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What Properties Influence the Air Permeability of Wind Shirt Fabrics?

The purpose of this report is to investigate the relationship between air permeability, fabric porosity, weave type, and yarn structure via photomicrography and image analysis. This is not an exhaustive research study, but rather, an exploration of some of the fabric design attributes that have an impact on air permeability rates.

How to Choose Backpacking Gear (Shelter Case Studies)

In this video, we walk through a framework for making decisions about how to select gear based on benefits, features, and design attributes, with a focus on shelter systems.

Navigation and Communication Devices: Strengths, Limitations, and Use Cases

In this video, I will cover various types of navigation and communications devices, their benefits and limitations, and use case scenarios where you might use one or a combination of multiple devices.

Stove Systems for Winter Backpacking

Ryan discusses how you build and utilize your stove system for winter cooking and snow melting to maintain hydration.

Animal Encounters in the Backcountry

Ryan shares some principles about how to manage wildlife encounters, based on his own encounters with wild animals in the backcountry.

Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove Review (Updated)

The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Glove (2.5 oz / 71 g, $40) is the warmest glove I've found that I can use effectively with a smartphone.

Field Notes: Curry and Fire

A curry dinner explodes during this overnight trek inspired by a winter storm warning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Tenkara Speaker Series No. 2: Karin Miller

Join us live online at our 2023 Tenkara Speaker Series with Karin Miller of Zen Tenkara. We'll chat about catching big fish on tenkara, Zen Tenkara history and products, industry trends, and what's next in the world of tenkara, and end with a live audience Q&A!

Using vapor pressure differential to predict condensation in tents

How does vapor pressure differential influence condensation in tents?

Can backcountry fishing save carried food weight?

This article explores the benefits of backcountry fishing (especially tenkara), including the incorporation of fish in your diet and potential food weight savings.

Tenkara Speaker Series No. 1: TJ Ferreira and John Geer

Join us live online at our 2023 Tenkara Speaker Series with TJ Ferreira and John Geer of Tenkara USA. We'll chat about Tenkara USA history and products, industry trends, and what's next in the world of tenkara, and end with a live audience Q&A!

Tenkara Fishing Rods and Gear for Backpacking – Hane, Rhodo, Ito, Satoki, TF39TA

In this video overview, I present the five rods that I've been using over the past few years for most of my backcountry tenkara fishing. They include four models from Tenkara USA (including the new Satoki) and one model from Tenryu (the TF39TA) that remains the staple of my kit. In addition, I'll walk through the basic gear I use and take while tenkara fishing on hiking and backpacking trips.

Hiking and Backpacking Injuries and Other Medical Issues Dominant inReach SOS Incidents

Data from 10,000 inReach SOS incidents show that hikers and backpackers needing emergency assistance for injuries and other medical issues is the predominant inReach use case.

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