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Ryan Jordan
Ryan is the co-founder of Backpacking Light (est. 2001) and current President/CEO of Backpacking Light's Publisher, Beartooth Media Group, Inc., where in addition to directing company strategy, is the primary driver behind BPL's initiatives for editorial and product development.
Ryan is a long time supporter and member of the BSA. He participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as a youth (earning the Eagle Scout award with Troop 360 of Burien, Wash., in 1986), and served on the staff at Camp Parsons (Chief Seattle Council) from 1987-1992 in various capacities including High Adventure and Program Directors. It was at Camp Parsons where Ryan began putting ultralight methods to work: directing 13-17 year old boys to attempt long and difficult 5-day treks through the Olympic Mountains with less than 20 lbs of gear. Ryan has been an active member of Cub Scout Pack 3676 (Bozeman, Mont.) since 2004, where he currently serves as its Webelos Den Leader.
Ryan's home trekking area is the Yellowstone Ecosystem: Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth, Northern Absaroka, Washakie, Teton, and Lee Metcalf Wilderness Areas. His "ultralight" focus in these areas: long distance traverses without resupply by foot and packraft.
Ryan holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Washington State University and a Ph.D. in Biofilm Engineering from Montana State University. In 2001, Jordan co-founded Backpacking Light Magazine (with Alan Dixon) on the premise that science and engineering principles should be used to educate consumers about making smart decisions for buying and using ultralight gear. Backpacking Light Magazine, and Jordan's book Lightweight Backpacking and Camping are recognized as the most authoritative references about ultralight backpacking available.
External links
- Backpacking Light Magazine -- magazine devoted to ultralight backpacking founded by Ryan Jordan
- Ryan Jordan's Backcountry -- Ryan Jordan's home page
- Arctic 1000 - Website describing the events of Jordan's attempt to complete a foot traverse of the Western Arctic
- Ryan Jordan - Wikipedia entry
