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Field Notes: Curry and Fire
A curry dinner explodes during this overnight trek inspired by a winter storm warning.
Episode 94 | Backcountry Cooking + SOS Buttons
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about pressing the SOS button, as well as gear and best practices for backcountry cooking in ultralight style.
Staff Picks 2023
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used in 2023 - the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about wilderness emergency rescue from the very different and unique perspective of an air ambulance service operating in the Canadian Wilderness.
Bear and Food Storage Policy in the National Parks
America’s National Parks each have different food storage requirements for backpackers. This article discusses the requirements, various options, and focuses on what bear canisters are exemplary options, and why.
Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we're going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism.
How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Skills, Tools, and Resources
A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources on how to plan a backpacking trip - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, and more.
Episode 91 | Fishnet Mesh Base Layers
In episode 91 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about fishnet base layers and the Swedish ideal of lagom.
Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Baselayers
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about four season tents, a new ABC watch that could dethrone the Garmin Fenix, and alpaca wool fabrics used for next-to-skin base layer apparel.
Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)
The Publisher's Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.
MSR Pro Bivy Review
The MSR Pro Bivy weighs less than 10 ounces (285 g). It's a very compact, feature-less bivy sack that embodies the essence of bivy sack camping.
Granite Gear Crown2 60 Gear Review
The Granite Gear Crown2 60 is a 60 liter capacity internal frame backpack that carries up to about 35 pounds comfortably and weighs around 2.1 to 2.5 pounds.
Field Notes: Careening into Winter
Join Ryan Jordan and a demon virus on a trip that brings early-season winter to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bikepacking: More Miles, More Smiles
Mark Wetherington tries his hand at ultralight bikepacking and hiking to remote places along the CDT in Montana.
Home Range: A Place that Keeps the Wild in Your Life
Drew Smith reflects on hiking in the places close to home as he explores a nearby mountain drainage during all seasons.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P vs. ZPacks Duplex Zip
The Unbound 2P and Duplex Zip beg for a direct comparison. Both of them are six-panel, symmetrical designs with zip-access, side-entry storm doors, and both are generally pitched with a total of 8 tent stakes. They have similar footprints, similar weights, and offer similar levels of weather protection.
Episode 89 | Fall Layering Systems
In episode 89 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we are going to talk about fall layering systems.
ZPacks Duplex Zip Gear Review
The ZPacks Duplex Zip Tent is a 2-person, 2-door, 2-vestibule, side-entry trekking pole tent made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. The ZPacks Duplex Zip weighs 20.4 ounces (577 g) and has an MSRP of $699.
Seven Lakes Basin and the High Divide Loop
Daniel Hu backpacks the High Divide Loop, one of the most beautiful hikes in Washington State and Olympic National Park.
Gossamer Gear Whisper Review
The Gossamer Gear Whisper is a 1-person, 2-pole, floorless full-perimeter shelter made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. It includes an attached noseeum mesh netting skirt, is pitched with 7 stakes, and weighs 9.8 oz (280 g).
On Finding and Claiming Femininity in the Backcountry
"...they never felt more powerful, or more fit, or happier about themselves and their bodies, than when they were thru-hiking." - Nikki Stavile on femininity in the backcountry.
