I’d like to address what I do in each of these areas at some point in the future, but for now, I want to expand on why I believe a lean body weight – in addition to carrying less weight in your pack – is really important for a backpacking lifestyle.
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Crossing Rivers and Water Shoes
Crossing rivers “ultralight style” – that’s when you simply walk through the water wearing your hiking shoes and keep walking on the trail once you get to the other side.
What is ultralight backpacking? (how we talk about ultralight)
To me, ultralight backpacking is the idea that one should solve a problem using as little as possible, but that which is used to solve the problem should be as effective as possible. Defined as such, the actual weight of individual pieces of gear, or one’s pack, matters less, and takes a back seat to the performance-to-weight ratio of a piece of gear.
How to choose backpacking footwear so you can keep hiking until you die
Most advice about minimalist footwear can be rejected outright. Often, the advice is given by hikers who haven’t put in the time required to understand the complexity and depth of foot biomechanics and the long-term effects of overuse that is endured by walking for decades. Here are some guiding principles if you want to keep hiking into your sunset years, so you can delay the inevitable onset of overuse conditions like hallux rigidus.
Podcast 013 | SKILLS SHORT – Tent-bound in a Storm
In this episode, Ryan offers some practical guidelines for managing wet gear, condensation, and camp chores if you have to be holed up in a tent during a prolonged period of inclement weather.
Exploring Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Range
A quick, weekend trip into the Medicine Bow Range creates the background for this story of navigation technique and philosophy.
Lightweight Chairs for Backpacking (Gear Guide & Reviews)
Reviews of lightweight chairs and other seating options for backcountry use, including backpacking – 18 chairs and seats less than 25 oz.
Podcast 012 | Lightweight Chairs & Seats for Backpacking
In this episode longtime BPL author Doug Johnson gives us a run-down of his favorite ultralight backcountry seating options reviewed in our new gear guide.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Review
This Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Review features a pack with a lightweight Dyneema Composite Fabrics body, Hardline woven fabric side and hip belt pockets for durability, and a mesh back pocket for storing wet gear.
Raidlight Hyperlight MP+ Waterproof Rain Jacket Review
The RaidLight HyperLight MP+ Waterproof Jacket is one of the lightest no-frills rain jackets on the market.