Podcasts
- GEAR • Gear Reviews
- GEAR • Market Reports
- GEAR • Gear Guides
- GEAR • Gear Checklists
- GEAR • Make Your Own Gear
- GEAR • Gear Testing & Research
- SKILLS • Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
- SKILLS • Wilderness Skills
- SKILLS • Training
- SKILLS • Trip Planning
- SKILLS • Food Preparation
- PLACES • Trips
- PLACES • Routes
- CULTURE • Essays
- CULTURE • Stories
- CULTURE • Issues
- CULTURE • People
- CULTURE • News
- CULTURE • Media Reviews
- ARCHIVES (Before 30.Nov.2015)
- SEARCH LIBRARY
- TRAILHEADS
Episode 126 | Field Notes – Ultralight Chairs: Performance or Luxury?
Recovery isn’t passive. It’s a skill - and how you sit at camp might matter more than you think.
Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike
Learn how to thru-hike successfully with expert advice from Nikki's Appalachian Trail journey. Discover essential strategies for planning, training, gear, nutrition, and mental wellness to make your long-distance hike enjoyable and achievable.
Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond
An in-depth discussion with Black Diamond’s Joe Grant and Derick Noffsinger on the design evolution of hybrid packs for fastpacking and mountain travel.
Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking
In episode 123 of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to learn about Fastpacking - the art of traveling long distances with very little gear in a short amount of time
Episode 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems
In episode 122 the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about unconventional sleep systems—alternatives to traditional sleeping bags that emphasize modularity and minimalism.
Episode 121 | How to Plan a Short Thru-Hike
In episode 121 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about how to plan a short thru-hike.
Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures
In episode 120 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to continue our study of how to sleep warm in cold temperatures, focusing on the gear that makes up your sleeping system.
Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
In this episode, we’ll introduce you to the Trail Days speakers and give you a sneak peek at their presentation topics and expertise. From ultralight pack design to scrambling techniques, backcountry hygiene to desert travel, there’s something for everyone.
Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines
In episode 119 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about bedtime routines and practices for sleeping warm in the backcountry.
Episode 118 | Traction Spikes
In episode 118 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about traction systems for snow travel.
Episode 117 | Snowshoe Sizing
In episode 117 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how to size snowshoes, minimize sinkage, and save energy for your next winter adventure in deep snow.
Episode 116 | Slope Angles
In episode 116 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we learn how to measure and interpret slope angles to help you navigate steep terrain and assess hazards in the backcountry.
Episode 115 | Tiny Things
In episode 115 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're sharing Big Talk about Tiny Things: Those little ultralight bits of gear that have an outsized impact on our experience in the backcountry.
Episode 114 | Synthetic Fabric Structures
In episode 114 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the different types of synthetic fibers and fabrics used in outdoor apparel.
Episode 113 | Pad Pumps
In episode 113 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about current PAD PUMP trends in the ultralight cottage industry, the challenges faced by small businesses during the holiday season plus a few interesting stocking stuffers.
Episode 112 | The Analog Backcountry Experience
In episode 112 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the analog Backcountry experience and some of the gear that can help feed your need for a digital-free backcountry life.
Episode 111 | Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry.
Episode 110 | Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers
In episode 110 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about how natural and synthetic fibers influence thermoregulation.
Episode 109 | How Fishnet Works
In episode 109 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how fishnet base layers work.
Episode 108 | EI Coyote Quilts and Photo Satellite Messaging
On episode 108 of the Backpacking Light podcast, Nikki Stavile interviews Brian Noakes of El Coyote quilts, and we talk about a new satellite messaging device that can now send photos and voice memos.

