Backpacking Light Podcast

In this episode, Ryan Jordan examines why traditional cathole practices often fail in alpine, desert, and high-use environments. Drawing on scientific research, policy gaps, and evolving Leave No Trace ethics, he explains why pack-out systems are trending towards a new standard for modern backpacking. Listeners will gain practical guidance for field practices, insight into shifting wilderness norms, and new perspectives on the future of backcountry waste management. To view the shownotes this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

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.

In this Field Notes (shorts) episode, host Ryan Jordan challenges a widely held ultralight backpacking belief: that camp chairs are a luxury. Drawing on personal experience, recovery science, and biomechanical insights, Ryan explores how sitting well in the backcountry isn’t just about comfort - it’s about physiological and cognitive recovery. You’ll learn why your posture at rest impacts your blood flow, muscle recovery, decision-making, and nervous system tone - and how a simple camp chair might be one of the most overlooked performance tools in your pack. We’ll also unpack the baggage around the word luxury, and reframe gear decisions through the lens of function, not dogma. If you’ve ever questioned whether a chair belongs in your kit, or if you’re curious how small decisions impact long-term performance in the backcountry, this episode offers a fresh, data-informed perspective. Takeaway: Recovery isn’t passive. It’s a skill - and how you sit at camp might matter more than you think. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

Many hikers dream of completing a long thru-hike, but face physical, mental, and logistical challenges that often lead to burnout, injury, or quitting. It's easy to fall into the trap of overexertion, gear failures, poor nutrition, and mental fatigue. In this episode, Nikki Stavile shares thru-hiking strategies to help you prepare mentally, train physically, manage your gear and nutrition, and stay emotionally resilient - so you can hike smarter, happier, and healthier. To view the show notes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, host Ryan Jordan speaks with Black Diamond athlete Joe Grant and product designer Derick Noffsinger about the conception, design process, and field testing behind Black Diamond’s fastpacking-oriented pack systems—including the Distance and Beta Light models. The discussion covers the challenges of designing hybrid load-carrying systems that merge the comfort and mobility of running vests with the load-bearing capacity of traditional backpacks. Joe provides context from real-world testing, including an 11-day, 400-mile fastpacking loop through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, while Derick explains the rationale behind material choices like Challenge Ultra fabrics and the progression from early prototypes to commercial models. Additional topics include pack fit, load distribution, scaling harness design across different volumes, and how specific design elements—such as ice axe attachments and pack tapering—optimize performance for scrambling, climbing, and off-trail travel. The episode concludes with insights into ongoing refinement strategies and how incremental improvements in gear design support more efficient and confident movement in technical environments. To view the shownote for this epsiode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.