Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 .
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Episode 126 | Field Notes - Ultralight Chairs: Performance or Luxury?
Backpacking Light Podcast
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...
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Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 .
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Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond
Backpacking Light Podcast
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...
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Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 .
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Podcast 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 .
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Episode 121 | What is Thru-hiking & GGG Giveaway
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 .
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Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 :
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Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 .
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Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines
Backpacking Light Podcast
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 .
info_outlineIn 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 expert.
To view the show notes for this episode, click here.