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Minimalist Footwear and Trail Running Shoes for Hiking and Backpacking
A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources about minimalist footwear (e.g., trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking) - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.
Episode 54 | Foot Injuries, Training, and Rehabilitation for Hikers with John Zombro
Physical therapist and athletic performance coach John Zombro chats with Ryan and Andrew about foot injuries, training strategies, and rehabilitation in the context of hiking and long-distance backpacking.
You Know You’ve Been Backpacking a Long Time When…
Rex Sanders takes a walk down memory lane (er, trail).
Winter Backpacking on Packed-Snow Trails (Gear List)
A winter backpacking gear list for hiking on packed-snow trails in dry (low-humidity) climates.
Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boot Review (First Looks)
The Xero Shoes Alpine Snow Boot is a flexible, insulated, waterproof, zero-drop footwear option for minimalist shoe lovers who still want warm feet in cold and snowy conditions.
Arc’teryx Norvan VT 2 Shoe Review
The Arc’teryx Norvan VT 2 shoe provides above-average foot protection and traction performance when hiking or running on rocky, uneven ground, but suffers from abysmal durability.
Xero Shoes Mesa Trail Review
The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail (8.5 oz / 241 g, $119.99) is a minimalist trail runner best used for fastpacking. Huarache-inspired straps on the midfoot and instep allow for precisely dialed fit without causing compression.
Episode 27 | Listener Q & A
Ryan and Andrew answer listener questions gathered from Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Episode 24 | Gear We Love (2020 Edition)
Andrew and Ryan talk about some of the BPL Staff's favorite gear, our gear review philosophy, current news, and more!
Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Cold Winter Temperatures (Two-Layer Systems, Vapor Barriers, and Really Puffy Stuff)
Lightweight backpacking gear for winter temperatures: two-layer insulation systems, vapor barrier systems, and really puffy stuff.
Episode 16 | Maceration and Immersion Foot Diseases
In this SKILLS SHORT, Ryan and Andrew break down the causes, symptoms, and results of immersion foot diseases.
Maceration, Immersion Foot and Backpacking
A short, detailed discussion on immersion foot and maceration, how to deal with it in the backcountry and when not to.
Interview with a Physio Therapist: A Biophysical Perspective on Backpacking Footwear
My interview with a physio-therapist, as well as my personal history with foot injuries, is making me think more carefully about backpacking footwear.
Crossing Rivers and Water Shoes
Crossing rivers "ultralight style" - that's when you simply walk through the water wearing your hiking shoes and keep walking on the trail once you get to the other side.
How to choose backpacking footwear so you can keep hiking until you die
Most advice about minimalist footwear can be rejected outright. Often, the advice is given by hikers who haven't put in the time required to understand the complexity and depth of foot biomechanics and the long-term effects of overuse that is endured by walking for decades. Here are some guiding principles if you want to keep hiking into your sunset years, so you can delay the inevitable onset of overuse conditions like hallux rigidus.
Vargo V3 Titanium Pocket Cleats Review
Vargo V3 Titanium Pocket Cleats are half the weight of leading lightweight traction devices, but do they perform for running and backpacking?
Topo Athletic Terraventure Review (Trail Running Shoes)
This Topo Athletic Terraventure review features shoes that have narrow heels, a wide toebox, and minimal drop.
Xero TerraFlex Review
This Xero Terraflex review features shoes that should interest both trail runners and ultralight hikers looking for a true minimalist shoe option for rugged terrain: super-flexible sole, zero drop, some cushioning, and very good traction.
Wet, Cold Feet When Backpacking: How To Keep Your Feet Dry(er) and Warm(er) in Inclement Weather
Keep feet warm and dry by using a carefully designed system that involves different types of socks, shoes, and gaiters.
Asolo Plasmic Shoe Review – Off-Trail Performance
This Asolo Plasmic Shoe Review identifies how this shoe performs. Our take is that it performs well in boulders, scree, and in the forest.
