Ultralight Backpacking - It's NOT About The Weight!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 окт 2024
- Stuff I Mentioned in this Video:
Base Weight Video - • Base Weight & Why It's...
UL Gear on A Budget 1 - • Gear to Lighten your L...
UL Gear on A Budget 2 - • Gear to Lighten your L...
UL Gear on A Budget 3 - • Gear to Lighten your L...
Favorite Backpacking Gear of 2019 - • My Favorite Backpackin...
Get Exclusive Content & Support my 2020 GDT & CT Thru with a pledge as low as a $1/month - / darwinonthetrail
** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
Camera -
Canon EOS R - amzn.to/2L45vwA
Lense -
Canon EF 24 f/2.8 - amzn.to/2L1WzYk
Sound -
Rode Video Mic Pro+ - amzn.to/2Q5qFxH
TriPod -
Targus 360 Trigger Tripod - amzn.to/2kMsU5Y
------ Music By: Mike Boren -------
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
Contact information:
Website: www.darwinonthetrail.com
Instagram: Darwin_Onthetrail
facebook: darwinonthetrail
“Let’s just enjoy the trail together.” You betcha. Well said.
Even your apology for filming indoors is cinematic. You're a class act.
I Try...😂😂
As a soldier that carried a 35 lb. Pack for many miles and has even loaded and carried a 110 lb. For a few miles. I appreciate your pointing out the dicotomy of light vs. heavy. My current pack is 20 or so and it feels like a vacation.
This is one of my favorite backpacking videos without any backpacking in it. Simple minimal gear makes me happy because I have less crap to worry about. I'm still figuring things out but simple and streamlined gear is definitely something I've noticed myself appreciating as well. I'll never go back to heavy gear, but weight is far from the only consideration.
Simple is the Way To GO For Sure!!!
Preach it! No need to be miserable while hiking. Simple, light, comfortable. I don't understand why people have to be divided. Looking forward to the budget series coming back!
HEY Darwin, it's guys. Best response when anyone spouts off about what kind of hiker they are or how much their base weight is: "I don't care." Huge thumbs up on more ultralight gear on a budget. Solid vid.
STAY TUNED!!!
My basic weight is, well, whatever the stuff I need ends up weighing.
In 2019 I saw many cold and hungry baby hikers on the PCTs. I have no regrets for carrying about 2x what many of them carried even being 2x their average age.
But I do kinda regret not getting out decades sooner before smartphones and credit cards populated the trails with so many tourists of that kind. But then again, I was actually using my youth to achieve real things instead of giving myself imaginary trophy's for doing the exact same thing that others do as a long well deserved holiday.
Amen!! Light but comfortable is where it’s at !!!
Darwin, you said it best here (6:56): “I choose the gear depending upon what I’m gonna be doing, and what I think I’m going to need, to enjoy the hike a little bit more.”
And that’s going to be a bit different for each hike.
Thanks Darwin! I totally agree. Light is nice but if your not comfortable, especially sleeping, the hike is just going to suck. Being tall I us a two person tent even though a single person tent would be lighter. My mattress is light, but not 'the lightest' because I wanted a bit more comfort sleeping. And the folks who don't carrying a water filter are nuts, that's a great way to ruin a hike.
@ No doubt! And there is something sweet about those times where you just konk out after a hard day and sleep sound and wake up feeling good (plus a bit sore). Happy trails!
I always try to go light but I insist on being comfortable. 25+ years of being outdoors I couldn't tell you what my base weight is. Thanxs for all you do Darwin. I'll just keep pushing this wheelbarrow up this darn hill😋
It's all about the BALANCE! 🤙
Reading your comment and thinking "experienced hiker" like Patrick McManus
I have decided to thru hike the AT in 2023 after my youngest daughter graduates high school in 2022... you can’t replace memories. I have been taking notes and slowly buying my gear based on the many hands use of items by “hikers”. I agree with you 100% with getting the best gear that works for you without worrying about the weight or cost. I have a Patagonia R1 techface that I love and I’ll be sitting on a 4 dollar Chinese Amazon sit pad that is awesome. Thanks for making excellent videos and I can’t wait to see what pops up next.
After being a cyclist my whole life I see many parallels on this mindset of categories well said
A friend of mine spent a long time building his perfect bike and basically saved a pound or two. In his mind it was an amazing achievement - until another friend pointed out that he was at least 2 stone overweight. He hit the gym, lost the weight and now everyone struggles to keep up with him no matter what bike he is cycling.
Was legit about to comment about bringing the UL Budget series back and you beat me to it. Awesome to hear. Keep up the great work Darwin. Looking forward to seeing your success in 2020!
Love this vid! My wife and I came to backpacking via Alpine and backcountry rock climbing. In addition to our camping gear we carried ropes, climbing equipment, helmets, rock shoes, Ice axes, etc. For a weekend trip our packs often weighed 35-45lbs. We bought UL gear (when we could) out of necessity (mostly there weren't as many options for UL gear 15 years ago) We suffered through cold nights on 3/4 length pads and used our packs or the ropes for insulation under our legs and feet and cut out almost all "comfort" items to keep our pack weights manageable. Often could have used an extra layer or a loftier bag, but it was fun and it taught us what we valued on the trail. Now our packs weigh 14-18 lbs. depending on how many luxuries we bring (usually of the liquid variety ;).
