Libsyn Directory

EP 207: It's Been TWELVE Years...What's Next?

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Release Date: 06/15/2026

EP 208 - Ask OV 12: Planning Around Fires & Maintaining Health On-Trail

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

In this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, the team addresses common challenges backpackers face on extended trips, including managing caloric intake, improving backcountry sleep, and troubleshooting equipment failures. Drawing from recent field experience, this discussion provides practical strategies for solving real-world problems before they disrupt your next trip. Key Topics Covered: Colorado Trail Planning Update: Details on how the upcoming OV 100 route is being adjusted due to the Willow Fire near Leadville, along with considerations for navigating trail closures and...

EP 207: It's Been TWELVE Years...What's Next?

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

In this solo episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson marks the 12th anniversary of Outdoor Vitals by detailing the brand’s evolution from a college startup to a successful creator of performance-first ultralight backpacking gear. This discussion serves as a comprehensive update for the hiking community on company growth, technical product development, and the future of remote wilderness equipment. Key Topics Covered: The Transition to Performance-First Ultralight: An analysis of how the brand shifted its mission from "Opening the Outdoors" via affordable entry-level gear to developing...

EP 206: 3 Days in Coyote Gulch + Footwear Experiment

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Are you planning a bucket-list trip to Coyote Gulch, Utah? In this episode, the team breaks down everything you need to know for a successful backpacking adventure in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. We dive deep into the ultimate footwear debate: Can you really backpack 25+ miles in sandals, or are trail runners the only way to go? What you’ll learn in this video: Logistics & Permits: Why you don't need a permit but MUST bring wag bags. The Approach: How to navigate the brutal Hole in the Rock Road to reach the Hurricane Wash trailhead. Iconic Landmarks: Detailed looks at Jacob...

EP 205: Ask OV 11: Backpacking Gear Questions - Filters, Frames & Comfort Camping

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

What’s the difference between a backpacking water filter and a purifier? Why do we keep coming back to the Platypus QuickDraw? And how do you make shorter backpacking trips more comfortable without overpacking? In this Ask OV episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, we answer listener questions about backpacking water filters, carbon fiber framed backpacks, comfort camping, and why Outdoor Vitals often prioritizes hooded jackets first. We cover practical trail-tested tips for keeping filters flowing fast, choosing the right backpack frame stiffness, and adding small luxuries like chairs,...

EP 204: Ask OV 10 - Why Go Ultralight (Even WITHOUT Big Miles On Trail)

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

In this session of "Ask OV", Tayson and Brigham share some insider info that you aren't going to want to miss! Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: Or write in to ! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

EP 203 - The Difference Shoes ACTUALLY Make On The Trail

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Join Tayson & Tyler as they go into the difference switching from one trail shoe to another can ACTUALLY make... Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: Or write in to ! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

EP 202 - How To Know If You're Ready For a 20 Mile Day

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Join Tayson & Tyler as they go into how to know if you're ready to hike 20 miles in a day, & what all the resources are that will help you get there. OV 100 Mile Challenge 2026 Registration: Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: Or write in to ! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

EP 201 - Cirq Trekking Pole Tent: Product Deep Dive

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Join Tayson & Brigham for an in-depth look at the features, function, & design of the new Cirq Trekking Pole Tent. This 1p tent is more spacious, more ventilated, & easier to pitch. Watch this episode to learn why! Cirq Trekking Pole Tent (launching Mar 23, 2026) Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: Or write in to ! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

EP 200 - Carbon Evo 50 Backpack Product Deep Dive

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Join Tayson & Brigham for an in-depth look at the features, function, & design of the Carbon Evo 50 Backpack. This is one of our lightest and most comfortable backpacks! Carbon Evo 50 Backpack (launching Feb 23, 2026): Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: Or write in to ! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

EP 199: Zulu Down Jacket - Product Deep Dive

Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Join Tayson & Brigham for an in-depth look at the features, function, & design of the Zulu Down jacket. This is our LIGHTEST down jacket yet... Zulu Down Jacket: Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: Or write in to ! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

More Episodes

Key Topics Covered:

The Transition to Performance-First Ultralight: An analysis of how the brand shifted its mission from "Opening the Outdoors" via affordable entry-level gear to developing high-performance equipment specifically for remote wilderness and high-mountain environments.

Expansion of Women’s Specific Gear: Details on the strategic hire of a second designer to focus on refining and expanding the women’s technical apparel and gear lines.

Product Innovation Pipeline: A preview of upcoming limited edition innovation drops for late fall 2026 and a development update on the highly anticipated CIRC two-person tent.

Inventory & Logistics Strategy: Insights into how the company has significantly increased inventory levels to reduce stockouts on popular items like the Mountain Pursuit line and Shadowlight backpacks.

Founders Day Sale Details: Information on the biggest sale this summer plus a GIVEAWAY announcement.

Episode Chapters:

0:00 – 12th Anniversary Reflection and Opening

1:11 – Company Origins: From College Idea to Direct-to-Consumer Model

3:15 – Evolving Gear Philosophy: Focusing on Backcountry Performance

5:34 – Internal Milestones: Approaching 10-Year Employee Anniversaries

6:41 – The OV 100-Mile Challenge: Impact of the DIY Backpacking Program

9:13 – Product Retrospective: Mountain Pursuit, Backpacks, and Zulu Down

12:27 – Long-Term Growth: The Power of Sticking to a Single Vision

16:52 – Design Philosophy: Why We Build for High-Mountain Wilderness

21:17 – Strategic Hires: Expanding Capabilities in the Women’s Gear Category

24:03 – Content Strategy: Renewed Focus on On-Trail Video and Education