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
June 25, 2021
Episode 41 | Matt Mason on Bikepacking and Public Lands, Part II

In today’s podcast, we are joined once again by Matt Mason for part two of our ongoing bikepacking conversation. This conversation digs a little more deeply into the nuances and logistical questions of bikepacking.

June 11, 2021
Episode 40 | Ben Kilbourne Reads “The Anthropology of a Trail”

Who or what makes a trail? This is the question Backpacking Light author Ben Kilbourne asks himself (and us) as he reads his essay The Anthropology of a Trail.

May 27, 2021
Episode 39 | Matt Mason on Bikepacking and Public Lands, Part I

Andrew interviews backpacker turned bikepacker Matt Mason in a Bikepacking 101 conversation.

April 28, 2021
Episode 38 | Tenkara Fishing

In this Skills Short episode, Ryan and Andrew talk about the essential skills and gear needed to take up the sport of tenkara-style fly fishing.

April 14, 2021
Episode 37 | Endurance Training for Backpackers

Ryan and Andrew chat with Dirk Friel, co-founder of TrainingPeaks, about how to get the most out of your endurance training.

March 31, 2021
Episode 036 | Andrew Marshall Reads “Salamander Song”

Backpacking Light Managing Editor Andrew Marshall’s essay Salamander Song is a love letter to the Great Smoky Mountains.

March 10, 2021
Episode 035 | Les Stroud on Raising Adventurous Children

Ryan and Andrew chat with Survivorman Les Stroud about his new book, “Wild Outside.”

February 11, 2021
Episode 34 | Mental Health

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan talk about mental health. As their jumping-off point, they use a recent paper called Levels of Nature and Stress Response.

December 18, 2020
Episode 33 | Digital Route Planning

Andrew and Ryan discuss some digital tools useful for planning your route effectively. Also: An interview with FATMAP founder Misha Gopaul.

November 6, 2020
Episode 32 | Jeff Garmire on the Colorado Trail FKT

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan interview some of the folks who came together to make friend’o-the-podcast Jeff Garmire’s recent FKT of the Colorado Trail a success: Maggie Slepian, Dylan Harris, Nik Tizekker, and, of course, the Fastest Known Tiger himself.

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