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Packrafting the Wood River (British Columbia)
A tale of extreme bushwhacking, intense whitewater packrafting, and a 5-day trek that turned into an 11-day epic on British Columbia's Wood River.
January 2016 Backpackinglight.com Strategic Update (Screencast, Unlimited Members Only)
This 27-minute screencast offers an update for Unlimited Members about the strategic direction of backpackinglight.com in 2016.
Faces: Paul “Mags” Magnanti
Paul "Mags" Magnanti is an active Backpacking Light contributor, a writer for Trail Groove Magazine, and a blogger. Learn more about Mags in this interview!
Dyneema, Cuben Fiber, and the Future of Outdoor Gear
The introduction of Dyneema (a.k.a., Cuben Fiber) fabrics is one of the most exciting developments to hit the ultralight gear niche over the past several years. With the introduction of several new cottage manufacturers, the acquisition of Cubic Tech, and innovation in ultralight gear made with Cuben Fiber / Dyneema, there are exciting times ahead.
Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear of 2015: Our Staff Favorites!
This article summarizes our staff's best backpacking gear of the year - the ultralight hiking, backpacking, and camping gear they pick as their favorites for their annual adventures.
Ultralight Backpacking: Core Principles & Philosophy (Video)
Ultralight Backpacking: Core Principles is a 13-minute video screencast presentation that provides a critical foundation for efficiently becoming a skilled ultralight backpacker. The core principles presented herein should be considered wherever you are in your journey on lightening up, and are as applicable to me even today, after decades of "working on my pack weight", as they were to me more than 25 years ago when I started this journey.
Primus Winter Gas Review
Primus released a new blend of gas known as Winter Gas. Does this blend increase fuel efficiency? Is it worth the cost?
Pukaskwa National Park: A Journey Along the Coastal Hiking Trail
Following a memorable trip along Lake Superior a year ago, the author returns for another adventure filled with solitude and scenery.
The Holiday Gift Guide of Lightweight Outdoor Gear for Trust-Funded Gear Junkies
Petzl Ultra Rush Headlamp, Benchmade Osborne Knife, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Duffel Bag, MSR Carbon Core Stakes, La Sportiva Stratos Cube Boots.
Searching for Wapiti: An Overnight Backcountry Hunt in the Gallatin National Forest
A backcountry hunting trip exposes the author to new ways of looking at his gear as well as an excuse to go off-trail and wander with a purpose.
My Journey from Injury to the Canadian Rockies
In February of 2015, a traumatic farming accident landed me in the hospital. Three 1800 pound (816 kg) bulls crushed my entire upper body between two steel cattle panels and left me physically broken and devastated. This is the story of my return to the backcountry. It includes information about my recovery and training, the story of my re-entry trip in the Canadian Rockies, and of course, my gear list!
Mike St. Pierre: Interview with the Founder of Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Mike St. Pierre founded Hyperlite Mountain Gear while working as chef in NYC out of a desire to have lighter gear for his weekend adventures. He has not looked back and HMG is quietly and quickly making a name for itself in the outdoor industry. Read what Mike has to say about his company and his recent adventure in the Grand Canyon.
How to Minimize Your Prep for Short Trips
Limiting the number of decisions, and keeping all your gear in one area are the major steps to simplifying your short backpacking trips.
