In this episode, Andrew chats with gear designer and biologist Dan Durston. Dan is an accomplished backpacker and longtime Backpacking Light member. He went from gear enthusiast to gear tester to successful gear designer and small-business owner in a remarkably short time. His most recent shelter, the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 (read our review), is one of the buzziest ultralight shelters to hit the market in quite a while. All this despite the fact that Dan doesn't have a background in engineering or design.

In this wide-ranging interview, Andrew and Dan talk about design philosophy, the difference between designing for shelters and packs, his journey from tester to designer, upcoming projects from Durston Gear, and more.

click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-62-dan-durston

In this episode, Ryan and Andrew discuss how and why to use a frameless pack while backpacking.

• click here for show notes

In this episode, Ryan chats with Willow Belden of Out There. Out There is a podcast that tackles big questions through intimate storytelling and is committed to elevating the voices of those traditionally left out of the conversation when it comes to the outdoors.

Also in this episode: a conversation about a new outdoor fabric, updates on some packs we've been testing, and the launch of a new Backpacking Light online course - the How to Use Gaia GPS masterclass.

Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-60-willow-belden-out-there

We talk a lot about gear on this podcast. Gear is fun, and if you are a fan of this pod, you probably have an interest not only in if something works, but why it works. Still, it's easy to begin to fetishize gear, to turn it almost into the point of having adventures rather than a tool to facilitate them. Don't believe us? Just search "gear layout" hashtags on Instagram.

That's why we've always loved the essay "Good Gear Lets you be Present" by Ben Kilbourne. In his classic style, Ben struggles to balance his technical and professional interest in gear with his desire to be more fully present on outdoor adventures, something that many of us also struggle with. We think you'll enjoy his perspective.

• click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-59-ben-kilbourne-good-gear-lets-you-be-present

Benny Braden is a public lands advocate and accomplished long-distance hiker. In this episode, Andrew and Ryan chat with him about public lands stewardship, social media, National Park funding, and more. Also in this episode - what's up with bagging dog poop but leaving it on the side of the trail?

• click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-58-benny-brayden-vandalism-social-media/

In this episode, Andrew chats with Henry and Julie Mosier of Food for the Sole about running a small business in the outdoor industry, idea iteration, bikepacking, working with family, finding mentors, and more!

• click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-57-food-for-sole

In this episode, we chat with longtime Backpacking Light contributor Rex Sanders about his ongoing tests of portable battery chargers. Also, Ryan and Andrew chat about vandalism on public lands, electronic device management, new gear from Atom Packs, and the benefits of freeze-drying.

Ryan and Andrew discuss strategies and gear for managing perspiration in layering systems, including the processes of wicking, evaporation, and ventilation.

• click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-55-perspiration-layering-wicking-evaporation-ventilation

In this episode of the backpacking Light Podcast, we interview physical therapist and athletic performance coach John Zombro about foot health, footwear, injuries, rehabilitation, training, and more.

Also in this episode: shoes we are looking at in 2022, updates on the Backpacking Light Member Q and A series, and our favorite things we've published lately!

• click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-54-foot-injuries-training-rehabilitation-hiking-backpacking-zombro

Backpacking Light contributor Ben Kilbourne reads his meditation on the transition from wilderness to trail to parking lot.

• Click here for show notes: https://backpackinglight.com/episode-53-going-home