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By Outdoor Vitals
4.8
347347 ratings
The podcast currently has 217 episodes available.
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What crossover does ultralight backpacking have with backcountry hunting? In this episode of Ask OV, we cover the crossover and how to use it; wisdom learned from the tradeoffs; and how to maintain your mind while you're on trail. Things we cover in this episode: - What weight threshold requires a heavy-duty hunting pack over an ultralight pack? - How do you reduce backpack weight when carrying gear for family or kids? - Can you use an ultralight backpacking tent for late-season backcountry hunting? - How often should you take breaks when backpacking uphill? - How do you apply an ultralight (UL) mentality to backcountry hunting gear? - What are the strategic trade-offs of using a sub-2-pound spotting scope? - Is it better to push through gear durability concerns or buy heavier hunting clothes? - How do I know if my body is actually fatigued or if my brain is trying to make me quit? - What is the difference between taking a break and quitting on the trail? - How do you prevent yourself from taking too many impulsive breaks while hiking? - What should I do if I want to quit my thru-hike or backpacking trip due to exhaustion? Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Ask OV Podcast 01:05 - Pack Weight Thresholds: Ultralight vs. Sturdy Hunting Packs 07:04 - Favorite Hunting and Hauling Packs Outside the OV Line 07:36 - Applying Ultralight Concepts to Backcountry Hunting 15:52 - Evaluating Lightweight Gear vs. Durability in the Field 22:54 - The Mental Side of Hiking: Overcoming Psychological Limits 28:07 - How the Body Lies: Recognizing Dehydration, Cramping, and Fatigue 35:01 - Taking Purposeful Breaks vs. Quitting How to Submit Questions Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to [email protected]! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi

Every year we have the privilege of hosting the OV 100 Mile Challenge, a DIY challenge helping participants to get out and backpack 100 miles in one summer. Our team participates as well. This year, we did around 110 miles starting at Tennessee Pass on the Colorado Trail and ending at Buffalo Creek. What we cover in this episode: - An introduction to our new Design Assistant, Lucy - A day by day account of what to expect on sections 4-8 (and some of 3) of the Colorado Trail - Trail conditions on the Colorado Trail between Tennessee Pass and Breckenridge - Highway noise on the Colorado Trail - Footwear on the trail - Best practices for blister and foot care on the trail - How to optimize food space in your pack - Pacing for a 100-mile thru-hike - Headache prevention at over 10,000 feet Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the 100-Mile Challenge 01:12 - Introducing Lucy 04:37 - Route Pivot Due to Fire 08:11 - Day 1 - Warning Signs (Early Injuries) 24:00 - Day 2 - The Mental Low Point and Highway Underpass Dinners 38:47 - Day 3 - Chasing Water Seeps and Shelter from the Storm 53:38 - Day 4 - Trail Magic, Soda Craves, and Hot Sagebrush Clearings 01:01:39 - Day 5 - Home Stretch 01:06:12 - Final Reflections and Takeaways How to Submit Questions Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to [email protected]! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi

In this episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson and Brigham introduce Special Projects, a new Outdoor Vitals program created to design gear for narrow, high-stakes problems in small batches instead of chasing broad appeal. They cover the goals of the program, its origins and the first Special Projects' release: The Resolve Down Anorak. Topics we cover: 1. What is the goal of Outdoor Vitals' new "Special Projects" program? 2. Who is the Resolve Down Anorak meant for? 3. Dual zippers versus single zippers for heat retention. 4. When will the Resolve Down Anorak be released? (Window) Chapters: 00:00 - Introducing Special Projects 07:54 - Origin of the Resolve Down Anorak 13:39 - Box Baffle Sleeping Bag Construction 17:08 - Why Develop an Anorak? 28:20 - Heavy-Duty Hardware & Zipper Details 31:10 - Kangaroo Pocket & Internal Drop Storage 32:25 - Hood Baffling & Body Coverage 38:56 - Down Specs and Treatment 40:46 - Fabrics 42:24 - Total Weight, Packability, & Warmth-to-Weight 46:38 - Field Testing in 70 MPH Winds 49:36 - Ideal Temperature & Weather Conditions 54:57 - Colors, Sizing, & Pre-Sale Details Click here to sign up to get notified when the Resolve Down Anorak launches: https://bit.ly/4xKIeUq How to Submit Questions Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to [email protected]! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi

