Backpacking Light Podcast

Backpackinglight.com

The Backpacking Light Podcast explores the technology, gear, skills, and philosophy of backcountry wilderness travel through stories, interviews, and investigative reports.

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100 episodes
Updated June 15

Episodes100

Newest first

Jul 7, 2025 · 39 min
Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack
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.
Jun 23, 2025 · 27 min
Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics
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.
Jun 2, 2025 · 17 min
Episode 126 | Field Notes - Ultralight Chairs: Performance or Luxury?
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.
May 19, 2025 · 44 min
Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike
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.
May 5, 2025 · 47 min
Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond
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.
Apr 21, 2025 · 47 min
Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking
Learn how to fastpack smarter and lighter - Ryan Jordan breaks down the "Five F's of Fastpacking"—Focus, Fitness, Fuel, Footwear, and Fast & Light Gear—and shares performance-based strategies for moving efficiently with minimal gear over long distances. Includes gear recommendations, training insights, and exclusive content for Unlimited Members. To view the show notes for this episode of the podcast, click here.
Apr 7, 2025 · 32 min
Podcast 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems
Today's episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down Topquilt, featuring ExpeDry gold-treated water-resistant down. This quilt dries faster than traditional DWR-treated down, keeping you warm even in damp conditions, and is available in multiple fill weights for temperature control. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.
Mar 17, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 121 | What is Thru-hiking & GGG Giveaway
In episode 121 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about how to plan a short thru-hike. To view the shownotes for this episode, click here.
Mar 3, 2025 · 28 min
Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures
In episode 120 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to continue our study of how to sleep warm in cold temperatures, focusing on the gear that makes up your sleeping system. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here:
Feb 20, 2025 · 8 min
Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
In this episode, we'll introduce you to the Trail Days speakers and give you a sneak peek at their presentation topics and expertise. From ultralight pack design to scrambling techniques, backcountry hygiene to desert travel, there's something for everyone. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.
Feb 17, 2025 · 36 min
Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines
In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about bedtime routines and practices for sleeping warm in the backcountry. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.
Feb 3, 2025 · 52 min
Episode 118 | Traction Spikes
In episode 118 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about traction systems for snow travel. To view the show notes for this episode, click here.
Jan 27, 2025 · 30 min
Podcast 117 | Snowshoe Sizing | GGG
In episode 115 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how to size snowshoes, minimize sinkage, and save energy for your next winter adventure in deep snow. To view the shownotes for this episdoe, click here.
Jan 13, 2025 · 21 min
Episode 116 | Slope Angles
In this episode you'll learn how to measure and interpret slope angles to help you navigate steep terrain and assess hazards in the backcountry. To view the shownotes for this episode, click here.
Dec 30, 2024 · 34 min
Episode 115 | Tiny Things
In episode 115 of the Backpacking Light Podcast we're sharing Big Talk about Tiny Things: Those little ultralight bits of gear that have an outsized impact on our experience in the backcountry. To view the show notes for this podcast, click here.
Dec 24, 2024 · 25 min
Episode 114 | Synthetic Fabric Structures
In episode 114 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the different types of synthetic fibers and fabrics used in outdoor apparel. To view the shownotes for this episode, click here.
Nov 26, 2024 · 25 min
Episode 113 | Pad Pumps
In episode 113 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about current PAD PUMP trends in the ultralight cottage industry, the challenges faced by small businesses during the holiday season plus a few interesting stocking stuffers. To view the shownotes for this podcast, click here.
Nov 11, 2024 · 35 min
Episode 112 | The Analog Backcountry Experience
In episode 112 of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn about the analog Backcountry experience and some of the gear that can help feed your need for a digital-free backcountry life. To view the shownotes for this epsiode, click here.
Oct 29, 2024 · 41 min
Episode 111 | Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry. To view the shownotes, click here.
Oct 23, 2024 · 24 min
Episode 110 | Natural vs Synthetic Fibers
In episode 110 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about how natural and synthetic fibers influence thermoregulation. To view the shownotes for this episode, click here.