Techniques

The first episode of Backpacking Light's new video series, "The SUL Wanderer" tells stories and teaches techniques about "SuperUltralight Backpacking" - the style of backpacking that focuses on the extremes of light weight, compactness, and simplicity for wilderness travel. Read More...

Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear. Read More...

Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear. Read More...

An SUL approach to multisport: bikepacking, packrafting, and tenkara fly fishing. Read More...

Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear. Read More...

If you're a fan of fry-baked meals in the backcountry, and you are reading this article, it's not likely you're one who gets real excited about carrying the two-pound classic Banks' Fry Bake. Here are some options for lighter gear and techniques for fry-baking as a solo traveler, or in smaller groups. Read More...

In Part 1, Fany and Nick embarked on a challenging journey with an unlikely companion: their 3 month old. Two years and another 750 km later, 30 month old Flora has completed the entire traverse. Thru-hiking with a toddler can be as rewarding as it is challenging. Read More...

Guidelines for evaluating watershed geography and streamflow to help ask the question: is this creek runnable in a packraft? Read More...

In the high country, runoff doesn’t always coincide with what we all consider to be backpacking season, where trails are dry and the days are sunny. That being the case, here are some tips for trekking, packrafting, and camping in the spring snow and muck. Read More...

Packing to combine adventure travel and wilderness recreation. Read More...

Ryan shares his ideal gear list for late-winter, early-spring trekking. By utilizing a snow shelter and making a few adjustments to your kit, you can push the limits of your conventional 3-season gear. Read More...

Ryan Jordan presents some tools and techniques for dealing with wet wood for firebuilding in winter conditions. Read More...

It is natural for skiers, as their skills improve, to seek more challenging terrain. And, with access to mountainous landscapes, it is inevitable for a skier to enter the realm of ski mountaineering. An overview of UL backcountry ski mountaineering gear and discussion of proper gear choice. Read More...

A Primer to Backcountry Ski Travel – Why you can and should overnight ski in the backcountry Read More...

Proper gear choices, site selection, and preparation techniques can make or break a winter excursion. Read More...

A new installment of the "24" series - stories about "24 hour" overnight trips. Read More...

While it sounds romantic to be able to trek in hemp-strapped huaraches or five-toed skins, the reality of wild places and the limitations of your body’s biomechanics may necessitate a different type of minimalist footwear. Read More...

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This article was originally published in issue 7 of the Backpacking Light Print Magazine. It has since been revised and updated by the author for web publication. Read More...

Step by step guide to simple, lightweight, inexpensive trekking pants. Read More...

MYOGers rejoice! SketchUp software, once mastered, can save you hours of guesswork and yards of material. Read More...

After a few days on the trail, dehydrated meals can get monotonous. A bit more variety is often desirable and freshly baked bread is a delicious and lightweight option. Read More...

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A simple (and tasty) trick to keep your camp kitchen clean. Read More...

"I've never been lost, but I was once a mite bewildered for a few days." - Daniel Boone Read More...

Developing a relationship with the outdoors and teaching others to do the same, introducing kids to the charm of the backcountry has a magic all its own. Read More...

A few simple modifications to make your BushBuddy faster and even more covet-worthy! Read More...

The advantages of having a lightweight, frameless backpack are huge - but without that heavy frame, the backpack has all the qualities of a large sack. For maximum comfort, you'll need to pack carefully, in a way that gives your backpack form and balance. Read More...

Build an igloo using the “hub and spoke method” and lightweight backpacking tools. Read More...

Avoiding wet feet in the shoulders seasons can be impossible. Follow a few simple principles to ensure your feet are happy, no matter the conditions! Read More...

Clothing, Footwear, Group Gear (Water Treatment, Stoves and Fuel, Shelter). Basic training for the beginner and/or young backpacker, with a focus on Scouts. Read More...

The Lightweight Lesson, Essentials, Backpack, Sleeping Bag and Pad, Personal Kit. Basic training for the beginner and/or young backpacker, with a focus on Scouts. Read More...

Francis is an umbrella advocate, eschewing typical rainwear. Find out why he's backpacked over 12,500 miles with an umbrella... and decide if you should follow his lead. Read More...

Rotating feature with tips and illustrations from Mike Clelland!'s new book: Ultralight Backpackin' Tips Read More...

Poking poles around for added stability is fairly intuitive, but the full promise of two more legs - greater endurance, building upper body strength, and reducing injury from stress or falls - requires some technique. Try Skip's straightforward and effective approach! Read More...

An easy introduction to working with down, this vest has no frills, bells, or whistles: just warm insulation where you need it most! Read More...

Thru-hiking is not simply a longer version of a backpacking trip. Considering thru-hiking a long trail? Make sure you know what you're getting into and set yourself up for success. Read More...

While most grizzly behavior is predictable, there is always an extent to which animals are unpredictable, and thus hiking in grizzly country is inherently dangerous, even if the statistical hazard is very small. Read up on salient safety issues before your next late season backpacking or hunting trip. Read More...

What sets successful thru-hikers apart from the rest of the pack? Superfitnessawesomesauce? A trust fund? The best gear? The answer may surprise you. Read More...

Use the ubiquitous smartphone to get where you're going, with details on four apps that support maps for more places (not just the States). All you need do is supply the adventure. Read More...

The kid-sized kit: Gear should not become an end in itself. The point is to get out and enjoy the woods with kids. Ultralight gear is exciting because it enables kids to do things they could not otherwise do! Read More...

Everything boils down to a few simple rules that can encompass a surprising range of scenarios! Read More...

Tips and tricks expand upon previously published articles: check out Luke's six iterations and glean ideas for perfecting YOUR custom-made pack! Read More...

What's better than a communal, one-pot meal between hiking buddies under the stars? Learn how to make a pot stand/windscreen that's sturdy enough to hold a large pot filled with dinner and light enough to not bow your backpack. Read More...

Turning 2.5 yards of high performance fabric into a lightweight, breathable rain jacket. Read More...

Insights from the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic. Read More...

Calculating how much food to take on a trip? My goal is to be perfectly satisfied during my time in the backcountry, but to walk out of the mountains with absolutely ZERO food. It is so gratifying to eat that last raisin on the last mile of the last day. If I can do that, the math worked out perfectly. Read More...

Practice makes perfect: using polyethylene to prototype designs means I can spend less and try more variations before sewing a final product in technical materials. Read More...