In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are talking all things ultralight backpacking. We're joined by our pal and thru-hiker extraordinaire, Carl Stanfield aka "Professor", as the three of us share some of our top tips for reducing pack weight. The advice in this episode covers the full spectrum, from broad-based philosophical ways to approach what should and should not be in your pack, to more granular tips for simple and cost-effective ways of going UL. Whether you're hoping to thru-hike a triple crown trail or lighten the load a bit for your weekend outing, this one has insightful and practical pointers for you.

We wrap the show with a quick overview of a new ultralight material being used for tarps and tents- and the relative pros and cons, but more importantly, we do the triple crown of the top benefits of an alien invasion which devolves into the most insane debate in Backpacker Radio history. Chaunce goes pure red face.  

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Panel with Carl Stanfield 

• Carl’s Instagram 

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:58 - Reminders: Join us in Iceland for Summer of 2024! Support us on Patreon! Lastly, if you have a good poop story, submit it here! 

00:09:34 - Welcoming Carl “Professor” Stanfield 

00:09:49 - What have you been up to lately? 

00:13:23 - What do you do with your short break? 

00:14:39 - How many days did you get off? 

00:17:24 - What was your day-to-day? 

00:20:24 - Tell us about your new girlfriend!

00:22:21 - Can you give us a brief overview of your hiking resume? 

00:23:30 - Panel introduction: Ultralight Backpacking 

00:26:30 - Chaunce’s #1: Get used to doing less 

00:31:03 - Professor’s #1: Be adaptable

00:34:41 - What does everyone do when you don’t have a utensil? 

00:38:11 - Badger’s #1: Don’t carry too much water 

00:49:59 - Chaunce’s #2: Compare weights when shopping for gear 

00:53:38 - Professor’s #2: Of the big 4, invest in a lightweight tent 

01:09:30 - Shelter satisfaction results from The Trek’s hiker survey 

01:12:24 - Badger’s #2: Remove redundancy 

01:36:00 - Chaunce’s #3: You don’t need to bring your hobbies with you 

01:48:17 - Professor’s #3: Dial in your food consumption 

02:07:11 - Professor’s Hot Take: Make up for calories in town 

02:10:47 - Chaunce’s Final Thoughts: Eat your dinner to get your dessert 

02:17:00 - Zach’s #3: Use Smart Water bottles instead of Nalgenes

02:24:00 - Panel wrap-up

Segments 

Trek Propaganda: UltraTNT: The Newest Material for Ultralight Tarps & Tents By Joal and Jenny 

Triple crown of alien invasion benefits 

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Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years.

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