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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for Skills & Techniques / Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks

Short articles targeting unique and/or innovative solutions to backcountry problems.

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How to use Turn-by-Turn Directions for Simple Backpacking Navigation

Jan 6, 2020 by Rex Sanders

Simple backpacking navigation: turn-by-turn hiking directions aren’t for everybody, but try them before you scoff and proclaim “Never!”

gaia, map & compass, navigation

Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Cold Winter Temperatures (Two-Layer Systems, Vapor Barriers, and Really Puffy Stuff)

Dec 24, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

Lightweight backpacking gear for winter temperatures: two-layer insulation systems, vapor barrier systems, and really puffy stuff.

arc'teryx, backcountry skiing, cold, enlightened equipment, feathered friends, footwear, forty below, gryphon gear, handwear, inclement weather, insulating clothing, Outdoor Research, overboots, Patagonia, phdesigns, RBH Designs, rei, salomon, snowshoeing, stephenson tents, vapor barrier, Western Mountaineering, winter backpacking

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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

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

How to Keep Fuel Warm During Canister Stove Operation

Mar 25, 2017 by Gary Dunckel

Various techniques for keeping fuel warm during canister stove operation are described, in order to optimize fuel vaporization.

canister stoves, cold, lightweight cooking system, winter backpacking

Ultralight Video Gear (According To Chris)

Mar 24, 2017 by chris smead

Chris Smead, who produces Backpackinglight.com’s “According to Chris” video series, goes through his ultralight video gear.

according to chris, backcountry photography, photography, video

How to Minimize Your Prep for Short Trips

Oct 5, 2015 by Ryan Jordan 31 Comments

Limiting the number of decisions, and keeping all your gear in one area are the major steps to simplifying your short backpacking trips.

new feature, ultralight sleep systems, winter backpacking

The 60-Second Backpacker: Episode 2, Leave the Kitchen Sink at Home

Aug 11, 2015 by Ryan Jordan

The 60-Second Backpacker is a video series that provides bite-sized shorts about equipment, techniques, and philosophy of ultralight backpacking.

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