Ryan Jordan
Latest
Ultralight Rain Mitts for Backpacking: Reviews & Gear Guide
In this gear guide, we review 16 models of waterproof mitten shells ("rain mitts") weighing less than 4 ounces (113 g) within the primary context of 3-season backpacking.
Black Diamond Blitz Spikes Review
The Black Diamond Blitz Traction Spikes (MSRP $39.95, 1.5 to 1.8 oz / 42 to 50 g) are ultralight, stainless-steel, forefoot-only traction devices for shoes and boots intended for incidental use on hard-packed snow terrain.
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover Review
The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover (7.7 oz / 219 g, MSRP $175.00) is a synthetic-fill, high loft insulating garment.
Lipstick on a Pig? Wind & Cold Temperature Testing of the Jetboil Stash (StoveBench)
Backpacking Light publisher Ryan Jordan subjects the Jetboil Stash to the StoveBench testing protocol to answer the pressing question: is this innovation, or lipstick on a pig?
Winter Backpacking on Packed-Snow Trails (Gear List)
A winter backpacking gear list for hiking on packed-snow trails in dry (low-humidity) climates.
Winter Backpacking When There’s No Snow?
My shelter, sleep, clothing, water, and cook system for when temps drop but full-on winter snow and wind hasn't yet arrived.
How to Get Water Out of a Frozen Stream Where the Ice is Several Inches Thick
We invited this challenge from our community on the forums and Instagram. Here's our solution - thanks for your feedback and suggestions!
Q & A with Shilletha Curtis
Shilletha Curtis was awarded a Backpacking Light Diversity Grant in 2020 to help her prepare, acquire gear, and train for her next dream: hiking the Triple Crown. We caught up with Shilletha for a quick interview.
Ultralight Water Treatment Options for Backpacking
The purpose of this article is to present three ultralight water treatment options for backpacking. We chose these three for their diversity and efficacy, and they include a chemical method, a physical method, and an electro-ultraviolet method. We included a video to demonstrate each technology in the field.
Keeping Gear Handy on the Trail with Multi-Use Accessory and Utility Pouches
Having accessible "pockets" on your pack is useful for keeping little bits of gear handy without taking off your pack. But consider a multi-use pouch that can also be worn as a standalone fanny-style pack.
Jeff Garmire is Attempting an Unsupported FKT of the Colorado Trail
Jeff Garmire is attempting a Colorado Trail FKT (fastest known time). Here's his approach, gear, tracking info, and more. He started today.
Wind River Backpacking: Sawmills, Tenkara, and Trout in the Popo Agie Wilderness
Wind River backpacking and tenkara fly fishing in the Sawmill Creek drainage and Upper Silas Canyon in Wyoming's Popo Agie Wilderness.
Vargo Bot 700 Review (First Looks)
The Vargo Titanium Bot 700 is a 0.7-liter cooking pot made of titanium with a watertight, screw-top lid with a silicone gasket.
Lightweight Wood Saws for Backpacking
Lightweight wood saws for backpacking can be used for preparing firewood and more. Here's what affects saw performance and how that's revealed in four models from Bahco, Suluk46, Coghlan's, and Sven Saw.
2020-2021 Website Development Timeline
In this post, we share about Backpacking Light’s plans for its next phase of website development. Over the past several months, we have been vetting enterprise website development agencies. We have made our final decision and are excited to announce that we are building a new site and plan to launch it in 2021.
Goosefeet Custom Down Sweater First Looks
This first look at the Goosefeet Gear Custom Down Sweater summarizes features, specifications, and photo details of an ultralight down garment that weighs less than 6 oz (170 g).
On Racial Justice and Protecting Intimacy Between Humanity and Nature
If some of humanity is threatened, then our humanity's collective intimacy with nature is also broken.
REI Flash Air 1 Tent Review
The REI Flash Air 1 Tent (20 oz / 567 g, $249) is a hybrid single/double-wall solo tent with a single entrance and vestibule and can be supported by a single trekking pole.
Tarptent Notch Li Review (Updated: V2 2020 Version)
This Tarptent Notch Li Review presents the benefits of Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) for ultralight backpacking shelters, assesses its design/feature set, and compares the Notch Li to its competitors.
First Looks: REI Flash Air 1 Tent
The REI Flash Air 1 is a 1-person, hybrid-wall (single/double) tent that can be pitched with a single trekking pole and weighs 20 oz.
