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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for Skills & Techniques

Skills & Techniques

Learn the "howto" of lightweight backpacking with these tips, tricks, gear lists, and comprehensive skill guides.

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How to Make Coffee in the Backcountry: Gear and Methods

Oct 29, 2019 by Backpacking Light

This article provides an overview of coffee-making methods (how to make coffee in the backcountry) while backpacking, with a study of their complexity and weight.

coffee, cooking systems, food and nutrition

Podcast 018 | SKILLS SHORT – Clothing Systems for Inclement Weather

Oct 17, 2019 by Backpacking Light

In this podcast, we discuss this: how does clothing system for 3/4 season, inclement conditions, differ from my summer backpacking clothing?

active insulation, down insulation, insulated clothing, podcast, rain gear, rain jacket, rain pants, storm clothing, synthetic insulation, trekking clothing

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Lightweight Sunscreen for Hiking and Backpacking

Oct 7, 2019 by Emylene VanderVelden

How to create a lightweight sunscreen strategy by using your backpacking apparel and supplies.

badger, buff, Smartwool, sun protection

How Much Food Should I Pack? (How to save weight on backpacking food based on the energy-mile theory)

Sep 22, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

A mathematical model to calculate how much food to pack for your trip based on terrain and mileage with minimum weight carried in the pack.

Backpacking Food, nutrition, training

Podcast 016 | SKILLS SHORT: Maceration and Immersion Foot Diseases

Sep 15, 2019 by Backpacking Light

In this SKILLS SHORT, Ryan and Andrew break down the causes, symptoms, and results of immersion foot diseases.

bodyglide, foot care, footwear, maceration, shoes, socks, trail running shoes

Maceration, Immersion Foot and Backpacking

Sep 15, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

A short, detailed discussion on immersion foot and maceration, how to deal with it in the backcountry and when not to.

first aid, foot care, footwear, inclement weather, maceration, shoes

Estimating the Age (Lifespan) of Your Backcountry Water Filter

Aug 16, 2019 by Jon Fong

The goal of this test is to determine the effective age of your backpacking water filter based on comparing its current flowrate to its flowrate when new.

befree, gravity, katadyn, Sawyer, water filter, water filtration, water treatment

Interview with a Physio Therapist: A Biophysical Perspective on Backpacking Footwear

Aug 13, 2019 by Emylene VanderVelden

My interview with a physio-therapist, as well as my personal history with foot injuries, is making me think more carefully about backpacking footwear.

footwear, minimalist footwear, shoes, trail running shoes

Lightweight First Aid and Trauma Kits: Perspectives from a Mountain Rescue Medic

Aug 6, 2019 by Emylene VanderVelden

This article features an interview with a Canadian Mountain Rescue Medic, focusing on how to assemble lightweight first aid and trauma kits for backcountry travel.

adventure medical kits, first aid

Podcast 014 | SKILLS SHORT – Training for Backpacking

Jul 29, 2019 by Backpacking Light

It’s no secret: the more physically prepared you are for a backpacking trip, the more you are going to enjoy yourself. But what are the most effective ways to reach optimal backpacking condition? That’s the topic of today’s BPL SKILLS SHORT: training.

fitness, garmin, nutrition, outdoor fitness, Patagonia, training

Lighten your pack, and your body

Jul 17, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

I’d like to address what I do in each of these areas at some point in the future, but for now, I want to expand on why I believe a lean body weight – in addition to carrying less weight in your pack – is really important for a backpacking lifestyle.

fitness, nutrition

Crossing Rivers and Water Shoes

Jul 16, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

Crossing rivers “ultralight style” – that’s when you simply walk through the water wearing your hiking shoes and keep walking on the trail once you get to the other side.

footwear, minimalist footwear

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