The key is to figure out what is most important to you as an individual. Nothing is wrong on the trail as long as it works for you and it's not hurting anyone else.
I'm going ultralight when I travel for business also. I was using a 2.5 kg trolley before and it was a pain. Then I started to learn from you and the ultralight community and I changed my life style completely. The process started years ago, but I gradually reached a point of awareness. I'm now a minimalist, and when I can get rid of something I have and I do not use, I feel a relief. I travel with a 500 g duffel pack, which is water resistant, if not waterproof. It's 40 l, which is more than enough for any trip. I used the same bag for a three weeks trip in South America. I always go with the cabin luggage, because it's faster, and there is no way they can lose my stuff. Two years ago I had a 60 l backpack for a trip of 2 weeks. Just for myself. It was 23 kg! I could barely walk with that stuff on my shoulders. That trip changed my mind and I started to read a lot about ultralight. My ultralight journey started that I was already a minimalist. Now, when I'm on a business trip, even if it's for 15 days, I never go over the 8 kg allowed, with the laptop and the power supply included, the kindle, a trimmer for my beard (and this is something maybe I do not need, but I want to trim my beard once a week, at least) and the slippers. I have an ultralight vest, an ultralight jacket for severe weather and a shell. Everything is packable. It's so fast, so simple, so light! I use ultralight pack cubes and my bag is super simple, it doesn't have any compartments, just a single one. But you open it completely, in the middle, you can access to the whole content immediately, you don't need to remove everything like you do with a backpack. When I see these people with trolleys and I think the weight they carry, I feel for them. Weight and comfort, sure it's a balance, but weight is super important. Let me tell you that I did the same with the handbag for the laptop and the laptop itself. I had a beautiful, expensive and heavy Tumi, but it's so heavy. Now I carry a simple, light, small and cheap bag, which is just the size of my laptop. I don't even feel it on my shoulders. I also moved from a 15 inches to a 13, because I couldn't use it on the airplane and because it was too heavy to carry around the city.
This video made me feel better about my Wal-Mart gear....Thanks!!!!!
Whatever gets you outside is the Best Gear you can buy! 😉
Hike On,
Darwin
Never been on a long distance hike (been on plenty day trips and short overnight camping trips though!), but I can't imagine not wanting to carry a water filter because of its weight 😂 its just as important as the big three in my opinion!
Loved the message of the video though. It can be kind of discouraging when people dont consider you a "proper" hiker because you can't do a long distance hike. Doing three days is better than doing no days! 😄
Do u know of people who actually won't carry a filter due to its weight?
honestly the water filter isnt about the weight, like Darwin said it is about simplicity. without a filter you can just scoop and go, saving a dramatic quantity of time squeezing water through your filter every day, and no back flushing or worrying about freezing it or losing it. i wish i felt my immune system was strong enough to not filter!
When we hiked the CDT in 1987 the water filters were not great. Some where close to lemhi pass in montana our filter was done. We had a whole day where we found no water and we came upon a hunter. His gave us a grouse to eat and told us about a stream. When we got to the stream we put the grouse in to cool and started pounding down the liters. 3 liters later we pulled the grouse out to cook and it was covered with parasites LOL yeh filtering your water is kind of important.
@@bigsky2081 true stories with good lessons are great!
I noticed many, well actually most other hikers tbh take a quick look at running stream water and then fill up and "filter" even though there was loads of sediment which overwhelms filters fairly quickly. I'm sure the manufacturers love this, so they can sell more, but there's anothet way:
Simply use a fine cloth (microfiber works well) to filter the sediment before running the water through a micro membrane filter to trap the giardia and whatnot.
Filters are not magical tools the way many hikers seem to use and abuse them, and even if wildlife is scarce, it's not likely that scarce upstream where water is also scarce.
@@shadow6pt533 I've met a few who went with no filter mainly (but not solely) bc of weight. What I noticed was a sense of entitlement in those hikers (actually not the worst examples, but it was a factor) as well as some unusual kind of reasoning.
"Minimalism" was one priority I heard (often a way to mask entitlement), but I also heard things about strong immune system.
This latter does have some scientific reality basis, but one should beware of sophmoric fallacies. Strong immune systems will protect someone from Minor exposures that would infect weaker people, but not heavy exposures.
So, IF someone chooses to go that way, it's recommended that they at least filter through some cloth which will remove most substances. And when giardia or something else does eventually infect, I hope that such people will get themselves off the mountain and pay their own medical bills.
Great video topic! I’ve been waiting for somebody to address weight snobbery vs. comfort and safety. It’s always a good idea to remember we go out there to have fun and enjoy ourselves. There’s pros and cons to both sides. Well done.
