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Staff Picks 2023

Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used in 2023 - the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!

Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about wilderness emergency rescue from the very different and unique perspective of an air ambulance service operating in the Canadian Wilderness.

Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we're going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism.

How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Skills, Tools, and Resources

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources on how to plan a backpacking trip - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, and more.

Episode 91 | Fishnet Mesh Base Layers

In episode 91 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about fishnet base layers and the Swedish ideal of lagom.

Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)

The Publisher's Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.

Episode 89 | Fall Layering Systems

In episode 89 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we are going to talk about fall layering systems.

Office Hours (Members-Only Live Stream)

Join us on our members-only "office hours" live stream with Backpacking Light owner/founder Ryan Jordan for short presentations + member Q&A.

Episode 88 | 2023 Ultralight Gear Update

Episode 88 of the Backpacking Light podcast features nine pieces of gear from Ryan's kit that he liked, didn't like, and is sitting on the fence about.

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.

Episode 87 | Publisher’s Gear Guide

Episode 87 of the Backpacking Light podcast features highlights from our new Publisher's Gear Guide - the gear that I actually own and use on my backcountry adventures.

Episode 86 | Ultralight Shelter Fabrics

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about ultralight fabrics used in backpacking shelters.

Episode 85 | Backcountry Lightning Risk Management

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about lightning storm risk management in the backcountry.

Episode 84 | Satellite Messaging (ZOLEO)

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we interview Morris Shawn, President of Roadpost and Zoleo, about satellite messaging and the evolution of the Zoleo Satellite Communicator.

Episode 83 | Shelter Condensation

In episode 83 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about managing condensation in shelters.

Winter Backpacking

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

Minimalist Footwear and Trail Running Shoes for Hiking and Backpacking

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources about minimalist footwear (e.g., trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking) - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.

LIVE: The Gear Q&A (Spring ’23 Edition)

Got a question about backpacking gear as you assemble your '23 kits and gear lists? Now's the time to ask it - this live event will be all about gear. In addition, Backpacking Light Publisher Ryan Jordan will discuss some of the gear he's using in '23, with updated recommendations in the categories of minimalist, high-performance, comfortable, and budget-friendly gear across several categories.

Episode 82 | Fabric Repairs in the Backcountry

In this episode, Ryan walks through fabric repair kits for hiking and backpacking, including various fabric repair scenarios, strategies, and supplies.

Episode 81 | Unresting Event

In Episode 81 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Ben Kilbourne discuss creativity in the backcountry and Ben’s Unresting Event album.

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