Article Library
Article Library4.5+ million words and 2,500+ articles about backpacking gear, hiking and camping skills, gear testing, outdoor technology research, backpacking routes and trips, people, philosophy and ideas, outdoor news and commentary, and more. Premium and Unlimited Members get full access to the entire library.
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Latest
Episode 140 | Winter Storm Decisions
Use a six-question framework to decide whether to stay put or bail when winter storms, terrain, and fatigue raise backcountry risk.
Fuel Transfer Valves for Backpacking: Fuel Physics, Myths, Risks, and Real-World Performance
This article examines canister fuel transfer devices from a thermodynamics and engineering perspective, focusing on pressure-driven flow, headspace constraints, fractional distillation of LPG mixtures, and measured transfer rates. It evaluates Alpenflow, FlipFuel, and generic EN 417 adapters and outlines conservative operating practices that respect established EN 417 design safety margins.
Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)
This market report summarizes the category of satellite messaging-centric devices, i.e., devices that focus on satellite messaging as its primary, rather than secondary, function. This is in contrast to navigation-centric devices (which usually offer integrated mapping on the device), such as the Garmin inReach Explorer or Garmin GPSMap.
How does a Quilt’s Pad Attachment System Influence its Heat Loss Resistance?
This study quantifies how quilt pad-attachment geometry affects convective heat loss. Using a controlled thermal surrogate, standardized wind exposure, and time-constant (Ď„) modeling, we compare pad strap to sheet-and-shingle systems. Results show that tighter pad coupling preserves a substantially higher fraction of still-air thermal resistance, especially under modest side winds.
Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
Discover the most unique, innovative, and ultralight backpacking gear from small, startup, and cottage brands in our Cottage Gear Guide.
Winter Backpacking
A curated guide to winter backpacking gear, strategies, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.
Gear Reviews
Nemo Equipment Hornet OSMO Elite 1P Review
A review of the Nemo Equipment Hornet Elite 1P ultralight tent, evaluating its design, setup, weather resistance, and durability for backpacking.
Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 Review: Search and Rescue & Ultralight Backpacking
An ultralight review of the Osprey Talon Pro 30 & Tempest Pro 30 for search and rescue (SAR) and ultralight backpacking.
El Coyote Alphalite Quilt Review
A review of the El Coyote Alphalite 900+ Quilt, including warmth and value analysis, sizing insights for petite hikers, and performance feedback after 20 nights in the field.
Skills
How Fishnet Works (Part 2): Layering for Moisture, Thermal Management in Cold-Weather Backpacking
Fishnet base layers offer a structural solution to the long-standing tradeoff between warmth and moisture control. By emphasizing airflow and vapor transport, they maintain comfort across cold, dry, and humid environments where conventional wicking fabrics fail. This article explains the thermophysiology of fishnet design and provides evidence-based strategies for layering in alpine and variable weather conditions.
A Case Study in Backcountry Emergency Triage and Decision-Making: Fall-Induced Facial Trauma
Ryan Jordan details a fall-induced facial injury, the triage process, decision not to evacuate, and critical self-care lessons.
Stealth Camping
Learn how to stealth camp through minimizing your impact, concealing your camp and preserving solitude.
Research & Testing
By the Numbers: The Energy Cost of Drying Your Base Layer
Drying wet base layers with body heat demands significant energy. The choice of fabric (wool vs. synthetic) may make less of a difference under some conditions; the quantity of water is key.
By the Numbers: Another Look at Fabric Drying Performance – How can an Alpha Direct Base Layer take Longer to Dry than a Wool Base Layer?
A deep dive into the factors that cause Alpha Direct to take longer to dry than wool.
Testing Páramo Analogy Waterproof Clothing: How Well Does It Work for Rain (and Wind Shells)?
An in-depth analysis of Páramo Analogy Fabric to see how it performs in wet conditions.
Culture
Outdoor Gear Journalism: Developing Trust Standards
The integrity of gear reviews is currently experiencing a decline in consumer trust. Consequently, the GearTrust framework, which is substantiated by research, has been developed to conduct credibility audits and elevate consumer confidence.
Topographic intervention: reconciling terrain and neurobiology with your mental and emotional health needs
Walking is often prescribed as a catch-all fix for mental and emotional distress. But when generic advice like “go for a walk” doesn’t work, it’s not your fault - it’s the prescription that failed. This essay explores a more intentional framework: topographic intervention. By aligning terrain with specific emotional states - like using uphill climbs to metabolize anxiety or forested trails to cradle grief - walking becomes more than movement. It becomes medicine. Discover how matching physiology, emotion, and landscape can unlock walking’s real power for healing.
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.
