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Lightweight Backpacking, Wal-Mart Style

I love gear, but I hate paying for it. Could I get a lightweight shelter, pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad for under $100? And if I could... how long would it last me?

The Evolution of Fastpacking

How do the classic fastpacking offerings by Ultimate Direction compare to a pack of today?

Be Prepared, Not Equipped

The main reason my pack got lighter was because I realized that being prepared had little to do with the equipment I carried.

Garmin Oregon 550t Promises Hi-Res Topo Mapping Display, Touchscreen, and Integrated 3.2MP Camera

While GPS units are getting bigger and heavier, at least they are also becoming more functional. The Garmin Oregon 550t integrates 100k topo maps, a hi-res display, and a 3.2MP digital camera.

Seven Million Toasters: A Tribute to Coghlan’s 50th Birthday

Coghlan's celebrates 50 years of service to the Outdoor Industry.

BPL Launches Wiki as Lightweight Backpacking Reference

The new BPL Wiki hosted by Backpacking Light!

Backpacking Light Magazine Announces Discontinuation of Print Version

Publisher Ryan Jordan recalls moments worth celebrating.

To Pack or Not to Pack? What constitutes an ‘essential’ item in a lightweight hiker’s overnight pack?

Essentials commentary from BackpackingLight reader, Mark Henley.

To Pack or Not to Pack? What constitutes an ‘essential’ item in a lightweight hiker’s overnight pack?

Essentials commentary from BackpackingLight reader, Allison Miller.

To Pack or Not to Pack? What constitutes an ‘essential’ item in a lightweight hiker’s overnight pack?

Essentials commentary from BackpackingLight reader, Jim Bailey.

Slow Travel

Traveling light, simple... and slow

Why I Go Light

Trends Editor Craig Mortensen discusses the joys of simplification and describes his transition to an ultralight load.

Catoma Outdoor Twist and Worm Tents Set Up at the Drop of a Hat (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2007)

New manufacturer of tents with potential for lightweight backpacking, if they make the tents available with lighter fabrics.

Useful New Products From Sea To Summit

Several lightweight, well-designed, multi-purpose products to aid the lightweight backpacker, while reducing our environmental impacts.

Backpacking Light Print vs. Online Magazines: Vision for 2006 and Beyond

A letter to the readers of Backpacking Light Magazine.

NOLS Sees the Light

Backpacking Light Magazine Partners with GoLite, NOLS, to Bring Lightweight Backpacking Courses to NOLS Curriculum

Backpacking Light Editor Receives National Award for Volunteer Efforts

Forest Service award recognizes Will Rietveld and spouse Janet Reichl for Leave No Trace education and research.

Top 10 Reasons to Carry a Spork

Results of a BackpackingLight.com reader contest, featuring the Top 10 Reasons to Carry a Spork List, and "Ode to a Spork" cowboy poetry by Paul Johnson.

The Benefits of Going Light

Commentary on the multiple benefits of lightweight backpacking.

Backpacking Light Position Statement on Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
How did we come up with these numbers? Due to the many variables involved, we took an empirical approach in creating this chart. We collected data from authors Hal Weiss...

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