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PODCAST

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.

sports wilderness

All Episodes

29:44

Episode 140 | Winter Storm Decisions

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/12/09

Ryan walks through a structured, six-question framework for deciding whether to stay put or move when a winter storm deteriorates around you, using real backcountry examples to show how terrain, weather, gear, consequences, people, and trends shape safer choices. To view the show notes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

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34:11

Episode 139 | Repair Kits

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/11/20

In this Field Notes episode, Ryan breaks down ultralight repair kits using a simple framework: context, consequence, and capability. He compares short-term overnights to long-term expeditions, explains how to right-size your kit, and walks through real-world repair problems with shelters, fabrics, packs, footwear, lighting, and water treatment so you can carry less gear, solve higher-consequence failures, and avoid getting stranded by preventable equipment breakdowns on remote trips and routes. To

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44:17

Episode 138 | Plan – Focus – Trust

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/11/10

In this episode, Ryan introduces the Plan-Focus-Trust framework - a simple but powerful approach to managing hard, uncertain objectives in the wilderness and beyond. Drawing on lessons from our recent BPL community trip in the Colorado Rockies, he shows how successful expeditions aren't conquered through toughness, but through disciplined attention. Plan to remove fear and build readiness. Focus to stay present and move one step at a time. Trust to let small, verified wins accumulate into

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32:35

Episode 137 | The Risk Control Continuum

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/11/03

In this episode, we introduce the Risk Control Continuum - a practical, evidence-based framework for managing risk in the backcountry. He explores how environmental, psychosocial, and operational hazards trigger physiological, functional, and cognitive drift, leading to cascades of failure. Listeners learn the HEAT and ECG checklists for detecting and reversing control loss, and how structured decision gates and route planning maintain safety, awareness, and performance in adverse environments. To

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29:53

Episode 136 | Fringe Season Layering

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/10/20

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.

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24:33

Episode 135 | Field Notes - The Metabolic Cost of...

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/10/13

In the Field Notes episode, we explore why bushwhacking miles aren’t just harder but metabolically different. The Metabolic Energy Mile (MEM) framework breaks this down into three types of work: brush work (muscle strain from pushing through vegetation), impedance work (lost efficiency from constant stops and detours), and hazard work (the stabilizing effort to avoid injury). Each inflates the Metabolic Difficulty Ratio (MDR) in unique ways, helping us better predict energy cost, travel time, and

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47:03

Podcast Episode 134 | Sleep Quality in the Backcountry

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/10/06

Backcountry sleep is fragile, and when it breaks down, recovery, judgment, and safety are at risk. In this episode, we examine the forces that fragment rest, including altitude, stress, weather, injury, ground comfort, and sleep/shelter gear systems, and how they disrupt the deep and REM sleep required for physical and cognitive recovery. We’ll also explore practical, evidence-based strategies to protect your rest so you can stay sharp, resilient, and ready for the trail. To view the show notes for

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35:22

Episode 133 | Human Waste Management

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/09/15

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

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40:09

Episode 132 | Satellite Messenger Weather Forecasts

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/09/01

Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Vaer Watches. A Vaer watch is an expedition-worthy, made in the USA, reliable, rugged, and beautiful timepiece that earns its place on your wrist and in your gear kit. To view this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.

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33:31

Episode 131 | Ultralight First Aid Kit Strategies

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/08/19

In this episode, we discuss how to design scalable, evidence-informed first aid kits for backcountry travel. Grounded in the principles of context, consequence, and capability, he outlines three modular kit configurations - Overnight, Weekend, and Weeklong/Expedition - and explains their medical rationale, typical use cases, and practical contents. Listeners will learn how to match kit design to trip demands, avoid common planning mistakes, and implement a reliable maintenance protocol. To view the

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37:45

Bivy Sack Camping

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/08/04

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

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21:29

Episode 129 | Field Notes - The Limits of Wilderness...

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/07/28

In this Field Notes episode, Ryan Jordan explores what happens when wilderness minimalism reaches its limits. Through real-world examples and the lenses of physiology, psychology, and Stoic philosophy, we examine how stripped-down gear systems perform under stress — and how they fail. We’ll look at five high-risk scenarios, lessons from Epictetus and Seneca, and why both lightness and resilience should guide our backcountry decisions. To view the show notes for this episode of the Backpacking Light

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39:49

Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/07/07

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.

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27:35

Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/06/23

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.

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17:36

Episode 126 | Field Notes - Ultralight Chairs:...

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/06/02

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

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44:27

Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/05/19

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

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47:28

Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/05/05

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

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47:15

Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/04/21

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.

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32:15

Podcast 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/04/07

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.

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37:07

Episode 121 | What is Thru-hiking & GGG Giveaway

Backpacking Light Podcast ·

2025/03/17

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.

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141 results

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