The purpose of this article is simple: I want to teach you how to choose backpacking equipment for inclement weather by documenting my thought processes as I select clothing, sleep, and shelter systems for a summer trek. The process will be illustrated as a case study: my equipment selection for a 12-day summer trek in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Southwest Montana.
Skills & Techniques
Learn the "howto" of lightweight backpacking with these tips, tricks, gear lists, and comprehensive skill guides.
Get up to speed quickly and enroll in our online course Ultralight Backpacking Boot Camp!
ADVERTISEMENT
DIY Backpacking Stove: An Ultralight Vortex Burner (Part 3: Mechanical Design)
In part 3, Roger Caffin discusses the mechanical design for the vortex burner as a solution for an ultralight winter DIY backpacking stove system.
How to Choose and Use Ultralight Base Layers
Jorgen Johansson makes the case for one base layer and the best ways to choose and use ultralight long underwear (base layers).
DIY Backpacking Stove: An Ultralight Vortex Burner (Part 2: Research and Development)
In part 2, Roger Caffin explains the research and development behind the vortex burner as a solution for an ultralight winter DIY backpacking stove system.
DIY Ultralight Backpack: My Search for a Perfect Pack
After trying several commercial backpacks, I made my own DIY ultralight backpack so I could have the features I like.
DIY Backpacking Stove: An Ultralight Vortex Burner (Part 1- Background and Theory)
In Part 1, Roger Caffin explores the theory behind using a vortex burner as a solution for an ultralight winter DIY backpacking stove system.
How to Make a Lightweight Fuel Bottle for Alcohol Stoves (the Snuffle Flask)
The Snuffle Flask is a lightweight fuel dispenser that works with any alcohol stove. Learn how to make one from items in your home.
Backpacking Wood Stove for Alpine/Snow Camping, Part 4: Dream Becomes Reality
This series explores the use of a Backpacking Wood Stove for warmth in the winter. Part 4 covers using the Micro Snow Stove in the field.
Backpacking Wood Stove for Alpine/Snow Camping, Part 3: Using Micro Stove
This series explores the use of a Backpacking Wood Stove for warmth in the winter. Part 3 covers using the Micro Snow Stove.
Home-Dried: How to Prepare Your Own Lightweight Backpacking Meals
Some backpackers require specialized trail food. Others simply want to target a specific dietary preference. Learning how to make your own lightweight backpacking food is a valuable skill, and perhaps, easier than you think.
Nigor Didis 2 Tent, Part 2: A DIY/MYOG Case Study for Aftermarket Modifications to Improve Tent Performance
The author presents manageable solutions to improve performance of the Nigor Didis 2 Tunnel Tent using an MYOG / DIY approach that can be applied to any tent.
Ultralight Backpacking: Core Principles & Philosophy (Video)
Ultralight Backpacking: Core Principles is a 13-minute video screencast presentation that provides a critical foundation for efficiently becoming a skilled ultralight backpacker. The core principles presented herein should be considered wherever you are in your journey on lightening up, and are as applicable to me even today, after decades of “working on my pack weight”, as they were to me more than 25 years ago when I started this journey.