Backpacking Light Podcast
103 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 237 ratingsThe Backpacking Light Podcast explores the technology, gear, skills, and philosophy of backcountry wilderness travel through stories, interviews, and investigative reports.
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Episodes
Episode 101 | Take Less, Do More, With Glen Van Peski
April 08, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBIn today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to talk to Glen Van Peski about the life lessons we can learn from ultralight backpacking. To view the shownotes for this episode, click here.
Episode 100 | Celebrating our Listeners and Gear for Hiking in the Sun
March 25, 2024 22:42 - 53 minutes - 100 MBIn Episode 100 of the Backpacking Light Podcast we're going to celebrate sunshine and the one hundredth episode of the backpacking light podcast featuring stories from our listeners and more. To view the show notes for this podcast, including a listing of some of our listener's favorite podcasts from the first 100, check out the shownotes.
Episode 99 | How to Hide Your Food from Bears
March 12, 2024 11:00 - 34 minutes - 39.5 MBIn today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about how bears smell, and what you can do to hide your food from the nose of a bear. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.
Episode 98 | Canister Stoves in the Winter
February 19, 2024 12:00 - 21 minutes - 25 MBIn episode 98 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how to get the most out of your ultralight canister stove for winter backpacking. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.
Episode 97 | Backpacking with Dogs
February 05, 2024 11:45 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBIn 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.
Episode 96 | Building Resilience for Backcountry Adversity
January 22, 2024 12:00 - 37 minutes - 42.4 MBIn 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!
Episode 95 | Natural Fibers in Outdoor Performance Apparel
January 08, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 93.6 MBIn 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.
Episode 94 | Backcountry Cooking + SOS Buttons
December 18, 2023 12:00 - 43 minutes - 50.6 MBIn 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!
Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue
December 04, 2023 17:05 - 50 minutes - 57.3 MBIn 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.
Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism
November 20, 2023 07:22 - 57 minutes - 106 MBIn 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 ...
Episode 91 | Fishnet Mesh Base Layers
November 13, 2023 11:55 - 48 minutes - 55.7 MBIn 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.
Episode 90 | Alpaca Wool Baselayers
November 06, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBIn 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.
Podcast 89 | Fall Layering Systems
October 02, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 24.5 MBIn 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 | 2023 Ultralight Gear Update
September 10, 2023 00:29 - 42 minutes - 48.3 MBEpisode 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 | Publisher’s Gear Guide
August 23, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 28.5 MBEpisode 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.
Podcast 86 | Ultralight Shelter Fabrics
August 08, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 82 MBIn 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.
Episode 85 | Backcountry Lightning Risk Management
July 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBIn 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.
Episode 84 | Satellite Messaging (ZOLEO)
July 03, 2023 16:43 - 42 minutes - 79.9 MBIn 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.
Episode 83 | Shelter Condensation
June 09, 2023 02:06 - 41 minutes - 47 MBIn 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.
Episode 82 | Fabric Repairs in the Backcountry
May 23, 2023 03:40 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBThis episode features fabric repair kits for hiking and backpacking, including various fabric repair scenarios, strategies, and supplies. Check out the shownotes here.
Episode 81 | Unresting Event
May 15, 2023 14:11 - 41 minutes - 47 MBIn 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.
Episode 80 | Backcountry First Aid Kits
April 17, 2023 11:00 - 25 minutes - 29.6 MBIn this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan discusses ultralight first aid kits for backcountry use. Check out the program notes here.
Episode 79 | The 12 Stages of Backcountry Tenkara
March 27, 2023 11:00 - 12 minutes - 13.9 MBThis 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.
Episode 78 | Stove System Performance (Flame Power vs. Fuel Efficiency)
March 20, 2023 11:00 - 16 minutes - 18.8 MBIn 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.
Episode 77 | Planning, Pooping, and Campfires: Backcountry Leave No Trace Challenges During the Winter
February 22, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 38.9 MBIn 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.
