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
July 22, 2022
Episode 64 | BPL Author Spotlight: Contributor Drew Smith

In this episode, Andrew chats with Backpacking Light Staff contributor Drew Smith about the PCT, desert hiking, ponchos, and more.

June 21, 2022
Episode 63 | BPL Author Spotlight: Staff Writer Mark Wetherington

In this episode, Andrew chats with BPL staff writer Mark Wetherington about his favorite articles, backpacking in the south, and more.

June 10, 2022
Episode 62 | Dan Durston Talks X-mids and More

Andrew has a wide-ranging interview with gear designer Dan Durston about X-mids, shelter and pack design, and more.

May 17, 2022
Episode 61 | Frameless Pack Best Practices

In this episode, Ryan and Andrew discuss how and why to use a frameless pack while backpacking.

May 3, 2022
Episode 60 | Willow Belden of Out There

Ryan chats with Willow Belden from Out There. Also in this episode: updates on some new packs and the How to Use Gaia GPS masterclass.

April 12, 2022
Episode 59 | Ben Kilbourne Reads “Good Gear Lets You Be Present”

Ben Kilbourne reads his essay on the balance between caring about gear and being present on adventures.

March 29, 2022
Episode 58 | Benny Braden on Public Lands Stewardship

Andrew and Ryan talk with public lands advocate and accomplished backpacker Benny Braden about vandalism, stewardship, and social media.

March 15, 2022
Episode 57 | Cottage Industry Interview: Food for the Sole

Andrew talks to Food for the Sole founders Julie and Henry Mosier about running a food production business, scaling, staff management, recipe iteration, and more.

March 4, 2022
Episode 56 | Portable Battery Chargers for Backpacking

In this episode, we chat with longtime Backpacking Light contributor Rex Sanders about his ongoing tests of portable battery chargers. Also, Ryan and Andrew chat about vandalism on public lands, electronic device management, new gear from Atom Packs, and the benefits of freeze-drying.

February 1, 2022
Episode 55 | Managing Perspiration in Layering Systems: Wicking, Evaporation, and Ventilation

Ryan and Andrew discuss strategies and gear for managing perspiration in layering systems, including the processes of wicking, evaporation, and ventilation.

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