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See the winners of our recent contest and download a zip file of all the submissions. Use your favorite to plan YOUR next trip!
Lightly Burdened Pilgrims: Trip Report and Photo Essay
My wife and I retraced the steps of Martin Luther on the 500th anniversary of his famous pilgrimage to Rome... it wasn't quite the thru-hike I had anticipated, but it had a satisfaction all its own.
Keeping it Real in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real: Global Test Photo Essay
Lightweight backpacking in Bolivia's northern Andes.
Apparatus for Testing Thermal Insulation Properties
When it comes to assessing things like air mats, foam mats, and other insulating things, the common measurement is called an R-value - meaning thermal resistance. We describe equipment designed and built to provide calibrated measurements of R-value for BPL articles.
Tall Tales from Colca Canyon, Peru: Global Test Photo Essay
Trekking in one of the world's deepest canyons.
MYOG: eVent Rain/Wind Jacket
Turning 2.5 yards of high performance fabric into a lightweight, breathable rain jacket.
Hiking the Santa Cruz Loop in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca: Global Test Photo Essay
Escaping the "boxes" of modern society in the heart of the breathtaking Peruvian Andes.
Interview with Mike Clelland!
A lively chat to introduce a new feature coming up on Backpacking Light: Mike's Ultralight Tip of the Week!
Eleven Years Old on the PCT
Recently unemployed, with a daughter itching to complete a thru-hike, what's a dad to do? Get sponsors and yank her from school, of course!
Integral Designs eVent Pullover Review
Does the strong appeal, on paper, of the Integral Designs eVent Pullover materialize in real-world use?
7 Myths about the Continental Divide Trail
At first glance, doing a round-trip (a yo-yo) on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) seems like a waste. Why not hike a different trail instead of hiking the same one two times? However, unlike the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, the CDT is never the same trail twice.
A Country Divided: The Continental Divide Trail
The westernmost place in the continental United States is no longer the furthest west, geographically. It is rather that most rugged landscape generally arrayed across the Continental Divide as it marches from Canada to Mexico.
Walking the Backbone: A Journey on the Continental Divide Trail
Anyone who hikes the long trails is asked “Why go?” There are many answers: the physical challenge, being immersed in the wilderness for months at a time, the joy of seeing new sights every day, the camaraderie of people we meet along the way. Ultimately, the reason I go is for the journey itself.
Canovaccio: Natural, Sustainable Pack Fabrics
New developments in durable and water-resistant backpack fabrics.
Minimalist Footwear for Summer Backpacking
Unlike more traditional running shoes, there is no set pattern established and accepted as to what characteristics make a good minimalist shoe. We scan the currently available products and test some out to see how applicable these designs are for ultralight backpacking.
Home Away From Home In Argentina’s Lake District: Global Test Photo Essay
Months of travel can wear on people, even as they enjoy the "other" of another country. We found the perfect combination of comforts from home and the diversity of a foreign culture in Bariloche, Argentina.
SIA Nordic Ski On-Snow Demo 2011: New Waxless Ski Technologies
While the new waxless technologies are mostly in Nordic race skis and high end touring skis, we see promise for their future use in backcountry skis as well.
Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus Backpack Review
A higher volume (59 L) durable fabric frameless backpack with superb design, construction, and options.
Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Sleeping Bag Review
It's a $100 DOWN bag. Too good to be true? You may be surprised...
Brutality, Beauty, and the Day I Could Have Died on the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is off-the-charts gorgeous, a great challenge, and it is my favorite of the big three long-distance trails. However, as with the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails, the CDT is not without its tricky areas.
Fast and Light Winter Travel
Insights from the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic.
