I've got a 3 day hike planned for a couple of weeks time, first night camping, second in a B&B due to time of year and being my third longer distance hike. My spare clothing is a t-shirt, pair of pants and socks. Almost every gram I can save has been including making sure I don't take loads of spare food or water. It's amazing how much thought can be put into saving weight after lugging a bag around.
I agree David. Nothing focusses the mind more than lugging around a heavy pack in excess of what was actually needed. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I like that general approach, and as much as I like the underlying idea of saving weight, being able to take advantage of them in order to take a larger range of stuff for the same weight, is also a bonus.
For a three to five day walk i usually have a Ranger roll (a way to pack a base layer), spare trousers and one or two pairs of socks. The amount of socks is dependent on the weather and area. One in the mountains in summer two in the lowland swamps or fall rainy season. I always carry or wear a waterproof or wool sweater depending on the place and season. I never carry rain trousers as they are usually too short for my legs anyway. I do carry a poncho as spare/emergency shelter and for a very severe shower to keep me and my kit dry. In the lower Ardennes i sometimes bring gators to augment the poncho.
Sound advice Craig. Having had many years of experience of being out in the great outdoors I have learned the "hard way" the lesson you are explaining. Starting out in the middle 1960s to the present day. Manufacturers tempting us with new clothing technology you end up with a "Go Outdoors" shop in your attic. Having walked sections of the Appalachian Trail, together with the various long-distance paths in this country, in those years, onces=pounds-pain (remember the days of being the "Donkey Soldier)! One pair of underwear/long johns, One base layer, and one pair of socks(with the add-ons as you suggest) are all you require for the "wet and dry" routine and a sense of humour! I would add a clean, dry buff, about the head, to wear and sleep in. As you say it is all down to the individual; one man's meat is another's poison(substitute woman if appropriate).
Hey there, many thanks for taking the time to drop by, watch and provide such a detailed comment sharing your own experiences in this area, it's really appreciated. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I kind of agree I've always done the dry damp thing I do carry base layer bottoms in winter spring and autumn tho but I've always only done the 2 pair of socks 1 for walking 1 for camp.yea it's a bit grim putting damp things on in the morning but that soon goes.
Hi other Craig! Thanks for dropping by and sharing your own perspective on this, much appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Very much as you, with the addition of one spare under crackers plus I don't duplicate the base layer I'll take a lightweight shirt which could be used on a hot day.
Thanks for sharing your own approach to this, it's really appreciated. 🙏 As I'm starting the countdown to 10k subs I'm hoping people will share any videos that they think other people in their network will before from, so if that might be the case with you then please feel free to hit that share button or if you're not yet a subscriber then you know what to do! Enjoy the rest of your weekend 👍
Spot on again Craig, its old school, but it works. Only thing I add to your list is dry base layer bottoms in the cooler months. If it's a multi day trip I may take some crocs for camp and water crossings I simply can't avoid.
Hi Julian, thank you for dropping by and sharing your own take on this. For me, base layer bottoms fall into that 1% of occasions that I didn't refer to on this occasion. I appreciate your ongoing support of my channel 👍
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment as well as provide some context from your part of the world. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Hi Craig, good to see a new video. Totally agree re the kit, very similar set up especially the goretex socks. Mine were issued years ago as part of the old Britannia CBRN kit. In winter I wear Paramo trousers - no need to bother with over trousers- if they are soaking I put on a pair of Montane featherlite trousers in the tent. Don’t think they make them anymore but they pack up in a mesh bag about the size of an apple. I do have extra warm layers but that’s more for emergencies if I’m not carrying a tent and sleeping bag. People pack their fears but usually it is a result of a lack of experience and knowing what works for them, either that or they’re getting old and are not able to carry the weight anymore.
Good video Craig it's hard sometimes to know where to start when you start the process of lightening your load. I overpacked at times, but not because I had got several of anything, however I'd plan for the most likely scenarios based on changing conditions. Slowly it gets whittled down based on experience to which of those scenarios happen more (or less) frequently and you soon start to figure it out. I would desuade anyone to try and dive headfirst into going ultralight because 1 it's a journey, 2 what works for one doesn't always work for another, and 3 it's rather expensive and you could waste a lot of money on kit that doesn't suit your needs.
