Dispatches
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When you lose your water bottle on a trip…
When I lost my water bottle backpacking, I improvised with a disposable bag, backup chemicals, and a cookpot to keep going.
11 weeks of aerobic endurance training reduced my calorie expenditure by 20%
An 11-week endurance training program cut my hiking calorie burn by 20%. Can the Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) Framework help reduce food weight, improve efficiency, and transform backpacking performance?
How to submit a public comment to USDA’s proposal to rescind roadless rule
Oppose rescinding the Roadless Rule: why a rushed process threatens U.S. forest protections and weakens wildfire and conservation capacity.
Labor day “sales” are a reminder for cautious spending
Consumer advocacy tidbits and news, sale warnings, affiliate marketing, and more.
Don’t overthink your hiking itinerary
Get your free copy of a hiking itinerary spreadsheet template.
Narrow vs. wide pads with bivy sacks
Exploring the challenges of pairing bivy sacks with wide inflatable pads, and identifying practical alternatives for improved sleep systems
A Shoulder Season of Life – Follow Up
The response to my essay reflects the thoughtful Backpacking Light community I cherish. Reluctantly, I took a short solo walk on the PCT and found healing in silence, discomfort, and motion. This piece reflects on learning, shared journeys, cutting emotional weight, and how wilderness time continues shaping who I am.
A Shoulder Season of Life
Using the metaphor of backpacking’s shoulder season, this essay reflects on losing passion for the outdoors and the paralysis of too many variables. It explores burnout, indecision, and the realization that recovery doesn’t require perfect plans—only the willingness to go outside, anywhere, and begin moving again.
Thankful for Clean Water
Reading new research on ceramic water filters reminded me how easily we take clean water for granted. This article connects global water insecurity, public health impacts, and gratitude for those who safeguard our water, while highlighting how low-cost filtration interventions could save lives by reducing disease burden in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Simplifying a Kit by Taking as Few Things as Possible
I’ve spent years refining an ultra-minimal backpacking kit for summer trips above treeline in the Central Rockies. This article outlines the gear list, conditions, and philosophy behind a five-pound system focused on reliability, durability, and simplicity rather than chasing the lowest possible weight in challenging mountain environments with minimal gear.
Why I Pack My Fears
Packing fears adds weight, but smart preparedness matters. In this video, I break down a compact, lightweight emergency kit I carry on every trip, explaining each item and its purpose. Designed as both backup and standalone essentials, this kit is easy to grab for backpacking, summit pushes, or day hikes.
Finally – A Practical First Aid Kit for Backpacking
A practical first aid kit is an essential part of any backpacking system. In this video, I introduce a new series exploring how I build modular gear kits, starting with first aid. I explain each item I carry, why it earns a place, and how it fits into an efficient, trip-ready backpacking system.
Proposal for a Novel Backpack Component: Movable Lumbar Pad
Effective backpack load transfer depends on a lumbar pad that moves with the body. This article presents a dynamically fitted lumbar pad designed around pelvic gait mechanics, allowing multi-axis rotation and lateral slide. Sensor-based experiments show improved load distribution, reduced swing, and lower shoulder loading, especially when paired with a hip belt.
How to Plan Ergonomic gear
After seeing a poorly performing MYOG bag shared online, this article outlines a human-centered design approach for DIY gear makers. It introduces an ergonomic planning process using 5W1H to define real-world use cases, helping MYOGers design functional, purpose-driven packs and apply the same thinking when choosing commercial gear.
3D Printing of MoLLE Attachment for Insta360 ONE X2
This article details a DIY MOLLE attachment system for mounting an Insta360 ONE X2 on a backpack. Using custom-designed, 3D-printed PA12 parts produced with HP MJF, the setup enables hands-free filming while hiking. Field testing highlights minor motion blur but shows how 360° cameras and MYOG solutions can capture immersive trail memories.
Ergonomic Shoulder Straps that Reduce Shoulder Pain
This article examines shoulder pain reduction through improved backpack shoulder load distribution. Focusing on pain perception differences across shoulder regions, it presents a newly designed shoulder pad that avoids clavicle loading. Testing suggests reduced overall pain compared to conventional pads, highlighting the potential for better comfort even under heavy loads through smarter shoulder pad design.
Which Seam is Superior in Water Resistance? “Plain Seam vs. Welt Seam”
This article compares plain seams and welt seams through a water leakage test without seam sealing. Results show plain seams offer better water pressure resistance and lower production cost, though neither is waterproof without sealing. The findings help MYOGers and gear buyers understand seam choice, leakage timing, and when seam sealing is essential for outdoor backpacks.
Reflections from (a) Windy Pass
This trail journal reflects on a fall trip into a Montana Wilderness Study Area, weaving together landscape, wildlife, camaraderie, and questions of wilderness protection. Revisiting these notes years later highlights the value of documenting quiet moments in wild places—not for acclaim, but for memory, reflection, and the long-term joy they bring.
I Introduce Backpack Engineering for DIY/MYOG Based on my Professional Expertise!
This article introduces Backpack Researcher, a DIY/MYOG-focused YouTube channel dedicated to backpack engineering. Drawing from academic research, a doctoral thesis, and industry R&D experience, the channel shares evidence-based design principles and practical making tips. It invites MYOGers to ask questions, exchange ideas, and help identify real-world design challenges.
MYOG – More than just a Means to an End
Sticker shock pushed me toward making my own ultralight gear. With basic sewing skills and plenty of trial and error, I built a custom kit that fits my needs exactly. From sorting goose down to sewing shelters and packs, this journey shares hard-earned lessons, imperfect successes, and the deeper connection that comes from using gear you’ve made yourself.
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Garage Grown Gear Hidden Gems
Discover under-the-radar ultralight gear from small brands.
