Andrew and Ryan discuss some digital tools useful for planning your route effectively. Also: An interview with FATMAP founder Misha Gopaul.
Learning Curve: A Shoulder Season Reminder
BPL columnist Maggie Slepian reminds new and old hands alike to prepare for shoulder-season backpacking accordingly.
Learning Curve: Breaking Loose
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.
Book Review: “The Cold Vanish: Seeking the Missing in North America’s Wildlands”
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.
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.
Backpacking Trip Planning Resources
Here are some of our favorite trip planning resources. These are curated by our staff and include products we’ve personally used and recommend.
Podcast 028 | Making Your Own Backpacking Meals
This episode of the Backpacking Light podcast is chock full of actionable advice to create your own delicious backpacking meals.
Spot X Review
The Spot X ( 7 oz / 198 g, $199.99) is a rechargeable two-way satellite messenger with a QWERTY Keyboard among other features.
Biolite Headlamp 200 Review
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.
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!”