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Articles by Backpacking Light
2026 Cottage Gear Innovation Awards
Introduction Innovation in backpacking gear brings together novelty, utility, and performance. A new material or an unconventional design becomes useful when it helps solve a problem: carrying a load more comfortably, managing moisture, protecting food, or adapting equipment to the conditions of a trip. Evaluating that innovation means looking closely at how a design works, what it improves, and what compromises it introduces.
Episode 148 | Rain Jackets for Mountain Minimalism
Podcast Episode June 15, 2026 Episode Summary Learn why ultralight rain shells can be appropriate for mild trail conditions but inadequate in exposed mountain weather. Explore a decision framework based on exposure duration, retreat options, terrain, abrasion, wind, and thermal margin to understand the role of the mountain minimalist rain shell.
Episode 147 | Thermoregulatory Debt
You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Get full article access by subscribing to a Premium or Unlimited Backpacking Light membership!
Episode 146 | Dirtbag Rich with Blake Boles
If you crave nature, freedom, adventure, and work that matters—rather than just paying the bills for a life you never chose—then you might be ready to become dirtbag rich. Drawing from the “dirtbag” tradition of pursuing outdoor bliss through creative self-sufficiency, this book charts an unconventional way of living that includes both security and flexibility, connection and independence, and service and self-actualization.
Episode 145 | Backpacking at Altitude
Podcast Episode April 2, 2026 Episode Summary Learn how altitude changes oxygen availability, hiking performance, sleep, recovery, appetite, and risk for acute mountain sickness. In this episode, we reframe altitude as cumulative hypoxic dose shaped by sleeping elevation, ascent rate, workload, and time.
Episode 144 | Trail Steepness vs. Difficulty
Podcast Episode March 3, 2026 Episode Summary Hiking effort doesn’t scale smoothly with slope. It shifts across physiological regimes driven by muscle contraction type, aerobic limits, gait mechanics, and safety regulation. In this episode, we explain why mild downhill can be most efficient, why steep grades impose nonlinear time penalties, and how modeling human regulation improves trip planning accuracy.
Episode 143 | Managing Fatigue
Podcast Episode February 18, 2026 Episode Summary This episode presents an operational framework for fatigue management in backcountry travel grounded in a non-circular load–fatigue–capacity model. Load is defined as external demand, fatigue as accumulated physiological and cognitive degradation, and remaining capacity as current ability. Risk is treated as the ratio of current load to remaining capacity.
Episode 142 | The 72 Hour Backcountry Reset
Podcast Episode January 19, 2026 Episode Summary This episode explores why time in the backcountry can improve how we function beyond recreation. Ryan Jordan describes how modern life overloads attention through constant interruptions and unfinished obligations, then walks through staged benefits of nature exposure from minutes to months.
Staff Picks 2025
Introduction Each year, our staff selects their favorite backcountry gear from the past 12 months, and we look forward to you sharing your favorite gear of the year as well in the forum comments below! Our Staff This year’s staff picks contributors include our authors, educators, researchers, and operations staff: Max Brand Bill Budney Jeff de Graffenried Ryan Jordan Stephanie Jordan Atif Khan Ben Kilbourne Matthew King Warren McLaren Tom Moran Jeff Podmayer Stephen Seeber Anna Swarts Emylene...
Episode 141 | Hiking at Night in a Blizzard
Podcast Episode December 15, 2025 Episode Summary What gear do you actually need to hike out safely through a winter blizzard at night, in sub-freezing temps and high winds, when stopping isn’t an option? In this episode, Ryan breaks down a focused foul-weather kit: core layers, shells, handwear, footwear, lighting, and navigation that preserve function while on the move.
Episode 140 | Winter Storm Decisions
Podcast Episode December 9, 2025 Episode Summary Ryan walks through a structured, six-question framework for deciding whether to stay put or move when a winter storm deteriorates around you, using real backcountry examples to show how terrain, weather, gear, consequences, people, and trends shape safer choices. Listen Now together with: Show Notes: Find information about all of our upcoming Member Q&A’s, Webinars, Live Courses, other live events, and more on our Events Calendar Page.
Episode 139 | Repair Kits
Podcast Episode November 20, 2025 Episode Summary In this Field Notes episode, Ryan breaks down ultralight repair kits using a simple framework: context, consequence, and capability.
