EP 208 - Ask OV 12: Planning Around Fires & Maintaining Health On-Trail
Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure
Release Date: 07/16/2026
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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
info_outlineIn 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 changing conditions.
Backpacking Nutrition Strategy: A discussion on managing caloric needs, avoiding food fatigue, and planning meals that remain appealing throughout a longer trip.
Repackaging Freeze-Dried Meals: Practical methods for reducing food volume and packaging weight, plus simple integrity checks that can help identify damaged or compromised meals before heading into the backcountry.
Improving Backcountry Sleep: Advice for adjusting sleeping pad firmness, accommodating side sleepers, controlling drafts, and using extra clothing or equipment to level uneven campsites.
Troubleshooting Water Filters: An explanation of how trapped air bubbles can restrict flow in hollow-fiber filters, along with field-tested techniques for restoring performance and removing excess water.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction & Ask OV Overview
01:02 — Summer Trail Updates & Navigating the Colorado Trail Fire Closures
03:59 — Backpacking Food Strategy: Managing Caloric Needs & Preventing Food Fatigue
08:20 — Repackaging Freeze-Dried Meals & Conducting Field Integrity Checks
10:51 — Sleep Systems: How to Limit Base Weight While Maximizing Rest
11:23 — Selecting and Adjusting Sleeping Pads for Side Sleepers
13:42 — Managing Drafts & Using Layering Systems for Backcountry Warmth
18:33 — Practical Hacks for Leveling Out Uneven Campsites
19:49 — Backpacking Pillows: Customizing Fit and Height
22:33 — Troubleshooting Water Filter Failures: The Science of Trapped Air Bubbles
25:17 — Field Hacks for Clearing Trapped Air & Restoring Filter Flow
27:54 — Water Filter Care: Shaking vs. Flinging Excess Water
30:54 — Outro & How to Submit Listener Questions
Submit Your Questions:
We regularly answer listener questions about backpacking gear, trip logistics, and real-world experiences on the trail.
Email: Send your questions to [support@outdoorvitals.com](mailto:support@outdoorvitals.com).
Voice Message: Leave an audio question through our SpeakPipe link: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight
Web Chat: Reach out through the chat widget on the Outdoor Vitals website.
Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi