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Episode 88 | 2023 Ultralight Gear Update
Episode 88 of the Backpacking Light podcast features nine pieces of gear from Ryan's kit that he liked, didn't like, and is sitting on the fence about.
The Gift of Surprise in the Rawah Wilderness
James Montavon hikes in Colorado’s Rawah Wilderness, and discusses the differences between using different trip planning softwares.
Gear Guide: Satellite Messaging Devices (“Messengers”)
This gear guide summarizes the category of satellite messaging-centric devices, i.e., devices that focus on satellite messaging as its primary, rather than secondary, function. This is in contrast to navigation-centric devices (which usually offer integrated mapping on the device), such as the Garmin inReach Explorer or Garmin GPSMap.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Shelter is a single-wall, Dyneema Composite Fabric, 2-person, 2-trekking-pole-supported tent with two vestibules, two side-entry doors, a weight of about 24 oz (g), and an MSRP of USD $699.
Episode 87 | Publisher’s Gear Guide
Episode 87 of the Backpacking Light podcast features highlights from our new Publisher's Gear Guide - the gear that I actually own and use on my backcountry adventures.
Backcountry Skiing to a Fire Lookout
BPL author Mark Wetherington skis into a remote fire lookout tower in Montana’s backcountry on a chilly winter night.
Episode 86 | Ultralight Shelter Fabrics
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about ultralight fabrics used in backpacking shelters.
Backcountry Permits: Navigating Logistics and Disappointment in the Modern Technological Age
Different land management agencies have different difficulties obtaining a permit to plan and enjoy a backpacking trip.
Hypothermia
What is hypothermia, and how do you treat it with an ultralight backcountry gear kit?
Episode 85 | Backcountry Lightning Risk Management
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about lightning storm risk management in the backcountry.
Episode 84 | Satellite Messaging (ZOLEO)
In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we interview Morris Shawn, President of Roadpost and Zoleo, about satellite messaging and the evolution of the Zoleo Satellite Communicator.
How much does backpacking really cost?
Daniel Hu discusses the question: How much should I spend on my backpacking kit, and how can I do so responsibly?
The Fact of Fatigue: On Trail Running, Jeff Garmire, and the High Price of Endurance
Isaac Simons humorously describes the effects of overtraining for trail running adventures including discussions with Jeff Garmire.
Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Review
UPDATED! (Long-term performance) - The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 tent is an ultralight (20.4 oz / 578 g) two-person, side-entry, double-door, double-vestibule single-wall Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) trekking pole-supported shelter.
Episode 83 | Shelter Condensation
In episode 83 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about managing condensation in shelters.
Yama Flat Tarp Review
Yama Flat Tarp Review: our first looks at this 7' x 9' silpoly ultralight shelter for ultralight backpacking.
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.
Handling the Heat: How to Use Your Palms to Stay Cool
Learn how to manage thermoregulation while hiking through effective utilization of your palms.
LIVE: The Gear Q&A (Spring ’23 Edition)
Got a question about backpacking gear as you assemble your '23 kits and gear lists? Now's the time to ask it - this live event will be all about gear. In addition, Backpacking Light Publisher Ryan Jordan will discuss some of the gear he's using in '23, with updated recommendations in the categories of minimalist, high-performance, comfortable, and budget-friendly gear across several categories.
Episode 82 | Fabric Repairs in the Backcountry
In this episode, Ryan walks through fabric repair kits for hiking and backpacking, including various fabric repair scenarios, strategies, and supplies.
Episode 81 | Unresting Event
In Episode 81 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Ben Kilbourne discuss creativity in the backcountry and Ben’s Unresting Event album.