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Articles published at Backpacking Light prior to November 26, 2015.
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Latest
I Got Caught in a Sierra Storm, on Purpose
Isaac Simons tells the lessons of extreme Sierra weather and questionable gear choices through the lens of the writings of Phil Arnot.
A Walk from Crested Butte
Drew Smith writes about using public transit to make the travel to, from, and between trailheads more sustainable.
Clouds and McLeods
James Montavon discusses giving back to the trail community through his experience volunteering with the Colorado Trail Foundation.
Down to the Valley: Embracing the Desert Trail from the Mojave Desert to Badwater Basin
Drew Smith journeys from the Mojave Desert to Badwater Basin finding beauty in a seemingly desolate place.
Desert Crossing
An introspective account of what one can learn about themself through the story of crossing Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region.
Tri Peaks: Winter Scrambles in the Santa Monica Mountains
An essay on how day hikes and trail runs can enhance our outdoor experience when the wilderness isn’t accessible.
Mantras, Mandalas, and Meditations: A hike through the hidden Tibetan Kingdom of Nepal – the Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang Regions
An account of a trek through Nepal's Central Himalayan Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang region near the border of Tibet via an ancient trading route.
Strange Homecomings: A Journey on the Colorado Trail
Nikki Stavile returns to Colorado finding her home state changed but finds solace in the unpredictable mountains along the Colorado Trail.
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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.
JepPaks Alpine Pack Spotlite Review
The JepPaks Alpine pack combines durable materials with a slim, lightweight design yielding a pack that is well-suited for efficient and fast alpine travel.
Lightweight Backpacking News: Digest No. 26
In This Month's News: Woman Plans 5-Year Trek Across the Americas; Man and Woman Meet and Marry on the PCT; UL Sleeping Bag and Quilt Comparison Table; Ingredients for Planning an Expedition; Beginner Tenkara Tips; and much more!
Brooks Range Summer 2015 – fragments: Part 1
Time in the outdoors gives us a chance to question ourselves and find the primary motivation for fear. Oh and there are bears too.
Faces No. 4: Heather “Anish” Anderson
Anish set the self-supported record for the Appalachian Trail at the end of September, and is the first person to hold simultaneous records on the AT and the PCT.
Notes from the Field: Hidden Lakes, Montana
A quick overnight trip to a nearby lake chain offered opportunities for camaraderie with a friend and communion with nature.
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.
Bear Attack in the Rockies
Bear attacks are frightening and unexpected. This author shares her bear encounter with the hiking community.
PackLite Kayak Review
Designed for remote lakes and streams, the PackLite Kayak is well-suited for those environments and is a lightweight complement to your backpacking adventures.
Lightweight Backpacking News: Digest No. 25
FBI Fugitive Found on Appalachian Trail, A Survival Video Game, The Zion Flash Flood, A "Walk In the Woods" Inspires People to Get Out, MSR FlyLite Tent, and much more!
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.