Most advice about minimalist footwear can be rejected outright. Often, the advice is given by hikers who haven’t put in the time required to understand the complexity and depth of foot biomechanics and the long-term effects of overuse that is endured by walking for decades. Here are some guiding principles if you want to keep hiking into your sunset years, so you can delay the inevitable onset of overuse conditions like hallux rigidus.
Skills & Techniques
Learn the "howto" of lightweight backpacking with these tips, tricks, gear lists, and comprehensive skill guides.
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MYOG Ultralight Fastpacking ‘Tivy’
Step by step instructions on how to construct my MYOG tivy model and videos and pictures of it in use.
Resources, Tools, and Processes for Planning Nontechnical, Off-Trail Backpacking Routes
The purpose of this article is to document the process I often use to plan and execute off-trail trips in the mountains using digital mapping and navigation tools.
Navigating Without a Compass, Map, or GPS
This article describes natural navigator techniques I’ve found helpful while bushwhacking – navigating without a compass, map, or GPS.
MYOG: Seam Construction and Taping of New Dimension-Polyant Fabrics
This article presents the results of some cursory material construction tests using the newer Dimension-Polyant (DP) fabrics from the LS, VX, and WX families, as well as seam-taping using DP-supplied seam tapes. The context here is MYOG/DIY backpack construction.
Case Studies: Using Google Earth to Plan Wilderness Trips
This article presents some case studies of using Google Earth for wilderness trip planning, with a presentation of my process and lessons learned.
Wet, Cold Feet When Backpacking: How To Keep Your Feet Dry(er) and Warm(er) in Inclement Weather
Keep feet warm and dry by using a carefully designed system that involves different types of socks, shoes, and gaiters.
MYOG Synthetic Fill Vest (Make Your Own Gear)
Step by step guide on how to MYOG synthetic fill vest. This is an easy first project if you are interested in making synthetic clothing.
How to Keep Fuel Warm During Canister Stove Operation
Various techniques for keeping fuel warm during canister stove operation are described, in order to optimize fuel vaporization.
Ultralight Video Gear (According To Chris)
Chris Smead, who produces Backpackinglight.com’s “According to Chris” video series, goes through his ultralight video gear.
Lightweight Backpacking in the Winter: Gear and Techniques from the Arctic
Lightweight backpacking in the winter requires more intentionality with respect to gear selection and skill set, but with great rewards.
Vacuum-Sealed Recycled Mylar Bags for Backpacking Food Packaging: Better than ZipLocs
Mylar bags for backpacking food keep food fresh and protected from moisture. How about vacuum sealing reusable (e.g., snack chip) bags?