Episode 138 | Plan-Focus-Trust
You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Get full article access by subscribing to a Premium or Unlimited Backpacking Light membership!
Episode 137 | The Risk Control Continuum
You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Get full article access by subscribing to a Premium or Unlimited Backpacking Light membership!
Episode 136 | Fringe Season Layering
Podcast Episode October 20, 2025 Episode Summary What is the difference in layering strategy from summertime to the fall-winter transition? In this episode, Ryan Jordan discusses how the environment of the fringe season (colder temperatures and stormier weather) demands different types of layers and a different approach to layering.
Episode 135 | Field Notes - The Metabolic Cost of Bushwhacking
Podcast Episode October 13, 2025 Episode Summary In the Field Notes episode, we explore why bushwhacking miles aren’t just harder but metabolically different. The Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) framework breaks this down into three types of work: brush work (muscle strain from pushing through vegetation), impedance work (lost efficiency from constant stops and detours), and hazard work (the stabilizing effort to avoid injury).
Podcast Episode 134 | Sleep Quality in the Backcountry
Podcast Episode October 6, 2025 Episode Summary Backcountry sleep is fragile, and when it breaks down, recovery, judgment, and safety are at risk. In this episode, we examine the forces that fragment rest, including altitude, stress, weather, injury, ground comfort, and sleep/shelter gear systems, and how they disrupt the deep and REM sleep required for physical and cognitive recovery.
Episode 133 | Human Waste Management
Podcast Episode September 15, 2025 Episode Summary In this episode, Ryan Jordan examines why traditional cathole practices often fail in alpine, desert, and high-use environments. Drawing on scientific research, policy gaps, and evolving Leave No Trace ethics, he explains why pack-out systems are trending towards a new standard for modern backpacking.
Episode 132 | Satellite Messenger Weather Forecasts
Podcast Episode September 1, 2025 Episode Summary Ryan Jordan explains how satellite messenger weather forecasts work, what data providers power them (Vaisala Xweather for ZOLEO and meteoblue for Garmin inReach), how global models get downscaled to your exact location, and how to interpret the results in real terrain. Use these tools as probabilistic guidance, not guarantees, and integrate them with field observations for safer decision-making.
Podcast 131 - Ultralight First Aid Kit Strategies
Podcast Episode August 19, 2025 Episode Summary In this episode, we discuss how to design scalable, evidence-informed first aid kits for backcountry travel. Grounded in the principles of context, consequence, and capability, he outlines three modular kit configurations - Overnight, Weekend, and Weeklong/Expedition - and explains their medical rationale, typical use cases, and practical contents.
Episode 130 | Bivy Sack Camping
Podcast Episode August 4, 2025 Episode Summary In this episode, Ryan shares his approach to bivy sack camping above treeline using a waterproof-breathable system built for stealth, weather protection, and minimal impact. He explains why tents arenât always practical in alpine terrain, what gear he trusts (including his full summer bivy kit), and the skills that make bivy camping both functional and immersive.
Episode 129 | Field Notes - The Limits of Wilderness Minimalism
Podcast Episode July 28, 2025 Episode Summary In this Field Notes episode, Ryan Jordan explores what happens when wilderness minimalism reaches its limits. Through real-world examples and the lenses of physiology, psychology, and Stoic philosophy, we examine how stripped-down gear systems perform under stress — and how they fail. We’ll look at five high-risk scenarios, lessons from Epictetus and Seneca, and why both lightness and resilience should guide our backcountry decisions.
You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Get full article access by subscribing to a Premium or Unlimited Backpacking Light membership!
Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics - Backpacking Light
Podcast Episode June 23, 2025 Episode Summary In this Field Notes episode, Ryan Jordan explores the science of shelter fabrics - from strength-to-weight ratios and waterproofing to coating quality, pitch stability, and storm resilience. Featuring technical insights and field-tested analysis, this episode highlights the engineering tradeoffs between Dyneema and Ultra TNT composite fabrics, silnylons and silpolys, and more.
Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics | Flipboard
23 hours ago Reviewers love this pair of insanely highly-rated walking sticks. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted. Recently, we reported on a pretty mind-blowing study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology that suggested improved …
Episode 126 | Field Notes - Ultralight Chairs: Performance or Luxury?
