Best Backpackinglight.com Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 132 | Satellite Messenger Weather Forecasts 40:09

Play Pause

4d ago40:09

40:09

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 131 | Ultralight First Aid Kit Strategies 33:31

17d ago33:31

33:31

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.…

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Episode 130 | Bivy Sack Camping 37:45

1M ago37:45

37:45

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…

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Episode 129 | Field Notes - The Limits of Wilderness Minimalism 21:29

1M ago21:29

21:29

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 a…

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Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

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 …

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Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics 27:35

3M ago27:35

27:35

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, siln…

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Episode 126 | Field Notes - Ultralight Chairs: Performance or Luxury? 17:36

3M ago17:36

17:36

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’…

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Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike 44:27

4M ago44:27

44:27

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 p…

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Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond 47:28

4M ago47:28

47:28

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 d…

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Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking 47:15

5M ago47:15

47:15

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. T…

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Podcast 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems 32:15

5M ago32:15

32:15

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 f…

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Episode 121 | What is Thru-hiking & GGG Giveaway 37:07

6M ago37:07

37:07

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures 28:03

6M ago28:03

28:03

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:By Backpacking Light

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Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview 8:21

7M ago8:21

8:21

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.…

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Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines 36:13

7M ago36:13

36:13

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 118 | Traction Spikes 52:53

7M ago52:53

52:53

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.By Backpacking Light

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Podcast 117 | Snowshoe Sizing | GGG 30:39

7M ago30:39

30:39

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 116 | Slope Angles 21:33

8M ago21:33

21:33

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 115 | Tiny Things 34:17

8M ago34:17

34:17

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 114 | Synthetic Fabric Structures 25:37

9M ago25:37

25:37

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 113 | Pad Pumps 25:52

10M ago25:52

25:52

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 112 | The Analog Backcountry Experience 35:37

10M ago35:37

35:37

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 111 | Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups 41:49

10M ago41:49

41:49

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 110 | Natural vs Synthetic Fibers 24:05

11M ago24:05

24:05

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.By Backpacking Light

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Episode 109 | How Fishnet Works 24:15

11M ago24:15

24:15

In today's episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we're going to learn how fishnet base layers work, we're gonna talk about a bigger battery and why or why it may not be better than two littler batteries, and we'll talk about how the most comprehensive backpacking skills education program that we've ever offered will help you become a backcountry…