Happy Trails,

Ryan Jordan
owner/founder
Backpacking Light

PS: The Summer '23 cohort of BPL Basecamp is coming. Early enrollment for Unlimited Members opened yesterday, and public enrollment for any remaining available slots will open on June 7. Become an Unlimited Member today to receive an early enrollment link.

FEATURING ZPACKS

ZPacks: when saving every gram is your highest priority.

Photo: Backpacking Light

ZPacks is well-known for making gear that (1) reduces bulk, (2) reduces weight, and (3) strips out fluff features. The result is that many products made by ZPacks offer a very high core function-to-weight ratio. What we mean by this is that the product achieves core functionality at less weight than most other products on the market.

Here are some of our favorites - try these out if you want to experiment with gear that is as light and compact as possible for the simple overnight (see above letter) or a full-on thru-hike.
 

• Hexamid Pocket Tarp. What we like: 6.1 oz (172 g) weight, single trekking pole and six stake setup, full perimeter protection, good space and storm resistance considering the weight. Ryan's pick for a fast-packing shelter.
   
• Nero 38 Ultra Backpack. What we like: large enough for 1-3 nights with an ultralight kit, 10.5 oz (298 g) weight, external pockets, side compression, durable fabrics, top strap, roll-top closure, nicely padded shoulder straps, one of the most comfortable frameless packs we've used.
   
• 30F Zip-Around Sleeping Bag. What we like: impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, 15.7 oz (446 g) weight, generous amount of 900-fp down, vertical upper body baffling, big footbox with ventilation option, full zip converts bag to blanket, zipper draft tube, no PFOA/PFOs.
   
• Vertice Rain Pants. What we like: slips on over trail running shoes without being bulky or needing ankle zips, 3.0 oz (85 g) weight makes them the absolute lightest full-protection pant available, very breathable fabric

TIPS, TRICKS, AND HACKS

Handling the Heat: How to Use Your Palms to Stay Cool

Whether you’re planning a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, one challenge you will always face is how to regulate your body temperature.

If you’re too cold, you’ll be miserable and could even be at risk for hypothermia.

If you’re too hot, you’ll sweat excessively and risk dehydration, as well as hypothermia from your wet clothes once you stop moving.

Often, we utilize layered insulation, wind shirts, and other gear to help with this problem. We also increase our fitness and decrease our exertion rate to avoid sweating. Some situations even call for vapor barriers to mitigate sweat soaking our clothing. In this article, we’ll explore a novel strategy for managing body heat: using your palms.

Learn how to manage thermoregulation while hiking through effective utilization of your palms.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

In the Forums:
 

• Should I get a boot?
• Minimum R-value for sleeping on snow, in summer
• 2023 Bob Marshall Wilderness Open

Gear Swap (Classifieds):
 

• Tarptent Stratospire Li Gently Used
• Palante Desert Pack Ultraweave 19”
• Senchi Designs Lark Hoody – Large

Member Features:
 

• Why I Pack My Fears
• From the Rainforest to the Alpine in Olympic National Park

GEAR

The Gear Q&A (Spring ’23 Edition)

This event event is all about gear. In addition, Backpacking Light Publisher Ryan Jordan discusses some of the gear he's using in '23, with updated recommendations in the categories of minimalist, high-performance, comfortable, and budget-friendly gear across several categories.

NEWS & RESEARCH

• DEBT CEILING DEAL: The Mountain Valley Pipeline, now approved as part of the debt ceiling deal, will run parallel to Appalachian Trail for 90 miles, requiring removal of pristine forest that will impact views from Angels Rest, Kelly Knob, Rice Fields, and Dragons Tooth along the AT.
   
• WILDFIRE SEASON IS OFF AND RUNNING: The 2023 wildfire season is inching along. As runoff reaches full steam in the Rockies and Cascades, southern CA, AZ, and NM are sprouting flames in remote areas as a result of lightning-caused wildfires. The Pass Fire in NM is leading the way at more than 42,000 acres and only 13% containment. Stay tuned at Inciweb.
   
• RECREATION ECOLOGY RESEARCH: In a recent study published in the Revue de Géographie Alpine, researchers investigate the relationship between the benefits of visiting nature and the impacts increased visitation has on the natural environment.

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

Ultralight Rain Mitts

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How do you find trails and other secret hiking routes that aren't on current maps?

There’s nothing more serendipitous than stumbling across an old road bed while bushwhacking. But you don’t just have to rely on blind luck. With a combination of modern satellite imagery and historical USGS topo maps, you can incorporate such features into your route planning.

• See How to use Gaia GPS to Find Hidden Backcountry Routes.