In this episode of Ask OV we dive into fan questions; discussing water filters in the winter, navigating dry stretches, calorie demands on trail, and more. Things we cover in this episode: How do you keep a backpacking water filter from freezing in winter? Can I use a water filter in the winter? How do backpackers get water in the winter without a filter? Are springs on topographic/trail maps reliable? What do dotted or dashed blue lines mean on a map? How many calories do I need per day for backpacking? Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Summer Trip Recaps 02:45 – Managing Water Filters in Winter & Shoulder Seasons 09:24 – Navigating Water Logistics & Map Reliability 26:01 -- Calorie Demands & Individualized Food Planning 33:46 -- Outro & How to Submit Questions Submit Your Questions: We regularly answer listener questions about backpacking gear, trip logistics, and real-world experiences on the trail. Email: Send your questions to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Voice Message: Leave an audio question through our SpeakPipe link: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Web Chat: Reach out through the chat widget on the Outdoor Vitals website. Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi

In this solo episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson marks the 12th anniversary of Outdoor Vitals by detailing the brand's evolution from a college startup to a successful creator of performance-first ultralight backpacking gear. This discussion serves as a comprehensive update for the hiking community on company growth, technical product development, and the future of remote wilderness equipment. Key Topics Covered: The Transition to Performance-First Ultralight: An analysis of how the brand shifted its mission from "Opening the Outdoors" via affordable entry-level gear to developing high-performance equipment specifically for remote wilderness and high-mountain environments. Expansion of Women's Specific Gear: Details on the strategic hire of a second designer to focus on refining and expanding the women's technical apparel and gear lines. Product Innovation Pipeline: A preview of upcoming limited edition innovation drops for late fall 2026 and a development update on the highly anticipated CIRC two-person tent. Inventory & Logistics Strategy: Insights into how the company has significantly increased inventory levels to reduce stockouts on popular items like the Mountain Pursuit line and Shadowlight backpacks. Founders Day Sale Details: Information on the biggest sale this summer plus a GIVEAWAY announcement. Episode Chapters: 0:00 – 12th Anniversary Reflection and Opening 1:11 – Company Origins: From College Idea to Direct-to-Consumer Model 3:15 – Evolving Gear Philosophy: Focusing on Backcountry Performance 5:34 – Internal Milestones: Approaching 10-Year Employee Anniversaries 6:41 – The OV 100-Mile Challenge: Impact of the DIY Backpacking Program 9:13 – Product Retrospective: Mountain Pursuit, Backpacks, and Zulu Down 12:27 – Long-Term Growth: The Power of Sticking to a Single Vision 16:52 – Design Philosophy: Why We Build for High-Mountain Wilderness 21:17 – Strategic Hires: Expanding Capabilities in the Women's Gear Category 24:03 – Content Strategy: Renewed Focus on On-Trail Video and Education 25:24 – 2026 Sneak Peek: Late-Year Releases and Innovation Drops 28:22 – Development Roadmap: CIRC 2-Person Tent Status 29:34 – Founder's Day Sale: Black Friday Savings in June Gear Mentioned in This Episode: Shadowlight Backpack: https://bit.ly/4opNN7x Carbon Evo Backpack: https://bit.ly/4xnnB1n Altura Pants: https://bit.ly/4gf6Cbw Vantage Alpine Jacket: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/vantage-alpine-down-jacket?_pos=1&_psq=vantage&_ss=e&_v=1.0&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link Pursuit Hoodie: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/pursuit-hybrid-fleece?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link Zulu Down Jacket: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/zulu-down-jacket?_pos=1&_psq=zulu&_ss=e&_v=1.0&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link Circ 1-Person Tent: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/cirq-trekking-pole-tent?_pos=1&_psq=cirq&_ss=e&_v=1.0&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link
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