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Episode 21 | Backcountry Coffee
Coffee. What makes a good cup, what makes a bad cup, and what are the best ways to java yourself in the backcountry? All these questions and more are the subject of this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast.
Sleeping Pad R-Values: Not That Useful
R-values alone are not enough for many consumers choosing new sleeping pads, and much of the current guidance is inconsistent.
REI Flash 55 Backpack Review
This REI Flash 55 Backpack review features a user-configurable, lightweight, internal-frame, roll-top pack.
Podcast 020 | Backpacking with Children
In this SKILLS SHORT Ryan and Andrew talk about best practices for backpacking with kids: route planning, trip types, gear, safety, and more.
2019 REI Sale (11/15 – 11/25) – Recommendations, anti-recommendations, and other ideas
The biggest REI sale of the year is going on right now - November 15 through 25, 2019. It's called the GUGO sale - "Gear Up, Get Out". Here are some resources to help you save money on decent gear.
REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Review (Tent)
This REI Quarter Dome SL 2 Review features a 2-person, double-wall, double-entrance, double-vestibule tent that weighs about 3 lbs.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Review
This Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Review features a 26 oz, one-person, single-wall, three-season, trekking pole supported shelter.
Brynje Thermo Mesh Review (Wool and Synthetic Base Layers)
This Brynje Thermo Mesh Review features both Super Thermo and Wool Thermo base layers utilizing an open-weave (fishnet) construction.
Episode 19 | Jeff Garmire on the Long Trail FKT
In the summer of 2019, Jeff Garmire achieved the fastest known time on Vermont’s iconic Long Trail, clocking all 272 miles in five days, twenty- three hours, and forty-eight minutes. Here's the interview.
Publisher’s Blog: Unlimited Members No Longer See Banner Ads
This post is available for Unlimited Members only. As of today (October 30, 2019), we've turned off all network banner advertising for Unlimited Members, providing a faster, less cluttered, and less intrusive browsing experience - this post provides the details.
How to Make Coffee in the Backcountry: Gear and Methods
This article provides an overview of coffee-making methods (how to make coffee in the backcountry) while backpacking, with a study of their complexity and weight.
REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag Review
In this REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag review, Mark Wetherington analyzes its cut, yoke, insulation and quality of construction.
2019 Highlights + What’s Coming (Video Podcast for Unlimited Members)
This blog post is available only to Unlimited Members.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon Review (Tent)
This Big Agnes Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon review dives into one of the lightest double walled shelter systems onto the market.
Episode 18 | Clothing Systems for Inclement Weather
In this podcast, we discuss this: how does clothing system for 3/4 season, inclement conditions, differ from my summer backpacking clothing?
Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Review (Backpack)
This Mountainsmith Zerk 40 review discusses the long term performance of a functional and durable backpack targeted to thru-hikers.
Lightweight Sunscreen for Hiking and Backpacking
How to create a lightweight sunscreen strategy by using your backpacking apparel and supplies.
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
This Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad review takes an in-depth look at the sleeping pad's comfort, stability, insulative properties, & more!
Episode 17 | Journalist Adam Federman on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Part I
Jimmy Carter created the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in 1980, and it’s been a contentious subject ever since. A bonanza of biodiversity, the ANWR also potentially sits atop one of America’s last untapped oil reserves. In this episode, Andrew talks to Adam Federman, a journalist covering the recent push by the Trump administration to lease oil and gas rights in the refuge. Adam is a reporting fellow with Type Investigations, where he’s spent the last few years covering energy, public land, and the Trump administration’s environmental policies.
How Much Food Should I Pack? (How to save weight on backpacking food based on the energy-mile theory)
A mathematical model to calculate how much food to pack for your trip based on terrain and mileage with minimum weight carried in the pack.
Slingfin Splitwing UL Tarp Review
The SlingFin SplitWing UL Tarp is a modular 24 oz, 1-2 person shelter that bridges the gap between minimalist tarps and fully enclosed tents.