Techniques

Foot entrapment among submerged rocks is the leading killer of whitewater boaters. Think about it: the most common way to die while boating is by doing something OUTSIDE your boat! Read More...

Seven packrafters with a total of over thirty-five years of experience under their bums share the safety gear they won't be without, skills that have kept them coming back for more, common - and dangerous - mistakes, and real life rescue stories. Read More...

This light fleece top is designed as a light winter pullover for snow conditions. It is very simple and styled as an anorak, rather than opening right down the front. Read More...

There you are, way out in the wilderness in bad weather, getting ready for dinner, and your canister stove fails. Now what? Rescue in the field is possible for many problems: learn rescue how-to and the technical details of why it has happened. Read More...

Seven packrafters with a total of over thirty-five years of experience under their bums share the safety gear they won't be without, skills that have kept them coming back for more, common - and dangerous - mistakes, and real life rescue stories. Read More...

Seven packrafters with a total of over thirty-five years of experience under their bums share the safety gear they won't be without, skills that have kept them coming back for more, common - and dangerous - mistakes, and real life rescue stories. Read More...

While perhaps a touch extreme, running Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (RRR) is not uncommon within trail running circles. But within hiking circles, this trek does not seem to garner much attention, when there are few trips, mile-for-mile, hour-for-hour, that compare. In one day, you pass through 1.6 billion years of geology (four times) and span the grandest Big Ditch in the world (twice). Read More...

Want to try tenting in the snow, but haven't done it before and not sure how? Haven't time in the evening to build a snow cave or an igloo just for one night? We walk you through the basics of what gear you need, how to choose a good site, how to create a platform, and how to pitch your tent (or a tarptent if you are brave). Read More...

Fate stepped in and pushed me down some steps in November 2006, breaking my fibula at the ankle, requiring surgical repair. I asked my surgeon if I could backpack the following summer, and he said "If you can get your pack down to thirty pounds, you can backpack." My lightweight journey was launched in earnest. Read More...

Foremost among the challenges that spring hikers face is the presence of melting snow and the prospect of continuously wet feet. Ryan Jordan presents his two favorite footwear systems for cold or warm spring conditions. Read More...

Backpacking Light's Andrew Skurka on Vapor Barrier Liners: What they are, how they work, and when to use them. Read More...

Carol Crooker's essay on enlightenment shows that Mother Nature can be a pushy broad, but she gets the job done. Read More...

Highlights from the April 2008 Rescue 3 International Whitewater Rescue Technician course for packrafters held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Read More...

The true story of how Jamie survived in the woods with his paper coat. Read More...

Backpacking Light's Wilderness Trekking School Photo Essay. Read More...

Steve Hinkle relays that carrying all the comforts of home ultimately made for a miserable trail experience, and how shedding "comforts" was actually more pleasant in the long run. Read More...

"I guess I first realized my pack weight had to change when I was in intensive care recovering from a bad fishing trip." Read More...

How do BPL Staffers stay warm, hydrated, and caffeinated in the backcountry? Read More...

Lightweight Testimony: Tony Wong Finds, Loses, and Rediscovers a Lightweight Passion. Read More...

After using the original snow stakes in extreme conditions, the design has been enhanced to extend the life of both your snow stakes and your guylines. Read More...

Cold & wet: really only good when it describes your dog's nose. But you can still be comfy in these conditions with the right (lightweight) gear. Read More...

This silnylon mountain poncho covers both you and your pack against some of the worst weather, allows ease of movement on mixed terrain, and isn't prone to condensation. Read More...

Chris Townsend and the Pertex/Pile Revolution. Read More...

Roger Caffin shares his adventure in misadventure. Read More...

Kevin Sawchuk shares his how-to on fast day hikes, and his why-to, too. Read More...

Chris Townsend shares his sandal wearing experience. Read More...

Ryan Jordan shares his foot care advice for sandal-packing. Read More...

Essentials commentary from BackpackingLight Publisher, Ryan Jordan. Read More...

Mike Clelland! has gone stakeless! Read More...

Packrafters need to limit their gear so it fits on the bow of their six-foot-long craft. This means dehydrated food for dinner, sleeping under a tarp and wearing wet clothes dry. What is river running like when big rafts haul the food and gear...Can an ultralight packrafter be enticed to the dark side? Read More...

Roman Dial demystifies whitewater for the packrafter wanting to understand the natural progression of learning to packraft in the context of increasingly difficult whitewater. Read More...

Carrying a lightweight pack has consequences, but they might not be what you think. Read More...

Complete instructions to construct a 2.8 ounce (size L), waterproof, wide-brimmed hat. Read More...

Following the Review of the ULA Helix Potty Trowel, there was considerable discussion on the Backpacking Light Forum (MYOG, DIY walking axe) regarding the use of a light "ice axe" in areas where one's life or ultimate safety would not be an issue. The author, Steven Evans, asked specific questions regarding the required length of such an ice axe, the general use of such an ice axe, and what people used in situations where a UIAA-certified ice axe would be overkill, but where a tool of some sort would be nice to have. Such a tool could be used to assist in small steep sections of snow and ice and general up-hill travel in less then desirable conditions, but it would have a weight which would be negligible on one's back when not in use. This project was born from that discussion. Read More...

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...

Avoiding and treating hypothermia in the backcountry with ultralight equipment. Read More...

Andrew Skurka's insights and techniques for early season trekking can dramatically increase the length of your normal hiking season. Read More...

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...

Bill Stadwiser explores the practical and emotional rewards of cooking over wood in the backcountry. Read More...

Lightweight and stable titanium snow anchors that are easy to make Read More...

Pulk techniques for winter travel over snow Read More...

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...

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...

A clean, simple way to attach guylines to your tarp or shelter Read More...

You say your SUL pack doesn’t have enough pockets? Using inexpensive materials, add some storage with ultralight appeal. Read More...

A better way to apply seam sealer, producing a nearly factory perfect look. Read More...

Complete instructions for making your own SUL carbon trekking poles from fishing, golf, and kite parts. Read More...

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...

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...

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...