All Articles, Dispatches, Podcasts, and Trailheads

New Balance Minimus MT00 Review

An extremely minimal trail runner with options for the wide footed.

A Survey of Water Hazards and Water Treatment Methods – Part 2

Remove, kill, or inactivate? Part two of this series analyzes the legal and technical definitions as well as the practical significance of water purification and filtration.

A Lightweight Guide to the Crown of the Continent

Backpacking and Packrafting Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness

A Survey of Water Hazards and Water Treatment Methods – Part 1

The first part of this series provides an overview of the threats that can exist in untreated (and in some cases treated) water sources. Squeamish and hypochondriac readers be warned.

Sunshine in the Deep South

First update from Balls and Sunshine on their journey along the Appalachian Trail!

Ultralight Baking

After a few days on the trail, dehydrated meals can get monotonous. A bit more variety is often desirable and freshly baked bread is a delicious and lightweight option.

Map and Compass: A City-girl Walks Western Wilderness

Windshirts: 2012 State of the Market Report – Part 1: What is a Windshirt?

Weatherproof, lightweight, breathable. Might the windshirt be the ultimate tool in the lighwieght backpacker's arsenal?

Cleaning Up after a Backpacking Meal… using Honey?

A simple (and tasty) trick to keep your camp kitchen clean.

Cajon Pass

Backpacking on the Moon: A Trip Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument

A look at one of Idaho's little known backpacking jems.

Black Diamond Axiom 40 Backpack Review

A lightweight sub-3-pound internal frame backpack that’s well designed, durable, comfortable, and features freedom of movement innovations.

Personal Perspectives on the Philosophy of Lightweight Travel

“Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.” -Henry David Thoreau

Honeymoon at Isle Royale (Trip Report)

Newlyweds Travis and Gretchen Leanna walk and packraft through Isle Royale National Park

New Balance MT810 Review

**(Updated 10/25: Addendum after Heavy Use)** A review of the latest in the New Balance 8xx series of light low-cut joggers and comparison to the previously-reviewed MT875 and MT876 shoes.

Insulation Measurement

A method for measuring insulation in quilts, sleeping bags, and other gear.

Timberland LiteTrace Boot Review

Review of Timberland's new waterproof lightweight hiking boot. Do they belong in the lightweight backpacker's quiver?

The Myth of Pressure Regulators

Part 1 in a two part series analyzing some of the claims made by stove manufacturers about pressure regulation technologies. Marketing spin or proven performance? ***Updated with Addendum on 6/12/12***

Rain Pants State of the Market Report

A critical look at seven lightweight rain pants to keep you dry this spring.

Rackless Carry Systems for Lightweight Bikepacking

Reviews of the Revelate Designs Viscacha and Porcelain Rocket Booster Rocket

Light and Fast Packs for Bikepacking

In Part 2 of our exploration of Lightweight Bikepacking, Dave reviews some notable packs and examines their utility for bikepacking.