Backpacking Light Podcast

In episode 97 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn what it's like to hike with your dog in the backcountry. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.

In episode 96 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how to build resilience in the backcountry. To view the show notes, click here!

In episode 95 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the types of natural fibers that make up the fabrics we use for base layer and insulating apparel. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about pressing the SOS button, as well as gear and best practices for backcountry cooking in ultralight style. To read the show notes, click here!

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about wilderness emergency rescue from the very different and unique perspective of an air ambulance service operating in the Canadian Wilderness. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we're going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism. Guest: Bryon Powell Our guest this week is Bryon Powell. We don't even know where to start with Bryon, he has been an Unlimited Member in the Backpacking Light Community since - get this - October, 2007 - more than 16 years! He's one of the most inspiring people we've ever had the privilege of interviewing. Bryon's the founding editor of irunfar.com and currently calls Silverton, Colorado, his home. He has a very, very long list of trail running and ultrarunning accolades, and is also a very accomplished backpacking and fastpacking practitioner. But what interests us the most about Bryon is his passion for backcountry fly fishing, and specifically, for tenkara fly fishing, and the extent to which he blends fly fishing and long-distance backcountry travel not only to maximize his enjoyment of vast wilderness landscapes, but his enjoyment of the fisheries that they harbor.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about fishnet base layers. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.

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. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we are going to talk about fall layering systems. To view the show notes for this episode, visit our website!

Episode 88 of the Backpacking Light podcast features nine pieces of gear from Ryan's kit that he liked, didn't like, and is sitting on the fence about. To view the shownotes for this podcast, click here.

Episode 87 of the Backpacking Light podcast features highlights from our new Publisher's Gear Guide - the gear that I actually own and use on my backcountry adventures. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about ultralight fabrics used in backpacking shelters. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about lightning storm risk management in the backcountry. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we interview Morris Shawn, President of Roadpost and Zoleo, about satellite messaging and the evolution of the Zoleo Satellite Communicator. To view the shownotes of the podcast, click here.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk about managing condensation in shelters. To view the show notes, click here.

This episode features fabric repair kits for hiking and backpacking, including various fabric repair scenarios, strategies, and supplies. Check out the shownotes here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan interviews Ben Kilbourne about his recent album, Unresting Event, and they discuss creating in the backcountry while sharing two songs from the album. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan discusses ultralight first aid kits for backcountry use. Check out the program notes here.

This episode is targeted to the backcountry angler who may be new to tenkara fly fishing, to help them understand (1) how tenkara fishing fits into the overall backcountry experience, and (2) the process of stalking, casting to, and catching fish. To view the show notes for this podcast, clicke here.

In this episode, we're going to address stove system performance and specifically, flame power versus fuel efficiency. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to examine some of the principles of Leave No Trace in the context of winter backcountry travel, with a focus on planning, pooping, and campfires. To read the show notes, click here.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we are going to explore vapor barrier systems for the hands and feet. To view the podcast shownotes, click here.

Much attention is paid to layering for the torso, head, hands, and feet - but the legs are often ignored. However, during winter conditions, an intentional layering strategy for the legs can make the difference between comfort and misery. For mild winter conditions, a layering strategy may look similar to a 3-season lower body layering system. However, when temperatures drop below freezing, and snow and wind increase, the strategy needs to change a bit. Listen to this episode to explore some of these strategies so you can stay warm and comfortable when the mercury drops. To view the shownotes, click here.

In this episode, we address winter shelter stakes for frozen ground, hard snow, and unconsolidated snow. To view the shownotes for this podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, you're going to learn about avalanche awareness in the context of winter hiking, snowshoeing, and ski touring. To view the show notes, click here.

In this episode we talk to Garage Grown Gear CEO and co-founder Lloyd Vogel where we'll be diving into the outdoor gear cottage industry. To view the shownotes of this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about how to use multi-layered sleep systems to stay warmer on multi-day trips in cold weather.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about how to mitigate cold feet during fall-season backpacking conditions.

