Ryan Jordan
Latest
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.
Notes from the Field: Rambling the High Sierra (Revisited)
An alpine ramble along part of the Roper High route of the High Sierras, leaves plenty of time for fishing and relaxation.
Ruta Locura Jetboil Stove Kit w/BRS-3000T Stove (Review)
Replace stock parts in your Jetboil PCS with a carbon fiber lid and sub-one-ounce stove burner, and save nearly 3 oz on the weight of your cook system.
Wind River Backpacking: Talus, Tundra, and Ice on a Wyoming High Route
Notes from an eleven-day Wind River backpacking trip via a high route adjacent to the crest of between Spider Lake and Flagstone Lake.
The 60-Second Backpacker: Episode 2, Leave the Kitchen Sink at Home
The 60-Second Backpacker is a video series that provides bite-sized shorts about equipment, techniques, and philosophy of ultralight backpacking.
Microadventures: Breaking Down the Barriers of Visiting a Wild Place
Microadventures are exactly that - tiny little trips with minimal fuss, minimal gear, and maximum bang for the buck.
Little Red Wagon GEO Review: Craft Coffee for Backpackers
GEO is a single-serve, disposable pourover filter containing freshly roasted artisan coffee.
The 60-Second Backpacker, Episode No. 1: Weigh Your Stuff
The 60-Second Backpacker is a video series that provides bite-sized shorts about equipment, techniques, and philosophy of ultralight backpacking.
Flash Reviews No. 4
Introductory Reviews of the Sonim XP7 Ultra-Rugged Smartphone; Fenix HL22 Single-AA Headlamp; and Casio Pathfinder PRG-270 Watch.
Winter Backpacking Checklist (Gear List): Ultralight Winter Snowcave Camping
A lightweight approach to traveling light in the winter on snowshoes.
Vertex Solid Fuel Stove Review
A solid fuel/alcohol stove that folds flat for storage and assembles into a rock-solid structure for stable cooking.
Flash Reviews No. 3
Introductory reviews of the Sil-Dripper Coffee Brewer, the Elemental Horizons Pocket, and the Klymit Motion 35 Pack.
