About Ryan Jordan

Ryan Jordan, Ph.D., is the Founder and Publisher/CEO of Backpacking Light Magazine.

My core professional tenets are independence, objectivity, integrity, and creativity.

  • Family: Husband, father, dog-owner.
  • Professional: Engineering Ph.D., University Senior Research Engineer, Technical Publisher, Niche Community Publisher, Consultant, Guide, Author, Instructor, Lecturer, Public Speaker/Multi-media, Corporate Trainer, Profit and Non-Profit Boards of Directors.
  • Clients: Product development companies, Scouting organizations, outdoor schools, search and rescue organizations, private and government land management agencies, guides and outfitters, military equipment procurement, corporate teams.
  • Scouting: Eagle Scout, BSA High Adventure Program Director & Trek Leader, Camp Program Director, Cub Scout & Webelos Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, Montana BSA Council High Adventure Committee Chair, Troop High Adventure/Trekking Chair.
  • Trekking: Long-distance trekking without resupply, packrafting, backcountry fly fishing, backcountry photography, trekking with kids and families, off-trail trekking, alpine trekking, ultralight gear and style.
  • Places I Go The Most: Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Bob Marshall-Great Bear-Scapegoat Wilderness Complex, Yellowstone-Teton-Washakie Wilderness, Bridger Mountains, Spanish Peaks, Crazy Mountains, Gallatin Range, Teton Range, Wind River Range.

Where might you find me trekking & packrafting in 2010?

  • March - Tobacco Root Mountains
  • April - Lee Metcalf Wilderness
  • May - Bob Marshall Wilderness
  • June - Great Bear Wilderness
  • July - Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
  • August/September - Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
  • September/October - Teton Wilderness

Personal Statements:

  • Love God, love family, serve others, love life and all that it deals you, and be simple: “Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” (Prov. 17:1)
  • Go farther, go higher, go lighter, go simpler, but most important - go.
  • Do less. Just do it better. And for God's sake, do the right stuff.
Other Quotes:
  • "I'm only inefficient at some things because I'm being efficient at something else." (simplicity of effective single-tasking.)
  • "Simplicity is NOT a state of mind; it's the practical manifestation of intentional living."
  • "Go ahead, hike your own hike (HYOH), just do it right."

Learn more about Ryan's Services.