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 ultralight fabrics used in backpacking shelters. To view the show notes for this podcast, click <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/episode-86-ultralight-shelter-materials" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.

Podcast 86 | Ultralight Shelter Fabrics

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're going to talk about lightning storm risk management in the backcountry. To view the show notes for this podcast, click <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-85-backcountry-lightning-risk-management" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.

Episode 85 | Backcountry Lightning Risk Management

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 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 <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/episode-84-satellite-messaging-zoleo/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.

Episode 84 | Satellite Messaging (ZOLEO)

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.

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 <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/episode-83-shelter-condensation/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Episode 83 | Shelter Condensation

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

This episode features fabric repair kits for hiking and backpacking, including various fabric repair scenarios, strategies, and supplies. Check out the shownotes <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/episode-82-fabric-repairs-in-the-backcountry/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.

Episode 82 | Fabric Repairs in the Backcountry

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 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 <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-81-unresting-event/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Episode 81 | Unresting Event

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

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan discusses ultralight first aid kits for backcountry use. Check out the program notes <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-80-backcountry-first-aid-kits" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.

Episode 80 | Backcountry First Aid Kits

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.

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 <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-79-tenkara-12-stages" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a>

Episode 79 | The 12 Stages of Backcountry Tenkara

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, we're going to address stove system performance and specifically, flame power versus fuel efficiency. To view the show notes for this podcast, click <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/episode-78-stove-system-performance-flame-power-fuel-efficiency/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>.

Episode 78 | Stove System Performance (Flame Power vs. Fuel Efficiency)

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 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 <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-77-backcountry-leave-no-trace-winter" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Episode 77 | Planning, Pooping, and Campfires: Backcountry Leave No Trace Challenges During the Winter

The Backpacking Light Podcast explores the technology, gear, skills, and philosophy of backcountry wilderness travel through stories, interviews, and investigative reports.

Yes!

One of the best podcasts on iTunes for backpacking

Great podcast

Backpacking Light Podcast

In this episode we tackle the science, myths, and dogma surrounding backpacking food and nutrition. Featuring guest Brian Rigby, certified sports nutritionist and author. We tackle food and nutrition issues as they relate to thru-hiking, ketogenic diets, plant-based diets (veganism and vegetarianism), gluten-free issues, and macronutrient-micronutrient nutrition. Some questions we ask: what are the caloric and nutritional needs of backpackers? Why do we need to address dogma and pseudo-science in this field? We also take a look at some new cooking and water treatment gear and discuss what's going on in the world of Backpacking Light right now.   Click here for show notes.  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

In this episode we tackle the science, myths, and dogma surrounding backpacking food and nutrition. Featuring guest Brian Rigby, certified sports nutritionist and author. We tackle food and nutrition issues as they relate to thru-hiking, ketogenic diets, plant-based diets (veganism and vegetarianism), gluten-free issues, and macronutrient-micronutrient nutrition. Some questions we ask: what are the caloric and nutritional needs of backpackers? Why do we need to address dogma and pseudo-science in this field? We also take a look at some new cooking and water treatment gear and discuss what's going on in the world of Backpacking Light right now. <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-003-backpacking-food-nutrition" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here for show notes</a>.</li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

Backpacking Food and Nutrition

Andrew and Ryan answer questions solicited from the Backpacking Light community on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Covered in this episode:   Hydrophobic down technology  Solar panels and battery pack management  Favorite hiking books and movies  How to get a good night’s sleep in the backcountry  Hammock systems  DCF/eVent fabrics Appalachian Trail trip planning  And more!    Also in this episode:   Ryan and Andrew catch up on quarantine life  New favorite gear!  Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/027-podcast-listener-questions This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Andrew and Ryan answer questions solicited from the Backpacking Light community on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Covered in this episode:  <ul> <li>Hydrophobic down technology </li> <li>Solar panels and battery pack management </li> <li>Favorite hiking books and movies </li> <li>How to get a good night’s sleep in the backcountry </li> <li>Hammock systems </li> <li>DCF/eVent fabrics</li> <li>Appalachian Trail trip planning </li> <li>And more!  </li> </ul> Also in this episode:  <ul> <li>Ryan and Andrew catch up on quarantine life </li> <li>New favorite gear!</li> </ul> Click here for show notes: <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/027-podcast-listener-questions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backpackinglight.com/027-podcast-listener-questions</a> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Listener Q&A

