Backpacking Light

Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines

In episode 119 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about bedtime routines and practices for sleeping warm in the backcountry.

Winter Backpacking

A curated guide to winter backpacking gear, strategies, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.

How to Make Coffee in the Backcountry: Gear and Methods

This article provides an overview of coffee-making methods (how to make coffee in the backcountry) while backpacking, with a study of their complexity and weight.

Episode 118 | Traction Spikes

In episode 118 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about traction systems for snow travel.

Avalanche and Winter Safety Tools

A guide to tools used to manage risk in avalanche terrain - transceivers, shovels, probes, safety backpacks, saws.

Episode 117 | Snowshoe Sizing

In episode 117 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how to size snowshoes, minimize sinkage, and save energy for your next winter adventure in deep snow.

Episode 116 | Slope Angles

In episode 116 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we learn how to measure and interpret slope angles to help you navigate steep terrain and assess hazards in the backcountry.

Episode 115 | Tiny Things

In episode 115 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're sharing Big Talk about Tiny Things: Those little ultralight bits of gear that have an outsized impact on our experience in the backcountry.

Episode 114 | Synthetic Fabric Structures

In episode 114 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the different types of synthetic fibers and fabrics used in outdoor apparel.

Minimalist and Backpacking Footwear

In this guide, we’ll explore the primary categories of footwear for backpacking and hiking, including minimalist footwear, examining their unique benefits, limitations, and use cases.

Episode 113 | Pad Pumps

In episode 113 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about current PAD PUMP trends in the ultralight cottage industry, the challenges faced by small businesses during the holiday season plus a few interesting stocking stuffers.

Gear Guide: Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)

This gear guide 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.

Staff Picks 2024

Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year - the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!

Episode 112 | The Analog Backcountry Experience

In episode 112 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the analog Backcountry experience and some of the gear that can help feed your need for a digital-free backcountry life.

Episode 111 | Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry.

Episode 110 | Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers

In episode 110 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about how natural and synthetic fibers influence thermoregulation.

Episode 109 | How Fishnet Works

In episode 109 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how fishnet base layers work.

Episode 108 | EI Coyote Quilts and Photo Satellite Messaging

On episode 108 of the Backpacking Light podcast, Nikki Stavile interviews Brian Noakes of El Coyote quilts, and we talk about a new satellite messaging device that can now send photos and voice memos.

Episode 107 | Backpack Ventilation with Vaucluse

Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Review

The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus can send short text, photo and audio messages, weighs 4.1 ounces and has an MSRP of $500.