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How do tent stakes interact with soils to create holding power?

Tent stake holding power, especially in adverse wind conditions, relies on principles of engineering and physics, including cross-sectional shape, length, soil interaction, and insertion angle.

Why You Should Spend a Few Ounces of Pack Weight on Rainwear Ventilation Features (Updated)

In this article, we make the case for spending some extra weight on rain jackets and rain pants that offer more ventilation features (and durability) than typical ultralight rainwear styles (updated July 2024).

Episode 70 | Fall Backpacking & Cold Feet

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we talk about how to mitigate cold feet during fall-season backpacking conditions.

Ultralight Rain Mitts for Backpacking: Reviews & Gear Guide

In this gear guide, we review 16 models of waterproof mitten shells ("rain mitts") weighing less than 4 ounces (113 g) within the primary context of 3-season backpacking.

Lightweight Clothing Layering Systems for Backpacking (Member Q&A)

How to assemble and save weight on a clothing layering system for hiking and backpacking to stay warm, dry, and comfortable.

Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review

The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is a hooded, full-zip synthetic active insulation mid-layer that weighs 13.2 oz (375 g) and retails for $299.

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.

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.

Episode 13 | Tent-bound in a Storm

In this episode, Ryan offers some practical guidelines for managing wet gear, condensation, and camp chores if you have to be holed up in a tent during a prolonged period of inclement weather.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Review

This Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Review features a pack with a lightweight Dyneema Composite Fabrics body, Hardline woven fabric side and hip belt pockets for durability, and a mesh back pocket for storing wet gear.

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.

How to Choose Backpacking Gear for Inclement Weather: Clothing, Sleep, and Shelter Systems

The purpose of this article is simple: I want to teach you how to choose backpacking equipment for inclement weather by documenting my thought processes as I select clothing, sleep, and shelter systems for a summer trek. The process will be illustrated as a case study: my equipment selection for a 12-day summer trek in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Southwest Montana.

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