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about gear and skills for pitching ultralight shelters in inclement conditions - rain, snow, wind, and cold. View the show notes here.

In today's gear short episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about the brand new Garmin inReach Messenger and how it fits into the broader market of satellite communications devices for backcountry users. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.

In this skills short episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan talk sh**, a.k.a, 💩. How to poop in the woods? It's an age-old question, particularly as popular backcountry sites become more crowded. This episode addresses the question of how long poop takes to decompose and suggests alternative LNT-approved methods (beyond catholes) for dealing with human waste. To view the shownotes for this episode, click here.

In this skills short episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Andrew discuss small cameras for backpacking. Today's episode is very focused and short - just a quick list of a few cameras we've liked and used to get good results with backcountry photography. Click here for show notes.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew and Ryan chat with She Summits Co. founder and director Amanda Hatley. She Summits is a female-owned and female-led adventure camp that empowers young women through outdoor experiences like backpacking, kayaking, and climbing. In the extended Members Only version of this episode - the full interview with Amanda Hatley, the Tarptent Dipole Li, Bedrock Sandals Cairn Adventure Sandals, Scarpa Ribelle Shoes, and new educational opportunities at Backpacking Light. click here for show notes: https://www.backpackinglight.com/episode-65-amanda-hatley

In this episode, Andrew chats with Backpacking Light Staff contributor Drew Smith. If you are a reader of the website, you may know Drew from his lovely stories about desert backpacking, or perhaps you've been reading his ongoing series about freeze-drying. If you haven't read Drew's work, make sure you check out the resources section (below) where we'll have links to the articles we talk about in this interview. Drew Smith grew up in Tuscon and Southern California and dabbled in long-distance hiking in his early twenties before picking it back up again later in life. He's got a lot of interesting things to say about deserts, gear, food, and how to craft a hiking story, Enjoy! An extended video version of this podcast goes into more depth. Not a member? Click here! Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-64-drew-smith

In this episode, Andrew chats with Backpacking Light Staff writer Mark Wetherington. Mark began backpacking in 2007 as a student at the University of Kentucky, and since then he's been exploring the southeast and the west on foot, bicycle, and skis. Mark's writing has appeared in Backpacker Magazine and Trail Groove Magazine in addition to Backpacking Light. Andrew and Mark chat about backpacking in the southeast, Mark's love of exploring the same place over and over again, Mark's favorite pieces he's written for Backpacking Light, and more. Click here for show notes and video version: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-63-mark-wetherington The extended version of this podcast is available for Unlimited Members on our website. Click here to become a member: https://backpackinglight.com/membership/ *** Help us keep this podcast AD-FREE *** Our podcast is 100% supported by Backpacking Light Members - please consider supporting us today by becoming a member so we can keep this channel AD-FREE! https://backpackinglight.com/membership/ *** Get the FREE Backpacking Light Handbook *** Want outdoor gear and skills info you can really trust? Get our Handbook - the resource you need to make intelligent decisions about gear, safety, comfort, and pack weight: https://backpackinglight.com/newsletter/ *** Affiliate Disclosure *** https://backpackinglight.com/disclosure-letter/

In this episode, Andrew chats with gear designer and biologist Dan Durston. Dan is an accomplished backpacker and longtime Backpacking Light member. He went from gear enthusiast to gear tester to successful gear designer and small-business owner in a remarkably short time. His most recent shelter, the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 (read our review), is one of the buzziest ultralight shelters to hit the market in quite a while. All this despite the fact that Dan doesn't have a background in engineering or design. In this wide-ranging interview, Andrew and Dan talk about design philosophy, the difference between designing for shelters and packs, his journey from tester to designer, upcoming projects from Durston Gear, and more. click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-62-dan-durston

In this episode, Ryan and Andrew discuss how and why to use a frameless pack while backpacking. click here for show notes

