Latest
Minimalist Footwear and Trail Running Shoes for Hiking and Backpacking

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources about minimalist footwear (e.g., trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking) - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.

Episode 34 | Mental Health

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan talk about mental health. As their jumping-off point, they use a recent paper called Levels of Nature and Stress Response.

Episode 16 | Maceration and Immersion Foot Diseases

In this SKILLS SHORT, Ryan and Andrew break down the causes, symptoms, and results of immersion foot diseases.

Interview with a Physio Therapist: A Biophysical Perspective on Backpacking Footwear

My interview with a physio-therapist, as well as my personal history with foot injuries, is making me think more carefully about backpacking footwear.

How to choose backpacking footwear so you can keep hiking until you die

Most advice about minimalist footwear can be rejected outright. Often, the advice is given by hikers who haven't put in the time required to understand the complexity and depth of foot biomechanics and the long-term effects of overuse that is endured by walking for decades. Here are some guiding principles if you want to keep hiking into your sunset years, so you can delay the inevitable onset of overuse conditions like hallux rigidus.

Topo Athletic Terraventure Review (Trail Running Shoes)

This Topo Athletic Terraventure review features shoes that have narrow heels, a wide toebox, and minimal drop.

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.

New Balance 1080 v5 Review (What is Fresh Foam?)

The newly released New Balance 1080v5 shoes have "fresh foam" technology to minimize running wear on the body without compromising stability.

Altra Lone Peak NeoShell Review

The Altra Lone Peak Neoshell: light, zero-drop, wide toebox, waterproof-breathable. An ultralight backpacker's shoe for the fringe season?

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...