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Techniques & Best Practices


ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only MYOG - A Winter Canister Stove using your Summer Upright Stove and the Brunton Stove Stand
by Roger Caffin
The Brunton Stove Stand is a nice bit of engineering, but is it really of any use? Oh yes: it can be turned into a neat winter stove with just a little DIY effort. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Hypothermia
by Darin Banner
Avoiding and treating hypothermia in the backcountry with ultralight equipment. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Trekking Techniques for Early-Season Conditions
by Andrew Skurka
Andrew Skurka's insights and techniques for early season trekking can dramatically increase the length of your normal hiking season. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Reducing Winter Pack Weight: Wood Fire Cooking in the Snow
by Kevin Sawchuk
For the hardcore ultralighter, cooking over wood fires in the winter offers a way to substantially reduce pack weight on longer trips, adds a bit of warmth around camp, and forces you to learn fire skills that just might save your life someday. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Backcountry Cookfires: Overview and Techniques for Cooking Over an Open Flame
by Bill Stadwiser
Bill Stadwiser explores the practical and emotional rewards of cooking over wood in the backcountry. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Titanium Snow Stakes
by Roger Caffin
Lightweight and stable titanium snow anchors that are easy to make Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Take the Load Off: Using Pulks to Travel Over Snow
by Ed Bouffard
Pulk techniques for winter travel over snow Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Shell Top
by Roger Caffin
In "Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Shell" I discussed commercial shirts and a shell top I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear – Trousers
by Roger Caffin
In ‘Notes from the Field - Bushwhacking Gear - Trousers’ I discussed commercial trousers and some I make for myself and my wife. Instructions for making my design are given here. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Tarp Guylines
by Jay Ham
A clean, simple way to attach guylines to your tarp or shelter Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Aloksak Chest Pocket
by Jay Ham
You say your SUL pack doesn’t have enough pockets? Using inexpensive materials, add some storage with ultralight appeal. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Sealing Silnylon Seams
by Jay Ham
A better way to apply seam sealer, producing a nearly factory perfect look. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Podcasts
Podcast: Pre-Trip Planning and Support Logistics
by Ken Knight
Ken Knight talks with Brian Frankle and Karen Skurka about pre-trip planning and support logistics. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
by Jay Ham
Complete instructions for making your own SUL carbon trekking poles from fishing, golf, and kite parts. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Podcasts
Podcast: Roundtable Discussion of the Limits of Ultralight Backpacking
by Ken Knight
Ken Knight, Mike Clelland!, Carol Crooker, and Glen Van Peski discuss the limits, both perceived and real, of ultralight backpacking. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 3: Model Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Snow Camping
by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl
Based on our research and testing, we recommend lightweight footwear systems for specific conditions and activities. In addition, our Backpacking Light staffers describe their favorite systems, and two ultralight nomads – Andrew Skurka and Chris Townsend – share their wisdom. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 2: Components
by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl
We cover the components of a lightweight footwear system – shoes/boots, footbeds, socks, vapor barriers, booties, overboots, and gaiters (everything on or around the foot), discuss the pros and cons of different options, and identify our favorites. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Podcasts
Podcast: Roundtable Discussion of Winter Hiking and Camping
by Ken Knight
Backpacking Light staff discuss how to get the most out of any winter trip from day trip to multi-day expeditions. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel Part 1: Principles and Techniques for Keeping Feet Dry and Warm
by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl
High-tech gear to keep your feet dry and warm is useless without the proper knowledge on how to use it, and that’s especially true for lightweight footwear in cold and wet conditions. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Gaiters for Bushwhacking
by Roger Caffin
Lightweight, tough gaiters that are suitable for bushwhacking and easy to make. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Igloo Building for Fun and Shelter, Part 2 - Using an Igloo as a Backcountry Shelter
by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl
Tips for igloo living and interior climate graphs to show you why you want to camp in an igloo. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Ultralight in the Icebox: Post-Trip Report
by Andrew Skurka
Andrew Skurka talks about his cold weather tenets and ultralight gear kit following a 385 mile, 19 day backpacking trip in northern Minnesota in the dead of winter. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Igloo Building for Fun and Shelter, Part 1 - Technique
by Will Rietveld and Janet Reichl
Igloo building is a fun wintertime activity to share with family, friends, or Scouts. Build a warming hut in your favorite skiing or snowshoeing area, construct an igloo for a backcountry base camp, or design your own hut system! The Grand Shelters Icebox Igloo Building Tool does a lot of the work for you, but you’ll still need to master some essential techniques. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 4 - Pack

by Jay Ham
Complete instructions to construct a 3.1-ounce, 1700-cubic inch pack. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Taming Those Large Flexible Foil Windshields
by Roger Caffin
Learn the tricks and techniques required to make a stable windshield out of floppy metal foil. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Groovy-Biotic Cooking: Quick, Healthy Meals with an Ultralight Cook Kit
by Mike Clelland!
All the details you need to plan backcountry vegetarian meals that are nutritious and tasty. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Bushwhacking Gear: Heavyweight Fabrics and Compatible Construction Techniques to Improve Clothing Longevity for Off-trail Bushwhacking
by Roger Caffin
Thorns, scrub and sandstone can rip ultralight clothing to shreds. What materials and construction techniques hold up to serious bushwhacking? Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only A Case Study of Unsupported, Roadless, Long Distance Trekking:
Part 1. Pack Weight, Distance, and Caloric Balance

