The Magazine of Lightweight Hiking and Backcountry Travel

About Backpacking Light

A Trusted Source of Reliable Information About Lightweight Backpacking

Ryan Jordan and Alan Dixon
Backpacking Light's Ryan Jordan (Publisher and Editor), and Alan Dixon (co-Founder) on Mt. Rainier in October 2002, the morning after summitting in 60 mph winds. During this trip, we field tested a variety of equipment, but the focus of our efforts was in understanding and studying the performance - and performance limits - of soft shell apparel.

Welcome to BackpackingLight.com...

The inaugural "formal" electronic issue of Backpacking Light Magazine (ISSN 1537-0364) was published on July 23, 2001 at BackpackingLight.com (although we posted a few articles and commentary prior to that launch). Since that time, we have launched a print magazine and an ultralight backpacking gear store, published a comprehensive book about lightweight backpacking, and host an online community of the most passionate lightweight backpacking enthusiasts in the world.

The outdoor industry has recognized Backpacking Light as a voice of authority, scientific rationale, and anti-establishment opinions since the launch of its first article, "Lose Your Baggage, Pal?", an Editorial that typifies the type of character-challenging writing that has earned the loyalty of readers from Albania to Zimbabwe and virtually everywhere in between. Since then, through competent investigative reporting, we've debunked myths, revealed safety concerns in products, and challenged the industry to put up or shut up when it comes to their marketing claims. We serve the consumer first.

Our readers consider BackpackingLight.com to be the most authoritative source of industry trends in lightweight wilderness travel. Our staff and their editorials, gear reviews, and technique articles have influenced equipment design and outdoor journalism elsewhere. We don't just report industry trends. We drive them.

BackpackingLight.com is published by Beartooth Mountain Press of Bozeman, MT (Ryan Jordan, Publisher), and is operated by a staff of contributors, copy and production editors, and product reviewers that are as dedicated and passionate to lightweight backpacking and alpinism as they come. As a result, the words you read herein are not penned through the filter of a desk jockey's editorial deadline but rather, borne of the hardship and trials that come with spending real time in the backcountry

Check it out and subscribe today!

Godspeed,

BPL Staff