Latest
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Review

The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus can send short text, photo and audio messages, weighs 4.1 ounces and has an MSRP of $500.

Navigation and Communication Devices: Strengths, Limitations, and Use Cases

In this video, I will cover various types of navigation and communications devices, their benefits and limitations, and use case scenarios where you might use one or a combination of multiple devices.

Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove Review (Updated)

The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove (2.5 oz / 71 g, $40) is the warmest glove I've found that I can use effectively with a smartphone.

How to use Gaia GPS to Find Hidden Backcountry Routes

Learn Ryan Jordan's process for discovering hidden backcountry routes by integrating current base maps, satellite imagery layers, and historical USGS maps.

How to Use Gaia GPS Slope Angle Overlays & Satellite Imagery to Plan Off-Trail Routes

In this video, I walk through how I use slope angle overlays and satellite imagery to plan off-trail mountaineering routes, focusing on Gaia GPS as the digital mapping software.

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.

Followed in Plain Sight

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

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

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.

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...