All Articles
Latest
Episode 24 | Gear We Love (2020 Edition)
Andrew and Ryan talk about some of the BPL Staff's favorite gear, our gear review philosophy, current news, and more!
Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review
The Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody is a hooded, full-zip synthetic active insulation mid-layer that weighs 13.2 oz (375 g) and retails for $299.
Kammock Mantis and Mantis UL Hammock Review
The Kammok Mantis and Mantis UL are all-in-one hammock shelters that include hanging systems, tarps, bug netting, and more.
Beginner’s Mind: A Lifelong Ground Sleeper Takes to the Trees
After a lifetime of pole-supported shelters and sleeping pads, I’d decided to give hammock camping a try.
Buy Less, Do More with Good Enough Gear
What you’re really hooked on is the dopamine rush from buying and trying new gear - which doesn’t last very long.
ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
This ZPacks Vertice Rain Jacket review is comprehensive and addresses long-term performance, breathability, DWR, and more.
Nature Therapy in the Backcountry (Traveling Light Towards Mindfulness and Wellness)
Nature Therapy in the Backcountry is an exploration of mindfulness, wellness, and the mental/emotional aspects of ultralight backcountry travel.
Unlimited Podcast 001 | Stress Fractures
Stress fractures in the lower leg and foot are common injuries among long-distance hikers, hikers who are training for big events, vacation hikers, runners, and older hikers. This video podcast episode discusses the definition, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of stress fractures.
Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Quilt Review
The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow Ultralight Top Bag is an affordable, semi-customizable down quilt that is offered in a variety of colors, fill weights (i.e., temperature ratings), foot box types, lengths, and widths. The quilt featured in this review is rated for 30 F (-1 C), has a "wide" width (55 in / 140 cm), standard length (5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 2 in / 170 cm to 187 cm), and a sewn footbox. This model retails for $179.95, has a claimed weight of 22 oz (624 g), and a claimed loft (single layer) of 2 in (5 cm).
Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Loop (Sinks-Little Tennessee River Trip Report)
Trip report: A 6-day, 76-mile backpacking loop in Great Smoky Mountains NP from the Sinks to the Little Tennessee River and back.
Kuju Pour Over Coffee Review
Kuju pour over coffee singles are direct-trade, ethically-sourced coffee packaged in a single-serving disposable pour over pouch.
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!”
Arc’teryx Venta Mitten Review
The Arc'teryx Venta Mitten and its cousins, the Venta Glove and Venta AR Glove, are windproof, weather-resistant active insulation layers aimed at users participating in high-output activities in moderately cold temperatures.
2019 Staff Picks
The Backpacking Light staff offer their ultralight and other gear recommendations for lightweight backpacking, hiking, and camping.
Episode 23 | Henry Shires of Tarptent
Andrew chats with Henry Shires of Tarptent about his design philosophy and process, fabrics, business journey, the importance of taking time away from your company to recharge, and much more.
Lightweight Backpacking Gear for Cold Winter Temperatures (Two-Layer Systems, Vapor Barriers, and Really Puffy Stuff)
Lightweight backpacking gear for winter temperatures: two-layer insulation systems, vapor barrier systems, and really puffy stuff.
Drop 40L Backpack Review
The Drop 40L is a 30 oz (842 g), small-volume pack designed to make externally stored gear easily accessible while moving quickly.
Osprey Lumina 60 Backpack Review
The Osprey Lumina 60 Backpack is a sub-2lb, internal frame pack that is gender specific and found in outdoor specialty stores.
Episode 22 | Hypothermia and Frostbite Treatment and Prevention
To help you stay safe this season, this Backpacking Light SKILLS SHORT centers on frostbite and hypothermia.
ZPacks Sleeping Bag Review – Full Zip Version
This Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag review features a hoodless, full-length zipper down bag with multiple temperature ratings weighing 15 oz.
Nemo Airpin Stake Review
NEMO Airpins are ultralight aluminum tent stakes designed with notches that function as a three-point locking system.
