The first episode of Backpacking Light's new video series, "The SUL Wanderer" tells stories and teaches techniques about "SuperUltralight Backpacking" - the style of backpacking that focuses on the extremes of light weight, compactness, and simplicity for wilderness travel. by Ryan Jordan | 2013-05-21

I'm really excited to be able to introduce a new video series at Backpacking Light - "The SUL Wanderer".

The purpose of this series is to explore (at least on the surface) - the art of "SuperUltralight" (SUL) backpacking - considered by most to be the practice of backpacking with a base weight of less than five pounds.

However, I won't necessarily hold to that performance standard (weight) or extreme (five pounds) in this series. Instead, I'm hoping to promote a more reasonable definition of "SUL" that simply embodies what we do at the very extremes of ultralight backpacking in terms of weight, simplicity, and compactness of our gear.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• Episode 1: Gear
• SUL Gear List

# WORDS: 580
# PHOTOS: 1
# VIDEOS: 1

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Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear. by Will Rietveld | 2013-05-21

SuperUltraLight (SUL) backpacking, by definition, calls for a base pack weight less than 5 pounds (2.27 kg). It's fallen out of favor because of the perceived difficulty of achieving such a low pack weight. Back in 2005, Backpacking Light Editor Carol Crooker published a series of articles on going SUL in different locations and styles to show how it's done. But undeniable drawbacks about SUL then were undesirable compromises and going without. Many of us concluded it is best suited for warm/dry conditions. Fast forward to the present; going SUL is much easier now, with no compromises, and less going without. We now have over 40 small companies designing and selling ultralight backpacking gear, and the big outdoor gear companies are in the game too. Now SUL is easier and better than it's ever been.

But there's one more hurdle to deal with: going SUL in the mountains, where more shelter, insulation, and rain protection are needed. All of us want to backpack in the mountains in the summertime, so SUL needs to evolve beyond secure warm/dry conditions to better meet our needs. It needs to be adapted for mountain conditions - Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking (M-SUL).

In this series I discuss the concepts, scope, expected conditions, and appropriate ultralight gear and techniques for Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking in five parts as follows:

Part 1: Concepts and Scope - I present my rationale for M-SUL and define its scope. Part 2A, B, and C: Selecting the Lightest Most Functional Gear. I identify the best gear options by category – those that provide the functionality needed for summertime mountain backpacking, with minimal weight. Part 3: M-SUL Base Weight Gear Lists. I present gear lists that demonstrate how easy it is to “make weight” for M-SUL and at the same time have all the shelter, insulation, and rain protection you need to stay dry, warm, and comfortable in the high country. Part 4a: Reviews of Selected Gear—Backpacks, Shelters, Sleeping Bags and Pads, Cooking Systems, Water Treatment, and Trekking Poles. Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles. Part 4b: Reviews of Selected Gear -- Rainwear, Insulated Clothing, Handwear, Headwear, Footwear, and Gaiters. Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Overview
• Selecting the Lightest, Most Functional Gear
  • Rainwear
  • Insulation
  • Headwear
  • Handwear
  • Footwear
• Preview of Part 2C

# WORDS: 5700
# PHOTOS: 9

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Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more capable gear. by Will Rietveld | 2013-05-15

SuperUltraLight (SUL) backpacking, by definition, calls for a base pack weight less than 5 pounds (2.27 kg). It's fallen out of favor because of the perceived difficulty of achieving such a low pack weight. Back in 2005, Backpacking Light Editor Carol Crooker published a series of articles on going SUL in different locations and styles to show how it's done. But undeniable drawbacks about SUL then were undesirable compromises and going without. Many of us concluded it is best suited for warm/dry conditions. Fast forward to the present; going SUL is much easier now, with no compromises, and less going without. We now have over 40 small companies designing and selling ultralight backpacking gear, and the big outdoor gear companies are in the game too. Now SUL is easier and better than it's ever been.

But there's one more hurdle to deal with: going SUL in the mountains, where more shelter, insulation, and rain protection are needed. All of us want to backpack in the mountains in the summertime, so SUL needs to evolve beyond secure warm/dry conditions to better meet our needs. It needs to be adapted for mountain conditions - Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking (M-SUL).