Podcast Episode June 2, 2025 Episode Summary In this Field Notes (shorts) episode, host Ryan Jordan challenges a widely held ultralight backpacking belief: that camp chairs are a luxury. Drawing on personal experience, recovery science, and biomechanical insights, Ryan explores how sitting well in the backcountry isn’t just about comfort - it’s about physiological and cognitive recovery.
Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike
Podcast Episode May 19, 2025 Episode Summary Many hikers dream of completing a long thru-hike, but face physical, mental, and logistical challenges that often lead to burnout, injury, or quitting. It's easy to fall into the trap of overexertion, gear failures, poor nutrition, and mental fatigue.
Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond
Podcast Episode May 5, 2025 Episode Summary In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, host Ryan Jordan speaks with Black Diamond athlete Joe Grant and product designer Derick Noffsinger about the conception, design process, and field testing behind Black Diamond’s fastpacking-oriented pack systems—including the Distance and Beta Light models.
Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking
Podcast Episode April 21, 2025 Episode Summary Learn how to fastpack smarter and lighter - Ryan Jordan breaks down the "Five F's of Fastpacking"—Focus, Fitness, Fuel, Footwear, and Fast & Light Gear—and shares performance-based strategies for moving efficiently with minimal gear over long distances. Includes gear recommendations, training insights, and exclusive content for Unlimited Members.
Podcast 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems
Podcast Episode April 7, 2025 Episode Summary In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we explore unconventional sleep systems—alternatives to traditional sleeping bags that emphasize modularity and minimalism. We break down their benefits, trade-offs, and real-world performance to help you decide what works best for your backcountry sleep strategy.
Episode 121 | What is Thru-hiking & GGG Giveaway
Podcast Episode March 17, 2025 together with Garage Grown Gear We are excited to be partnering with Garage Grown Gear, your hub for ultralight gear, on their annual Thru-Hiking Giveaway! To celebrate all things thru-hiking, we're giving away $15,000 worth of ultralight backpacking gear to 10 winners from dozens of amazing outdoor brands including Gossamer Gear, Zpacks, Western Mountaineering, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Enlightened Equipment, and FarPointe, just to name a few.
Cottage Gear Innovation Awards
Introduction The Cottage Gear Innovation Awards celebrate the small, startup, and cottage products, brands, and people that bring forth new methods or ideas that reflect unique originality, creativity, and advances in materials, design, application, or aesthetic to help hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts thrive outdoors.
Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures
Podcast Episode March 3, 2025 together with Vaer Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Vaer Watches, home to beautifully designed, extremely durable, expedition-worthy wristwatches masterfully crafted in the USA. Shop Vaer Episode Summary In episode 120 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to continue our study of how to sleep warm in cold temperatures, focusing on the gear that makes up your sleeping system.
Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
Introduction It’s not hard to find mass-market gear from big (corporate) brands at big box and specialty retailer stores. And for the most part, much of that gear is manufactured at reasonable standards of quality.
Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
Podcast Episode February 20, 2025 Episode Summary In this episode, we’ll introduce you to the Trail Days speakers and give you a sneak peek at their presentation topics and expertise. From ultralight pack design to scrambling techniques, backcountry hygiene to desert travel, there’s something for everyone.
Podcast 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines
Podcast Episode February 17, 2025 together with Brynje USA Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Brynje, home to the most sophisticated and effective baselayers available - modern fishnet fabrics made with polypropylene or merino wool. See it at Brynje USA Episode Summary In episode 119 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about bedtime routines and practices for sleeping warm in the backcountry.
Episode 118 | Traction Spikes
Podcast Episode February 3, 2025 together with Garage Grown Gear Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands. See what's new this week at Garage Grown Gear Episode Summary In episode 118 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about traction systems for snow travel.
Avalanche and Winter Safety Tools
Introduction Traveling in avalanche terrain requires specific tools to manage risk and respond effectively in emergencies. Each piece of avalanche gear serves a distinct purpose for rescue scenarios. In addition, they can provide some value for non-emergency use while snow trekking and camping. Avalanche safety tools add weight to your backpack. Even the lightest transceiver-probe-shovel combos weigh around two pounds (0.9 kg).
