On a three day hike a couple of years ago, I met a man who was drinking his tea from his favourite china tea cup. When I asked him why he would bring such a thing, he replied, "because his tea tasted better and so the extra weight and fragility didn't matter". Another man on the same hike brought along his espresso coffee making gear. His reasoning was that it made his start to the day better, so it was worth the extra weight. These men have taught me that if something makes your journey better and you're willing to carry it, then it simply doesn't matter if it increases your gear base weight, and it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. I now take a jet boil minimo as well as a jet boil skillet because I like to have better meals. Simple. No further justification needed.
I'm fully on board with this! I bring my thermos even though it's extra weight because it's such a luxury to be able to stop and have a cup of coffee without having to boil water. I boil water for my breakfast coffee anyway, so I just boil some extra and fill up my thermos with hot water. On my last hike I took a wrong turn which turned into a long detour in pouring rain and by the time I set up camp I was cold, exhausted and just sick of the whole thing. But I had hot water so I didn't have to start my stove, I just poured the water over my dehydrated meal and ate it in misery 😅 I also bring actual milk from my coffee from now on, because the extra weight is worth it compared to drinking powdered milk or black coffee; the rest of my equipment is already heavy, that small amount of extra weight doesn't make a huge difference; but then again, I'm just out for a couple of days, if I did a really long hike over several weeks I'd probably reconsider my choices 😊
three unethical ways to reduce your base weight: lie to other hikers when they ask your base weight, omit items from your lighterpack, count every item in your fanny pack as worn weight.
If you have a pack-liner i use a gallon freezer ziploc bags for organizing my clothes and lighting gear, fire kit, water treatment systems, etc. put everything you need to keep dry and organized use different ziplock bag’s. Write whats in the bags in posca red bright pen. Write in big letters whats in each bag and organization. Make list of where everything is packed in layers in your hiking bag. A gallon ziploc bag weights 0.31oz. Ditch stuff bags and use ziploc bags with the attached zippers
As someone who is probably as old as you, I have gone back to "no chair". It is just as hard for me to get down into my camp chair, especially on soft ground, as it is to sit on my thinlight pad.
Yeah, I'm in my 40s, the extra weight from the chair is 100% worth it for me, same with the pillow. I also have to hall around a 4lb battery for my cpap machine (which is crazy heavy in a pack). I still keep my pack in the low 40lb weight range though for a 5 day hike. But, these are great tips! These really are luxury items and are not needed, so a good place to start if you are looking to cut weight.
It's always interesting to watch videos on how to lighten one's pack. You get other people's ideas & perspectives that you may - or may not - adopt. You also need to take into account whether you're backpacking a 'short' hike vs. a thru-hike. On thru-hikes, I take more cards/IDs as it is almost impossible to get a new card/ID while trucking along on a thru-hike. My main card setup is: DL, CC#1, CC#2 (backup in case #1 is compromised), Insurance Card, Debit #1. My backup card setup is: Passbook Card, CC#3, Debit Card #2. I keep these two card setups separate from each other. In the last 10 yrs, I've had my CC compromised 3 or 4 times. Fortunately, not on a hike. But several times on vacations.
So true! Everybody has their own appraoch. Appreciate the perspective on the cards! I have always viewed my debit as sort of a backup credit and now have things like apple pay so I probably would still only carry the one credit, one debit. But fiar point on the extra ID as well! I also use digital versions of my insurance cards so I don't have to worry about those.
yeah, on a thru-hike I always take ID, 2 CC, Insurance Card, and a $50 bill. I have used the $50 bill more than a few times! Main credit card and ID in my pocket, 2nd cc, insurance card, and $50 bill in my electronics bag.