In this series I discuss the concepts, scope, expected conditions, and appropriate ultralight gear and techniques for Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking in five parts as follows:

Part 1: Concepts and Scope - I present my rationale for M-SUL and define its scope. Part 2: Selecting the Lightest Most Functional Gear. (this article) I identify the best gear options by category – those that provide the functionality needed for summertime mountain backpacking, with minimal weight. Part 3: M-SUL Base Weight Gear Lists. I present gear lists that demonstrate how easy it is to “make weight” for M-SUL and at the same time have all the shelter, insulation, and rain protection you need to stay dry, warm, and comfortable in the high country. Part 4a: Reviews of Selected Gear—Backpacks, Shelters, Sleeping Bags and Pads, Cooking Systems, Water Treatment, and Trekking Poles. Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles. Part 4b: Reviews of Selected Gear -- Rainwear, Insulated Clothing, Handwear, Headwear, Footwear, and Gaiters. Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Overview
• Selecting the Lightest, Most Functional Gear
  • Backpack
  • Shelter
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping Pad
• Preview of Part 3

# WORDS: 4330
# PHOTOS: 6

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An SUL approach to multisport: bikepacking, packrafting, and tenkara fly fishing. by Ryan Jordan | 2013-05-15

I didn't start backpacking only to walk trails.

My very first wilderness trips, in the 1970s, to remote places by foot with my dad nearly always involved the quest to fish some out of the way stretch of river, or an alpine lake. Bushwhacking and other forms of suffering were part of the recipe for these early trips.

So was catching large trout.

The reward at the end of my line, perhaps more than any other, kept me backpacking in my youth.

As my interests expanded in the 1980s to include packrafting and mountaineering, so too did my desire to minimize my pack weight. In the 1990s I got serious about mountain skiing, and I started dabbling with mountain biking. I feel like my approach to backcountry biking, however, didn't get refined until I began to apply SUL principles to it a few years ago.

Now, nearly all of my remote trips to wild places involve multiple modes of travel (foot, ski, bike, raft) and many (if not most) still involve a quest to catch large trout in remote places.

Such has evolved my favorite (sic) multi-sport backcountry endeavor: BikeRaftFishPacking (BRFP). In its purest form, this wonderful sport involves biking long distances to a remote lake, blowing up an ultralight packraft, and catching trout via tenkara.

Of course, this article really isn't about this little tiny niche of wilderness travel. It's about how to apply the principles of SUL ("SuperUltraLight") across a variety of activities and contexts.

Here's how I do BRFP.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• 1. Multi-Sport Lends Itself to an SUL Approach
• 2. SUL Biking: Single Speed Skinny
• 2. SUL BikePacking: Frame Bags & Mini-Packs
• 3. SUL Fishing: Tenkara
• 4. SUL Packrafting: Just Keep Me Dry(ish), OK?
• Conclusion

# WORDS: 1290
# PHOTOS: 5

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The SUL Mindset may be more than gear weights, and performance standards. by Ryan Jordan | 2013-05-08

Backpacking Light is embarking on a new series about "SuperUltraLight" (SUL) backpacking, an affectionate term that has become one descriptor for carrying a base weight of less than five pounds (other descriptors that I've heard include "arrogant", "pointless", and "stupid"). The purpose of this commentary is to expand the definition of SUL that considers a bit less rigidity, a bit more principle, and a bit more opportunity for the backpacker who chooses to study this subject intentionally.

When the concept of SUL was first introduced here in 2003 {http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00138.html}, I mistakenly offered as its basis a metric (one's base weight) and a performance standard (a base weight of less than five pounds). This sparked (sometimes pharisaical) competitiveness in our community that led to new standards (e.g., "eXtreme UltraLight - XUL") because too many people were adopting SUL style (and early converts were no longer uniquely identifiable by their five pound base weights). In our effort to meet these new standards, we discovered that pants with bellowed cargo pockets could hold a lot of gear that didn't count against our base weight.

In reviewing the progress of "SUL style" over the past 10 years, I had to ask myself what SUL has evolved into, and I've come to the conclusion that SUL hasn't really changed much.

I know, I know. This makes it tough to sell subscriptions. But it's true! The gear really hasn't changed that much. Down sleeping quilts are still down sleeping quilts, and they're still light. Backpacks made with whisper thin fabrics that tear to shreds in brambles and can't hold sewn seams when they're loaded with food are still around. "SUL" tents still don't hold up to mountain storms very well. There's been no drama in materials engineering for titanium, carbon fiber, or fabrics that weigh less than 0.5 oz per square yard.

I could end this article here and you'd know most of the story, probably.

Except that SUL has evolved into something much more than just the gear. In fact, where SUL in 2003 was all about the gear (and the weight of that gear), I think SUL today is independent of the gear. It's all about you, and your mindset.