Podcast Episode January 27, 2025 together with Garage Grown Gear Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands.
Episode 116 | Slope Angles
Podcast Episode January 13, 2025 together with Vaer Watches: Listen Summary In this episode you’ll learn how to measure and interpret slope angles to help you navigate steep terrain and assess hazards in the backcountry. In this Episode: New Masterclass: Avalanche Awareness & Safety for Hikers and Backpackers New Basecamp Session: Sign up for the Spring 2024 Basecamp Cohort.
Episode 115 | Tiny Things
Podcast Episode December 30, 2024 together with Garage Grown Gear: Listen Summary In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re sharing Big Talk about Tiny Things: Those little ultralight bits of gear that have an outsized impact on our experience in the backcountry. In this Episode: Gear Testing & Research: LightBench: A Labratory Testing Protocol for Comparing a Performance of Flashlights and Headlamps December 11th, 2024 Newsletter– Flashlight Lumens vs.
Episode 114 | Synthetic Fabric Structures
Podcast Episode December 24, 2024 together with Brynje Listen Summary In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about the different types of synthetic fibers and fabrics used in outdoor apparel. In this Episode: Webinar: Outdoor Fabric Technologies: Fabric Structures and Thermoregulation (Webinar) Find information about all of our upcoming Member Q&A’s, Webinars, Live Courses, other live events, and more on our Events Calendar Page.
Minimalist and Backpacking Footwear
by STEVEN HATCHER and RYAN JORDAN Introduction In this guide, we’ll explore the primary categories of footwear for backpacking and hiking, including minimalist footwear, examining their unique benefits, limitations, and use cases. From minimalist hiking sandals to rugged mountain boots, we’ll dive into the design features and performance benefits that define each type, as well as the nuances of construction.
Podcast 113 | Pad Pumps
Podcast Episode November 26, 2024 Episode Sponsor Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands.
Staff Picks 2024
Introduction Each year, our staff selects their favorite backcountry gear from the past 12 months, and we look forward to you sharing your favorite gear of the year as well in the forum comments below! Our Staff This year’s staff picks contributors include our authors, educators, researchers, and operations staff: Sarah Bennett Bailey Bremner Bill Budney Roger Caffin Jeff de Graffenried Chase Jordan Ryan Jordan Stephanie Jordan Matthew King James Montavon Sarah Ortiz Jeffrey Podmayer Drew...
Podcast 112 | The Analog Backcountry Experience
Podcast Episode November 11, 2024 together with Vaer Watches This episode is sponsored by Vaer Watches, home to beautifully designed, extremely durable, expedition-worthy wristwatches masterfully crafted in the USA. VAER Watches From Day 1 Vaer has had a simple mission: build watches that can be trusted anywhere, including the most extreme outdoor environments.
Podcast 111 | Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups
Podcast Episode October 29, 2024 Episode Sponsor Listen Summary In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry. In this Episode: October 30, 2024 – Webinar: The Science and Performance of Outdoor Fabric Structures and their Impacts on Moisture and Heat November 13, 2024 – Webinar: The Science and Performance of Fibers in Outdoor Base Layer Clothing, Part 1: Natural vs.
Episode 110 | Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers
In episode 110 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about how natural and synthetic fibers influence thermoregulation. • October 30, 2024 – Webinar: The Science and Performance of Outdoor Fabric Structures and their Impacts on Moisture and Heat • November 13, 2024 – Webinar: The Science and Performance of Fibers in Outdoor Base Layer Clothing, Part 1: Natural vs.
Episode 109 | How Fishnet Works
In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn how fishnet base layers work, we’re gonna talk about a bigger battery and why or why it may not be better than two littler batteries, and we’ll talk about how the most comprehensive backpacking skills education program that we’ve ever offered will help you become a backcountry expert.
Episode 108 | EI Coyote Quilts and Photo Satellite Messaging
This episode of the backpacking light podcast is sponsored by ARMS OF ANDES, manufacturer of premium base layer apparel made with alpaca wool. Backpacking Light podcast listeners can enjoy 15% off with the coupon code ALPACALIGHT at armsofandes.com. On today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Nikki Stavile interviews Brian Noakes of El Coyote quilts, and we talk about a new satellite messaging device that can now send photos and voice memos.
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