19:33 could you help me understand why so many hikers specifically choose Smart Water? I can’t tell if it’s a fad or if there’s some sort of sponsorship going on, but I’ve seen and heard a lot of channels say exactly what you said “carry lighter bottles” but short-circuit straight to Smart Water and say it like the words are interchangeable. Why not Aquafina, or any of the other hundreds of bottled water brands?
life water is the common other brand I see (i think smart water is just more widely distributed than that brand). usually smart water bottles are the cheapest option that have the sport caps and are still a thicker plastic and the right size (1L and skinny). two fit in most backpacking water bottle pockets and the plastic is thicker than some of the other brands. The shape is also impofrtant. Aquafina 1L bottles are going to be harder to fit two side by side in your backpacking pockets because of their weird shape.
@jasonsahl4529 and the other reason is that the smart water bottle and the life water bottle have the specific size of opening that fits on the sawyer water filter system.
Crocs are bulky but nothing is better. I have hiked 100s of kms in them. Just used mine on Eagle Rock Loop in AR. They float, wipe dry, can be in camp mode or all-terrain mode, warm w socks etc. I have tried everything over 40+ years from Luna to basic spa flipflops and nothing is as good. Bulky, yes, but better than anything to date I have tried from the AT to northern Ont.
Sounds like you get way more use out of your crocs than just as camp shoes! If you like hiking in them I totally get bringing them along, but if they are just camp shoes I think it's overkiill!
I wanna try filling the blowup pillow with helium to see if it effects the weight of my pack... also a blow up pillow isn't that much weight... when empty
I TRULY wish i could not carry three litera with me, but I've run out of water when 3 separate sources were dry and im like a camel when im hiking uphill!
Honestly it's better to cut weight in other places in that case! Being adequately hydrated is super important. Carrying less water only works if you don't NEED more.
I too drinks tons of water and have been in situations where the water sources are all dried up. A lot of times you need only dig maybe a foot down into the bottom of a dry creek bed to find plenty of water. Getting it out can be a problem depending on what you have, and it's going to be dirty, but that's what the filter is for anyway. A pump filter is great for this. Big rocks and one of those paper thin razor blade-like trowels makes doing this no fun at all, but odds are very good that you'll find water this way.
@@eliseott The best reason I have come up with for spending money on lighter gear and cutting what I don't need is to be able to carry more water and food. I think the balance and challenge of figuring this all out is half the fun of backpacking.
13:30 I've tried the toothpaste tablets. I like them in theory, but I wasn't a fan in practice. My teeth just didn't feel as clean. I'll take the weight penalty to bring a travel tube of toothpaste.
I bought a shovel from dollar tree that's big in size but super light they put them out in spring it can attach to a broom handle...so walking stick plus...
Thanks for all the tips. I didn't read the comments so I don't know if anyone mentioned this but I like portawipes instead of baby wipes. They are so compact and take very little water to expand.
probably safe yourself a lot of time and energy not reading them haha. I have throught about using the dehydrated ones, just harder to find in grocery stores! thank you for the rec though!
great tips. I think using a cup is useful because you only have to cook once. I use a titanium pot and cup. Then I only have to carry one amount of fuel for each meal. I bring the pot of water to a boil, pour 1/3 for tea and cook food in the rest. I think the weight of the cup is less that carrying double the weight of fuel. I find cheap water bottles (the ones that are 1$ for 1.5L) are half the weight Smartwater water bottles. Mine last me over 1000km.
we all have our luxury items! and yes doesn't have to be smart water bottles, really whatever you can find that's still a little thicker than those super thin plastics.
Here in Siberia, you need a good big bug spray. Or special anti-tick clothes (which are often too hot to use in summer). And metal or tritan water bottle is good to put a boiling water there. Other bottles will not survive boiling water. And drinking not boiled water may sometimes be dangerous.
I don't have any experience backpacking in Siberia, but I still bring bug spray just not as much now that I have treated clothes and can wear my rain gear too. I use a filter to treat my water (or tablets) so I don't need to boil, but that's a good treatment method if you don't have those things!
All these ultralight hiking RUclipsrs are 100% United Stated focused, unfortunately. Typical Yanks, never even thinking about the world past their doorstep.
I just got done with my 3rd backpacking trip, gonna make a video of my beginner winter backpacking setup! Base weight on last trip was 50lbs + 10L water + 6lbs food haha
I used to do this but I found if I warm my body up a bit in my sleeping bag (quick pushups or something) I don't need to. Probably also depends on what your bag is rated to! Thank you!
