Podcast Episode November 20, 2023

Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism

Episode Sponsor

Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Tenkara USA, America’s first and oldest producer of high-quality tenkara rods that reflect the simplicity and beauty of backcountry fly fishing. Backpacking Light Podcast listeners can enjoy 15% off your entire order with the coupon code BPTUSA15 at tenkarausa.com.

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Summary

In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we’re going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism.

In this Episode:

What’s New at Backpacking Light?

November 19th Newsletter – Minimalism vs. Performance Minimalism
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Maggie Lewis / Meld Studio Co.
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Interview with Bryon Powell

Our guest this week is Bryon Powell. We don’t even know where to start with Bryon, he has been an Unlimited Member in the Backpacking Light Community since – get this – October, 2007 – more than 16 years! He’s one of the most inspiring people we’ve ever had the privilege of interviewing. Bryon’s the founding editor of irunfar.com and currently calls Silverton, Colorado, his home. He has a very, very long list of trail running and ultrarunning accolades, and is also a very accomplished backpacking and fastpacking practitioner. But what interests us the most about Bryon is his passion for backcountry fly fishing, and specifically, for tenkara fly fishing, and the extent to which he blends fly fishing and long-distance backcountry travel not only to maximize his enjoyment of vast wilderness landscapes, but his enjoyment of the fisheries that they harbor.

Bryon Powell:

John Geer:

Submit a Tip, Trick, or Question

Share your tips, tricks, and questions on the podcast – submit it via email to [email protected].

Featured Products

Tenkara USA tenkara fly rods and gear
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody
Timmermade SUL 0.75 Sweater
Gossamer Gear Whisper Shelter
Tenkara USA Hane Rod (Bryon’s Pick for Backcountry Use)

Links, Mentions, and Related Content

Philosophy: How We Talk About Ultralight
Gear Guides that Focus on Performance Minimalism: Publisher’s Gear Guide & REI Gear Guide
Tenkara Gear: Tenkara Fishing Rods and Gear for Backpacking
Tenkara Skills: Backcountry Tenkara Fishing Online Course
Organization: Running Rivers

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Credits

Backpacking Light - Executive Producer
Ryan Jordan - Director and Host
Chase Jordan - Producer
Look for Me in the Mountains - Music
- Written by: Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan
- Performed by: Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin).
- Produced by: Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana

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This episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is supported and kept advertising-free by Backpacking Light membership fees. Please consider becoming a member which helps support projects like this podcast, in addition to a whole slew of other benefits!

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This topic has 6 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 3 weeks, 1 day ago by HkNewman.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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Posts
Nov 20, 2023 at 12:33 am #3793503

Backpacking Light
Admin

@backpackinglight
Locale: Rocky Mountains

Companion forum thread to: Episode 92 | Tenkara, Ultrarunning, and Performance Minimalism

In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast we’re going to talk about a very unique way to enjoy tenkara fly fishing in the backcountry, and the idea of minimalism vs. performance minimalism.

Nov 21, 2023 at 11:09 am #3793627

Mark Ferwerda
BPL Member

@mnferwerda
Locale: Maryland

i just listened to this and curious about the comment in the minimalism section about the UL Ghost Whisperer jacket only good for 50 degrees and above. Do people actually bring a down jacket if it only going down to 50? My thought I only bring a down jacket if it is getting down in the 30s. I went backpacking 2 weekends ago and it got down to 33. Around camp I had a long sleeve shirt, fleece vest, Rab Alpha Flash jacket and a windbreaker on and I was comfy. I did have a Ghost Whisperer jacket with me but never put it on.

Nov 22, 2023 at 5:21 am #3793676

Thom
BPL Member

@popcornman
Locale: N NY

Borah gear down vest baffles are 4 inches wide. Lots of warm for 4oz.

Nov 28, 2023 at 10:59 pm #3794118

Ryan Jordan
Admin

@ryan
Locale: Central Rockies

It’s a good question Mark. Clear sky, night time, evening breeze, inactive (hanging around camp in my chair reading or something), body trashed after a long day of walking, calorie-deficient, I get pretty chilled at 50 degrees once the sun goes down. Plus, I’m a little older (50s), slowing metabolism has an effect, maybe? My 25-yo son can hang with me in the same conditions wearing a t-shirt and wind shirt and be fine!

Nov 29, 2023 at 4:26 am #3794121

Terran Terran
BPL Member

@terran

An underquilt on your chair?

Nov 29, 2023 at 8:38 am #3794125

Charlie Brenneman
BPL Member

@cwbrennemangmail-com

There’s also what you’re willing to tolerate versus just being comfortable. I could get away with not brining items a, b, and c but if combined they weigh an extra pound but bring me a lot more comfort and recovery it’s worth it. Even when not hiking I wear so much more clothing (tights, hat, gloves) compared to the kids in their 20s on group long run mornings. #2old2becold

Nov 29, 2023 at 3:16 pm #3794162

HkNewman
BPL Member

@hknewman
Locale: The West is (still) the Best

camp

Setting up camp last summer, I met a young smaller framed woman who used both an alpha direct layer and a Timmermade down puffy. Lots of warmth considering she could combine it all with her Borah bivy sack and her quilt if need be (going to assume she had alpha pants and sleeping socks with her visible set up). Individual warmth preferences, hanging out vs diving right into the quilt/sleeping bag, etc.. We had a common table stopping at “Hikertown” during the unseasonal chill, and, despite the cold wind when we went through, I was doing ok with a Airmesh (“Octa”) hoodie under a Montbell Tachyon until that sun set. Could’ve used an added puffy vest myself.

At a certain number of long sleeves layers, the Michelin Man effect takes over.

performance minimalism

Another idea may be toughness. I took a first version of the Ghost Whisperer, with water-resistant 800 down, on a trip and the shell survived a slip on a slimy sidewalk with slight cheese grater surface (then again, ripped a hole in the sleeve when I brushed it against regular drywall). Wonder how much toughness could be imparted for little weight gain? (down here there’s always spiny or thorny plants waiting to snag fabric … remember Mountain Hardwear had a now defunct baselayer that would handle even desert spines).
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