by Ryan Jordan
It seems obvious that backpack weight and daily mileage will be inversely proportional. But how many days, how many miles per day, and how much food weight are required in order to maximize the total distance traveled without resupply? And what happens when the theory is tested in the Arctic over 600 miles of America's most remote, roadless, uninhabited wilderness? Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 3 - Tarp

by Jay Ham
Complete instructions to construct a 6-ounce tarp with improved weather protection. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 2, Stuff Sack

by Jay Ham
Complete instructions to construct a 0.2-ounce stuff sack sized right to compress a SUL tarp (Part 3) into a tidy 4 x 4 x 8 inch bundle. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Do It Yourself Projects to Reduce Canister Stove Weight
by Roger Caffin
Experiments from our readers and staff on trimming weight from winter stoves. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Sipping the Waters: Techniques for Selecting Untreated Backcountry Water for Drinking
by Michael von Gortler, MD
Drinking untreated backcountry water can make you sick - but choosing your drinking spots intelligently can greatly reduce that risk. Here, a doctor shares the methods that have kept him healthily "sipping the waters" for the past 20 years. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Make Your Own Gear: Five Yards to SuperUltraLight
Part 1, Introduction

by Jay Ham
Not for the frail at heart, in this article we dive into making a SUL tarp, pack, and stuff sack out of a single 5-yard piece of spinnaker fabric. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Multi-Pad-Ground-Sheet Integration System
by Mike Clelland!
Complete step-by-step instructions on how to size, cut and glue a tidy sleeping pad system. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only The Poncho Tarp: Techniques and Gear Systems for Inclement Conditions
by Ryan Jordan and Alan Dixon
Poncho Tarps are not just for the eccentric. Learn how to use them in foul weather and save considerable weight and simplify your gear kit. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Camera Selection Basics for the Lightweight Backpacker
by Franco Darioli
Features for a lightweight backpacker to look for in a digital or film camera. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Straight Stitch and Top Stitch
by Jay Ham
Instructions on how to properly sew two workhorse stitches. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Sewing Machine Setup
by Jay Ham
Sewing machine setup instructions with photos, and tips for sewing lightweight fabrics. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Sewing a Felled Seam
by Jay Ham
A tarp and tent ridgeline standard thanks to its water impeding fold. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear Sewing Primer: Reinforcement Stitches for Lightweight Fabrics
by Jay Ham
Why standard reinforcement stitches may not be suitable for your lightweight fabric, which ones are, and how to sew them. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Stove Windscreen Dynamics and Design: Part II
Practical Applications for the Field

by Will Rietveld
Have you tried a double windscreen to maintain alcohol and fuel tab stove performance in the wind? It really works, and one piece doubles as a GearSheet. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Stove Windscreen Dynamics and Design: Part I
Wind Effects on Stove Performance

by Will Rietveld
The theory (Bernoulli Effect, laminar and turbulent flow) behind how wind affects backcountry cooking. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Backpacking Light Trip Planning Spreadsheet Contest Winners
by Backpacking Light Staff
The winners of the Backpacking Light Trip Planning Spreadsheet Contest are a diverse group. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only How Far, How Fast, How Heavy?
Calculating the range for unsupported, long-distance hiking

by Roman Dial
Formulas and theory for predicting possible distances and times with ultralight gear for long distance backpacking. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Transforming a Mummy Sleeping Bag into an Arc Top Bag
by Jay Ham
Complete step-by-step instructions on how to convert a mummy bag to an arc quilt. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Make Your Own Gear: The Micro Z-Stand Pot Support
by Jay Ham
Using Backpacking Light Titanium Alloy UltraRods to build a sturdy, and now heat resistant, sub-0.20 oz (5.7 g) Z-Stand pot support for alcohol and solid fuel stoves. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Toilet Paper Free Expeditions
by Mike Clelland!
Go wild - leave the TP at home. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Selecting a Canister Stove for Cold Weather Backpacking
Part II: Commercially Available Canister Stove Systems

by Roger Caffin
Many canister stove models become excellent cold weather performers with a simple twist. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Selecting a Canister Stove for Cold Weather Backpacking
Part I: Stove and Fuel Fundamentals

