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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

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Podcast 033 | Digital Route Planning

Dec 18, 2020 by Backpacking Light

a map showcasing the 3D resolution of FATMAP software

Andrew and Ryan discuss some digital tools useful for planning your route effectively. Also: An interview with FATMAP founder Misha Gopaul.

caltopo, digital, enlightened equipment revolt v2, enlightened equipment uprising, fatmap, garmin explore, garmin fenix, gia gps, google earth, guthook, mapping, maps, masterclass, misha gopaul, navigation, planning, route-planning, software, staff picks, trekking

Learning Curve: A Shoulder Season Reminder

Dec 8, 2020 by Maggie Slepian

BPL columnist Maggie Slepian reminds new and old hands alike to prepare for shoulder-season backpacking accordingly.

alpine lake, gia gps, Learning Curve, Maggie Slepian, navigation, route-planning, shoulder-season, single wall tent, snow, tent stakes, trekking pole supported shelter, trip planning

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Learning Curve: Breaking Loose

Nov 17, 2020 by Maggie Slepian

I fell into a rut, like many of us when an activity is familiar and comfortable. It took connecting with a more experienced backpacker to show me I had the knowledge and skills to push myself into new territory.

Backpacking, bears, beginner, jeff garmire, legend, lost, montana, navigation, off-trail, road walking, route finding, The Learning Curve, topographic map

Book Review: “The Cold Vanish: Seeking the Missing in North America’s Wildlands”

Oct 20, 2020 by Mark Wetherington

Backpacking Light columnist Mark Wetherington is no stranger to risk assessment. But this non-fiction account of search-and-rescue operations in North America gave him chills.

Book reviews, missing persons, navigation, north america, search and rescue, Unpacked, wilderness

GPS: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Oct 13, 2020 by Rex Sanders

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

electronics, garmin, gps, inreach, maps, navigation, smartwatch, spot, spotx, technology

Backpacking Trip Planning Resources

Oct 3, 2020 by Backpacking Light

hikers planning a backpacking trip with maps and a computer

Here are some of our favorite trip planning resources. These are curated by our staff and include products we’ve personally used and recommend.

fenix, garmin, guthook, inreach, navigation

Podcast 028 | Making Your Own Backpacking Meals

Jun 30, 2020 by Backpacking Light

This episode of the Backpacking Light podcast is chock full of actionable advice to create your own delicious backpacking meals.

Backpacking Food, cottage industry, dehydrated, dehydration, diversity, dyneema composite fabrics, fatmaps, freeze-dried, fruit, grant, jerky, meals, navigation, nutrition, prep, small business, snacks, Tarptent, van life

Spot X Review

May 8, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

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

emergency management, garmin, navigation, satellite communications, spot

Biolite Headlamp 200 Review

Apr 3, 2020 by Andrew Marshall

The Biolite Headlamp 200 (1.75 oz /50 g, $44.95) is a USB-rechargeable headlamp with a unique design that makes it very comfortable and stable.

biolite, fenix, headlamp, lighting, navigation, Petzl, thru-nite

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

Jan 6, 2020 by Rex Sanders

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

gaia, map & compass, navigation

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