I watch your stuff all the time on the big-screen comfort of my living room and never have toe means to give you a thumbs-up. I made it a point to look you up when I was on my laptop just so I could subscribe and tell you that my wife and I enjoy your insights! We're avid backpackers to a lesser degree than you, but it's fun to consider the possibilities. Well done!
At 51, I have every reason to take care of my baseweight. I've brought it down form 30 pounds to roughly 11 pounds over the past 30plus years. And that's not just because of materials but also because of experience.
Any lower and things would become uncomfortable for me. No cold soaking for me. At the end of a day in the Scottish Highlands, nothing beats a hot meal in a toasty sleeping bag.
With a wee dram within reach of me and whoever else is present.
No ultra light shortcuts there. They don't call it highland hospitality without a reason.
I'm kicking 54 and have the same attitude as you. In the mountains of Scotland and Ireland I need a stove, decent waterproofs, warm clothing and a tent that will keep me dry. I couldn't manage on an ultralight base weight. For me it has to be light but also durable. Funnily enough though, some of the gear I used in the 80s was lighter than the stuff I have now.
49 here. I don't really have much of a problem with the weight. If you have the ideal pack for you, hauling around (what turned out to be) 37 pounds up and down Mount Whitney isn't really that bad. For me it's more about comfort at camp. The Sawyer Mini filter is fine for some day hike. But when your head is pounding from altitude change at the end of the day and you're trying to filter a few litres of water for the evening and next day, you don't want to deal with that mild pee stream with the Mini. The old-school, larger, heavier Squeeze is a monster and just allows you to not spend so much time on the garbage you're in no mood to tackle.
Similarly, while it's nice to get great sleep pads with solid R-Values, etc., I'm rethinking that. Up on the mountain, you obviously do want something to reflect the heat. But if you camp in exclusively spring and summer temps - and depending on your bag/quilt - avoid the $160-$200 inflatable pad in favor of the $30-40 option on Amazon that's about 3 inches thick, 25-27 inches wide and would be much more comfortable to sleep on even though it's only got an R-value of about 1.3.
I'm not sure I've yet gotten to the point where I want to haul around a chair, though. I bought a hiking one from WalMart for about $20 that's great and feels more solid than the $100 ones at REI, but it does weigh a couple of pounds more. I may experiment with walking around with it strapped on top of the brain or down at the bottom of the pack to see what works best for me. I want to go up Pikes Peak this year. It would be nice to have a chair in which to sit and drink Scotch or bourbon at the end of the day.
You're just creating a new category. U L T R A S I M P L E lol. But seriously, great vid! We're out there to enjoy ourselves. Otherwise, what's the point?
I like it! #ultrasimple
He is not making a new category some of us have been doing this for awhile now. We call it "Right weight over Light weight."
For me, ultralight gear gives me *more* comfort, because it means i can bring a few extra items without my backpack getting too heavy. I still try to keep my baseweight down, but at least i accept bringing a monocular (130g), some video glasses (95g), and for longer trips (where a battery bank is not enough) during the summer, i would even bring one of my 28W solar panels (585g). It seems like most people prefer to charge when they come to towns, but i dont like the idea of sitting at some café with nothing to do for several hours. In good conditions, my solar panel can charge an iphone in about an hour - and i dont have *any* problems taking a break at a lake where i can go swimming and getting a tan while charging my battery bank. It will charge at between 0.1-0.4A in overcast weather, which means 100-400mah in 1 hour (when its overcast during summer here in southern Norway)...
Exactly. Over the years I’ve accumulated multiple sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, and even flashlights. The thing is that my gear constantly changes depending on where I go and what I’m doing. For me backpacking is a practice in simplicity, not suffering. The numbers simply help keep me aware of what I’m bringing with me.
I completely agree with this video, it's right along the lines of what I have been thinking. I have done extremely lightweight trips, but at this point I'm starting to shift a little more, still very light, but not crazy light like I have in the past. Carrying a little extra comfort and luxury items helps make the trip more enjoyable! Keep up the good work my friend!
Really appreciate this video Darwin. This is a really balanced presentation. We have a mixture of gear, but most of it is cheap stuff as we didn't want to overspend when starting out with hiking and camping. Very much looking forward to your upcoming cheap, simplistic, lightweight gear list videos!
I'm an experienced camper and in the process of gathering some packing gear so that I may fly fish further away from the crowds. Your videos have really helped. Thank you!
I cant love this video enough! After my LASH of the AT last spring I've been doing a lot of thinking about my gear and how I like to hike. I got a lot grief for my pack (osprey Ariel 65L, affectionately named Meg), was told it was a winter weight pack, was looked at in amazement when someone picked her up, etc. And it really had me questioning my choices. I used every single thing in my pack on my LASH, and I love how Meg fits. I was trying to get a 20lb base, ended up with 22lbs. So obviously Im wrong! Im doing something wrong! I've gotta change EVERYTHING! Right? Right? And then I thought about my hikes every day. I loved the hard climbs, I loved the rolling hills and great views. I was no more tired than everyone else at the end of my day. I was no more sore (and often less) than everyone else. Could I be lighter somehow and still have the same experience? How? And then I decided, I would shed weight from myself first. Im a hefty gal, I've got more than what I would lose on a thru on my frame. All my life I've loved strength sports, and for me, hiking with a 30lb pack falls in that area. I love the challenge of being able to do that. I will do some adjusting in my gear before my thru in 22, but gram weenie, I will never be, and that's totally ok.