by Roger Caffin
Fuel fundamentals and basic flame chemistry explained so that canister stove cold weather performance can be optimized. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Alcohol Stove Windscreen
by Jay Ham
Complete step-by-step instructions on how to construct an efficient alcohol stove windscreen. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
2005 Backpacking Light Trip Planning Spreadsheet Contest Entries
by BPL Staff
Reader submissions of spreadsheet files used for trip planning and gear lists. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Make Your Own Gear: The Z-Stand Pot Stand Revisited, Revised, and Relightened!
by Jay Ham
Using Backpacking Light's Titanium Alloy UltraRods to Build a Sturdy 0.15 oz (4.2 g) Z-Stand Pot Support for Alcohol and Solid Fuel Stoves Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Shortening a Therm-a-Rest UltraLite Self-Inflating Pad
by Jay Ham
Complete step-by-step instructions on how to cut, reshape, and reseal a self-inflating pad. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Lightweight Backcountry Professional Photography
by Anatoly Ivanov
Complete lightweight camera and accessories setup for the professional backcountry photographer. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: The “Z-Stand” Pot Support for Alcohol Stoves
by Jay Ham
Complete step-by-step instructions on how to make a lightweight and unique pot stand. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
The Backpacking Fly Fisherman
by Ryan Jordan
Ultralight fly fishing gear for the backpacker fishing on the move. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Backcountry Fly Fishing: Lightweight Gear and Style
by Larry Tullis
Outdoor writer Larry Tullis brings a lightweight ethic to backcountry fishing. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Foot Care for Diabetic Hikers
by Gerard Olenick
Perspectives on footwear and foot care from a type II diabetic backpacker. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Gear: Open Jet Alcohol Stove
by Jay Ham
Complete step by step instructions on how to construct an open jet alcohol stove that looks as good as it works. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Can A Sane Person Truly Enjoy SuperUltralight Backpacking?
by Carol Crooker
SUL for the masses? Perspectives on comfortable gear - with a suggested gear checklist - for a non-technical canyoneering backpacking trip requiring less than five pounds of gear on your back. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
An Old Dog Learns New Tricks - How Lightweight Technology Keeps me on the Trail at 70
by Ron Hamm
How lightweight backpacking gear has kept the author on the trail at 70. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Trail Food: Keeping it Interesting and Energizing
by Rosaleen Sullivan
The basics of selecting trail food that is appetizing, energizing, and easy to prepare. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Canister Stoves and Fuels
by Will Rietveld
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Considerations for Selecting a Lightweight Backpacking Stove
by Will Rietveld
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Getting the Most out of an MSR White Gas Stove: Maintenance Tips
by Don Johnston
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Saving Time and Weight: A "Winter Water" Routine Tuned for Lightweight Style
by Ryan Jordan
Water prep in the winter is a time- and fuel-consuming chore. Learn tips and tricks to save time and weight in this treatise on lightweight winter water prep using a white gas stove. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Guide to Selecting and Using Ultralight GPS Systems
by Blake Morstad and Alan Dixon
Systematic analysis of considerations for evaluating a GPS system of lightweight equipment and software for efficient navigation. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Backcountry Hygiene for Ultralight and Long-Distance Hikers
by Ryan Jordan, Ph.D.
A short primer on the topic of backcountry hygiene to help you minimize the risk of contracting stomach-borne illnesses while in the backcountry. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Bear Bag Hanging Techniques
by Ryan Jordan
A brief review of bear bag hanging techniques with a focus on minimizing weight and maximizing simplicity. Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Hiking Efficiency: A Day in the Life of an Ultralight Hiker
by Ryan Jordan
Ryan Jordan Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Packrafting: An Introduction to Wilderness River Running with a Packable Inflatable Boat
by Jim Jager, Sidebar by Sheri Tingey
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Members Only Fast and Light with Gary Scott: Lightweight Backpacking and Climbing Strategies
by Gary Scott
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Winter Backpacking Comfort: Lightweight Gear and Techniques for Shelter, Clothing, and Sleep Systems
by Ryan Jordan
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Wireless in the Wilderness: An Overview of Communications Technologies for Backpackers
by Eric Kammerer
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Buying an LED Torch: Headlamp Design Considerations to Help Guide Your Purchasing Decisions
by Rick Dreher
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
The Weird Science of Night Vision: Lighting Considerations for Lightweight Backpacking
by Rick Dreher
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Thermoregulation: An Overview of Heat Loss Mechanisms and Practical Guidelines for Staying Warm with Lightweight Gear
by Ryan Jordan
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Lightweight Backpacking with Young Children
by Stephanie and Ryan Jordan
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only Make Your Own Trekking Poles
by Ryan Jordan
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Advanced Tarp Camping Techniques for Inclement Conditions
by Ryan Jordan
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques & Best Practices
Lightweight Backpacking for Couples
by Alison Simon and Alan Dixon
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
The Lightest Kitchen? A Cook Kit for Ultralight Backpacking
by Ryan Jordan
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Soft Shells: The Real Story
by Alan Dixon and Ryan Jordan
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking, 1st Edition (August 2002)
by Ryan Jordan, Jim Nelson, and Alan Dixon
Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking, 1st Edition (August 2002) Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Make Your Own Gear
Members Only A Homemade Gear Sled (Pulk) for Backcountry Winter Travel
by Ken Knight
Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Backcountry Travel on Snowshoes for Lightweight Backpackers
by Don Ladigin
Backcountry Travel on Snowshoes for Lightweight Backpackers Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only High Exertion Moisture Accumulation in Rain and Wind Shells
by Alan Dixon
High Exertion Moisture Accumulation in Rain and Wind Shells Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only The Science of Breathability and Its Impact on Raingear Selection and Use
by Ryan Jordan and Stuart Bilby
The Science of Breathability and Its