Backpacking Light Podcast

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.

Explore the art of designing ultralight first aid kits for backcountry adventures. Discover three customizable kit configurations: Overnight, Weekend, and Weeklong/Expedition. Learn to debunk common first aid myths and tailor your supplies based on trip risks. Understand the importance of context, consequence, and capability in kit design. Plus, get insights on effective maintenance protocols and a checklist for personalizing your first aid supplies for hiking adventures. Prepare smartly for the wild!

In this episode, Ryan shares his approach to bivy sack camping above treeline using a waterproof-breathable system built for stealth, weather protection, and minimal impact. He explains why tents aren't always practical in alpine terrain, what gear he trusts (including his full summer bivy kit), and the skills that make bivy camping both functional and immersive. If you've ever wanted to sleep under the stars - without giving up shelter - this episode's for you. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.  

This discussion dives into the intriguing limits of wilderness minimalism. Real-world examples showcase how stripped-down gear can fail under pressure. Personal narratives highlight unexpected obstacles in the backcountry, stressing the need for proper preparation. Stoic philosophy offers insights from Epictetus and Seneca on balancing lightness with resilience. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that while minimalism can enhance performance, it's crucial to ensure safety and comfort in challenging conditions.

What does it really cost your body to carry a backpack in the backcountry? In this episode, we explore the science behind the metabolic demands of load carriage - how pack weight, load distribution, terrain, and walking speed impact energy expenditure. (included: interview with pack designer Dan Durston.) To view the show notes for this episode of the podcast, click here.

In this Field Notes episode, Ryan Jordan explores the science of shelter fabrics - from strength-to-weight ratios and waterproofing to coating quality, pitch stability, and storm resilience. Featuring technical insights and field-tested analysis, this episode highlights the engineering tradeoffs between Dyneema and Ultra TNT composite fabrics, silnylons and silpolys, and more. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.