Thank you for taking time to drop by and comment, it's really appreciated. I would 100% back the three suggestions that you made, nice one 👍. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I’m so relieved! I have a day sack with a spare pair of socks and a warm hat& gloves, I ‘m bivvying/tarp for the first time so I only have to add my spare base-layer and I’m set! (I’ll take base leggings with me). Many thanks. :)
You're welcome. It sounds like you've adopted a sensible trade off between home comfort and safety comfort 😉 Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Thank you so much for this! I listened very closely to everything you said. Why? Because this subject is very important to me, and because you're usually right on target... Twice now I've been caught - in freezing rain once and in snow/sleet another time - and had to stay overnight since going back down the mountain to the trail head at night in such conditions would have been more dangerous than to bivouac and create shelter and ride out the storm (The PNW can be unforgiving in the late fall or early spring). If I hadn't had a spare dry base layer to get into before getting into my shelter I would have had hypothermia (for sure). I don't carry a spare base layer for comfort but for surviving if I need it - comfort is often the byproduct for the 98% of the time that I don't _need_ to keep my core temp. normal. I _always_ carry spare bottoms, tops and socks (merino wool) winter and summer. _Thank You_ for the Gore-Tex socks idea. Brilliant, and your logic is again, on target. You just solved a comfort issue for me for the other 98% recreational destination/overnight camp-site activities! Getting a pair, ASAP! And I agree, I can't imagine carrying a spare set of footwear. Anyhow, thanks again!!! 👍 (yes, im subbed)
When I hike in, I'm usually alone. So I don't mind sitting around the campfire looking a dick 😂 if I'm with others, a pair of long thermal pants and some base layer shirt work a treat in cooler months, shorts and t-shirt in warmer months. I will almost always start a campfire, so I can easily hang my clothes to dry for the next day. Per your suggestion, I'll be ordering some gore tex socks!
Glad this video arrived - I saw the short one earlier this year and thought I had lost the follow-up 😂 I agree completely - except on cold winter trips when I also carry light down trousers, light down jacket and boots - as my tent clothes - that also means I don’t need to carry such a heavy sleeping bag - so still a trade off 👍
Thanks for sharing your own perspective on this Nick, much appreciated. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
@@spartantkd1970 try and find a British army pair of Goretex booties on eBay. They look a little bit like pixie boots and whilst you certainly couldn't walk any distance in them, they're the perfect barrier when sitting around camp with wet boots on.
Hmm, the use of waterproof socks is an interesting debate. I'm not bothered by trousers/ top half getting wet and adopt a wet kit/ dry kit system. Having said that, I am a fan of spare socks and prefer to hulk that extra small weight. I've had a pair of Dexshell winter waterproof socks for about a year and a half and have got good use out of them and would recommend. They have slightly lost their initial waterproof properties but still generally do the job well and are super comfortable. When doing a training exercise, a well polished pair the Altbergs are pretty waterproof anyway but my Merrels for personal walking are less capable. For multi day expeds, I'll wear normal socks, and carry a spare of them- plus a waterproof pair too. If my boots are completely waterlogged one morning and I fancy the extra comfort (or it's the end of expedition) I'd use my waterproof socks for comfort. To be honest, if it's really wet over multiple days no waterproof socks will keep your feet completely dry (you'd basically need one pair per day to be completely dry which is super expensive). For moderate to heavy rain all day they work, but don't expect them to work with constant submersion (although when new my Dexshells withstood a lot of river crossings and bogs). Note that once completely wet, waterproof socks take a lot longer to dry than regular socks. So in summary- if comfort is your thing then yes go for a pair and keep them in reserve for the morning after a one off wet day to save yourself the feeling of waterlogged boots. But if it's constantly wet you'll eventually get water creeping in either way. I've just bought two pairs of Sealskinz reduced (about £20 each) and will be in Dartmoor soon so they're likely to get some use. I'll update then!
Personally (not saying anyone is right or wrong) I'm not sure if I'd go quite this far, but you certainly have made me think about just how much I do carry, which isn't loads but it's certainly more than you're carrying. I know there's a mantra of "light is right" in the mountaineering world, but when it comes to long-distance, multi-day walks I tend to think more along the lines of "light is cheating"😅. I want it to be difficult, and I want that sense of achievement afterwards knowing just how hard it was. My pack for the Cumbria Way next week is sitting around 20kgs, including food and water. And a fair chunk of camera equipment... And that's fine with me, as I'm the one who has to carry it. I don't think you mentioned underwear in your video. Would you advocate a similar wet/dry, walk/camp approach as to that for socks and a base layer, or is this less of a concern? Thanks for the video! All the best. Robbie
Thanks
Very kind of you, cheers!
About the only thing extra i carry to you is an extra pair of cacks. Wearing damp wet sock can cause foot rot.
Thanks for sharing your own setup, much appreciated.
I've got a 3 day hike planned for a couple of weeks time, first night camping, second in a B&B due to time of year and being my third longer distance hike. My spare clothing is a t-shirt, pair of pants and socks. Almost every gram I can save has been including making sure I don't take loads of spare food or water. It's amazing how much thought can be put into saving weight after lugging a bag around.
I agree David. Nothing focusses the mind more than lugging around a heavy pack in excess of what was actually needed.
Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I like that general approach, and as much as I like the underlying idea of saving weight, being able to take advantage of them in order to take a larger range of stuff for the same weight, is also a bonus.
That's also a very good point in terms of not necessarily carrying less weight but just more varied equipment, for the same weight.
Yep very similar. I do however like to take a pair of Ron Hills to sleep in
Ron Hills!
There's a blast from the past! 😉
For a three to five day walk i usually have a Ranger roll (a way to pack a base layer), spare trousers and one or two pairs of socks. The amount of socks is dependent on the weather and area. One in the mountains in summer two in the lowland swamps or fall rainy season. I always carry or wear a waterproof or wool sweater depending on the place and season. I never carry rain trousers as they are usually too short for my legs anyway. I do carry a poncho as spare/emergency shelter and for a very severe shower to keep me and my kit dry. In the lower Ardennes i sometimes bring gators to augment the poncho.
Hi Jackson, many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and share your own setup, it's really appreciated.
Sound advice Craig.
Having had many years of experience of being out in the great outdoors I have learned the "hard way" the lesson you are explaining.
Starting out in the middle 1960s to the present day. Manufacturers tempting us with new clothing technology you end up with a "Go Outdoors" shop in your attic.
Having walked sections of the Appalachian Trail, together with the various long-distance paths in this country, in those years, onces=pounds-pain (remember the days of being the "Donkey Soldier)!
One pair of underwear/long johns, One base layer, and one pair of socks(with the add-ons as you suggest) are all you require for the "wet and dry" routine and a sense of humour!
I would add a clean, dry buff, about the head, to wear and sleep in.
As you say it is all down to the individual; one man's meat is another's poison(substitute woman if appropriate).
Hey there, many thanks for taking the time to drop by, watch and provide such a detailed comment sharing your own experiences in this area, it's really appreciated.
Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I kind of agree I've always done the dry damp thing I do carry base layer bottoms in winter spring and autumn tho but I've always only done the 2 pair of socks 1 for walking 1 for camp.yea it's a bit grim putting damp things on in the morning but that soon goes.
Hi other Craig!
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your own perspective on this, much appreciated.
Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Very much as you, with the addition of one spare under crackers plus I don't duplicate the base layer I'll take a lightweight shirt which could be used on a hot day.
Thanks for sharing your own approach to this, it's really appreciated. 🙏
As I'm starting the countdown to 10k subs I'm hoping people will share any videos that they think other people in their network will before from, so if that might be the case with you then please feel free to hit that share button or if you're not yet a subscriber then you know what to do!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend 👍
Another thought provoking video. Thanks Craig.
You're very welcome Les, thanks for dropping by 👍
Spot on again Craig, its old school, but it works. Only thing I add to your list is dry base layer bottoms in the cooler months. If it's a multi day trip I may take some crocs for camp and water crossings I simply can't avoid.
Hi Julian, thank you for dropping by and sharing your own take on this.
For me, base layer bottoms fall into that 1% of occasions that I didn't refer to on this occasion.
I appreciate your ongoing support of my channel 👍
All of your tips Apply here in Colorado as well my friend Thanks
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment as well as provide some context from your part of the world.
Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Hi Craig, good to see a new video. Totally agree re the kit, very similar set up especially the goretex socks. Mine were issued years ago as part of the old Britannia CBRN kit. In winter I wear Paramo trousers - no need to bother with over trousers- if they are soaking I put on a pair of Montane featherlite trousers in the tent. Don’t think they make them anymore but they pack up in a mesh bag about the size of an apple. I do have extra warm layers but that’s more for emergencies if I’m not carrying a tent and sleeping bag. People pack their fears but usually it is a result of a lack of experience and knowing what works for them, either that or they’re getting old and are not able to carry the weight anymore.
I had to laugh at the letter half of your final sentence. That certainly sounds very familiar 👴 😉
Good video Craig it's hard sometimes to know where to start when you start the process of lightening your load.
I overpacked at times, but not because I had got several of anything, however I'd plan for the most likely scenarios based on changing conditions. Slowly it gets whittled down based on experience to which of those scenarios happen more (or less) frequently and you soon start to figure it out.
I would desuade anyone to try and dive headfirst into going ultralight because 1 it's a journey, 2 what works for one doesn't always work for another, and 3 it's rather expensive and you could waste a lot of money on kit that doesn't suit your needs.
Thank you for taking time to drop by and comment, it's really appreciated.
I would 100% back the three suggestions that you made, nice one 👍.
Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
I’m so relieved! I have a day sack with a spare pair of socks and a warm hat& gloves, I ‘m bivvying/tarp for the first time so I only have to add my spare base-layer and I’m set! (I’ll take base leggings with me). Many thanks. :)
You're welcome. It sounds like you've adopted a sensible trade off between home comfort and safety comfort 😉
Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Thank you so much for this! I listened very closely to everything you said. Why? Because this subject is very important to me, and because you're usually right on target... Twice now I've been caught - in freezing rain once and in snow/sleet another time - and had to stay overnight since going back down the mountain to the trail head at night in such conditions would have been more dangerous than to bivouac and create shelter and ride out the storm (The PNW can be unforgiving in the late fall or early spring). If I hadn't had a spare dry base layer to get into before getting into my shelter I would have had hypothermia (for sure). I don't carry a spare base layer for comfort but for surviving if I need it - comfort is often the byproduct for the 98% of the time that I don't _need_ to keep my core temp. normal. I _always_ carry spare bottoms, tops and socks (merino wool) winter and summer. _Thank You_ for the Gore-Tex socks idea. Brilliant, and your logic is again, on target. You just solved a comfort issue for me for the other 98% recreational destination/overnight camp-site activities! Getting a pair, ASAP! And I agree, I can't imagine carrying a spare set of footwear. Anyhow, thanks again!!! 👍 (yes, im subbed)
When I hike in, I'm usually alone. So I don't mind sitting around the campfire looking a dick 😂 if I'm with others, a pair of long thermal pants and some base layer shirt work a treat in cooler months, shorts and t-shirt in warmer months. I will almost always start a campfire, so I can easily hang my clothes to dry for the next day. Per your suggestion, I'll be ordering some gore tex socks!
Thanks for sharing your own approach and thinking on this subject Chad, it's greatly appreciated.
Let me know how you get on with the Goretex socks.
By the way Craig...how are you liking the Keela jacket?
Glad this video arrived - I saw the short one earlier this year and thought I had lost the follow-up 😂
I agree completely - except on cold winter trips when I also carry light down trousers, light down jacket and boots - as my tent clothes - that also means I don’t need to carry such a heavy sleeping bag - so still a trade off 👍
Thanks for sharing your own perspective on this Nick, much appreciated.
Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.
Already done 😇
Any recommendations for the goretex socks Craig - Sealskinz maybe?
Hi Kevin, I must admit that I've never used sealskins. Mine are an old pair of Berghaus Goretex socks, they must be the best part of 25 years old!
@The Bushcraft Padawan I hear good and bad, but the cost prevents me making that final decision. Thanks Craig. Great video.
@@spartantkd1970 try and find a British army pair of Goretex booties on eBay.
They look a little bit like pixie boots and whilst you certainly couldn't walk any distance in them, they're the perfect barrier when sitting around camp with wet boots on.
Hmm, the use of waterproof socks is an interesting debate. I'm not bothered by trousers/ top half getting wet and adopt a wet kit/ dry kit system. Having said that, I am a fan of spare socks and prefer to hulk that extra small weight.
I've had a pair of Dexshell winter waterproof socks for about a year and a half and have got good use out of them and would recommend. They have slightly lost their initial waterproof properties but still generally do the job well and are super comfortable. When doing a training exercise, a well polished pair the Altbergs are pretty waterproof anyway but my Merrels for personal walking are less capable. For multi day expeds, I'll wear normal socks, and carry a spare of them- plus a waterproof pair too. If my boots are completely waterlogged one morning and I fancy the extra comfort (or it's the end of expedition) I'd use my waterproof socks for comfort.
To be honest, if it's really wet over multiple days no waterproof socks will keep your feet completely dry (you'd basically need one pair per day to be completely dry which is super expensive). For moderate to heavy rain all day they work, but don't expect them to work with constant submersion (although when new my Dexshells withstood a lot of river crossings and bogs). Note that once completely wet, waterproof socks take a lot longer to dry than regular socks.
So in summary- if comfort is your thing then yes go for a pair and keep them in reserve for the morning after a one off wet day to save yourself the feeling of waterlogged boots. But if it's constantly wet you'll eventually get water creeping in either way.
I've just bought two pairs of Sealskinz reduced (about £20 each) and will be in Dartmoor soon so they're likely to get some use. I'll update then!
@@GuidoRowe thank you for taking the trouble of responding. It's really very much appreciated.
Personally (not saying anyone is right or wrong) I'm not sure if I'd go quite this far, but you certainly have made me think about just how much I do carry, which isn't loads but it's certainly more than you're carrying. I know there's a mantra of "light is right" in the mountaineering world, but when it comes to long-distance, multi-day walks I tend to think more along the lines of "light is cheating"😅. I want it to be difficult, and I want that sense of achievement afterwards knowing just how hard it was. My pack for the Cumbria Way next week is sitting around 20kgs, including food and water. And a fair chunk of camera equipment... And that's fine with me, as I'm the one who has to carry it.
I don't think you mentioned underwear in your video. Would you advocate a similar wet/dry, walk/camp approach as to that for socks and a base layer, or is this less of a concern?
Thanks for the video! All the best.
Robbie