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Why You Should Spend a Few Ounces of Pack Weight on Rainwear Ventilation Features
In this article, we make the case for spending some extra weight on rain jackets and rain pants that offer more ventilation features (and durability) than typical ultralight rainwear styles.
I’m Breaking Up with the West
Andrew Marshall uses a trip around the Collegiate Peaks Loop in Colorado to ponder his future in the American West.
Episode 47 | Mark Wetherington Reads “The Backpacking Tithe Project”
Mark spends ten percent of every year backpacking - he just doesn't do it all at once.
Remote Inverted Canister Winter Stove V6
Longtime Backpacking Light contributor Roger Caffin debuts the V6 model of his inverted canister stove.
Choosing an Ultralight Shelter for Backpacking (Member Q&A)
How to make the decision of what type of ultralight shelter to use on various types of backpacking trips in different seasons.
How Biking to Trailheads Can Enrich Backpacking
Mark Wetherington explores how trading auto for bicycle for home-to-trailhead transportation impacts the hiking and backpacking experience.
BioLite Headlamp 750 Review
The BioLite Headlamp 750 (MSRP $99.95, 5.3 ounces / 150 g) is a performance-oriented USB-rechargeable headlamp with several unique features but crippling reliability issues.
By the Numbers: Crushing It – How Bad is Thermal Degradation in Synthetic Insulation?
In part two of this investigation, we see what happens when you crush insulation beneath a stack of concrete pavers - again and again.
Episode 46 | Water-resistant Down
Andrew chats with the down experts at the IDFL Laboratory and Institute about water-resistant down.
Vargo ExoTi BOG Backpack Review
The Vargo ExoTi BOG backpack (2 pounds 9 ounces / 1.16 kg, MSRP $299.95) is a roll-top, external, titanium framed backpack with a removable 40-liter 70 denier primary compartment.
Dealing with Mental Lows on Trail
Maggie Slepian uses past experiences on trail to push through rough days on Colorado's challenging Collegiate West.
Durston X-Mid 2P Review
The Durston X-Mid 2P is a 2-person, double-wall, dual side-entry, silpoly shelter with two vestibules that weighs 40 oz (1134 g).
Lightweight Clothing Layering Systems for Backpacking (Member Q&A)
How to assemble and save weight on a clothing layering system for hiking and backpacking to stay warm, dry, and comfortable.
Vargo Titanium Water Bottle Review
I bought the $85 Vargo titanium water bottle to see if it was worth it. The answer? It's complicated. Here's my review.
Finding Meaning on the Green River
Ben Kilbourne hikes and packrafts along the Green River in Wyoming.
Episode 45 | Backcountry Creativity
Andrew and Ryan talk about skills and strategies for painting, writing, composing, and photography while backpacking.
The Search for a Fleece Replacement – A Close Look at Active Insulation and the role of MVTR
What is MVTR's role in active insulation garments?
Simple Gear Tests and USB Recharging
In his new column, Simple Gear Tests, Backpacking Light author Rex Sanders provides suggestions for at-home gear tests you can do with minimal time and expense. First up - a plan for verifying the capacity of your USB-rechargeable devices.
Thinking Behind the Gate
Now when I'm reading on an NPS or USFS website and see "gate closed until..." I don't see a barrier - I see an opportunity for solitude.
Episode 44 | The New Reality of Western Wildfires
Andrew and Ryan chat with Jaden Bales from the Wyoming Wildlife Federation about western wildfires.
It’s Time to Talk About Campfires
Why do so many of us still feel compelled to have fires?
