BPL Classics – We want your input

Three articles that I feel represent BPL very well:

The Poncho Tarp: Techniques and Gear Systems for Inclement Conditions
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/poncho_tarp_techniques_gear_inclement_conditions.html

Advanced Tarp Camping Techniques for Inclement Conditions
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00150.html

Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 1: Principles and Techniques for Keeping Feet Dry and Warm
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/lightweight_footwear_systems_for_snow_travel_part_1.html

And the article that is still a favorite since I first started reading BPL:
Not Your Ordinary Lightweight Backpacker: An Interview with Bill Merchant
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00031.html

What a great idea. I wonder Don, there have been for me at least, a number of classic forum threads as well have you thought of including them?
As this is a BPL site my first thoughts relate to traveling light but safe. So in no particular order

Tarping (the original article from ????)
Tarping in inclement weather
Comparisons of packs
Comparisons of stoves
Bivys, Ryan had a number of Spotlight reviews and the Lost Coast article, maybe they could be combined in some way.
Navigation, I recall an article by Andy Dixon (or ????) about navigation.
The hypothermia article is a must.

Hope this helps

How Far, How Fast, How Heavy by Roman Dial.

adding to Miguel's excellent choices:

"Hypothermia" by Darin Banner; 2008.

" '06 Comprehensive Sleep Systems Manifesto" by R Jordan and M Clelland; 2006.

"Lightweight Backpacking for Couples" by A. Simon & A. Dixon; 2003

Due to the new and poor website layout (like something from 1996, IMO), I can not find the exact titles (nor the articles), but the ones which encouraged me to subscribe for 2 years running now were:
– a comparison of synthetic and wool as shirt fabrics, with some guys wearing clown shirts, half and half of each fabric.
– an article on the science of breathable waterproof fabrics.
– the article on CO2 produced by stoves.
– the amazing fabric threads (sorry for the pun), by Richard N.
– the gear lists section as motivation!

I must interject, Instead of using critical programming time to make a classics, page, or in addition to it, make some basic functionality and bug corrections.
For example, an article index, grouped by subject. Currently your "Gear Categories" section has "Gear Lists", "Podcasts", etc.. and other non gear-category items.. lists and podcasts are not gear categories. Thats just one example of illogical web page organization which has been beat to death in other threads.

As another example, try to click on "GEAR", then mouse right to "Gear Checklists", it is impossible in Firefox on XP. The menu collapses to only the first few horizontal items..

and on and on.. See relevant threads.

Brett brings up a good point, some of the best content has been in the forums. I would also agree with him in pointing out Richard and other contributors in their discussions of fabrics and insulation. I've learned as much from these threads as the articles.

I've had a ton of friends ask me about the Boy Scout Gear List: Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, Summer article. It's several years old and it has consistently made it on the most popular pages. It really encompasses a jumping off point of making the UL approach accessible and even practical to entry level folks who are coming in from a traditional mindset or beginning with no prior experience.

Next up the Bear Bag Hanging Techniques article was actually one that made me sign up for BPL in the first place. It's simple, practical and seems I couldn't find a decent write up elsewhere. I've never used anything else but the PCT method since.

Sometimes it's the simple things….

I'd like to second Brett's ideas. Very organized and thought out.

I’d also like to suggest: Andrew Skurka's excellent article: Artic Trekking Techniques for Early-Season Conditions. It’s an instant classic

I completely agree with Brett. I appreciate you trying to group all the classics from BPL, but I think it would be better in the long run to fix the site's searching capabilities and organization. If it were easier to find things, then a "classics" page would not be necessary. Just a suggestion.

Hey all –

Search improvements are #1 on our list of priorities for the site, and we're actively working on it now.

Don

Thanks for working on the search facilities for this site, it really does need improvement.

I liked the article on condensation. It discussed the causes and gave some insite into prevention of condensation in shelters.

Unfortunately I can't find it now to post the author or details.

Tim –

I suspect the article your are looking for is the Single Wall Shelter Condensation Factors and Tips article by Will Rietveld.

Don

Unordered: (if someone can send me via PM back this list so that the links are hidden uderneath, I'll edit this post) – thanks

ps – I too had problems navigating to some pages (I use Firefox — so I was not able to make this list based upon reviewing every article page — but many of the great ones are here and I found some ones I had not seen before that I think are great too).

