Backpacking Light Podcast

Episode 140 | Winter Storm Decisions

Ryan walks through a structured, six-question framework for deciding whether to stay put or move when a winter storm deteriorates around you, using real backcountry examples to show how terrain, weather, gear, consequences, people, and trends shape safer choices. To view the show notes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here [https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-episode-140-winter-storm-decisions].

Episode 139 | Repair Kits

In this Field Notes episode, Ryan breaks down ultralight repair kits using a simple framework: context, consequence, and capability. He compares short-term overnights to long-term expeditions, explains how to right-size your kit, and walks through real-world repair problems with shelters, fabrics, packs, footwear, lighting, and water treatment so you can carry less gear, solve higher-consequence failures, and avoid getting stranded by preventable equipment breakdowns on remote trips and routes. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here [https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-episode-139-repair-kits].

Episode 138 | Plan – Focus – Trust

In this episode, Ryan introduces the Plan-Focus-Trust framework - a simple but powerful approach to managing hard, uncertain objectives in the wilderness and beyond. Drawing on lessons from our recent BPL community trip in the Colorado Rockies, he shows how successful expeditions aren't conquered through toughness, but through disciplined attention. Plan to remove fear and build readiness. Focus to stay present and move one step at a time. Trust to let small, verified wins accumulate into confidence. Together, these three disciplines transform big, intimidating goals into achievable progress - mile by mile, decision by decision. To view the shownotes for this epsidoe of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here [https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-138-plan-focus-trust].

Episode 137 | The Risk Control Continuum

In this episode, we introduce the Risk Control Continuum - a practical, evidence-based framework for managing risk in the backcountry. He explores how environmental, psychosocial, and operational hazards trigger physiological, functional, and cognitive drift, leading to cascades of failure. Listeners learn the HEAT and ECG checklists for detecting and reversing control loss, and how structured decision gates and route planning maintain safety, awareness, and performance in adverse environments. To view the shownotes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here [https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-137-risk-control-continuum].

Episode 136 | Fringe Season Layering

What is the difference in layering strategy from summertime to the fall-winter transition? In this episode, Ryan Jordan discusses how the environment of the fringe season (colder temperatures and stormier weather) demands different types of layers and a different approach to layering. To view the show notes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here [https://backpackinglight.com/podcast-episode-136-fringe-season-layering].