B$Z: Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Safety Research & Heliconia Bring Backpacking TV to Outdoor Enthusiasts

Therm-a-Rest and MSR, the Seattle-based leaders in outdoor gear, and Heliconia, innovators in outdoors TV and WebTV productions are proud to announce the launch of Backpacking TV, a 19-part educational backpacking series geared towards outdoor enthusiasts. The series officially launches today with the ever informative discussion on “How to Poop in the Woods.”

Backpacking adventurer and gear tester Eric Hanson will star in the new entertaining WebTV series dedicated to keeping hikers safe and comfortable in the backcountry. Video topics include treating water, animal-proofing camp, choosing a sleeping bag and pad, and how to pack a backpack – among many others.    

“The outdoor industry is rapidly growing. In 2013 alone, more than 50 million hikers and backpackers explored U.S. trails,” said Martin Maisonpierre, communications manager for Therm-a-Rest and MSR. “We’re excited to bring more educational content to these dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and help them make the most of their adventures.”

Heliconia is one of the outdoor industry’s leading production companies. Heliconia produces 5 outdoors related television series that air on such networks as NBC Sports, Universal Sports and Outside Television, and in early 2015, its Outdoor WebTV network surpassed 30 million views and 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.

"As with many outdoor activities, one of the biggest barriers for new people interested in getting into backpacking, is the intimidation factor," explains Ken Whiting, Production Director for Heliconia. "The Backpacking TV channel addresses this by providing a resource devoted to making people's trips as comfortable, safe and enjoyable as possible."