Backpacking Light
Latest
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.
Searching for Wapiti: An Overnight Backcountry Hunt in the Gallatin National Forest
A backcountry hunting trip exposes the author to new ways of looking at his gear as well as an excuse to go off-trail and wander with a purpose.
Backpacking Light 101 (Curated Collection)
We’ve hand picked these pieces to give you a solid foundation of what we think are important pieces to the vast mosaic of lightweight backpacking information. We hope you find these articles to be valuable on your road to traveling lighter in the backcountry.
Bear Attack in the Rockies
Bear attacks are frightening and unexpected. This author shares her bear encounter with the hiking community.
Guide’s Gear Award No. 1: Gossamer Gear Mariposa Backpack
Guide's Gear features products used by BPL's WTS guides that have withstood the test of time by demonstrating exceptional performance, durability, weight, and value. Guide's Gear No. 1 goes to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa Backpack for offering more features than any other two pound pack on the market.
2014 Staff Picks
Backpacking Light's staff is some of the most passionate backpackers around. Take a look at the ultralight gear we use and treasure.
How One High Sierra Trip Turned Into Permanent Nomadic Travel
Getting outdoors often makes all the difference, and a long expedition can go a long way to transforming your life.
Vaseline-soaked Cotton Balls
Vaseline fire starters are a very versatile tool and can light a fire in almost any weather condition. Better yet, you can make them from very inexpensive materials from the comfort of your own home.
Wilderness Trekking School – Ultralight Boot Camp Photo Essay
The ultralight boot camp is exactly like it sounds; it prepares you to meet unexpected challenges in the wilderness. Plus it's a lot of fun and the scenery is stunning.
2013 Staff Picks
As we close out the year, take a minute and see which gear our staff uses often.
2013 Photo Contest Winners!
After receiving some stunning photos, our judges have chosen the best. Grab a seat and relive the experience.
HAPPENING RIGHT NOW (February 11-21, 2025) - Shop Hyperlite Mountain Gear's Biggest Sale of the Year:
