The Backpacking Light Podcast
The Backpacking Light Podcast explores the technology, gear, skills, and philosophy of backcountry wilderness travel through stories, interviews, and investigative reports.
Latest Podcast Episodes
Episode 10 | StoveBench: A Protocol for Comparing the Performance of Backpacking Stoves
In this episode, we talk about StoveBench: Backpacking Light’s new protocol for standardizing stove performance comparisons.
Episode 9 | Author Caroline Van Hemert on 4,000 Miles Across the Arctic
In this episode, we talk to Alaskan writer, biologist, and adventurer Caroline Van Hemert. Caroline is an ornithologist who, along with her husband Pat, undertook a 4,000-mile human-powered journey from Bellingham Washington to Kotzebue, a small town high above the arctic circle.
Episode 8 | Winter Backpacking Skills and Gear
Today’s episode is a SKILLS SHORT where we’ll discuss the philosophy and skills of lightweight winter backpacking.
Episode 7 | Trekking Poles
This podcast dives into the science to answer the question: are trekking poles worth the weight?
Episode 6 | Backcountry Filmmaking and Photography
Backcountry filmmaking and photography used to required thirty or more pounds of gear. Here’s how to produce great media at minimum weight!
Podcast 005 | Navigation
This podcast is about route planning and navigation skills and discusses a case study in complex navigation.
Podcast 004 | Guide’s Roundtable
A conversation w/guides Kevin, Dan, Adam and Ryan about the philosophy and benefits of ultralight backpacking.
Podcast 003 | Backpacking Food and Nutrition
In this episode we tackle the science, myths, and dogma surrounding backpacking food and nutrition. Featuring guest Brian Rigby, certified sports nutritionist and author. We tackle food and nutrition issues as they relate to thru-hiking, ketogenic diets, plant-based diets (veganism and vegetarianism), gluten-free issues, and macronutrient-micronutrient nutrition. Some questions we ask: what are the caloric and nutritional needs of backpackers? Why do we need to address dogma and pseudo-science in this field? We also take a look at some new cooking and water treatment gear and discuss what’s going on in the world of Backpacking Light right now.
Podcast 002 | Dyneema Composite Fabrics
In this episode, we dive into the design, manufacturing, and applications of Dyneema Composite Fabrics.
Podcast 001 | Synthetic Insulation
In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew take a deep dive into synthetic insulation: its technology, strengths, weaknesses, and applications.