Latest
How to Manage Electronics and Batteries in the Backcountry (Member Q&A)

Considerations for managing backcountry electronics including portable battery packs, batteries in cold temperatures, headlamps, cameras, satellite communicators, fitness watches, smartphones, and more.

Out of the Mojave and Into the Twilight Zone: Hiking the Desert Trail

A narrative of my spring hike on the Desert Trail, and what it was like to re-enter American society at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

How to use Turn-by-Turn Directions for Simple Backpacking Navigation

Simple backpacking navigation: turn-by-turn hiking directions aren’t for everybody, but try them before you scoff and proclaim “Never!”

Navigation & GPS App Reviews & Gear Guide

This Gear Guide features GPS App Reviews, including AllTrails, Gaia, Google Maps Offline, Guthooks, Hiking Project, MapMyHike, Outdoor Active, Ramblr, REI - National Parks, Spyglass, and ViewRanger.

Staff Picks 2018: Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of the Year

Backpacking Light's editorial team, guides, contributors provide their favorite gear choices in BPL's Staff Picks gear guide for 2018.

Publisher’s Gear Guide (2019)

My personal recommendations for ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear for 2018-2019 - gear that I've used all year in 2018 that includes the good stuff that's staying in my kit for 2019!

Resources, Tools, and Processes for Planning Nontechnical, Off-Trail Backpacking Routes

The purpose of this article is to document the process I often use to plan and execute off-trail trips in the mountains using digital mapping and navigation tools.

Join Our Community

Become a Backpacking Light Member


Forum Access

Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.

Premium Content

Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.

Community Posts

Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!

Online Education

Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).

Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!

Get Started

Loading...