Exactly. I’m 61 and just getting back into it. At 215lbs I’m in far shape. It’s a good weight for me. It’s about the journey. No body talks about the human body backpacking. The harder you push yourself the better you get. You should start light and gain in weight. Move up to all the comforts you want. Don’t be in a hurry. Eat good on the trail. Your body will adapt. Technic is everything. Weight distribution is everything. You have that ! The weight won’t matter. Just take what you want to enjoy the trip.
Absolutely, I was set to get a super light pack,...but the lack of structure of the frame didn’t support my body. So I’m going to keep using my 4 lbs pack I bought 20 years ago. Super durable, fits great. My body feels good when I wear it.
That was great! That is so spot on ! I started LIGHT HIKING in 1972 after reading an article in outdoor life and used those principles on the CDT in 87. The folks at my local outdoor store called me Joe light weight. So I care about weight but gee weez I laugh my hinney off listening to some of these folks go on and on about 3 grams. Love your channel but I never comment. Thank you, this is the best video. Happy new year sir!
LOVE THIS!!! Very well said. I'm in full agreement. Once I got a BW of about 11 lbs, I found that I had passed the "comfort point", and started adding back and finding gear that made the experience more enjoyable. Now my BW fluctuates between 10 and 16 lbs depending on the trip. Anything above 16 for anything longer than an overnighter is uncomfortable after few hours, but anything below 11 or so means giving up things that make my trip pleasant. So I consider myself a lightweight hiker, but I've never considered myself even interested in UL. I'm interested in the most enjoyment possible. That means being "light enough" to be comfortable for the distance and the terrain. If being UL focused is what makes it enjoyable for you, great! Otherwise, don't bother. Be light enough to enjoy yourself.
Thank you for sharing this excellent perspective, Darwin. You've eloquently described how I feel about my time outdoors. I crave the simplicity. I try to keep my pack light and inexpensive, but removing complexity from the experience is most important to me.
Totally agree with you on this one. I don't like a lot of stuff that is complicated, or digging through way too much "stuff" in your pack to find that thing your looking for. I once saw a picture of an older guy backpacking, and he looked so comfortable. His look and appearance said it all. I don't know what he had in his pack, but he looked so comfortable on-trail. That is my goal. to not worry about gear, but just be comfortable out there.
Never mind, I just found your video on what you would eat on the PCT and it answered all the questions I had. Thanks
Great point. I've been thinking the same thing. Getting light weight gear can allow you to cary more things that you might need or want.
Its about feeling free and strong. Ultralight gives you wings.
I think a lot of people needed to hear this. We’re not talking a Marine Corps load out of 60-100lbs. We’re talking at max a 3-5 lb difference in creature comforts and user preference of a max 13-18 lb pack. Cant wait to see the updated gear lists!
Thank you for this video Darwin. That bickering back and forth is nuts. Love this!
I spent a lot of years humping heavy packs in the Corps. I did the same when backpacking because that is what I was used to. Later I got more modern kit and things lightened a bit. Then I was all over the place. Now, I have to admit, I have my Kelty Tioga pack, external frame, and I love that pack. Most of the rest of my gear isn't ultralight, yet it isn't heavy either. My pack usually runs between 30 and 40 pounds, to be honest, and despite the wear and tear to body parts, it still suits me. Whether that is because of being long accustomed to it or what have you, I don't know. These days I added canoe camping and portaging to the mix. Balance is the key, indeed. :) Thanks Darwin.
The trifecta of gear is always a moving target based on location, conditions, cost and time of year. As you mention the important part is getting out there and enjoying the moment. People need to focus on what works for them. Love the videos....Cheers!
:35 the best camping weather. Nothing beats snow camping
Due to income I am a budget hiker. All my gear is REI scratch and dent, REI sales, or second hand stores. It is amazing how easy it is to get good gear at good prices if you are patient. Also making price vs weight decisions before buying. A $300 puffy coat or a $60 puffy coat that weighs .5 oz more? I am 67 with a bad back, knees and feet thanks to carrying 80+ lb packs in the Marines so weight is a critical factor. But more important is at the end of the day being comfortable and being able to recover for the next day. A warm bag, a good pad, a decent tent and lots of good hot food. I am really looking forward to you budget gear video.
Semper Fi brother. I was actually kinda surprised by two things when I went from occasional day hiking to long term hiking (at over 50 y.o.)
First, I did have to learn some new things, like I don't need to take everything, haha, and logistics can be pretty challenging, especially on a budget.