If you've been around this community for the past 10 years, and have tried and practiced SUL style, then you've probably gone through some evolution in developing that style.

Here's a few highlights that I've learned along the way.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• 1. By the time my pack weight gets this light, I no longer care about the weight.
• 2. I value durability, function, and compact size more than light weight.
• 3. I take fewer things.
• 4. Even when my pack weighs 40 pounds, I may still be practicing SUL.
• Living an SUL Mindset

# WORDS: 1150
# PHOTOS: 3

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View All: Commentary > Trends

Adapting SUL for mountain conditions, where frequent weather extremes necessitate more versatile gear. by Will Rietveld | 2013-05-08

SuperUltraLight (SUL) backpacking, by definition, calls for a base pack weight less than 5 pounds (2.27 kg). It's fallen out of favor because of the perceived difficulty of achieving such a low pack weight. Back in 2005, Backpacking Light Editor Carol Crooker published a series of articles on going SUL in different locations and styles to show how it's done. But, there were undeniable drawbacks about SUL and 'going without'. Many of us concluded it is best suited for warm/dry conditions. Fast forward to the present; going SUL is much easier now, with no compromises, and less going without. We now have over 40 small companies designing and selling ultralight backpacking gear, and the big outdoor gear companies are in the game too. Now SUL is easier and better than it's ever been.

But there's one more hurdle to deal with: going SUL in the mountains, where more shelter, insulation, and rain protection are needed. All of us want to backpack in the mountains in the summertime, so SUL needs to evolve beyond secure warm/dry conditions to better meet our needs. It needs to be adapted for mountain conditions - Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking (M-SUL).

In this series I discuss the concepts, scope, expected conditions, and appropriate ultralight gear and techniques for Mountain SuperUltraLight backpacking in five parts as follows:

Part 1: Concepts and Scope - (this article) I present my rationale for M-SUL and define its scope. 2: Selecting the Lightest Most Functional Gear. I identify the best gear options by category – those that provide the functionality needed for summertime mountain backpacking, with minimal weight. 3: M-SUL Base Weight Gear Lists. I present gear lists that demonstrate how easy it is to “make weight” for M-SUL and at the same time have all the shelter, insulation, and rain protection you need to stay dry, warm, and comfortable in the high country. 4a: Reviews of Selected Gear—Backpacks, Shelters, Sleeping Bags and Pads, Cooking Systems, Water Treatment, and Trekking Poles. Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles. 4b: Reviews of Selected Gear -- Rainwear, Insulated Clothing, Handwear, Headwear, Footwear, and Gaiters. Reviews of gear tested for this series of articles.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Overview
• Introduction
• Why SuperUltraLight?
• Mountain Conditions
• Technological Advances
• Mountain SuperUltraLight (M-SUL) Backpacking
  • M-SUL Integrates Experience, Proper Gear Selection, and Technique
  • A Good Measure of Comfort
  • Scope of this Series
• Preview of Part 2: Selecting the Lightest Most Functional Gear

# WORDS: 3770
# PHOTOS: 6

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New and evolving technologies necessitate a reexamination of the conventional wisdom of down versus synthetic fill insulation. by David Chenault | 2013-05-01

Fleece, goose down, and synthetic fill insulations: for decades these have been the only choices for backcountry travelers concerned with gear weight. Other options like wool and fur are too heavy and bulky in the thicknesses required for proper warmth. The last few years have seen new technologies come on the market to complicate this triumvirate. The various incarnations of treated down, as well as more breathable synthetic fill insulations, promise to challenge accepted wisdom. With new technologies and new versions of old technologies at the front door, it might be a good time to re-examine the conventional wisdom concerning down and synthetic fill. This article intends to see how well those entrenched myths hold up, by comparing two insulated coats with similar features but different insulations.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

# WORDS: 2630
# PHOTOS: 7

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If you're a fan of fry-baked meals in the backcountry, and you are reading this article, it's not likely you're one who gets real excited about carrying the two-pound classic Banks' Fry Bake. Here are some options for lighter gear and techniques for fry-baking as a solo traveler, or in smaller groups. by Ryan Jordan | 2013-05-01

On casual treks where I'm less concerned about counting every ounce of equipment in my pack, I may opt for a luxury here and there.

That luxury might include a fishing rod and a handful of flies, an ultralight packraft for crossing rivers or paddling a lake, or, as featured in this article, a small fry bake.

