Ryan Jordan

Publisher’s Gear Guide: My Personal Lightweight Backpacking Gear Recommendations

A summary of gear that I've used in 2017, and enthusiastically recommend for lightweight backpackers this holiday season.

Now

I'm inspired by Derek's Now concept, and I think it may provide some value to you. Here's what we're doing now.

Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes Review

This Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes review addresses the use of foam as a snowshoe material, combined with a fixed shoe binding.

A Micro-Utility Knife: The Backnife Review

In this Backnife Review, we focus on the comprehensive (sic) blade technology in this detailed analysis of a cutting tool ;)

Wet, Cold Feet When Backpacking: How To Keep Your Feet Dry(er) and Warm(er) in Inclement Weather

Keep feet warm and dry by using a carefully designed system that involves different types of socks, shoes, and gaiters.

(Archives) – 2017 Alpacka Scout

This archived article and video feature the 2017 model Scout.

Katadyn BeFree Review: The Light and Fast Water Bottle Filter (First Looks)

This Katadyn BeFree Review features a video discussing the highlights of this water bottle filter technology that's both ultralight and fast.

Website Page Load Time Updates

Alcove (Film)

Alcove is a story about a backpacking trip that Chris Smead and Ryan Jordan took during the Spring of 2017. It explores Chris's perspective on doing something different than what he's used to - hiking in remote canyons on the Colorado Plateau.

Update: New Server Performance & Migration Schedule

This post from the Publisher’s Blog (available to Unlimited Members only) shares insight into the speed improvements that our new server framework is expected to deliver, as well as a tentative date set for the migration.

Minimalist Footwear for Backpacking? (Video)

This vlog features commentary by Backpackinglight.com Founder & Publisher Ryan Jordan about the applicability of minimalist footwear for backpacking.

Will Backpackinglight.com Publish a Podcast?

This post from the Publisher’s Blog (available to Unlimited Members only) shares results from our Members Podcast Interest Survey, and gives you the inside scoop asking the question: "Is Backpacking Light going to publish a podcast?!"

Design Notes: Towards the Limits of Ultralight

This post from the Publisher’s Blog (available to Unlimited Members only) offers some comments on the nature of ultralight design and the opportunities that await designers and manufacturers of ultralight gear.

A Glimpse at the Content Queue

This post from the Publisher’s Blog (available to Unlimited Members only) offers a peek into our content queue - what's coming in the next several weeks?

What’s Happening Behind the Scenes with the Backpackinglight.com Website?

This post from the Publisher's Blog (available to Unlimited Members only) takes a behind-the-scenes look at what we're doing to cut our page load times by half in 2017.

Patagonia Airshed Pullover Review

This Patagonia Airshed Pullover Review features a new type of wind shirt that focuses on maximizing the air permeability of the fabric.

Patagonia M10 Anorak Review

This Patagonia M10 Anorak review features a minimally-featured, simply-styled waterproof-breathable rain jacket that weighs 7 oz.

Patagonia Nano Air Light Hoody Review (First Look)

This Patagonia Nano Air Light Hoody Review takes an first look at a lighter iteration in the popular apparel category of "active insulation".

Hiking Underwear & Shorts – Men’s (Guides’ Notes)

Underwear acts as a moisture (sweat) transfer layer to keep you reasonably dry "down there". This guide highlights some important considerations about materials, design, fit, weight, and performance criteria when selecting a pair of hiking underwear (or shorts).

How to Choose Backpacking Gear for Inclement Weather: Clothing, Sleep, and Shelter Systems

The purpose of this article is simple: I want to teach you how to choose backpacking equipment for inclement weather by documenting my thought processes as I select clothing, sleep, and shelter systems for a summer trek. The process will be illustrated as a case study: my equipment selection for a 12-day summer trek in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Southwest Montana.