Podcast Episodes

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 4 months, 1 week 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 5 months 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 5 months, 2 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 5 months, 4 weeks ago

Episode 123 | The 5 Fs of Fastpacking

Season 1 Episode 123

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 mov…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

Podcast 122 | Unconventional Sleep Systems

Season 1 Episode 122

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 …

Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Episode 121 | What is Thru-hiking & GGG Giveaway

Season 1 Episode 121

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.

Published on 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures

Season 1 Episode 120

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 …

Published on 8 months ago

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

Season 1

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…

Published on 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines

Season 1 Episode 119

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 her…

Published on 8 months, 2 weeks ago