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Artwork for Backpacking Light Podcast

Backpacking Light Podcast

Backpackinglight.com
Backpacking
Wilderness Emergency Rescue
Canister Stoves
Ultralight Backpacking
Team Aeromedical
Search and Rescue
Backcountry Cooking
SOS Button Usage
Satellite Communication
Emergency Services
Advanced Life Support
Ultralight Backpacking Gear
Winter Backpacking
Polartec Alpha Direct
Outdoor Recreation
Tenkara Fly Fishing
British Columbia
Self-Evacuation
Cottage Industry
Kite Skiing

The Backpacking Light Podcast explores the technology, gear, skills, and philosophy of backcountry wilderness travel through stories, interviews, and investigative reports.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsWilderness

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Backpacking Light Podcast

Latest Episodes

Backcountry sleep is fragile, and when it breaks down, recovery, judgment, and safety are at risk. In this episode, we examine the forces that fragment rest, including altitude, stress, weather, injury, ground comfort, and sleep/shelter gear systems,... more

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 Trace ethics, he explains why pack-out systems are tre... more

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 your wrist and in your gear kit.

To view this ep... more

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 modular kit configurations - Overnight, Weekend, and We... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Dan Durston
Pack designer known for innovative and ergonomic backpack designs
Episode: Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack
Nikki Stavile
Writer and educator at Backpacking Light
Backpacking Light
Episode: Episode 125 | How to Plan a Long Thru-Hike
Joe Grant
Black Diamond athlete who helped consult on one of the backpack products discussed
Black Diamond
Episode: Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond
Derick Noffsinger
Product designer at Black Diamond who worked on the discussed packs
Black Diamond
Episode: Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond
Emeline Vandervelden
Canadian adventurer and mother sharing strategies for toddler-friendly backcountry trips.
Episode: Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
Pete Hill
Seasoned gear designer discussing ultralight pack design.
Episode: Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
Steve Evans
Founder of Sulik 46 recounting his sub-Arctic expedition.
Sulik 46
Episode: Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
Dan Durst
Founder of Durst and Gear presenting on tent guidelines.
Durst and Gear
Episode: Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview
Dr. John Zombrow
Founder of The Lifetime Athlete discussing knife selection for backpacking.
The Lifetime Athlete
Episode: Episode 119.5 (Bonus) | Trail Days Online! 2025 Preview

Host

Ryan Jordan
Host of discussions focused on techniques, gear, and philosophies around backpacking and wilderness travel, with a particular emphasis on scientific insight and community ethics.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 389 ratings
  • BPL

    Great stuff! But please mix the podcast louder, it’s very quiet compared to most other shows and I need to turn the volume all the way up to hear it through headphones

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hexx111
    United Statesa month ago
  • Not Your Average Gear Hype

    At its core, the Backpacking Light Podcast is a refreshing blend of technical insight, philosophical depth, and real-world testing. Episodes cover a wide range... from ultralight first-aid kit strategies, metabolic cost of carrying a pack, to shelter fabric science, bivy camping, and the psychological dynamics of minimalism under stress. Jordan consistently layers each topic with applied physiology, cognitive science, materials engineering, and even Stoic philosophy.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    scarmardo
    a month ago
  • Fantastic technical info in advertisement form

    This pod still crushes it getting a nerdy engineer perspective on technical aspects or gear, field repairs, bear safety etc. Probably no better place to get this perspective. Ryan is as dry as your college chemistry professor in delivery but the biggest issue I have listening lately, is that everything is actually a paid promotion. Every product he mentions as being good in an episode, is also the sponsor of that episode. I get it he is a business, but makes it crazy hard to trust anything he re... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    James In P-town
    United States3 months ago
  • Solid technical data, but

    Great technical data and analysis except the continued references to evolution. While it is understandable that some people embrace this “theory”, it is just that, an unproven theory.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    TNandSEC
    United States9 months ago
  • More useful than expected

    I learn so much from this podcast! From basics to technical information and skills that I had no idea were so important. I recommend the episode about how bears smell all the time as I live in PA and we have our fair share of wild bears and desensitized food motivated bears in our trail spaces. My favorite episodes are the ones about business management. As a director of a small service oriented non-profit those particular episodes are surprisingly useful and relevant to my own experience, an... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    busy frustrated mom
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Critiques often center around audio mixing issues, detracting from the overall listening experience despite the high-quality content.
Listeners appreciate the depth of knowledge and technical insights provided, making it an invaluable resource for serious backpackers.
Listeners express appreciation for the thoughtful approach to wilderness stewardship and environmental considerations.
Many find the combination of personal experience and expert interviews offers a comprehensive view on outdoor adventures, enhancing practical understanding.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 128 | The Metabolic Cost of Carrying a Backpack
Q: How much energy does it take to carry your gear over time, and how does backpack design minimize that?
Pack design influences metabolic cost by ensuring weight is close to the center of gravity, reducing the energy used in stabilizing off-axis postures.
Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue
Q: Can you provide our listeners with some guidance or a framework for when it's okay to use the SOS button on their messenger?
It’s appropriate to use the SOS button for legitimate life or limb threats, with emphasis on understanding the context of emergencies in a remote setting.
Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue
Q: How are you funded?
Team Aeromedical operates on a membership model covering costs related to rescue services, supported by various funding strategies including government support.
Episode 93 | Wilderness Emergency Rescue
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background and areas of expertise and how you came to be the president of Team.
Miles Randell shares his extensive experience in search and rescue, paramedicine, and as a ski patroller, leading to the founding of Team Aeromedical.
Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism
Q: What was the experience like fishing during an ultra marathon?
It was incredibly enjoyable as it provided a mental break while also connecting with nature.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking Light Podcast

What is Backpacking Light Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intricacies of backcountry wilderness travel, conversations often revolve around gear, technology, techniques, and the philosophical considerations of being in nature. Various episodes include expert interviews, practical advice on gear optimization, and insights into outdoor experiences, emphasizing responsible stewardship of public lands and the significance of safety and preparedness in outdoor adventures. The breadth of topics, from ultralight camping strategies to the science of backcountry weather forecasting and human waste management, indicates a well-rounded approach appealing to both novice hikers and seasoned backpackers alike.

Notably, the emphasis on evidence-based strategies for wilderness travel sets this podc... more

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How many listeners does Backpacking Light Podcast get?

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How many episodes of Backpacking Light Podcast are there?

Backpacking Light Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Backpacking Light Podcast?

Recent guests on Backpacking Light Podcast include:

1. Dan Durston
2. Nikki Stavile
3. Joe Grant
4. Derick Noffsinger
5. Emeline Vandervelden
6. Pete Hill
7. Steve Evans
8. Dan Durst

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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