Second, grunt life in the Corps actually set me up as a better bushcrafter than 90% of the hikers that do the PCTs, at least this year's crop. Maybe I'm exagerrating a bit bc I've done other things, but partly also I was amazed on how clueless most tourist hikers are, especially those who rely on "navigation' apps - some insanely lost puppies.
I'm curious what trails you are doing, and oh, btw, seemed to me there were quite a few hikers out there in the 65-70 age range. More even than 55-65 by my unscientific survey. I encountered very few 70+ long stretch hikers, but in places day hikers in the 70s and even 80s are pretty common.
There might not be many Old and Bold Marines, but then again we were never much more than few from the git-go.
- Semper Fi and
- Semper Gumby, 3/3 and OIFII
Yes. I just got 3 pairs of barely used altra timps for 100 total at an rei garage sale.
You might check out Outdoor Vitals quality quilts/bags. Great reviews. I made my own quilt but one couldn't possibly make a quilt for the quality materials they use. Also some of the brands from China sew through their quilt/ sleeping bag seams rather than making baffles and they just won't be warm enough for me. Baffles make all the difference.
With you on that Darwin. I went down the UL rabbit hole for a while and dropped a ton of money on super light gear. Now I’ve reverted back to much more traditional gear. One thing I’d ask you to bear in mind is that most of the folks that watch your videos are not thru hikers. They are weekend warriors, so to speak, who go out for a 2 or 3 nighter, to get away from day-to-day responsibilities and refresh themselves in the wild places. Thru hiking is very different from weekend backpacking, and as such, the gear choices and philosophy of use is different. For example, backpacking I will always take a camp chair; but I never do thru hiking. On a short trip I might carry eggs and pancakes along with a Trang’s a cook set. On a thru hike an alcohol cat stove and titanium mug gets the nod. Many times I weekend in wilderness areas where mostly folks like me do most of the trail maintenance and I carry a bow saw and sometimes even a small forest axe. Of course for a thru hike those items would never come along. Different gear for different missions.
The UL crowd sometimes reminds me of the opposite crowd in the old days, where some bragged about how much their pack weighed, not how little.
Yay! Ultra-simple !!
I love new categories !
It all depends on what works for you !
Light, durable, cheap & simple. Find your balance, and enjoy the trail. 👍
Thanks Darwin. I agree. Each of us need to find the right balance that works for us!
This is exactly why I recommend your videos to anyone trying to get into hiking. Thank you for being you, Darwin!
So many UL guys that I see carry a big SLR camera, drone, extra lens, chargers etc. It must weigh close to the same as all their other gear. I know that a large part of it, for these guys is documenting and sharing the experience, and there is nothing wrong with that. I do, however find it really refreshing when I see someone who is just out there immersed in the natural world and totally free of all that stuff. I have made videos , and been active on forums etc. myself, and I'm not trying to be critical, I'm just sharing my experience/opinion here. Just ask yourself, when was the last time you did a hike without all that stuff. It's something that completely changes the mindset, not having to think about keeping it dry, getting footage, memory cards etc. Just BEING there. I think the simplicity aspect that Darwin is talking about is greatly enhanced when not encumbered by the documentation aspect of a trip. You can do so much with just your phone now. Simplicity
Shooting Videos, Take Pictures, & Creating Media to share with others just enhances my Hiking Experience. I love creating things & Inspiring others. It gives New Meaning to the Miles I put down. 😉
Hike On,
Darwin
Two things.
First, there is a youtuber who acted very marvelously in changing from what could have been another "look at me" hiker to one really soaking in the experience. Ug! Sorry I don't recall how she named her most recent (after hiking) vids. She started as 'Sage Summits' Her experience is very encouraging.
Second, I like to ask hikers to try the 100 hour "off grid" chalkenge. No devices, no GPS, no apps, no texting, no music save for real voices, ukelele maybe. Only allowable electronics is a simple watch (partly to verify 100 hrs) and light for safety.
Mostly I get no response, for I think this would be the most frightening thing in the world for some people, and yet this would just be the beginning for someone to truely hike their own hike.
I think one of the best questions to ask one'sself is this: "Would I hike this hike if I did not have this (smartphone/app/credit card/watch some movie/etc.)
The trail population would be much thinner without such things.
Hey Darwin first you tube comment for me ever!! Been on the Lite weight/comfortable/simple trip myself this year. Culminating with several section hikes and an MST east to west thru hike. Just wanted to let you know your videos have been an important part of my gear selections and thought process. Keep on keeping on buddy you are an intricate part of the hiking worlds thought process an ambassador!! Looking forward to the new year 2020 of hiking and maybe passing you on the trail one day
I’m with you Darwin. I’ve got mid-range gear and cheap gear, not expensive UL stuff. I just get myself fit and light, carry what I need plus a few small luxury items. Then enjoy nature and countryside and getting away from it all. Well said. 👍
"it doesn't matter...we're all just hikers" ...who should hike their own hike, with gear that THEY are comfortable with using. Another great video!