A fry bake is a deep "pie-type" pan that can be used to fry or bake meals on an ordinary camp stove or twig fire. Such pans are usually six to eight inches in diameter for the solo hiker and nine to twelve inches in diameter for larger groups.

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), in partnership with the Banks Fry Bake Co., promoted this style of backcountry cooking starting more than three decades ago. But NOLS fry-bakes weighed more than two pounds, and are not high on the list of priority gear for ultralight backpacking crews.

One or two ultralighters can share a fry bake pan these days for as little as 10 ounces (lighter for DIY options).

This half-plus pound (there are a few accessories you might want, as well, such as a metal spatula) can open up a wide variety of cooking options.

This article includes a 7-minute HD video highlighting gear and techniques, including seasoning the pan and making a few different meals.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• The Ultimate Fry Bake
• The Video

# WORDS: 700
# PHOTOS: 4
# VIDEOS: 1

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Tunnel Tents Tutorial and State of the Market Report - Mini Reviews by Roger Caffin | 2013-04-23

This is a mini-review to go with Part 1 and Part 2 of our Survey and Tutorial on Tunnel Tents. It reviews the Integral Designs Traverse 2. Some of the illustrations are from the manufacturer's web site, used here with acknowledgement.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Details
• What Happened?
• Summary

# WORDS: 1440
# PHOTOS: 6

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A well-made quilt that offers high-quality materials, high fill-power down, and excellent loft for an incredible price. by Chris Wallace | 2013-04-23

The Enlightened Equipment Revelation is a winter-weight quilt offered by the Minnesota-based company with a specified rating of 0 F (-17 C). The quilt's warmth is achieved using cutting-edge fabrics, unique karo step baffles, and 850 fill down. The interior and exterior of the Revelation are made from a 20 denier ripstop nylon available in several colors.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Overview
• Specifications

# WORDS: 520
# PHOTOS: 4

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View All: SpotLite Reviews > Gear

In Part 1, Fany and Nick embarked on a challenging journey with an unlikely companion: their 3 month old. Two years and another 750 km later, 30 month old Flora has completed the entire traverse. Thru-hiking with a toddler can be as rewarding as it is challenging. by Nick Meynen | 2013-04-16

Four years ago, a heated debate on this forum once discussed the advantages and dangers of making a long thru-hike in the Pyrenees ... with a baby. After the initial 250 km with 3 months old Flora we published an article here.

Two years and another 750 km later, the then 30 months old Flora completed the whole traverse. We walked the Pyrenees in four parts - always returning to the place where we stopped the previous holiday. My second and latest book takes these walks with Flora as a starting point for some reflections on modern society.

Here I'll focus on the part of that book and experience that gives a good idea of what trekking with a toddler in the mountains can look like. I will only share some stories relevant to backpacking parents with toddlers and will not move into the economical, social or cultural context of the walking hype. If you would like to read an English version of the book, all I can say is: https://www.facebook.com/WandelenMetFlora?ref=hl ask for it.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• New adventure, new dangers
• A rather heavy lightweight trek
• The nightlife
• A sticky issue
• My head = the playing table
• Hospitality
• A year later and again it's a totally different trek
• Boiling point
• The cave
• Lessons learned

# WORDS: 3650
# PHOTOS: 15

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View All: Techniques > Techniques

Bored with water in the backcountry? Need to make hydration more appealing for your group? Add some flavor to your water, and vanquish any fear of dehydration or scurvy. by Roger Caffin | 2013-04-16

This review is a bit different: one part of the product is going to get praise while another part is going to be, well, condemned. Some explanation is in order.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• The Product
• The Packaging
• Field testing

# WORDS: 860
# PHOTOS: 2

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Guidelines for evaluating watershed geography and streamflow to help ask the question: is this creek runnable in a packraft? by Ryan Jordan | 2013-04-10

Finding places to packraft in the backcountry by looking at maps is not a simple thing. Beta on wilderness floating may be sparse and maps don't reveal important data like flow rates or logjams. The purpose of this article is to provide a few pieces of a framework for planning pack-and-paddle wilderness routes that considers watershed size and elevation combined with reference streamflow data to determine whether or not a route might be floatable.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• Snow Pack and Stream Flow Data
  • Stream Flow and Snowpack Data
  • Size and Elevation of a Watershed
• Conclusion

# WORDS: 1380
# PHOTOS: 7

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View All: Techniques > Techniques

How do supposedly "odor proof" plastic bags for backpacking hold up to the keen nose of a Police K9? by Ari Jutkowitz VMD, DACVECC | 2013-04-10