I'll tell you how! I only had enough money to buy a cheap 4 season sleeping bag, EN/ISO said it can go down to -17C (extreme rating), now if we take it with a grain of salt that is atleast 0C (the comfort rating on it). so when i use it in the summer (i only have 1 bag, can't buy more since budget), it is REALLY hot, like i wake up full of sweat kind of deal.
On a recent trip I had a pretty light sleeping bag. So instead of wearing my puffy, I zipped up the puffy, and shoved my feet through it. That kept my legs nice and warm with the wool base layer long underwear. I was wearing. Then I wore my wool long sleeve base layer top, my sun hoodie, my fleece and my stocking cap for the top layer. This worked surprisingly well.
1. Very important item…maybe #1. An accurate scale, postage or kitchen. Know what everything weighs. Nothing is weightless except knowledge. 2. Learn how to do without. 3. Use a bidet instead of TP. 4. The smallest Swiss Army Knife has a great selection of essential tools. The tweezers are the shape recommended by experts for safe tick removal. The blade is big enough for anything you will actually need it for. The scissors will cut tape., patches or aluminum cans…to make an efficient alcohol stove like Fuzzy’s Li’lStove when your heavy high-tech stove fails. 5. Leave the “what iffs” at home; they alwats add unnecessary weight.
One item you kind of suggested, but not exactly. You very likely can shorten the hip belt straps on your backpack. They are made extra long and some people need that extra length, but most of us don't So cut them shorter. Just don't make them too short. Also 1/4 height darn tough socks are fine. You don't need long socks. So go as short as you can. This is especially true if you are wearing trail runners. Some people like to have shoes for crossing streams. Don't do that. I don't like to go barefoot, so I take out the insoles of my trail runners and remove my socks. I then cross the stream in my trail runners. Then after I've crossed I use the top of my socks to dry my feet, put the socks back on, reinsert the insoles and then put on the shoes. Most trail runners don't hold much water. Of course, some days I'm pressed for time. Then I just ford the stream and don't bother doing all the stuff above, but then my feet can tolerate being wet all day. It is not for everyone. For an easy food/recovery drink I combine 1 part chocolate protein powder with 2-3 parts hot chocolate mix. I make this up prior to the start of the trip.
totally, or you could order them shorter so you don't risk introducing any sort of breakage! Love that tip. Also, I like to call just crossing in. your trail runners "freedom feet" I heard it somehwere and it stuck with me - once your feet are already wet, you can't be as precious about it. that recovery drink sounds delicious!
Going cook-less is even cheaper and easier than cold soaking, and it's the absolute laziest way to sustain oneself of trail because it requires no cleanup or space 🙂 I hate all dehydrated meals, I just can't do it. I tried, I really did. I ate a lit of Kind Bars, Nature Valley Bars, cheese whisps, Ruffles, Carnation Instant Breakfast (usually 3 at a time in my water bottle in the morning), string cheese, sausage sticks, peanuts, corn nuts, etc
Cookless is totally an option too! I do find sometimes cookless ends up being a bit heavy compared to cold soaking, depending what food you're brigning. I love carnation instant breakfasts, those are a staple in my backpakcing diet!
When I’m carrying an ice axe II place the trowel in my bounce box. The ice axe is the best digger, way better Thst the lightweight trowel. Thanks for newsy n informative video.
As someone who grew up using water bottles for years out of necessity, i do not recommend it! I don't know about micro plastics, but UV will break down your bottle and that will end up in your water. So if you use water bottles, please atleast change it every 10-15 hikes or so. (I only know about some nalgenes that don't use PET as a material at all, but the topic never interested me that much, since i use a big heavy stainless steel {non-UL friendly} container in which i can boil the living sht out of the water.)
This is fair. It's helpful that Sawyer filters do filter out the microplastics (which are probably the worst coming from my dirty bottle that I squeeze to death) but I'm actively working on better solutions.