Yes! Can’t wait for another UL budget viddy
Stay Tuned!!!👍
Light weight is nice but I like to have some comfort for sure. Great video on finding the right balance. Backpacking, canoe tripping, long distance bicycle touring... it applies to them all.
Just subscribed!
Hey man. I totally dig what your saying Darwin. For me it’s a sense of style and I think that’s really what it is. If it’s UL your style and you comfort doesn’t exist, cool. If you do like comfort in your style cool too. Really no sense of being a negative person about how a person is backpacking or hiking. With anything in good time you start to develop your own style.
Good message. Backpacking/hiking is about the totality of the experience. Having a well thought out and wise approach to gear selection is key. Like you said, it's all about "balance."
Hey dude, I really like your balance and simplicity take on things. I went on like a 10 year break from backpacking, but I kind of re-fell in love with again over the summer last year. And since then, I’ve been trying to drop weight (from my pack, and me haha).
And one of the things that’s giving me the biggest gain is, as you said, simplicity. Like a much lighter pack is great, but I just like not having 400 things to deal with before, during, or after a hike.
Great video! (All of them, actually)
Hey Darwin,
I am glad you made this video and have told it how it truly is. There are so many load outs of gear and ways to go depending on the adventure at hand. Too heavy in one spot or too light in another could be a problem and there is always a median we are trying to achieve. I appreciate your videos and your ability to find new approaches depending on the terrain and circumstances.
Good stuff Darwin, appreciate the honest and practical assessment. . Us amateur hikers can really get lost watching all these RUclips videos on hiking and gear.
There are still two better ways to progress beyond being amateur.
1 - Get out hiking. Better yet is to go off grid, no devices.
2 - Get an old boyscout handbook. Apply thoughtful effort and practice. The end result will be better self-reliance. Far too many youtubes out there on how to Avoid self-reliance.
I couldn't agree more ! I have made great strides in lightening my pack weight, but maintaining a comfort level. Can't wait to see what new options you find.
Darwin, thank you for another very good and informative video. I watch/learn from your experiences and apply new ideas to my bike packing adventures. I've been experimenting with equipment for bike touring and bike packing for over 40 years. I have a basement full of gear constantly switching pieces out depending on the tour. That's what makes it fun! Since I'm kind of old, a lot of my gear is also old. I've learned so much from you about new gear and new ideas! Thank you!
Darwin this is one of the best videos you have made and glad you posted it.
Well put! After years of carrying packs that were too damn heavy, and not really enjoying the hiking part of backpacking very much, I've finally cut my weight down. I'm happy if I can get my base wight under 20 pounds. This past year I backpacked with a Kelty external frame pack......well, because I wanted to. Sure I cold go lighter weight, and I want to do so in a few ways. However, I'm pretty happy with the lighter-weight balance that I've recently found. And my body is MUCH happier out on the trail!
Lovely snow, here in Australia everything is dead, we are on water restrictions and the whole country is burning to the ground
Solid advice. I remember way back in the day when the ultra light movement first started and people were dying of exposure. Now I'm older, "wiser", and just don't feel like humping 55+ lbs of gear. These days I've become a walking HMG and Zpacks billboard. So.... ha Today's gear allows you to carry what you NEED at a weight that means you can also add in the things you WANT. Keep up the great content, D!
Awesome video Darwin!!! Can’t wait for you to bring back the series! We took a lot of your ideas and must say you were spot on with your gear on a budget
Plus hiking each hike with a different set up allows variety and versatility but also its FUN! It's enjoyable to mix and match gear for each hike. I stoped searching for the "Perfect Pack" and now as long as I keep my base weight under 15lbs (winter) 10lbs (spring/summer), I'm happy.
I gotta say, it's because of videos like yours that I've been trying to achieve a lighter pack (and spent more cash). I'm currently going thru that transition that many people go thru when they are trying to find that "balance" that you speak of.
Thanks for coming out to say that its ok to not be at a 10lb base wieght. I think its exactly what I (and my bank account) had to hear, just as i was about to pull the trigger on some expensive, light weight gear, I really appreciate this video to sort put things back into a normal person's perspective. Although, I'm still going to cut some wieght where I can, I still want to be comfortable (and rational).
I always find the middle ground. Like you said, lighter means less stress on my body, but I also find a lot of UL gear is expensive and doesn’t always last a long time. I love to sleep well, eat hot food, and stay warm. So I always try to keep my baseweight between 10-14 lbs. For me that’s my happy ground. For my 6’5” husband with mild back issues, his is always higher between 14-18 lbs. Both of us still have fun, see nature, and enjoy life outdoors.
Awesome and informative content. I always get really insightful takeaways from your channel. I also really enjoy the way you talk and express with your eyes. Lol! Most animated, indeed!
Dude! Thank you so much for this video. I have also noticed this divide, both on the trail and in the outdoor store I work at. I see so many hikers of different backgrounds who do things the way that works for them. And I love the idea of approaching things from an idea of simplicity over weight. Great video my friend.