Keeping your food safe from wildlife is an important consideration on any camping trip, and assumes even greater importance when travelling through bear country. Historically, options for food protection have included food hangs and bear-resistant canisters or sacks. Food hangs or 'bear bagging' can be technically challenging, requiring that the food bag be suspended at least 12-15 feet above the ground and 8 feet from the trunk of nearby trees. Bears frequently foil these hangs by climbing out on the supporting branch to access the food, or by breaking the branch off using their body weight. Bear canisters are highly effective at deterring hungry bears, but do not prevent them from being attracted to the campsite. Additionally these canisters can add considerable bulk and weight to a backpacker's load.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion

# WORDS: 1850
# PHOTOS: 11

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View All: Test Reports > Technology

These new trail shoes have gone the way of the Vibram sole. How does this development affect performance? by Roger Caffin | 2013-04-02

These shoes mark further very interesting developments in the New Balance line of shoes for mountain walkers. Unlike all the previous New Balance joggers we have reviewed, these ones feature genuine Vibram soles. Yes, New Balance are now featuring Vibram soles in an expanding part of their range. However, that does not mean the shoes have gone all heavy: the MO 889 shoes are in fact in the middle of the lightweight jogger range.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Overview
• Details
  • Soles
  • Midsole
  • Rand
  • Heel
  • Uppers
  • Breathability
  • Lacing
• Overall

# WORDS: 1890
# PHOTOS: 9

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Part 3 in our series on satellite communications focuses on the currently available two-way texting devices suitable for lightweight backpacking. by Rex Sanders | 2013-04-02

The first two-way satellite text-only device (TSTD) was the Magellan GSC-100 introduced in 1998. The GSC-100 was a market failure, and sales and production stopped a few years later. In 2011, many lighter, second-generation TSTDs came to market, including the BriarTek CerberLink and the DeLorme inReach.

All second-generation TSTDs use the Iridium satellite system described in Part 1 of this series. TSTDs are typically lighter and cheaper than the satellite phones described in Part 2. All the information in this series comes from vendor web sites and online reviews, except for the "Personal experience" sections.

TSTDs are different from one-way satellite text-only devices like the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. TSTDs can both send and receive text messages, including confirmation that your message got through.

All TSTDs include GPS receivers, and can send your position on demand or on schedule in tracking mode, or in a text message.

The market has further specialized into two kinds of TSTDs:

• Standalone TSTDs don’t need any other devices for full functionality.
• Dual-mode TSTDs can operate standalone for limited texting, tracking, and emergency notification, but need a paired device for full functionality, typically a smart phone.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• Paired Devices
• TSTD service plans
  • Example operating costs
• Battery life
• Dust and water protection
• Rent versus buy
• Patent issues
• Summarizing reviews and comments
• Criteria for inclusion
• Magellan GSC-100 (Orbcomm)
• BriarTek CerberLink
  • Operating Costs
• DeLorme inReach PN-60w
  • Operating Costs
• DeLorme inReach SmartPhone
  • Operating Costs
• GeoPro Messenger
  • Online review summary
  • Operating Costs
• NAL SHOUT Nano
  • Online review summary
  • Operating Costs
• NAL SHOUT ts
  • Online review summary
  • Operating Costs
• PIEPS Globalfinder Iridium
  • Online review summary
  • Operating Costs
• Yellowbrick 3 Standard
  • Operating Costs
• Important Physical Specifications
• Important Features
• Sample Pricing
  • Narrowing the field: Lightest Standalone
  • Narrowing the field: Lightest Dual-mode
  • Lightest Paired Devices
  • Narrowing the field: Most reliable
  • Which device would I choose?
  • Satellite phones versus TSTDs
• Which would I choose: Satellite phone or TSTD?

# WORDS: 4320
# PHOTOS: 10

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In the high country, runoff doesn’t always coincide with what we all consider to be backpacking season, where trails are dry and the days are sunny. That being the case, here are some tips for trekking, packrafting, and camping in the spring snow and muck. by Ryan Jordan | 2013-03-26

In the high country, runoff doesn’t always coincide with what we all consider to be backpacking season, where trails are dry and the days are sunny. That being the case, here are some tips for trekking, packrafting, and camping in the spring snow and muck.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Clothes
• Footwear
• Oversnow Travel
• Shelter
• Cooking and Fire

# WORDS: 1350
# PHOTOS: 5

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Part 2 in our 3 part series on satellite communications focuses on the currently available sat phones suitable for lightweight backpacking. by Rex Sanders | 2013-03-26

Satellite phones have been available for decades. The earliest "portable" satellite phones were transported in several suitcases, and required hours of set up time, including unfolding a large dish antenna. Second-generation "briefcase" satellite phones can be set up in a few minutes, but must remain stationary to be used.

