Longtime BPL Forum contributor Mike Martin joined the Backpacking Light staff in 2006 as Sleeping Systems Section Editor. Mike holds a Bachelors Degree in Engineering and currently teaches Engineering and Physics at North Idaho College. If pressed, he will confess to heavyweight backpacking “a long time ago” in the Sierras. But, inspired by Ray Jardine’s Beyond Backpacking, he started lightweight backpacking in 2000 and has been a lightweight proponent ever since. In the winter, he enjoys backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in the Inland Northwest. In the summer, he switches to backpacking and fly-fishing, often accompanied by his young son.
His passion for lightweight backpacking revolves around the gear as much as the trips. He is actively involved in homemade stove, sleep system and shelter design and is always looking for “optimal” gear – even if it means tearing apart and rebuilding perfectly good commercial products.
Photo Courtesy of James Hannibal
