Live Ultralight Podcast | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure

Outdoor Vitals
  • 1.0 (1)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated weekly

The Live Ultralight Podcast is all about inspiring you to get outdoors and teaching you how to lighten your pack so you can go on more adventures. We largely focus on backpacking and things that are interesting to backpackers, but occasionally we delve into other adventure and travel topics as well. In addition, we aim to feature interesting and inspiring guests all around the backpacking, travel, and adventure space.

  1. 15 Jun

    EP 207: It's Been TWELVE Years...What's Next?

    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

    32 min

  2. 1 Jun

    EP 206: 3 Days in Coyote Gulch + Footwear Experiment

    Are you planning a bucket-list trip to Coyote Gulch, Utah? In this episode, the team breaks down everything you need to know for a successful backpacking adventure in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. We dive deep into the ultimate footwear debate: Can you really backpack 25+ miles in sandals, or are trail runners the only way to go? What you'll learn in this video: Logistics & Permits: Why you don't need a permit but MUST bring wag bags. The Approach: How to navigate the brutal Hole in the Rock Road to reach the Hurricane Wash trailhead. Iconic Landmarks: Detailed looks at Jacob Hamlin Arch, Coyote Natural Land Bridge, and Steven's Arch. Gear Testing: Real-world results of using Leukotape for blisters in wet environments and the pros/cons of cotton vs. polyester sun hoodies. Canyon Safety: Why you should always check water depth before cliff jumping and how to handle desert "critters" like scorpions and spiders. Whether you're a seasoned ultralight backpacker or planning your first desert trek near Escalante, these insights will help you avoid painful blisters and maximize your time in one of Utah's most beautiful canyons.   Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi

    44 min

  3. 26 May

    EP 205: Ask OV 11: Backpacking Gear Questions - Filters, Frames & Comfort Camping

    What's the difference between a backpacking water filter and a purifier? Why do we keep coming back to the Platypus QuickDraw? And how do you make shorter backpacking trips more comfortable without overpacking? In this Ask OV episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, we answer listener questions about backpacking water filters, carbon fiber framed backpacks, comfort camping, and why Outdoor Vitals often prioritizes hooded jackets first. We cover practical trail-tested tips for keeping filters flowing fast, choosing the right backpack frame stiffness, and adding small luxuries like chairs, hammocks, games, tarps, and better camp food without losing the benefits of an ultralight setup. Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi Carbon Evo 50 Backpack: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/cs40-ultralight-backpack?_pos=1&_psq=cs40&_ss=e&_v=1.0&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link Platypus Quickdraw (Live Ultralight Membership required): https://outdoorvitals.com/products/platypus-quickdraw-1l-microfilter-system?_pos=2&_psq=platypus&_ss=e&_v=1.0&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

    30 min

  4. 24 Apr

    EP 204: Ask OV 10 - Why Go Ultralight (Even WITHOUT Big Miles On Trail)

    In this session of "Ask OV", Tayson and Brigham share some insider info that you aren't going to want to miss! Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi  #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

    33 min

  5. 3 Apr

    EP 203 - The Difference Shoes ACTUALLY Make On The Trail

    Join Tayson & Tyler as they go into the difference switching from one trail shoe to another can ACTUALLY make... Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

    54 min

  6. 13 Mar

    EP 202 - How To Know If You're Ready For a 20 Mile Day

    Join Tayson & Tyler as they go into how to know if you're ready to hike 20 miles in a day, & what all the resources are that will help you get there. OV 100 Mile Challenge 2026 Registration: https://bit.ly/4rv0EFw Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe:  https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

    1 hr

  7. 11 Mar

    EP 201 - Cirq Trekking Pole Tent: Product Deep Dive

    Join Tayson & Brigham for an in-depth look at the features, function, & design of the new Cirq Trekking Pole Tent. This 1p tent is more spacious, more ventilated, & easier to pitch. Watch this episode to learn why! Cirq Trekking Pole Tent (launching Mar 23, 2026) Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe:  https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight  Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

    1hr 28min

  8. 18 Feb

    EP 200 - Carbon Evo 50 Backpack Product Deep Dive

    Join Tayson & Brigham for an in-depth look at the features, function, & design of the Carbon Evo 50 Backpack. This is one of our lightest and most comfortable backpacks! Carbon Evo 50 Backpack (launching Feb 23, 2026): https://bit.ly/4aSHdkN Have questions for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight Or write in to support@outdoorvitals.com! Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi    #outdoorvitals #entrepreneur #backpacking #backpackinggear

    59 min
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About

The Live Ultralight Podcast is all about inspiring you to get outdoors and teaching you how to lighten your pack so you can go on more adventures. We largely focus on backpacking and things that are interesting to backpackers, but occasionally we delve into other adventure and travel topics as well. In addition, we aim to feature interesting and inspiring guests all around the backpacking, travel, and adventure space.

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