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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
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 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 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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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
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
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
Members Only Winter Backpacking Comfort: Lightweight Gear and Techniques for Shelter, Clothing, and Sleep Systems
by Ryan Jordan
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
Members Only Advanced Tarp Camping Techniques for Inclement Conditions
by Ryan Jordan
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 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 Impact on Raingear Selection and Use Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition - August 2001)
by Ryan Jordan, Alan Dixon, George Cole, Lee Van Horn, Dave Schultz, and Rick Dreher
Lightweight Backpacking 101: An Introductory Manual for Lightening Your Load Today (1st Edition - August 2001) Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only Face-Off: First Aid and Emergency Gear
by Bill Thorneloe, David Schultz, and Ryan Jordan
Face-Off: First Aid and Emergency Gear Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Members Only The Petersen Test Methods for Evaluating Shell Clothing Performance
by Curt Petersen
The Petersen Test Methods for Evaluating Shell Clothing Performance Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Lightweight First Aid Kits for Hiking
by Bill Thorneloe
Lightweight First Aid Kits for Hiking Read More...
ARTICLES Techniques Techniques
Nutritional Considerations for Cold Weather Hiking
by Brenda Braaten
Nutritional Considerations for Cold Weather Hiking Read More...