Backpacking Light Editor Receives National Award for Volunteer Efforts

Backpacking Light Packing Systems Section Editor Will Rietveld and his wife Janet Reichl backpack nearly every week in the summertime. They combine testing gear for BPL with serving as volunteer Wilderness Information Specialists for the Forest Service.

Will and Janet were recently honored with a national award from the USDA Forest Service for “their exemplary service and efforts as Forest Service volunteers.” The award acknowledges the estimated 2000 hours they have put in on the trails, talking with wilderness users about Leave No Trace ethics, and the many special projects they have completed over the past seven years.