Note: This podcast was recorded in early February, 2020 - before Covid-19 social distancing measures went into place.  In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew talk about load hauling - how to go as light as possible when the nature of your trip (packrafting, desert water carries, family backpacking, winter travel, etc.) requires specialized and (often) heavy gear.  After catching up (Ryan is running some cool experiments) the guys talk gear: packs, footwear, and other considerations for when the pack weight starts to creep up. After that they move into a discussion of skills that can lighten up a trip, even when the equipment is heavy.  Ryan updates the listeners on cool new stuff going on at BPL, and Andrew talks about his new favorite thing - a new pair of ultralight running shoes.  The episode wraps with an interview of Kevin Timm, owner and founder of Seek Outside. In a wide-ranging discussion, Kevin and Andrew talk about:   Seek Outside’s story and gear design aesthetic  What Kevin values in a piece of gear  Kevin’s advice to budding outdoorsy industry entrepreneurs Lessons learned The overlap between hunters and backpackers  Conservation and public lands use  And more!  Click here for show notes: http://backpackinglight.com/podcast-26-load-hauling/ This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Note: This podcast was recorded in early February, 2020 - before Covid-19 social distancing measures went into place.  In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew talk about load hauling - how to go as light as possible when the nature of your trip (packrafting, desert water carries, family backpacking, winter travel, etc.) requires specialized and (often) heavy gear.  After catching up (Ryan is running some cool experiments) the guys talk gear: packs, footwear, and other considerations for when the pack weight starts to creep up. After that they move into a discussion of skills that can lighten up a trip, even when the equipment is heavy.  Ryan updates the listeners on cool new stuff going on at BPL, and Andrew talks about his new favorite thing - a new pair of ultralight running shoes.  The episode wraps with an interview of Kevin Timm, owner and founder of Seek Outside. In a wide-ranging discussion, Kevin and Andrew talk about:  <ul> <li>Seek Outside’s story and gear design aesthetic </li> <li>What Kevin values in a piece of gear </li> <li>Kevin’s advice to budding outdoorsy industry entrepreneurs</li> <li>Lessons learned</li> <li>The overlap between hunters and backpackers </li> <li>Conservation and public lands use </li> <li>And more!</li> </ul> Click here for show notes: <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/?p=3637052&amp;preview=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://backpackinglight.com/podcast-26-load-hauling/</a> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Load Hauling

Henry Shires

Henry Shires is the President and Founder of Tarptent, a direct-to-consumer, cottage-industry tent manufacturer known for its light, stable, and roomy shelters. In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew chats with Henry about his design philosophy and process, fabrics, Tarptent’s business journey, the importance of taking time away from your company to recharge, and much more.  Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-023-henry-shires-tarptent  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Henry Shires is the President and Founder of <a href="https://www.tarptent.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tarptent</a>, a direct-to-consumer, cottage-industry tent manufacturer known for its light, stable, and roomy shelters. In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Andrew chats with Henry about his design philosophy and process, fabrics, Tarptent’s business journey, the importance of taking time away from your company to recharge, and much more. <ul> <li>Click here for show notes: <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-023-henry-shires-tarptent" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-023-henry-shires-tarptent</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Henry Shires of Tarptent

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.  To shed some light on this issue, Andrew turned to two experts. The first is  Emylene VanderVelden. Emylene is a longtime-author at Backpacking Light - she partnered with BPL publisher Ryan Jordan to write an  article on coffee that we published recently - and she is a self-described caffeine enthusiast and former barista. Emylene is from Alberta, Canada, where she enjoys backpacking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding.  Today’s other guest is Jono Ramey. Jono is the owner and head roaster at Savage Boys Coffee Roasters in Newnan, GA. Savage Boys only purchases fair-trade and direct trade beans and are committed to roasting organic beans whenever possible.  So brew yourself a cup and settle in - your backcountry coffee skills are about to level up.  Click here for show notes - https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-021-coffee-backpacking-backcountry  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

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.  To shed some light on this issue, Andrew turned to two experts. The first is <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/author/emylene-vandervelden/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Emylene VanderVelden</a>. Emylene is a longtime-author at Backpacking Light - she partnered with BPL publisher Ryan Jordan to write an <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-the-backcountry-gear-and-methods/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> article on coffee that we published recently</a> - and she is a self-described caffeine enthusiast and former barista. Emylene is from Alberta, Canada, where she enjoys backpacking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding.  Today’s other guest is Jono Ramey. Jono is the owner and head roaster at <a href="https://savageboyscoffee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Savage Boys Coffee Roasters</a> in Newnan, GA. Savage Boys only purchases fair-trade and direct trade beans and are committed to roasting organic beans whenever possible.  So brew yourself a cup and settle in - your backcountry coffee skills are about to level up. <ul> <li>Click here for show notes - <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-021-coffee-backpacking-backcountry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-021-coffee-backpacking-backcountry</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Backcountry Coffee

