EP 209: Ask OV 13 - Winter Filters, Dry Stretches, and Real Talk on Calories

EP 209: Ask OV 13 - Winter Filters, Dry Stretches, and Real Talk on Calories

Author: Outdoor Vitals August 31, 2026 Duration: 34:19

In this episode of Ask OV we dive into fan questions; discussing water filters in the winter, navigating dry stretches, calorie demands on trail, and more. Things we cover in this episode:

  • How do you keep a backpacking water filter from freezing in winter?
  • Can I use a water filter in the winter?
  • How do backpackers get water in the winter without a filter?
  • Are springs on topographic/trail maps reliable?
  • What do dotted or dashed blue lines mean on a map?
  • How many calories do I need per day for backpacking?

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Summer Trip Recaps

02:45 – Managing Water Filters in Winter & Shoulder Seasons

09:24 – Navigating Water Logistics & Map Reliability

26:01 -- Calorie Demands & Individualized Food Planning

33:46 -- Outro & How to Submit Questions

 

Submit Your Questions:
We regularly answer listener questions about backpacking gear, trip logistics, and real-world experiences on the trail. 
Email: Send your questions to [support@outdoorvitals.com](mailto:support@outdoorvitals.com).
Voice Message: Leave an audio question through our SpeakPipe link: https://www.speakpipe.com/LiveUltraLight
Web Chat: Reach out through the chat widget on the Outdoor Vitals website.

Great Backpacking Gear (Support the Podcast): https://bit.ly/3PswpQi


There's a certain freedom found when your gear doesn't weigh you down, a feeling that the folks at Outdoor Vitals understand deeply. Tuning into the Live Ultralight Podcast feels like pulling up a chair at a trailhead gathering where the conversation is as essential as your packed kit. While the core of this podcast revolves around the philosophy and practical skills of backpacking-specifically how to carry less to experience more-the discussions naturally wander into broader territories. You’ll hear from seasoned thru-hikers sharing hard-won wisdom on terrain and gear, but also from travelers and adventurers whose stories redefine what it means to explore. Each episode aims to dissolve the barriers between planning and actually stepping out the door, whether that’s for a weekend in the local wilderness or a journey to distant places. The dialogue is grounded in real-world experience, offering tangible advice on lightening your load physically and mentally, so the focus can remain on the landscape ahead and the stories you’ll gather. It’s more than a gear talk show; it’s about cultivating a mindset where adventure is accessible and the weight of the everyday is left behind. This podcast serves as a consistent companion for anyone looking to weave more movement and discovery into the fabric of their life, one lighter step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Live Ultralight Podcast  | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure
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