Backpacking Light Podcast

What gear do you actually need to hike out safely through a winter blizzard at night, in sub-freezing temps and high winds, when stopping isn't an option? In this episode, Ryan breaks down a focused foul-weather kit: core layers, shells, handwear, footwear, lighting, and navigation that preserve function while on the move. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

Discover a structured six-question framework for making crucial decisions during winter storms. Learn how to assess terrain hazards, evaluate weather intensity, and check your gear's capabilities. Understand the importance of considering consequences and the group's state. Ryan discusses monitoring trends over time to ensure safety in the backcountry. This insightful guide is perfect for adventurers wanting to navigate precarious situations while enjoying the winter wilderness.

Discover the essentials of building ultralight repair kits with a focus on context, consequence, and capability. Learn how short-term trips differ from long-term expeditions in terms of repair needs. Hear real-world repair stories of shelter and footwear failures, including a dramatic trekking pole tent mishap. Get tips on essential items to carry for various repairs and ways to prioritize fixes. Equip yourself with the knowledge to avoid getting stranded on remote adventures!

Discover a transformative approach for tackling daunting wilderness challenges with the Plan-Focus-Trust framework. Learn how careful planning alleviates fear and enhances decision-making. Dive into techniques for concentrating on manageable objectives and reducing mental strain. Uncover the power of trusting the process, stacking small wins, and building collective confidence. These strategies turn overwhelming goals into achievable milestones, step by step.

Explore the Risk Control Continuum for navigating backcountry risks with practical, evidence-based strategies. Discover how environmental, psychosocial, and operational hazards can lead to control loss. Learn about the impactful HEAT and ECG checklists that help maintain safety and awareness. Delve into the physiological effects of fatigue and stress on decision-making. Gain insights into building effective field habits to manage risk and make proactive choices in adverse conditions.

What is the difference in layering strategy from summertime to the fall-winter transition? In this episode, Ryan Jordan discusses how the environment of the fringe season (colder temperatures and stormier weather) demands different types of layers and a different approach to layering. To view the show notes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

Explore the unique metabolic challenges of bushwhacking in this enlightening discussion. Discover how brush work, impedance work, and hazard work inflate the Metabolic Difficulty Ratio, impacting energy costs and travel time. Learn about innovative bushwhacking leggings that reduce drag and durable materials for packs designed for rugged terrain. Understand how off-trail miles differ from conventional trail miles and why those differences matter when planning your next adventure.

Discover how fragmented sleep can jeopardize safety and recovery in the backcountry. The discussion dives into the various factors disrupting sleep, including altitude, stress, and environmental conditions. Personal anecdotes highlight the fragility of sleep at high altitudes, while practical strategies are offered to enhance rest quality. Learn about the physiological impacts of poor sleep and explore behavioral and environmental adjustments that can improve your sleeping experience on the trails.

Explore why traditional cathole practices struggle in sensitive environments like alpine and desert areas. Discover the science behind microbial activity and how waste can contaminate water sources. Hear about the ethical shift towards personal responsibility in wilderness waste management. Ryan provides practical guidance for adopting pack-out systems and shares insights on the future of backcountry policies. The discussion highlights the need for education and innovation in sanitation practices, making outdoor ethics more relevant and responsible.

Discover the vital role satellite messenger weather forecasts play for outdoor adventurers. Learn how devices like Zolio and Garmin InReach provide real-time weather updates in remote areas, enhancing safety. The discussion emphasizes the importance of interpreting these forecasts accurately. Additionally, the podcast dives into strategies for adapting to unpredictable wilderness weather, advocating for preparedness and contingency planning in the great outdoors.