It’s no secret: the more physically prepared you are for a backpacking trip, the more you are going to enjoy yourself. But what are the most effective ways to reach optimal backpacking condition? That’s the topic of today’s BPL SKILLS SHORT: training.  After a brief introduction, Ryan and Andrew get right to it - covering some basics like living at sea level, training on stable vs. uneven ground, and trail vs. road running. After that they talk about cycling, stabilizing muscles, core strength, upper body resistance training, nutrition,flexibility, injury and foot care, and body weight maintenance.  At the end of the pod, Ryan gives his suggestions for a very basic backpacking training plan.   If you are interested in a more in-depth training episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, let us know at podcast@backpackinglight.com. There’s so much more to dig in to!     Click here for show notes  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

It’s no secret: the more physically prepared you are for a backpacking trip, the more you are going to enjoy yourself. But what are the most effective ways to reach optimal backpacking condition? That’s the topic of today’s BPL SKILLS SHORT: training.  After a brief introduction, Ryan and Andrew get right to it - covering some basics like living at sea level, training on stable vs. uneven ground, and trail vs. road running. After that they talk about cycling, stabilizing muscles, core strength, upper body resistance training, nutrition,flexibility, injury and foot care, and body weight maintenance.  At the end of the pod, Ryan gives his suggestions for a very basic backpacking training plan.  If you are interested in a more in-depth training episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, let us know at <a href="mailto:podcast@backpackinglight.com">podcast@backpackinglight.com</a>. There’s so much more to dig in to!   <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-014-training-for-backpacking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here for show notes</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

SKILLS SHORT: Training for Backpacking

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew talk about some of the BPL staff’s favorite gear from 2019. From there they transition into a larger discussion of Backpacking Light’s gear philosophy.  Also in this episode:  What's new at BPL  Andrew and Ryan’s favorite new gear  Public lands news and headlines  Interesting conversations in the forums   And tons more!   Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-24-staff-gear   This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew talk about some of the BPL staff’s favorite gear from 2019. From there they transition into a larger discussion of Backpacking Light’s gear philosophy.  Also in this episode: <ul> <li>What's new at BPL </li> <li>Andrew and Ryan’s favorite new gear </li> <li>Public lands news and headlines </li> <li>Interesting conversations in the forums </li> </ul> And tons more!  <ul> <li>Click here for show notes: <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-24-staff-gear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-24-staff-gear</a> </li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

The Gear We Love, and Why We Love it

This podcast is about trekking poles. Trekking poles are a surprisingly contentious piece of gear in the UL world. Their utility and usefulness is endlessly debated, and the science that backs up manufacturer claims is all over the map. It’s a murky world, but Andrew and Ryan jump in with both feet (and two poles each) to help you make some sense of it. The guys kick things off by interviewing Rob Shaul, founder and owner of the Mountain Tactical Institute. Rob makes a living training mountain athletes and military service members deployed in mountains regions, so he knows his stuff. MTI has conducted a few studies that measure the effectiveness of trekking poles on athletes under load. The interview covers those studies: how they were constructed and what they ultimately prove (or don’t prove). In the second interview,  Ryan and Andrew chat with James Marco, a longtime Backpacking Light member and experienced UL backpacker. James provides some context to some of the most well trod trekking pole questions and shares his tips for MYOG poles. After the interviews, Ryan shares several scientific studies in an attempt to shed light on the big trekking pole questions: do poles make you faster? Improve your balance? Save energy? Reduce strain and impact? Next, the guys chat about the most contentious trekking pole statements the internet has to offer. If you’ve ever been in a forum fight about trekking poles, chances are you’ve heard a few of the things they cover in this section. This episode’s Gear section is a brief overview of BPL’s recent  Trekking Pole Gear Guide. Ryan shares a few of his favorite poles, including a few that surprised him! In the Hiker Hack’s segment Ryan talks trekking pole field repair, and Andrew has a question for listeners concerning a common thru-hiker trekking pole breakdown.  Click here for show notes  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

