In this SKILLS SHORT EPISODE, Ryan and Andrew talk about strategies and techniques for creative pursuits in the backcountry: painting, writing, composing, photography, journaling, and more!

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-45-backcountry-creativity

In this episode, Andrew chats with Jadon Bales (Communications Director, Wyoming Wildlife Federation) about the new reality of wildfire behavior in the west. Ryan gives some actionable advice on planning for worst-case wildfire scenarios and highlights some new discussions going on at Backpacking Light. Also in this episode - Platypus' new water filter could be a game-changer.

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-44-wildfires/

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, author Ben Kilbourne uses the writing of Aldo Leopold to examine his motivations when exploring the backcountry. It's a thought-provoking essay that may just have you reconsidering why you are out there.

Would you like to read the written version of this podcast? Check it out here.

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-043-observing-transition

In this Skills Short episode, Ryan takes a deep dive into windscreens: cheap hacks, well-constructed after-market options, and how they interface with various stove categories. 

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-42-skills-windscreens

In today’s podcast, we are joined once again by Matt Mason for part two of our ongoing bikepacking conversation. This conversation digs a little more deeply into the nuances and logistical questions of bikepacking.

Also in this episode: an app that helps you determine how much fuel is left in fuel canisters, a windscreen to improve the efficiency of your stove, the new Backpacking Light website, and more.

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-41-bikepacking-part-two

Who or what makes a trail? This is the question Backpacking Light author Ben Kilbourne asks himself (and us) as he reads his essay The Anthropology of a Trail.

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-39-bikepacking

In today’s podcast, we are joined by Matt Mason. Matt is a multi-hyphenate adventurer and backpacker turned bikepacker. Our chat functions as kind of a Bikepacking 101 class, so if you've been thinking of taking up the sport but don't know where to start, this is a great entry point. We also talk about Matt's efforts at public land advocacy in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-39-bikepacking

In this Skills Short episode, Ryan and Andrew talk about the essential skills and gear needed to take up the sport of tenkara-style fly fishing.

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-38-skills-short-tenkara-fishing/

In this episode, Ryan chats with Dirk Friel, co-founder of TrainingPeaks, about endurance training for backpackers and how to get the most out of limited training time. Also in this episode: hiking in a post-covid world, wilderness permits, bear-canister compatible packs, synthetic insulation, and more.

• Click here for show notes: https//backpackinglight.com/podcast-037-endurance-training

In this episode, Backpacking Light Managing Editor Andrew Marshall reads his essay Salamander Song - a love letter to the soggy, squelchy, perpetually socked-in Great Smoky Mountains.

If you enjoyed this podcast and would and would like to see some of Andrew's accompanying photography and paintings, make sure and check out the written version of Salamander Song, here.

• Click here for shownotes: https//backpackinglight.com/podcast-036-salamander-song