Clothing Systems
Minimalist and Backpacking Footwear
In this guide, we’ll explore the primary categories of footwear for backpacking and hiking, including minimalist footwear, examining their unique benefits, limitations, and use cases.
DetailsStaff Picks 2024
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
DetailsEpisode 110 | Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers
In episode 110 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about how natural and synthetic fibers influence thermoregulation.
DetailsEpisode 109 | How Fishnet Works
In episode 109 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn how fishnet base layers work.
DetailsHow Fishnet Works (Base Layer Fabric Structures)
This article explores how fishnet base layers offer superior moisture management and comfort for cold-weather backpacking by promoting rapid moisture vapor transport and minimizing condensation.
DetailsEpisode 105 | Expedition Kite Skiing Across Greenland with Jesse Crocker
In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about traveling off-trail responsibly, a rain jacket that defines new standards for durability and performance, and a kite skiing expedition across greenland with Jesse Crocker.
DetailsEpisode 104 | Outdoor Industry Hiring + Bennett Fisher (Jolly Gear)
Listen Small Business Outdoors: About this Episode Series This episode is part of our ongoing series Small Business Outdoors, a once-a-month series featuring Ryan Jordan (founder, Backpacking Light) and Lloyd…
DetailsEpisode 102 | Polartec Alpha Direct
In episode 102 of the Backpacking Light podcast you’re going to learn about the origin, evolution, and use of Polartec Alpha Direct in modern ultralight layering systems.
DetailsThe Dirt Catwalk: Modern Layering Ensembles for Backpackers
In this article, I discuss some of the challenges that an effective layering system needs to address. In addition, I highlight a handful of the layers that I use the most and how I combine them into various ensembles for different use cases.
DetailsShell Game: Wind and Rain Jacket Breathability Tests vs. Trail Performance
I sent several top wind and rain shells to the lab to measure breathability and then took them on the trail for real-world testing.
DetailsWhat Properties Influence the Air Permeability of Wind Shirt Fabrics?
The purpose of this report is to investigate the relationship between air permeability, fabric porosity, weave type, and yarn structure via photomicrography and image analysis. This is not an exhaustive research study, but rather, an exploration of some of the fabric design attributes that have an impact on air permeability rates.
DetailsArc’teryx Squamish Hoody
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody.
DetailsMountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Full Zip Jacket
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Full Zip Jacket.
DetailsEnlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Shirt
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Shirt.
DetailsEpisode 100 | Celebrating our Listeners and Gear for Hiking in the Sun
In episode 100 of the Backpacking Light Podcast we’re going to celebrate sunshine and the one hundredth episode of the backpacking light podcast featuring stories from our listeners and more.
DetailsEpisode 99 | How to Hide Your Food from Bears
In episode 99 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about how bears smell, and what you can do to hide your food from the nose of a bear.
DetailsEpisode 96 | Building Resilience for Backcountry Adversity
Listen Summary In episode 96 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn how to build resilience in the backcountry. In this Episode: What’s New at Backpacking Light? Thriving…
DetailsBy The Numbers Fabric Air Permeability and MVTR are Closely Related, Just Not How You Might Expect
This work explores the relationship between air permeability and MVTR in fabrics that do not include a waterproof membrane.
DetailsOutdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove Review (Updated)
The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove (2.5 oz / 71 g, $40) is the warmest glove I’ve found that I can use effectively with a smartphone.
DetailsBackpacking Light Staff Picks: Our Favorite Gear
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
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