After a lifetime of pole-supported shelters and sleeping pads, I’d decided to give hammock camping a try.
Essays & Commentary
Insightful and provocative opinions about wilderness philosophy, issues, and techniques; also introspective writing about lightweight backpacking or wilderness philosophy.
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Buy Less, Do More with Good Enough Gear
What you’re really hooked on is the dopamine rush from buying and trying new gear – which doesn’t last very long.
What is ultralight backpacking? (how we talk about ultralight)
To me, ultralight backpacking is the idea that one should solve a problem using as little as possible, but that which is used to solve the problem should be as effective as possible. Defined as such, the actual weight of individual pieces of gear, or one’s pack, matters less, and takes a back seat to the performance-to-weight ratio of a piece of gear.
2018 Year in Review
Our 18th year of publishing has brought some exciting new things to our community! Here’s a review of our top highlights from the last year, and what’s coming up in 2019.
National Monument Reduction: What Are We Really Losing?
Late last year, United States President Donald Trump took action for national monument reduction in Utah, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. This article explores the issues.
Minimalist Footwear for Backpacking? (Video)
This vlog features commentary by Backpackinglight.com Founder & Publisher Ryan Jordan about the applicability of minimalist footwear for backpacking.
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.
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’?
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.
The Grocery Sack Grows Up: A Genealogy of the Modern Ultralight Backpack
From humble beginnings to the sophisticated and lightweight packs, the ultralight backpack is a tale filled with adaptation and pushing the balance of weight and features.