Backpacking Light

Abstract During a recent one-night backpacking trip to a high-elevation lake in a northern Colorado Wilderness area, I developed headache, nausea, fatigue, mild dizziness, chills, shakiness, anxiety, and temperature dysregulation several hours after arriving at an elevation of approximately 11,500 feet. A retrospective 2018 Lake Louise Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Score was 7, meeting the criteria for moderate acute mountain sickness.

Introduction The Durston Wapta 30 is a bit of an anomaly in the niche market of ultralight, small-volume, frameless backpacks in the one-pound range.

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.

Backpacking packs often ride on the coattails of their fabric specs. Whether it’s abrasion resistance, tear strength, or water resistance, the extent to which a finished product’s performance matches the specs of its fabrics depends on how the pack is designed and constructed. In this context, we use a simple shower test to assess the water resistance of backpacks, evaluating not only their fabrics but also their seams and closures.

Introduction During hard exertion, the body can produce sweat faster than it can evaporate. Liquid sweat begins to collect on the skin, and clothing must move that water away from the body through one or more layers. A few months ago, I evaluated three base-layer garments and found clear performance differences. But one key question remained unanswered: Which fabrics are most effective at moving liquid sweat away from the skin and into the next layer?

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Introduction In 1996, while hiking through a wildfire burn area north of Yellowstone’s northern boundary, a summer thunderstorm began swirling around us, its winds toppling trees in the distance as we hiked a remote, unmaintained route. As we hiked, a loud crack rang in our eardrums, and a large, burned lodgepole crashed less than 20 feet behind me – and less than 20 feet in front of my hiking partner. It was a jarring, terrifying experience. Searching for a safe camp, Yellowstone, 2002.

Context and Disclosure I have been an REI member since 1989. REI is also an affiliate merchant partner of Backpacking Light, which means Backpacking Light may earn revenue when readers purchase from REI through affiliate links. We have a business interest in REI’s continued success. That relationship does not remove our responsibility to scrutinize REI’s conduct when its decisions affect workers, members, and the broader outdoor community. Consumer advocacy is one of Backpacking Light’s core values.

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.

Introduction When we step into the wilderness, we face both circumstances beyond our control (e.g., the environment) and limitations in our ability to cope with them (e.g., our physical and mental fitness). For centuries, philosophers have explored the intersection of these conditions (circumstances beyond our control and our responses to them) to probe the meaning of a good life [ref. 1]. We have long wrestled to understand the relationship between humans and the natural environment.