Satellite phones practical for lightweight backpacking appeared in 1998 using the Iridium and Globalstar satellite systems, followed by Thuraya, Inmarsat and Terrestar. See Part 1 for a description of these satellite systems.

This Part 2 covers satellite phones suitable for lightweight backpacking. Part 3 covers two-way satellite text-only devices. All the information in this series comes from vendor web sites and online reviews, except for the "Personal experience" sections.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
  • Placing calls
  • Receiving calls
  • 911 emergency calls
  • Toll-free calls
• Internet access
  • Option 1: Iridium phone + AxcessPoint + smart phone
  • Option 2: Expedition package
  • Two-way texting and other features
• Speaking of GPS …
• Satellite phone plans
• Dust and water protection
  • Dust
  • Water
• Rent versus buy
• Summarizing reviews and comments
• Criteria for inclusion
  • Globalstar GSP-1600
  • Globalstar GSP-1700
  • Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro
  • Iridium 9505A
  • Iridium 9555
  • Iridium 9575 Extreme
  • Terrestar Genus
• Important Physical Specifications
• Important Features
• Sample prices
• Narrowing the field: Lightest
• Narrowing the field: Most reliable
• What would I choose?

# WORDS: 4410
# PHOTOS: 8

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View All: State of the Market Reports > Gear

Packing to combine adventure travel and wilderness recreation. by Ryan Jordan | 2013-03-19

When you're packing trekking poles, paddles, tripods, and ice axes, and then letting airport personnel toss them around, you learn to appreciate the durability of a good travel bag.

I use one bag to hold everything, and I make sure it's absolutely waterproof, in case I ever have to lash it to a llama in Peru (admittedly, this doesn't happen often). I've used waterproof duffels from The North Face, Patagonia, and Wild Things for years, and am partial to those with backpack straps. My duffel is BIG - 100L+ - so I can store an expedition's worth of gear in it. Think ballistics nylon, #10 zips, and not a lot of strappy things to catch. This is the one heavy piece of gear you're allowed!

Why soft sided? Less parts to break, less stress on zippers, and it packs better on the luggage racks of second- (and third)-world mass transit.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• 1. Invest in a durable soft sided travel bag.
• 2. Clothes for All Conditions
• 3. Hygiene
• 4. T-S-A and FedEx
• 5. Adventure Boating
• 6. Adventure Fishing
• 7. The Carry On Bag
• Conclusion

# WORDS: 1130
# PHOTOS: 1

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Part 1 in our 3 part series on two-way satellite communications for lightweight backpacking. by Rex Sanders | 2013-03-19

After too much Type 2 and Type 3 fun, my wife wanted me to be able to call 911, and to stay in touch with her when in the backcountry. I had sent satellite phones with scientists to worldwide locations for more than 10 years, and new devices like the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger had just reached the market. So I did some market research to fill my needs. At one point, my wife said something like "maybe other people would want this information." Little did I know how much work lay ahead.

This article is the first in a three part series on two-way satellite communications for lightweight backpacking. This Part 1 is an introduction; briefly describing alternatives, how satellite systems work, and each of the satellite systems you might consider. Part 2 covers satellite phones, and Part 3 covers satellite text-only devices. All the information in this series comes from vendor web sites and online reviews, except for the "Personal experience" sections.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

• Introduction
• Why?
  • Cell phones
  • BGAN satellite terminals
  • Ham radios
  • PLBs
  • One-way texting by satellite
  • SENDs versus PLBs
• How two-way satellite systems work
  • Voice quality and Internet access
  • Geostationary Satellites
  • Low Earth Orbit Satellites
  • Theoretical coverage versus Service
  • Factors affecting signal strength
  • Devices locked to one system
• Satellite Systems
• Recommended systems for satellite phone or text
  • Best: Iridium
  • OK: Inmarsat, Terrestar
  • Marginal: Globalstar
  • Non-players: Orbcomm, Thuraya
• Recommendations for satellite Internet access
  • OK: Terrestar
  • Marginal: Inmarsat, Iridium
  • Alternative: BGAN terminal with Wi-Fi Internet device
  • Not recommended: Globalstar
  • Non-players: Orbcomm, Thuraya

# WORDS: 3510
# PHOTOS: 20

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