Podcast Episodes

Episode 133 | Human Waste Management

Season 1 Episode 133

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 Tra…

Published on 9 hours ago

Episode 132 | Satellite Messenger Weather Forecasts

Season 1 Episode 132

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…

Published on 2 weeks ago

Episode 131 | Ultralight First Aid Kit Strategies

Season 1 Episode 131

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 modu…

Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago

Episode 130 | Bivy Sack Camping

Season 1 Episode 130

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 are…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

Episode 129 | Field Notes - The Limits of Wilderness Minimalism

Season 1 Episode 129

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 philosoph…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack

Season 1 Episode 128

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, …

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

Episode 127 | Field Notes – Shelter Fabrics

Season 1 Episode 127

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. Featurin…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

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

Season 1 Episode 126

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 bio…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike

Season 1 Episode 125

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…

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond

Season 1 Episode 124

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 t…

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago