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SPOT Gen3 Insures Rapid Emergency Rescue When Needed

SPOT Gen3 provides location-based messaging and emergency notification technology that allows you to communicate from remote locations around the globe. It offers custom tracking interval options, motion-activated tracking, long-life battery and more. Learn how one hiker used his SPOT Gen3 in a life-saving rescue involving another hiker with a heart condition.

Getting to know “Buck” Nelson: Modern Mountain Man

"Buck" Nelson might be the closest thing to a modern mountain man. Read Jorgen Johansson's interview with the man who loves the outdoors.

Hiking with my Dad

Hiking with your father - or if you're a dad, hiking with your kids - is restorative, healing, and builds strength in your relationship.

Rudow & Atwood Complete Grand Canyon Rim Traverse

Traversing the Grand Canyon's Rim is one of the hardest outdoor feats. Read how some friends turned this dream into a reality.

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.

Faces: Paul “Mags” Magnanti

Paul "Mags" Magnanti is an active Backpacking Light contributor, a writer for Trail Groove Magazine, and a blogger. Learn more about Mags in this interview!

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.

Nicolas Jarossay to Attempt First Transantlantic SUP Crossing

Nicolas Jarossay is about to become the first person to attempt a transatlantic traverse by stand-up-paddle-board.

Loncke Completes First Unsupported Death Valley Traverse

Louis-Philippe Loncke, a Belgian explorer completes an 8-day, unsupported, solo trek through some of the harshest conditions and terrain on the planet.

Max Neale & Sarah Brey Complete 500 Mile Brooks Range Traverse

Max Neale completed a 5-week, 500-mile traverse of the Brooks Range by foot and paddle and learned why bush culture and wilderness are indistinguishable.

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.

Backpacking News Digest (December 4, 2015)

This week's news: Man Completes Triple Crown of Hiking; A Search for a Missing Climber is Suspended; Explorers Look to Walk 1,000 miles through the Middle East, and more - plus some stimulating forum discussion questions!

Mike St. Pierre: Interview with the Founder of Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Mike St. Pierre founded Hyperlite Mountain Gear while working as chef in NYC out of a desire to have lighter gear for his weekend adventures. He has not looked back and HMG is quietly and quickly making a name for itself in the outdoor industry. Read what Mike has to say about his company and his recent adventure in the Grand Canyon.

John Muir and Robert Marshall: Actions and Ideologies

An historical comparison of the philosophies of two of the leading pioneers of conservation and the wilderness regions they helped create.

What we can all learn from each other: A cross-disciplinary approach to backpacking skills

Preppers, Primitive Skills, the Military, and Hunters are all groups of people that have learned to thrive outdoors in their own way. Backpackers can take lessons from these other groups to make them more successful.

Ultralight Hunting: Towards a Coherent Definition

Much like the ultralight backpacking movement, ultralight hunting is beginning to grow in popularity due to gear innovation as hunters look for a more holistic hunting experience. As new gear begins to push the envelope, we turn our discussion to a what is the definition of 'ultralight hunting'?

Review of Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes by John Vonhof

A very well-written book that is recommended for anyone interested in learning the best ways to take care of their feet.

Delmar’s Poll

Delmar O'Donnell conducted a poll of BPL readers and teamed with Roger Caffin to relay the results which tell a lot about the BPL demographic and their backpacking preferences.

The Yellowstone Paddling Dilemma

Hand Propelled Vessels are banned in Yellowstone National Park. This is in direct violation of the Park's founding principles. Not only should HPVs be allowed on Yellowstone's waterways but their presence will improve the health of the ecosystem.

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