In this SKILLS SHORT Ryan and Andrew talk about best practices for backpacking with kids: route planning, trip types, gear, safety, and more.
Wilderness Travel Skills
Instructional content focusing on field techniques for maximizing the performance of lightweight backpacking gear and/or employing lightweight techniques. Comprehensive and broad in scope. For shorter formats, see Tips & Tricks.
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Keeping Gear Handy on the Trail with Multi-Use Accessory and Utility Pouches
Having accessible “pockets” on your pack is useful for keeping little bits of gear handy without taking off your pack. But consider a multi-use pouch that can also be worn as a standalone fanny-style pack.
How to Make Coffee in the Backcountry: Gear and Methods
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.
Podcast 018 | SKILLS SHORT – Clothing Systems for Inclement Weather
In this podcast, we discuss this: how does clothing system for 3/4 season, inclement conditions, differ from my summer backpacking clothing?
Podcast 016 | SKILLS SHORT: Maceration and Immersion Foot Diseases
In this SKILLS SHORT, Ryan and Andrew break down the causes, symptoms, and results of immersion foot diseases.
Maceration, Immersion Foot and Backpacking
A short, detailed discussion on immersion foot and maceration, how to deal with it in the backcountry and when not to.
Estimating the Age (Lifespan) of Your Backcountry Water Filter
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.
Interview with a Physio Therapist: A Biophysical Perspective on Backpacking Footwear
My interview with a physio-therapist, as well as my personal history with foot injuries, is making me think more carefully about backpacking footwear.
Lightweight First Aid and Trauma Kits: Perspectives from a Mountain Rescue Medic
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.
Podcast 014 | SKILLS SHORT – Training for Backpacking
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.