All the lightweight backpacking news that fits.
100 Tips To Be More Ultralight
Jupiter Hikes, YouTube
In this 21-minute video, Jupiter makes lots of good suggestions, based on 11,000 miles of long-distance hiking experience. Most should be familiar to long-time BPL readers, but refreshers never hurt. More tips in the comments.
One year+ review – Corporate schwag puffy
Paul Mags, blog post
Paul Magnanti extolls the virtues of free and thrift-store puffies with obnoxious corporate logos, “good enough” and almost as light as much more expensive labels. Rex’s tip: cover the logos with ragged patch tape and make up a good story about how you got those rips.
3 Permits Revoked in 2 Weeks in Latest Blow to Mountain Valley Pipeline
Penina Satlow, The Trek, blog post
This large natural gas pipeline has been in the news since 2015, in part because it will parallel and cross underneath the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. The article covers many of the potential impacts and the latest legal setbacks, with links to other coverage.
9 Mistakes I Made on my PCT LASH
Penina Satlow, The Trek, blog post
Interesting words of wisdom from someone who section-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican Border to Sonora Pass. “Spoiler: Everything Still Turned Out OK.”
Montane Protium Fleece Jacket: Full Review
Chris Townsend, The Great Outdoors, article
Chris gives his usual succinct and British-informed review of this 415-gram fleece jacket, which earned 4/5 stars and a “Recommended” rating.
On The Edge Of Torridon: A Trip Report With Gear Reviews
Chris Townsend, blog post
Entertaining – even long-time experts fall into pools of icy water. Plus reviews for most of the gear he took along, including an unusual sleeping bag, a 75-gram coffee maker, and (omg!) boots. Most items got 4/5 stars or more.
What’s the Deal with Dyneema? The Far Out Fiber’s Features and Future!
Ali Becker, Garage Grown Gear, blog post
Geek out even further on Dyneema fiber and DCF/DCH fabrics. With clear explanations, and comments from well-known DCF innovators in the lightweight backpacking industry. Includes most of the pros and cons.
Why Pressure-Regulated Stoves Are Better In Cold Temps
MSR, blog post
Some canister-top stoves like the Pocket Rocket Deluxe include a pressure regulator. Here MSR explains how they work and why they perform better in low temperatures, when properly designed. This being BPL, let the flame wars begin :-)
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This post is an experiment. I read too much backpacking news and thought I’d share some of the interesting bits. Plus my opinions. Briefly.
Do you see any value in this approach? What should change? Should I continue? Feedback welcome.
— Rex
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