This podcast is about trekking poles. Trekking poles are a surprisingly contentious piece of gear in the UL world. Their utility and usefulness is endlessly debated, and the science that backs up manufacturer claims is all over the map. It’s a murky world, but Andrew and Ryan jump in with both feet (and two poles each) to help you make some sense of it. The guys kick things off by interviewing Rob Shaul, founder and owner of the <a href="https://mtntactical.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mountain Tactical Institute</a>. Rob makes a living training mountain athletes and military service members deployed in mountains regions, so he knows his stuff. MTI has conducted a few studies that measure the effectiveness of trekking poles on athletes under load. The interview covers those studies: how they were constructed and what they ultimately prove (or don’t prove). In the second interview,  Ryan and Andrew chat with James Marco, a longtime Backpacking Light member and experienced UL backpacker. James provides some context to some of the most well trod trekking pole questions and shares his tips for MYOG poles. After the interviews, Ryan shares several scientific studies in an attempt to shed light on the big trekking pole questions: do poles make you faster? Improve your balance? Save energy? Reduce strain and impact? Next, the guys chat about the most contentious trekking pole statements the internet has to offer. If you’ve ever been in a <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/33513/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">forum fight about trekking poles</a>, chances are you’ve heard a few of the things they cover in this section. This episode’s Gear section is a brief overview of BPL’s recent <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/lightweight-trekking-poles-gear-guide/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Trekking Pole Gear Guide</a>. Ryan shares a few of his favorite poles, including a few that surprised him! In the Hiker Hack’s segment Ryan talks trekking pole field repair, and Andrew has a question for listeners concerning a common thru-hiker trekking pole breakdown. <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-007-trekking-poles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here for show notes</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

Trekking Poles 

In response to reader feedback and in the interest of exploring new formats, Ryan and Andrew are experimenting with new types of episodes to bring you a few different variations on the podcast. This episode features a conversation with a few of the Backpacking Light Wilderness Adventure guides. Kevin Fletcher, Dan Wielenga, and Adam Van Zee joined Ryan in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in June for our annual Guide's Training course. In the car on the way home, our conversation turned to the philosophy, benefits, and “soft skills” of ultralight backpacking. Later in the episode, Ryan gives a brief rundown of the new Garmin inReach Mini and previews the upcoming Trekking Poles Gear Guide. Andrew is moving to Lake Tahoe and considering a 2019 PCT thru-hike.   Click here for show notes  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

In response to reader feedback and in the interest of exploring new formats, Ryan and Andrew are experimenting with new types of episodes to bring you a few different variations on the podcast. This episode features a conversation with a few of the Backpacking Light Wilderness Adventure guides. Kevin Fletcher, Dan Wielenga, and Adam Van Zee joined Ryan in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in June for our annual Guide's Training course. In the car on the way home, our conversation turned to the philosophy, benefits, and “soft skills” of ultralight backpacking. Later in the episode, Ryan gives a brief rundown of the new Garmin inReach Mini and previews the upcoming Trekking Poles Gear Guide. Andrew is moving to Lake Tahoe and considering a 2019 PCT thru-hike. <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-004-guides-roundtable" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here for show notes</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

Roundtable Conversation with Wilderness Adventure Guides 

Today’s guest is Jeff Garmire (trail name Legend). In the summer of 2019 Jeff 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. Prior to that he set unsupported and over-all FKT on the Arizona Trail, completed the Great Western Loop, and completed a Calendar Year Triple crown, among other accomplishments.  When he isn’t hiking, Jeff is a public speaker and hiking coach / mentor. He also just released a book called “Free Outside: A Trek Against Time and Distance,” which chronicles his Calendar Year Triple Crown. Ryan and Andrew talk to Jeff about the nuts and bolts of his Long Trail FKT before transitioning into a conversation about mental health, relationships, and the philosophy of speed records.   Click here for show notes  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

Today’s guest is Jeff Garmire (trail name Legend). In the summer of 2019 Jeff 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. Prior to that he set unsupported and over-all FKT on the Arizona Trail, completed the Great Western Loop, and completed a Calendar Year Triple crown, among other accomplishments.  When he isn’t hiking, Jeff is a public speaker and hiking coach / mentor. He also just released a book called “Free Outside: A Trek Against Time and Distance,” which chronicles his Calendar Year Triple Crown. Ryan and Andrew talk to Jeff about the nuts and bolts of his Long Trail FKT before transitioning into a conversation about mental health, relationships, and the philosophy of speed records. <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-019-jeff-garmire-long-trail-fkt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here for show notes</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

The Long Trail Fastest Known Time (Unsupported)

