garmin

How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Skills, Tools, and Resources

Trailhead November 16, 2023

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources on how to plan a backpacking trip - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, and more.

Hiking and Backpacking Injuries and Other Medical Issues Dominant inReach SOS Incidents

News October 25, 2022

Data from 10,000 inReach SOS incidents show that hikers and backpackers needing emergency assistance for injuries and other medical issues is the predominant inReach use case.

Episode 68 | Unpacking the New Garmin inReach Messenger

Podcasts September 30, 2022

In today's gear short episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about the brand new Garmin inReach Messenger and how it fits into the broader market of satellite communications devices for backcountry users.

Garmin inReach Messenger (Preview/Updated)

News September 27, 2022

The Garmin inReach Messenger provides seamless messaging across cellular, WiFi, and satellite networks for only 4.0 ounces. It offers some compelling features over its closest competitor, the Zoleo Satellite Communicator, including an on-device display that makes it a viable standalone device when used without a smartphone.

Can Apple’s New iPhone 14 Replace Your Garmin inReach?

News September 12, 2022

Should/will the iPhone 14 replace my Garmin inReach (or similar satellite messaging devices)?

Followed in Plain Sight

Essays February 12, 2021

Shilletha Curtis recounts a harrowing encouter and invites the reader to see the world through her eyes.

GPS: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Gear Testing & Research October 13, 2020

BPL author Rex Sanders tackles the pros and cons of navigating by GPS in a short blog post that includes links for further info.

Spot X Review

Gear Reviews May 8, 2020

The Spot X ( 7 oz / 198 g, $199.99) is a rechargeable two-way satellite messenger with a QWERTY Keyboard among other features.

2019 Staff Picks

Gear Guides December 28, 2019

The Backpacking Light staff offer their ultralight and other gear recommendations for lightweight backpacking, hiking, and camping.

Episode 14 | Training for Backpacking

Podcasts July 29, 2019

It’s no secret: the more physically prepared you are for a backpacking trip, the more you are going to enjoy yourself. But what are the most effective ways to reach optimal backpacking condition? That’s the topic of today’s BPL SKILLS SHORT: training.

Staff Picks 2018: Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of the Year

Gear Guides December 27, 2018

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)

Gear Guides December 2, 2018

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!

Ultralight, Ultra-Performance Backcountry Electronics

Gear Reviews July 14, 2018

I've been immersing myself in the study of backcountry electronics this year, including technologies for lighting, navigation, and photo/video. This article highlights some gear that I'm using this summer, and how I'm calculating, and managing rechargeable battery needs.

Garmin inReach Mini Review

Gear Reviews June 24, 2018

The Garmin inReach Mini is the smallest, lightest, and most powerful satellite messaging device on the market.

Lightweight Backpacking for Couples

Wilderness Skills September 3, 2003 Introduction Most of us do not venture into the backcountry alone. Sharing the outdoors with another person heightens our outdoor experience. That person can be a good friend, parent, brother,...