Episode 76 | Vapor Barrier Gloves and Socks
February 13, 2023 18:00 - 42 minutes - 48.6 MBIn 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.
Episode 75 | Winter Layering for the Legs
February 08, 2023 00:33 - 23 minutes - 27.1 MBMuch 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...
Episode 74 | Shelter Stakes for Winter Camping
January 23, 2023 15:55 - 19 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this episode, we address winter shelter stakes for frozen ground, hard snow, and unconsolidated snow. To view the shownotes for this podcast, click here.
Episode 73 | Avalanche Awareness for Backpackers
January 09, 2023 15:55 - 34 minutes - 39.8 MBIn 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.
Episode 72 | The Cottage Industry
November 23, 2022 02:15 - 1 hour - 78.2 MBIn 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.
Episode 71 | Sleeping Bag Layering Systems
November 15, 2022 17:55 - 14 minutes - 16.1 MBIn 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.
Episode 70 | Fall Backpacking & Cold Feet
November 02, 2022 16:55 - 18 minutes - 21.1 MBIn today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we're going to talk about how to mitigate cold feet during fall-season backpacking conditions.
Episode 69 | Ultralight Shelters in Inclement Weather
October 11, 2022 17:55 - 42 minutes - 48.7 MBIn 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.
Episode 68 | Unpacking the New Garmin inReach Messenger
September 30, 2022 18:26 - 27 minutes - 51.3 MBIn 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.
Episode 67 | How to Poop in the Woods (Skills and Tools for Backcountry Pooping)
September 09, 2022 14:45 - 16 minutes - 15 MBIn 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.
Episode 66 | Hiking Cameras: Compact, Durable, and Lightweight Cameras for Hiking and Backpacking
August 26, 2022 17:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIn 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.
Episode 65 | Empowering Young Women in the Outdoors with Amanda Hatley
August 09, 2022 15:55 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBIn 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 opportuni...
Episode 64 | BPL Author Spotlight: Contributor Drew Smith
July 22, 2022 14:00 - 30 minutes - 24.1 MBIn 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-di...
Episode 63 | BPL Author Spotlight: Staff Writer Mark Wetherington
June 21, 2022 13:45 - 30 minutes - 70.2 MBIn 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...
Episode 62 | Dan Durston Talks X-mid and More
June 10, 2022 13:55 - 33 minutes - 76.5 MBIn 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...
Episode 61 | Frameless Pack Best Practices
May 17, 2022 13:00 - 22 minutes - 51.9 MBIn this episode, Ryan and Andrew discuss how and why to use a frameless pack while backpacking. click here for show notes
Episode 60 | Willow Belden of Out There
May 03, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBIn 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: ...
Episode 59 | Ben Kilbourne Reads "Good Gear Lets You Be Present"
April 12, 2022 14:00 - 16 minutes - 7.85 MBWe 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 stru...
Backpacking Light Podcast | Episode 58 | Benny Braden on Public Lands Stewardship
March 29, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBBenny 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/
Backpacking Light Podcast | Episode 57 | Cottage Industry Interview: Food for the Sole
March 15, 2022 13:40 - 53 minutes - 24.4 MBIn 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
Backpacking Light Podcast | Episode 56 | Portable Battery Chargers for Backpacking
March 04, 2022 15:28 - 1 hour - 38.4 MBIn 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.
Episode 55 | Managing Perspiration in Layering Systems: Wicking, Evaporation, and Ventilation
February 01, 2022 14:26 - 17 minutes - 8.06 MBRyan 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
Episode 54 | Foot Injuries, Training, and Rehabilitation for Hikers with John Zombro
January 19, 2022 01:05 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn 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
Ben Kilbourne Reads "Going Home"
January 03, 2022 18:50 - 16 minutes - 7.59 MBBackpacking 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
Episode 52 | Gear We Love 2021 Edition
December 20, 2021 17:15 - 21 minutes - 10.1 MBWe'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