Frameless Pack Review Summary
by Jay Ham
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/frameless_pack_review_summary.html

Condensation in Single-walled Shelters: Contributing Factors and Tips for Reduction
by Will Rietveld
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/single_wall_shelters_condensation_factors_tips.html

Comparison Review of Tarps and Other Floorless Shelters
by the Product Review Staff
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00174.html

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/bomber_tents_review_summary.html
Bomber Tents REVIEW SUMMARY and GEAR GUIDE OVERVIEW
by Doug Johnson

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/bear_predation_jordan.html
Publisher's View: Bear Predation (Commentary)
by Ryan Jordan

Camera Selection Basics for the Lightweight Backpacker
by Franco Darioli
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/cameras_for_lightweight_backpackers.html

Lightweight Backpacking with Young Children
by Stephanie and Ryan Jordan
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00177.html

An Old Dog Learns New Tricks – How Lightweight Technology Keeps me on the Trail at 70
by Ron Hamm
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/ultralight_for_seniors.html

Hypothermia
by Darin Banner
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/hypothermia.html

Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Nunatak, and PhD Lightweight Down Jackets (Comparison Review)
by Alan Dixon
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00094.html

Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pads
by the Product Review Staff
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00077.html

Catenary Curvature as an Element of Ultralight Tarp Design
by Ryan Jordan and Alan Dixon
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00149.html

Master Index to 'Stoves, Tents and Carbon Monoxide – Deadly or Not?' Series
by Roger Caffin
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/stoves_tents_carbon_monoxide_index.html

LED Lighting Technology: A Comprehensive Primer to Understanding the Design Basis of Light Emitting Diode-Based Flashlights and Headlamps
by Rick Dreher
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00204.html

Backcountry Water Quality: Technologies, Trends and Paranoia?
by Ron Silflow & Ryan Jordan
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/backcountry_water_quality_technologies_trends_paranoia.html

Exploding Gas Canisters: The Hazard of Overheating
by Roger Caffin
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/exploding_gas_canisters_the_hazard_of_overheating.html

Comfort and Moisture Transport in Lightweight Wool and Synthetic Base Layers
by Don Wilson, Alan Dixon, and Will Rietveld
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comfort_moisture_transport_wool_synthetic_clothing.html

Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Carry Weight for Six Lightweight Backpacking Cooking Systems: Part I
Assembling Comparable Cooking Systems and Test Data
by Will Rietveld
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comparative_fuel_efficiency_and_weight_of_stoves_pt1.html

Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Carry Weight for Six Lightweight Backpacking Cooking Systems: Part II
Calculating Fuel Usage, Carry Weight Analysis, and Cost/Efficiency Considerations
by Will Rietveld
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/comparative_fuel_efficiency_and_weight_of_stoves_pt2.html

Water Weight Gain and Drying Characteristics of Lightweight Hiking Shoes after Submersion
by Carol Crooker
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/water_weight_gain_and_loss_lightweight_shoes.html

Drying Characteristics of Select Lightweight Down and Synthetic Insulated Tops
by Don Wilson
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/wet_weather_performance_down_vs_synth_vests.html

Lightweight Dry Sacks: Comparison Testing Results
by Carol Crooker
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/dry_sacks_comparison_testing.html

Frameless Backpacks: Engineering Analysis of the Load Carrying Performance of Selected Lightweight Packs
by Ryan Jordan, Ph.D.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00194.html

Night Time Condensation on Tarp and Tent Fabrics
by Mariah Walton
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/night_time_condensation_on_tarp_and_tent_fabrics.html

Performance Comparison Testing of Lightweight Canister Stoves: Controlled Data Evaluating Key Variables of Temperature, Wind, and Windscreen Use
by Will Rietveld
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/lightweight_canister_stoves_test_report.html

The Original Ultralight Hikers: Seeking Wilderness Simplicity from Modern Day Nomads
by Douglas Durham
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00032.html

EXPEDITION: The Great Western Loop
by Andrew Skurka
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/andrew_skurkas_great_western_loop.html

Doing Denali Light: Post-Trip Report and Gearlist
by Agnes Stowe with Matt Hage
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/hage_stowe_denali_light_post_expedition.html

a few articles that I remember that I don't think I saw posted yet:

MYOG: Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

MYOG: Five Yards to SuperUltralight (whole series)

Groovy-Biotic Cooking: Quick, Healthy Meals with an Ultralight Cook Kit

Toilet Paper Free Expeditions

Oohh.. ditto that for the TP free article and the 5 yards to SUL article. Those were definately useful articles.

Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking Jordan, Nelson, Dixon

Winter Backpacking Comfort: Lightweight Gear and Techniques for Shelter, Clothing, and Sleep,Systems Jordan

Backpacking Checklist (Gear List): 3-Season, 3-Day Jordan

These all come to mind —

A Lightweight Guide to Backpacking in Sustained, Cold Rain
by Alan Dixon

Boy Scout Gear List: Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, Summer
by Doug Prosser

Boy Scout Gear List: New Scouts, Three-Season
by Doug Prosser

Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 1: Principles and Techniques for Keeping Feet Dry and Warm
by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl
(Also Part 2)

Groovy-Biotic Cooking: Quick, Healthy Meals with an Ultralight Cook Kit
by Mike Clelland!

The Poncho Tarp: Techniques and Gear Systems for Inclement Conditions
by Ryan Jordan and Alan Dixon

Toilet Paper Free Expeditions
by Mike Clelland!

2005 Backpacking Light Trip Planning Spreadsheet Contest Entries
by BPL Staff

The Backpacking Fly Fisherman
by Ryan Jordan

Considerations for Selecting a Lightweight Backpacking Stove
by Will Rietveld
(might need an update for the BushBuddy)

Hiking Efficiency: A Day in the Life of an Ultralight Hiker
by Ryan Jordan

The Poncho Tarp: Techniques and Gear Systems for Inclement Conditions
by Ryan Jordan and Alan Dixon

Make Your Own Gear: Alcohol Stove Windscreen
by Jay Ham

Comparative Fuel Efficiency and Carry Weight for Six Lightweight Backpacking Cooking Systems: Part II
Calculating Fuel Usage, Carry Weight Analysis, and Cost/Efficiency Considerations
by Will Rietveld

EXPEDITION: The Great Western Loop
by Andrew Skurka

Notes from the Field: High, Dry, and SuperUltraLight in Arizona
by Carol Crooker (actually the series on SUL by Carol)

LuxuryLite Big Survival Stik review:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/2008_luxurylite_big_survival_stik_staff_review.html

Most fun review I've written (of the 40 or so I've done) I'm tooting my own horn here, but this product was SO fun to test and write about!

So many classics have already been listed, it's hard to know if something's not yet covered. Don't believe I saw these two in anyone else's list, though:

One of the MIAs is perhaps a true classic "golden oldie" article (actually, it's a review) that hugely influenced my own "enlightenment" about the possibilities of lighter, & even ultralight, backpacking: The Nunatak Arc Alpinist piece by Ryan Jordan and Don Johnston as posted in 2002 at 3 AM (!!) on the Fourth of July (they both probably slept through the fireworks later on that 4th). The link is:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00059.html

The other "BPL article topic" that has been of continuing value as a great resource to this novice winter camper, and even fun to just read and reread for all the detail that's included, is the whole series related to different aspects of winter backpacking — especially since going light in snow is a new experience for me. I believe many (or even most) of these "winter-related" articles have already been listed by others, but there is perhaps one exception that has been missed: the three part series called Lightweight Footwear for Snow Travel by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl. Links for that series are:

Part 1 ==> http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/lightweight_footwear_systems_for_snow_travel_part_1.html

Part 2 ==> http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/lightweight_footwear_systems_for_snow_travel_part_2.html

Part 3 ==> http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/lightweight_footwear_systems_for_snow_travel_part_3.html

Great idea to gather BPL classics together.

But there have been so many of those "classics" over the past several years, and they keep on coming, that it seems like it will never be possible to do them justice in a single compilation — or put the totality of information that they contain to the fullest use that they merit.

Good luck anyway.

JRS

distillations of Bill Fornshell's MYOG projects and subsequent Q&A

Some of the BPL Classics need to be redone afresh perhaps every two years, such as the classic on alcohol stoves, for when the original was done, the Caldera Stove was not included in the comparison, and I would imagine it would come out top now. (This was the top example, and maybe instead of following a calendar schedule, do it as the "field" dictates but no frequenly than annually.) Obviously by end of this summer, lightweight tarptents have dramatically changed with all the new approximate 1 lb tents coming out this year.

I'd like to see the gear reviews redone every few years; I'm thinking pieces like the synsetic high-loft comparative review. Many of those products are out of date. I'd like to see this type of review redone every 2-3 years or when the marketplace requires it.

I second 'Doing Denali Light: Post-Trip Report and Gearlist'. Thanks to BPL for keeping it public. I refer it many times when I am thinking about my 'system'. It has been inspirational.