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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.

Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt Review

The Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt is a lightweight nylon-polyester blend shirt. I use it as a trekking base layer or insect-protection layer in camp. This review reflects my long term experience with this shirt - more than two years and hundreds of miles of use.

January 2016 Backpackinglight.com Strategic Update (Screencast, Unlimited Members Only)

This 27-minute screencast offers an update for Unlimited Members about the strategic direction of backpackinglight.com in 2016.

Dyneema, Cuben Fiber, and the Future of Outdoor Gear

The introduction of Dyneema (a.k.a., Cuben Fiber) fabrics is one of the most exciting developments to hit the ultralight gear niche over the past several years. With the introduction of several new cottage manufacturers, the acquisition of Cubic Tech, and innovation in ultralight gear made with Cuben Fiber / Dyneema, there are exciting times ahead.

Ultralight Backpacking: Core Principles & Philosophy (Video)

Ultralight Backpacking: Core Principles is a 13-minute video screencast presentation that provides a critical foundation for efficiently becoming a skilled ultralight backpacker. The core principles presented herein should be considered wherever you are in your journey on lightening up, and are as applicable to me even today, after decades of "working on my pack weight", as they were to me more than 25 years ago when I started this journey.

The Holiday Gift Guide of Lightweight Outdoor Gear for Trust-Funded Gear Junkies

Petzl Ultra Rush Headlamp, Benchmade Osborne Knife, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Duffel Bag, MSR Carbon Core Stakes, La Sportiva Stratos Cube Boots.

Doug Tompkins, North Face Founder, Dies Kayaking

North Face founder Doug Tompkins died as a result of hypothermia after a kayaking accident on a Chilean Lake.

Henry Worsley: Antarctica Solo, Unsupported

Henry Worsley is attempting what could be the first solo, unsupported, and unassisted foot-crossing of Antarctica.

Andrew Skurka Completes Wind River High Route

A "high route" is generally defined as an off-trail, above-the-treeline trek that traverses a range of peaks. And this summer, Andrew Skurka completed a doozy of a high route in Wyoming's Wind River range - 100 miles and 60,000 feet of elevation gain.

Ruta Locura Lone Peak Tent & WiFi Stove Review

The Ruta Locura Lone Peak Tent with the wood-burning WiFi stove offers luxury winter camping accommodations at a relatively paltry weight.

How to Minimize Your Prep for Short Trips

Limiting the number of decisions, and keeping all your gear in one area are the major steps to simplifying your short backpacking trips.

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