Bravo, Darwin! The movement had started going quite snobbish and leaving the roots of hiking which are to travel in nature as long and safely as possible. I like to stop and smell the flowers, listen to the sounds around me without anticipating the next city stop. I love to be THERE, however I can.
Yep. idk if it was rooted in the entitlement brat mentality or just infected by it but they are surely intertwined now.
On the PCTs this year it was refreshing to see all kinds, with far less 'look at me', 'look at me' hikers than the youtube videos would lead someone to think, but they were still conspicuous.
Southern California weather was a shock to many - who knew that it could Snow on mountains two miles high in Springtime? The mountains knew, and
❄Mountains Don't Care❄
Also, wise hikers do not take advise from UL elflings. Better wisdom comes from old school boyscouts. We don't need more hikers needing rescue from mountains. Virtually all cases are avoidable by heeding old school principles. One boyscout word for that is Reverence and it means many things. New hikers have nothing to teach old mountains, but the young and not-so-young have much to Re-learn from the old.
Awsome video Darwin! Its so true! Its all about what works best I'm a believer that it doesn't matter what pack you carry or how you carry it how much weight you got everybody is out there doing the same thing and that is hiking keeping in shape seeing beautiful views! I do a lot of winter hiking and climbing in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness in New York and I use a Ula circuit for that. It works for me its a little stronger a little heavier but it carries my gear if I need to carry that extra base layer or extra thermal layer when I'm exposed above Treeline! I also use my zpacks arc blast for 3 season hiking and it works great for me! Thanks for the video really awesome you hit it right to the point I see a lot of people being judgy about what other people use for gear which is not what it's about. 😊
You do some of the best breakdowns of hiking I’ve ever seen from anyone. I lightened my equipment and relieved the stress on my body. I underestimated weight. At the same time I have things that aren’t ultralight which makes me happy and comfortable. I have expensive items and cheap stuff. It works for me and I’m happy with my system I developed. Hike your own hike. It’s wintertime, snowmobile hot tent season. I hope to make it to Monson and visit the place you like there, but I can’t remember the name of it 😊❤️🇺🇸❄️☃️🛷⛺️.
Thanks for bringing this up Darwin! My friend and I love you and your content
Great video mate. And a great philosophy for life in general. Balance is the key.
FO SHO!!!!
Well said! Like you my pack is never the same each trip and it’s because I love trying new and different gear. I enjoy trying new gear to find that perfect piece that is not too heavy, works well, and is efficient or effective. I utilize the REI type of stores as well as the cottage vendors depending on my needs. Gear helps me extend my hikes before and after the hike. It’s all apart of the hike and I love it.
finally finally finally you are getting the balance
Well done for getting there
Looking forward to seeing your videos of light affordable gear
I've been here... Just haven't shared 😉
Finally. Simplicity is just what I wanted to learn. I tend to over pack with a lot of redundancy.
Much of that is self correcting with a long-stretch hike, but there's often no resupply in the middle of the woods.
A critical concept is that of "letting go". It's very different from the too common entitlement mentality of not needing to carry which is often not much different than, ' I can buy whatever I want whenever I want'
Letting things go ends up applying to more than gear if a hike is long enough and thoughtful enough, but idk about ego tourist hikes with this bc I've never been one.
When you're out for enough days (miles much less important) then a change gradually happens where some things increase in value and many other things decrease. Which things depends in the person. A nice fire and hot tea might be priceless for one and worthless to another. An inflateable pad might be just the opposite for the same two people.
But in time one also learns to let go of mental baggage as well. Holding on to some things does more harm than good sometimes. As far as physical "stuff" goes, well, that's what hiker boxes are for, and the process of discarding a thing that another hiker might need makes it easier but not less therapeutic if I may be so bold.
GREAT video!!! Not at all preachy but more or less peacemaking! This is so true! Debate about what type of hiker are you is so unnecessary. It’s all about enjoying the hike and being supportive in the community!
Glad, someone said something about this. Look forward to the budget series.
3 things most important gear to me regardless of any outdoor activity are :
1- footwear
2- tent (including all necessary sleeping gear)
3- rucksack
Now remember ratio between weight and luxury
Great vid and I’m very happy to see ULGoaB coming back. This year we went on a week long trip in the UK with packs about 9kg. Everyone we met commented we we going very light. It didn’t feel too light to us! Very grateful for more affordable tips on finding a healthy balance.
So true. I really like that you always questioning yourself and want to share your thoughts about it.
My gear should be simplistic, lightweight but also comfortable. And if you have a good balance between weight and comfort you'll enjoy your hike more. At least that's my way to go, others might feel great going ultralight and they don't need comfort. Others need way more comfort. That's all personal preferences and I think it's important to listen to yourself.
Loved the outdoor's scenes, I miss snow so much.
I lovee this video! Really great. Let's not light VS less light hiking, divide us!!! Let's just do what makes us feel the best with what gear can support that 😊
I saw a video of one gut who wore his sleeping bag as a coat so he didnt need base layers.
Another guy weighed his asprin.
I bring a 5 oz twig stove because campfires are nice. I also hit around 13lbs base weight with camera equipment.
