Backpacking Light
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Episode 14 | Training for Backpacking
It’s no secret: the more physically prepared you are for a backpacking trip, the more you are going to enjoy yourself. But what are the most effective ways to reach optimal backpacking condition? That’s the topic of today’s BPL SKILLS SHORT: training.
Episode 13 | 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.
Episode 12 | 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.
Episode 10 | StoveBench: A Protocol for Comparing the Performance of Backpacking Stoves
In this episode, we talk about StoveBench: Backpacking Light’s new protocol for standardizing stove performance comparisons.
Upright Canister Stove Reviews, StoveBench Tests, and Gear Guide
This article features upright canister stove reviews that include extensive test data in inclement conditions and market analysis.
Episode 9 | Author Caroline Van Hemert on 4,000 Miles Across the Arctic
In this episode, we talk to Alaskan writer, biologist, and adventurer Caroline Van Hemert. Caroline is an ornithologist who, along with her husband Pat, undertook a 4,000-mile human-powered journey from Bellingham Washington to Kotzebue, a small town high above the arctic circle.
Episode 8 | Winter Backpacking Skills and Gear
Today’s episode is a SKILLS SHORT where we'll discuss the philosophy and skills of lightweight winter backpacking.
Staff Picks 2018: Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of the Year
Backpacking Light's editorial team, guides, contributors provide their favorite gear choices in BPL's Staff Picks gear guide for 2018.
Episode 7 | Trekking Poles
This podcast dives into the science to answer the question: are trekking poles worth the weight?
Lightweight Trekking Pole Reviews & Gear Guide
This lightweight trekking poles gear guide discusses the scientific justification for/against poles, and features reviews of 14 models.
Episode 6 | Backcountry Filmmaking and Photography
Backcountry filmmaking and photography used to required thirty or more pounds of gear. Here's how to produce great media at minimum weight!
Podcast 005 | Navigation
This podcast is about route planning and navigation skills and discusses a case study in complex navigation.
Podcast 004 | Guide’s Roundtable
A conversation w/guides Kevin, Dan, Adam and Ryan about the philosophy and benefits of ultralight backpacking.
Podcast 003 | Backpacking Food and Nutrition
In this episode we tackle the science, myths, and dogma surrounding backpacking food and nutrition. Featuring guest Brian Rigby, certified sports nutritionist and author. We tackle food and nutrition issues as they relate to thru-hiking, ketogenic diets, plant-based diets (veganism and vegetarianism), gluten-free issues, and macronutrient-micronutrient nutrition. Some questions we ask: what are the caloric and nutritional needs of backpackers? Why do we need to address dogma and pseudo-science in this field? We also take a look at some new cooking and water treatment gear and discuss what's going on in the world of Backpacking Light right now.
Podcast 002 | Dyneema Composite Fabrics
In this episode, we dive into the design, manufacturing, and applications of Dyneema Composite Fabrics.
Podcast 001 | Synthetic Insulation
In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew take a deep dive into synthetic insulation: its technology, strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
Staff Picks 2016: Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of the Year
View our staff picks for the best backpacking gear of the year - recommendations from our editors and guides for hiking and backpacking gear.
2016 Wilderness Adventures Photo Contest!
Time to celebrate the beauty found at the integration of wilderness, photography, and lightweight human-powered travel! Submit your favorite wilderness photo and win a free trek with Backpacking Light in Montana!
SPOT Gen3 Insures Rapid Emergency Rescue When Needed
SPOT Gen3 provides location-based messaging and emergency notification technology that allows you to communicate from remote locations around the globe. It offers custom tracking interval options, motion-activated tracking, long-life battery and more. Learn how one hiker used his SPOT Gen3 in a life-saving rescue involving another hiker with a heart condition.
Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear of 2015: Our Staff Favorites!
This article summarizes our staff's best backpacking gear of the year - the ultralight hiking, backpacking, and camping gear they pick as their favorites for their annual adventures.