In this episode, Ryan chats with Willow Belden of Out There. Out There is a podcast that tackles big questions through intimate storytelling and is committed to elevating the voices of those traditionally left out of the conversation when it comes to the outdoors. Also in this episode: a conversation about a new outdoor fabric, updates on some packs we've been testing, and the launch of a new Backpacking Light online course - the How to Use Gaia GPS masterclass. Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-60-willow-belden-out-there

We talk a lot about gear on this podcast. Gear is fun, and if you are a fan of this pod, you probably have an interest not only in if something works, but why it works. Still, it's easy to begin to fetishize gear, to turn it almost into the point of having adventures rather than a tool to facilitate them. Don't believe us? Just search "gear layout" hashtags on Instagram. That's why we've always loved the essay "Good Gear Lets you be Present" by Ben Kilbourne. In his classic style, Ben struggles to balance his technical and professional interest in gear with his desire to be more fully present on outdoor adventures, something that many of us also struggle with. We think you'll enjoy his perspective. click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-59-ben-kilbourne-good-gear-lets-you-be-present

Benny Braden is a public lands advocate and accomplished long-distance hiker. In this episode, Andrew and Ryan chat with him about public lands stewardship, social media, National Park funding, and more. Also in this episode - what's up with bagging dog poop but leaving it on the side of the trail? click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-58-benny-brayden-vandalism-social-media/

In this episode, Andrew chats with Henry and Julie Mosier of Food for the Sole about running a small business in the outdoor industry, idea iteration, bikepacking, working with family, finding mentors, and more! click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-57-food-for-sole

In this episode, we chat with longtime Backpacking Light contributor Rex Sanders about his ongoing tests of portable battery chargers. Also, Ryan and Andrew chat about vandalism on public lands, electronic device management, new gear from Atom Packs, and the benefits of freeze-drying.

Ryan and Andrew discuss strategies and gear for managing perspiration in layering systems, including the processes of wicking, evaporation, and ventilation. click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-55-perspiration-layering-wicking-evaporation-ventilation

In this episode of the backpacking Light Podcast, we interview physical therapist and athletic performance coach John Zombro about foot health, footwear, injuries, rehabilitation, training, and more. Also in this episode: shoes we are looking at in 2022, updates on the Backpacking Light Member Q and A series, and our favorite things we've published lately! click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-54-foot-injuries-training-rehabilitation-hiking-backpacking-zombro

Backpacking Light contributor Ben Kilbourne reads his meditation on the transition from wilderness to trail to parking lot. Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-53-going-home

We're gonna wrap up the year with a survey of gear we loved using in 2021. We polled the Backpacking Light staff and contributors and asked them to talk about the gear they couldn't live without in 2021 - and why. Make sure and check out the related Staff Picks 2021 article for more. Enjoy, and we'll see you next year! click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-52-gear-2021

This is the first installment of the Backpacking Light Podcast's new series of cottage industry interviews - where Andrew and Ryan chat with some of the small business owners who make up the ultralight cottage industry world. In this episode, the guys interview Livio Melo, the founder of allmansright. click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-51-cottage-short-allmans-right

It's our 50th episode! To celebrate, we reached out to listeners and asked them to submit their big backpacking questions. We received fantastic questions about gear, philosophy, and skills and enjoyed chatting about the answers. Also in this episode, an interview with Backpacking Light grant recipient Narinda Heng and some upcoming educational opportunities at Backpacking Light. Enjoy! click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-50-qa

In this SKILLS SHORT, Andrew and Ryan chat about layers that don't quite fit into the traditional three-layer system. Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-49-untraditional-layers

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew chat with Backpacking Light author and materials tester Stephen Seeber about layering, waterproof-breathable fabrics, and new GORE-TEX technology. Also in this episode, we discuss a new pack from Arc'teryx, updates to the popular NEMO Tensor line of sleeping pads, and a follow-up conversation about water-resistant down. click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-048-waterproof-breathable