Campfire, wind screen made of an emergency blanket, a chair to stay off the ground and I think it would have been an awesome background backdrop for this video. Maybe next time.
P.S. Can't wait for the gear on a budget video. Merry (belated) Christmas and Happy New Year ❤
Got my subscription with this one.... people need to remember this.
Truth, I consider myself light weight backpacker. I always find at least 2 things sometimes more 😉 that brings a more rounded enjoyment. It's been a wet winter here in Arizona and strange weather. Have a good new years 🖖
Straight up best video yet. Thanks for the reset for our shared love of the trail. You “carry a lot of weight” in the hiking community and this needed to be said. Hike your own hike.
0:48 "But... I did bring the plants back..."
LOL.. the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree jade plant to your left and the teacup full of salad greens to your right... ;-)
We live at the craggy northern end of the Appalachians. The trees and snow in your opening shots are just majestic and beautiful. I love the cold woods. As all the old woodchucks say up here, There's no such thing as Bad Weather, only insufficient clothing.
Thanks for another great video and best wishes!
J
Awesome video. I’ve done 3 day hikes with a 32 liter daypack weighing 8 pounds base weight just to see if I could do it. I’ve done hikes with full sized ultralight backpacks. But what I’ve found is that I love the Osprey AG suspension system, so I hike with a heavy pack loaded like an ultralight. The 2 extra pounds of extra pack weight are worth it to get that suspension system. And if I have a heavy water haul, or have to carry 8 days of food, it’s a heck of a lot easier with the better suspension. In my opinion, a 20 pound TOTAL weight with that AG suspension system feels feather light compared to 18 pounds with the minimum suspension.
I agree, I like to go as light as "possible" where "possible" is defined loosely. For example I bought a 6 oz sleeping pad and convinced myself that it was great because it worked quite well when I was on my back. But I sleep on side and stomach also and it just didn't work for that, and eventually I had to admit that. (That is, it was not "possible" for me to use the 6 oz. sleeping pad.)
So the way to go about it: sure, go as light as possible, admit when you've overdone it, and don't be afraid to add a little weight back in where necessary to enhance your hiking experience.
Probably the wisest video I’ve seen you make.
THANKS!
I agree totally. Simple gear gives you the freedom of not thinking about the gear. Best gear is so simple that you forget they exist. Sometimes it is better to sit down and enjoy that sunset than trying to take a perfect photo of it, you know...
Awesome video!! Thanks for taking on the argument we all run into in the hiking community. Right on! We are all just hikers!
Great video! In the end it is all about being happy and comfortable on the trail, though that statement can mislead people into thinking comfort items are the way to go. There is nothing wrong with comfort items, but you need to ask "Is it worth the weight?" I am sure a camp chair would add to most people's comfort in camp, but that does not mean "everyone should being a camp chair!", adding an extra 2lb to have a bit nicer set for an hour or so, is not likely going to worth the pain in the knees, back and feet is causes if you are hiking 15+ miles per day. But if you are doing a 6 mile hike and making base camp where you spend 3 days by a lake doing day hikes or fishing... that is very different.
If you have the money and time, experimenting with gear is great and it seem worth while before doing a long thur hike like the PCT or AT to experiment, try to get your base weight below 10lb and see how you feel. To me, it is easier and better to get to a low base weight, try it out that add back on what you really want rather then to pick off one item at a time. The biggest issue I see with this is you might need to buy/rent or barrow different packs. To get to a sub 10lb base weight, you often need/want a UL pack like the Nero 38L, which seem nice, but can only take ~20lb as a total weight, if you have a 8lb base weight, that still allows 12lb, which should be fine, but if you decide that you want 13lb worth of gear for a base weight, that will only leave 7lb for food and water, which is not enough for a long of points on the trail, so you need one very UL pack and one kinda UL pack, and that is costly.
The whole reason to hit the trail is to escape labels! Thank you, Darwin!
Those 2 type of hikers you mentioned seem to be the loud ones. I like the quiet practical hikers just using what works for them regardless what anyone else might think of them. Thanks for all the videos Darwin, you have saved me and close friends lots of money on gear. Cheers!
Great video Darwin, but you're missing out on some great snowcamping opportunities. Seriously, give it a try sometime! There's nothing like gliding down the trail on XC skis, making dinner in a snow kitchen, and building a snow cave for shelter. :)
I cannot agree more!!
All is about enjoying the trail, everyone has they own comfort and simplicity. Just mind our own style.
Keep the camera roll man. I really enjoying your video.
An other great video
Thanks :)
I’m about 3 month away from doing the PCT, and my first true hike, and still trying to figure out the mid point on what I really need and what i don’t need to bring
Your videos have been a great help
Happy holidays and all the best in 2020
Cheers
E
Awesome video Darwin. I totally agree. I’m always telling people it’s a balance of what I need and what I want. I’m usually about 12 lbs base and that’s with what people would call budget gear. I’m perfectly happy with my set up. Hike on brother. 😎