In this episode, Ryan offers some practical guidelines for managing wet gear, condensation, and camp chores if you have to be holed up in a tent during a prolonged period of inclement weather.  Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-013-tentbound-rain-gear  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com.  Become a member to support this podcast: https://backpackinglight.com/subscribe  Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

In this episode, Ryan offers some practical guidelines for managing wet gear, condensation, and camp chores if you have to be holed up in a tent during a prolonged period of inclement weather. <ul> <li>Click here for show notes: <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-013-tentbound-rain-gear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-013-tentbound-rain-gear</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. <ul> <li>Become a member to support this podcast: <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://backpackinglight.com/subscribe</a></li> </ul> Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

SKILLS SHORT: Tent-Bound in a Storm

In this podcast, we address three key questions:  What are clothing systems and why is it important to consider clothing in the context of a system? What does it mean when we talk about inclement conditions or summer vs. 3-season or 4-season backpacking? What pieces of clothing do we need to add or replace in our summer system in order to be better prepared for 3-season or inclement conditions?   Click here for SHOW NOTES This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

In this podcast, we address three key questions: <ol> <li>What are clothing systems and why is it important to consider clothing in the context of a system?</li> <li>What does it mean when we talk about inclement conditions or summer vs. 3-season or 4-season backpacking?</li> <li>What pieces of clothing do we need to add or replace in our summer system in order to be better prepared for 3-season or inclement conditions?</li> </ol> <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-018-backpacking-clothing-inclement-weather" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here for SHOW NOTES</a> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show.

SKILLS SHORT: Backpacking Clothing for Inclement Weather

In the summer of 2018 eleven people ventured into Montana’s Absorka-Beartooth Wilderness on Backpacking Light’s guided Whitetail Trek. They faced snow, hail, high temperatures, exposed conditions above treeline, and unstable footing. On top of all that, they were off-trail almost the entire way. The point of the trip was to gain the skills and confidence necessary to route plan and navigate off-trail in the mountains. Today’s episode examines navigational strategies and tools through the lens of the Whitetail Trek. Ryan and Andrew get things started by giving you a brief rundown of the trip before introducing this episode’s guest. Chris Shultz is an M.D., a hockey player, a most importantly (to us!) an ultralight backpacker who participated in the trek. After the interview, the guys cover a range of navigational topics: tools and resources for finding your way, books, apps, maps, and getting lost. Ryan touches on the planning for next year’s trips, and Andrew introduces a new podcast segment. The boys wrap up the show with a brief discussion of risk management, and Andrew plugs a great book he’s been reading lately. Spoiler alert: it’s a scary one.  Click here for show notes  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

In the summer of 2018 eleven people ventured into Montana’s Absorka-Beartooth Wilderness on Backpacking Light’s <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/treks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">guided Whitetail Trek</a>. They faced snow, hail, high temperatures, exposed conditions above treeline, and unstable footing. On top of all that, they were off-trail almost the entire way. The point of the trip was to gain the skills and confidence necessary to route plan and navigate off-trail in the mountains. Today’s episode examines navigational strategies and tools through the lens of the Whitetail Trek. Ryan and Andrew get things started by giving you a brief rundown of the trip before introducing this episode’s guest. Chris Shultz is an M.D., a hockey player, a most importantly (to us!) an ultralight backpacker who participated in the trek. After the interview, the guys cover a range of navigational topics: tools and resources for finding your way, books, apps, maps, and getting lost. Ryan touches on the planning for next year’s trips, and Andrew introduces a new podcast segment. The boys wrap up the show with a brief discussion of risk management, and Andrew plugs a great book he’s been reading lately. Spoiler alert: it’s a scary one. <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-005-navigation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here for show notes</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

Navigation

Tired of sacrificing comfort for a low base weight? So is Doug Johnson, a longtime BPL author on a multi-year quest to discover a luxurious-but-ultralight backcountry experience.  Doug has treated himself (and his family) to extensive cook systems, thick sleeping pads, and cozy hammocks - now he’s turned his expert eye to the world of ultralight backcountry seating.  It’s a fascinating gear category, and one with wildly different approaches to solving what appears to be a simple problem - how to sit comfortably at the end of a long day. Andrew and Doug get things started by setting some parameters - no sit pads allowed in this podcast (or stools, or hammocks,  or...well...just give it a listen, you’ll catch on).  Next, they jump into a few of the categories covered by Doug’s extensive Gear Guide: Inflatable Seat Kits, On-Ground Pole Supported Seats, Suspended Seats, and Frame Seats (among others).  Doug touches briefly on the design elements and performance considerations of each category, then elaborates on some of his favorites seats in each category. He finishes by choosing his two favorite seats before taking a brief sidetrack into the hammock world.  As they wrap up, Andrew challenges Doug to make a believer out of any die-hard gram counters that might be listening.    Click here for show notes  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

