Most of us have more than we need—more stuff, more commitments, more stress. But what if having less could actually give us more?
That’s the idea behind Glen Van Peski’s take less, do more philosophy, which he first developed as a pioneer in ultralight backpacking but later applied to every aspect of his life.
In this episode of the To Your Health podcast, Glen shares how rethinking what he carries—physically, financially, and mentally—has allowed him to focus on what really matters.
How It All Started: The Accidental Business
Glen never set out to create a business. He just wanted a lighter backpack.
After struggling with heavy, traditional backpacking gear, he started designing his own ultralight equipment. Word spread, and before long, people were asking him to make packs for them, too. That side project eventually turned into Gossamer Gear, one of the leading names in ultralight backpacking.
But for Glen, the biggest takeaway from the experience wasn’t just about hiking—it was about how less can lead to more.
The “Take Less, Do More” Philosophy in Everyday Life
What started as a way to hike farther and faster without being weighed down turned into a mindset that shaped how Glen approaches everything—spending, stress, time, and even generosity.
Here are some of the biggest ways he’s applied this philosophy beyond the trail:
1. Owning Less = More Freedom
Glen and his wife follow a “shopping diet,” where they pause before making purchases to determine if they truly need something. The result? Less clutter, fewer unnecessary expenses, and more financial freedom to spend on things that actually matter—like travel, experiences, and giving back.
2. More Margin = More Generosity
One of Glen’s most interesting insights is that if you don’t have margin—whether it’s financial, emotional, or in your schedule—you don’t have the capacity to help others. By keeping life simple and intentional, he’s able to be more present and generous when opportunities arise.
3. Worrying Less = Living More
Glen also shared how he’s learned not to stress about things before they even happen. “If you worry about something ahead of time, you pay the price twice,” he says. Instead of letting hypothetical problems take up space in his mind, he focuses on what he can control and deals with challenges when they come.
Lessons from the Trail (That Apply to Life)
At its core, Glen’s approach is about intentionally choosing what to carry—whether that’s in your backpack, your home, or your mind.
The less you weigh yourself down with things that don’t matter, the more space you have for the things that do.
This episode was packed with insights, and I think you’ll really enjoy it.
📌 Listen to the full episode here:
Glen Van Peski
Glen Van Peski is widely recognized by the trail name “Legend” for his legendary contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian with a childhood rooted in the western outdoors, Glen’s journey into backpacking began when his oldest son joined Scouts, and he led the Troop’s backpacking program.
Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking and started sewing his gear. In 1998, he founded Gossamer Gear, a company dedicated to manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment. Over the years, Glen and his company have been featured in Backpacker, Outside, and National Geographic Adventure magazines, and The New York Times.
Beyond his passion for backpacking and entrepreneurial success, Glen had an extended career in civil engineering. Most recently, he served as the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Carlsbad, California. Prior to spending nearly a
decade in various roles with the city, he served as an engineering consultant. Before that role, Glen held the role of President of Pacific Rim Engineering.
Glen is a sought-after speaker known for his inspiring, humorous, information-packed presentations. His extensive backpacking experiences include hiking most of the
Pacific Crest Trail, exploring the backcountry in Japan and Europe, and bikepacking along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). Glen lives in Bend, Oregon, with wife of over 40 years Francie, and is the father of two grown sons.
To read more fun facts, interests and companies Glen is involved
in visit glenvanpeski.com/about/
Buy a copy of Glen’s award-winning book, Take Less, Do More: https://a.co/d/0Y3I7Lu
