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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.

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Latest Podcast Episodes
July 7, 2025
Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack

What does it really cost your body to carry a backpack in the backcountry? In this episode, we explore the science behind the metabolic demands of load carriage – how pack weight, load distribution, terrain, and walking speed impact energy expenditure. (included: interview with pack designer Dan Durston.)

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June 23, 2025
Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics

In episode 127 of the BPL Podcast, Ryan Jordan explores shelter fabrics: strength-to-weight, waterproofing, coatings, pitch stability, storm resilience, strength-to-weight ratios and waterproofing to coating quality, pitch stability, and storm resilience.

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June 2, 2025
Episode 126 | Field Notes – Ultralight Chairs: Performance or Luxury?

Recovery isn’t passive. It’s a skill – and how you sit at camp might matter more than you think.

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May 19, 2025
Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike

Learn how to thru-hike successfully with expert advice from Nikki’s Appalachian Trail journey. Discover essential strategies for planning, training, gear, nutrition, and mental wellness to make your long-distance hike enjoyable and achievable.

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May 5, 2025
Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond

An in-depth discussion with Black Diamond’s Joe Grant and Derick Noffsinger on the design evolution of hybrid packs for fastpacking and mountain travel.

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April 21, 2025
Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking

In episode 123 of the Backpacking Light podcast, we’re going to learn about Fastpacking – the art of traveling long distances with very little gear in a short amount of time

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April 7, 2025
Episode 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems

In episode 122 the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about unconventional sleep systems—alternatives to traditional sleeping bags that emphasize modularity and minimalism.

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March 17, 2025
Episode 121 | How to Plan a Short Thru-Hike

In episode 121 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about how to plan a short thru-hike.

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March 3, 2025
Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures

In episode 120 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to continue our study of how to sleep warm in cold temperatures, focusing on the gear that makes up your sleeping system.

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February 20, 2025
Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview

In this episode, we’ll introduce you to the Trail Days speakers and give you a sneak peek at their presentation topics and expertise. From ultralight pack design to scrambling techniques, backcountry hygiene to desert travel, there’s something for everyone.

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Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places.

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