Tired of sacrificing comfort for a low base weight? So is Doug Johnson, a longtime BPL author on a multi-year quest to discover a luxurious-but-ultralight backcountry experience.  Doug has treated himself (and his family) to extensive cook systems, thick sleeping pads, and cozy hammocks - now he’s turned his expert eye to the world of ultralight backcountry seating.  It’s a fascinating gear category, and one with wildly different approaches to solving what appears to be a simple problem - how to sit comfortably at the end of a long day. Andrew and Doug get things started by setting some parameters - no sit pads allowed in this podcast (or stools, or hammocks,  or...well...just give it a listen, you’ll catch on).  Next, they jump into a few of the categories covered by Doug’s extensive Gear Guide: Inflatable Seat Kits, On-Ground Pole Supported Seats, Suspended Seats, and Frame Seats (among others).  Doug touches briefly on the design elements and performance considerations of each category, then elaborates on some of his favorites seats in each category. He finishes by choosing his two favorite seats before taking a brief sidetrack into the hammock world.  As they wrap up, Andrew challenges Doug to make a believer out of any die-hard gram counters that might be listening.  <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-012-lightweight-chairs-backpacking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here for show notes</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

Lightweight Chairs and Other Seats for Backpacking 

This episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is a deep dive into the world of upright canister stoves. Canister stoves are notoriously difficult to compare accurately. Variations in testing conditions and methodology make any head-to-head comparisons suspect at best, especially when using manufacturer generated data. That’s why we developed StoveBench and spent hundreds of hours applying the methodology to virtually every sub-four ounce upright canister stove on the market. The result is a  15,000 word gear guide chock full of graphs, charts, raw data, and our purchase recommendations for a variety of needs. In this podcast Ryan and Andrew use both StoveBench and the Upright Canister Stove Gear Guide as a springboard for their conversation. Ryan and Andrew get things rolling by recommending that you listen to the  StoveBench episode of the BPL Pod, read the StoveBench article on the website, or (preferably) both. After that they spend some time laying the groundwork for stove comparisons: how they define the category, how they judge stove performance, and how they went about testing those performance considerations. The last half of the pod is a convo covering a few of the stoves that stood out in the gear guide (good and bad!). As the episode unfolds, Ryan shares his thoughts on how design features affect performance, and Andrew gets into cost considerations. The guys wrap the episode with the champs: the two stoves that stood out in nearly every test. Spoiler alert: they aren’t the lightest.   Click here for show notes  This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of backpackinglight.com. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

This episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is a deep dive into the world of upright canister stoves. Canister stoves are notoriously difficult to compare accurately. Variations in testing conditions and methodology make any head-to-head comparisons suspect at best, especially when using manufacturer generated data. That’s why we developed StoveBench and spent hundreds of hours applying the methodology to virtually every sub-four ounce upright canister stove on the market. The result is a <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/upright-canister-stove-reviews-stovebench-tests-and-gear-guide/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 15,000 word gear guide chock full of graphs, charts, raw data, and our purchase recommendations for a variety of needs</a>. In this podcast Ryan and Andrew use both StoveBench and the Upright Canister Stove Gear Guide as a springboard for their conversation. Ryan and Andrew get things rolling by recommending that you listen to the <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-010-tech-short-stovebench/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> StoveBench episode of the BPL Pod</a>, read the <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/stovebench/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">StoveBench article on the website</a>, or (preferably) both. After that they spend some time laying the groundwork for stove comparisons: how they define the category, how they judge stove performance, and how they went about testing those performance considerations. The last half of the pod is a convo covering a few of the stoves that stood out in the gear guide (good and bad!). As the episode unfolds, Ryan shares his thoughts on how design features affect performance, and Andrew gets into cost considerations. The guys wrap the episode with the champs: the two stoves that stood out in nearly every test. Spoiler alert: they aren’t the lightest. <ul> <li><a href="https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-11-canister-stove-reviews" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Click here for show notes</a></li> </ul> This podcast is brought to you ad-free by the subscribing members of <a href="http://backpackinglight.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">backpackinglight.com</a>. Please leave us a review and rating, it helps other people find our show!

Upright Canister Stoves 

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best True Crime Podcasts

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!