Coffee Paste is a compact coffee alternative that requires no brewing. It can be eaten directly from its tube or mixed with water (cold or hot), or spread on or into other food for a quick caffeine boost or coffee flavor injection. It offers a convenient way to consume real coffee without the weight or complexity of traditional brewing methods.
Avalanche and Winter Safety Tools
A guide to tools used to manage risk in avalanche terrain - transceivers, shovels, probes, safety backpacks, saws.
New Ultralight GearSee the latest releases in ultralight cottage-brand gear from small makers.
