All Articles

Can backcountry fishing save carried food weight?

This article explores the benefits of backcountry fishing (especially tenkara), including the incorporation of fish in your diet and potential food weight savings.

Tenkara Speaker Series No. 1: TJ Ferreira and John Geer

Join us live online at our 2023 Tenkara Speaker Series with TJ Ferreira and John Geer of Tenkara USA. We'll chat about Tenkara USA history and products, industry trends, and what's next in the world of tenkara, and end with a live audience Q&A!

Down to the Valley: Embracing the Desert Trail from the Mojave Desert to Badwater Basin

Drew Smith journeys from the Mojave Desert to Badwater Basin finding beauty in a seemingly desolate place.

Desert Crossing

An introspective account of what one can learn about themself through the story of crossing Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region.

Episode 79 | The 12 Stages of Backcountry Tenkara

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan discusses the 12 Stages of backcountry Tenkara fly fishing.

Tri Peaks: Winter Scrambles in the Santa Monica Mountains

An essay on how day hikes and trail runs can enhance our outdoor experience when the wilderness isn’t accessible.

Episode 78 | Stove System Performance (Flame Power vs. Fuel Efficiency)

In this episode, we're going to address stove system performance and specifically, flame power vs. fuel efficiency.

Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacks for Backpacking

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources on ultralight backpacks - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.

Musings: Hiking in Grizzly Country

Musings about backpacking in grizzly bear habitat.

Mantras, Mandalas, and Meditations: A hike through the hidden Tibetan Kingdom of Nepal – the Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang Regions

An account of a trek through Nepal's Central Himalayan Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang region near the border of Tibet via an ancient trading route.

Unresting Event

See how backpacking and forest ranger work in the High Uinta Wilderness and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument influenced Ben Kilbourne’s record, Unresting Event.

Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp Review

The Yama Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Min Tarp ($210 in silpoly) is a one-person, 2-trekking pole, side/end-entry full-perimeter tarp shelter.

Episode 77 | Planning, Pooping, and Campfires (Backcountry Leave No Trace Challenges During the Winter)

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to examine some of the principles of Leave No Trace in the context of winter backcountry travel, with a focus on planning, pooping, and campfires.

Episode 76 | Vapor Barrier Gloves and Socks

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we are going to explore vapor barrier systems for the hands and feet.

Backpacking Food

A curated guide to backpacking food ideas, meals, ingredients, strategies, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.

Strange Homecomings: A Journey on the Colorado Trail

Nikki Stavile returns to Colorado finding her home state changed but finds solace in the unpredictable mountains along the Colorado Trail.

Episode 75 | Winter Layering for the Legs

Much attention is paid to layering for the torso, head, hands, and feet - but the legs are often ignored. However, during winter conditions, an intentional layering strategy for the legs can make the difference between comfort and misery. For mild winter conditions, a layering strategy may look similar to a 3-season lower body layering system. However, when temperatures drop below freezing, and snow and wind increase, the strategy needs to change a bit. Listen to this episode to explore some of these strategies so you can stay warm and comfortable when the mercury drops.

Home Freeze-Drying vs. Other Trail Food Preparation Strategies

Drew Smith talks about the place of home freeze-drying in the wider context of trail food strategies, and attempts freeze dried french toast!

Lessons from Moving Fast

Ben Kilbourne explores the experience of moving fast through a vast mountain landscape and what you can learn from the experience.

Episode 74 | Shelter Stakes for Winter Camping

Superior Wilderness Designs Movement 40L Backpack Review

This review focuses on the modularity of the Superior Wilderness Designs Movement 40L backpack. In particular, the Movement has the ability to morph from a frameless to a framed pack with a suspension capable of carrying 35 pounds (15.9 kg) or so.