Thanks Sauce. Great stuff as usual. I’m 6’6” tall so I’m in a weird sizing for a lot of gear. I cut down a regular UberLite to make a custom size for me as a tall person- needed around 54” pad to help support my knees better as a side sleeper. But totally agree that buying smaller size (47”) for most people would work perfectly. Thanks again. Peace and happy trails.
Thank YOU! I hadn't thought about the need to cut down for taller people where the traditional short pad won't quite work. thanks for that perspective!
interesting! I do think you have to be super responsible when digging holes and it's a lot harder without a trowel - it's not something that's worth it to me personally, unless i have an ice ax!
Great curation of info. Well done. +1 for toothpaste tablets. I use a buff as a buff and a sleep mask Leaving extra clothing at home is a game changer, too.
Not free, but I’m addicted to my hyper light MG dynema pillow sack. It has a fleece side and even is I need to wear my puffy, there is usually enough to stuff it with to make a decent pillow. And it keeps things dry.
If you go with a lighter can and it's a popular trail, you can bring a small fuel transfer device. When you hit the trash/drop-off spots where folks leave behind partially full cans, you can refill your own and extend how far you can get on the small can.
Great video! Thank you and I’m now a subscriber. Double check your captions for #3 tip, not sure if you can change it but wanted to make sure you know!
Perhaps it is not your niche but if you were down for doing something a little outside love to see more about balancing “comfort” and lightweight? I put comfort in parenthesis because often what [able-bodied] people think are pointless are necessary accommodations for my disabled / chronically ill ass. I want to shave weight but not looking to be a bare bones minimalist! Love your channel either way~ 🖤
I really like this idea! It's something I've had to figure out for myself over the years. I've definitely opted for heavier items because lighter ones are just not worth it (moving to carrying a blow up pad instead of just a foam pad). I probably should have included this in the video, but ultimately everyone's needs are going to be different (especially for people hiking with disabilities, chornic illness, chronic pain, etc.) and at the end of the day whatever makes backpacking possible is what makes sense to bring. Thanks for your perspective.
Some of these were really smart. However I would not do all of them because I only do these kinds of Hikes as training for any Bug out event I might encounter. Under those conditions for instance you do not know where year next water source might be. But getting lighter is smart none the less.
yeah I think it's still helpful to be able to carry more, even for desert hikes where water sources are few and far between! but it's also nice to lighten up to make longer trips more sustainable.
No, I won’t ditch my wallet, because I carry a very small thin SoC black fabric wallet, which works fine. It has a long tape on it so I can wear it around my neck, but usually loop it through my belt loop at my waist. And I plan on keeping some type of pillow. Ditch extra batteries? Really? Don’t think I will do that. If I am going to carry a bandanna for a snot-rag, I think I will need another one for pre-filtering my water, lol.
If you listened I was talking about big bulky wallets, sounds like you have an alternative solution that works great! And "ditching" in that instance is more about consolidating.
... Agree with some ,, not with some .... Yes , yes/no , no , no ,yes , no , yes , no , yes , no , no , no , yes , yes , no , yes , yes/no , yes/no , yes , no , yes/no , no , yes , yes , no , no , no , no , no , no ... ... pack for conditions ,, includes trip difficulty & weather .... pack for success ,, not by weight ... it is what it is ... BE PREPARED ........ All trips are different ,, don't destroy your pack and gear to satisfy one loadout (You may need those compression straps for the next adventure ) .... practice Leave No Trace .... Safety First ,, Always .........Have respect for other hikers and wildlife ... Don't leave anything of value in your vehicle at trailhead .. Trailhead vehicle break ins (or vehicle stolen) are getting more common every day ( leaving house keys and vehicle registration in glove box or anywhere in vehicle (thieves will find hiding places),, leads to possible home intrusion/invasion at some point in future) .. ( maybe before you get home from THIS hike ,, they know you won't be there ) ... test results based on 55+ years experience on trails ...
I disagree with a few of these suggestions. Almost none of your cutting weight went into planning for emergencies. There are so many stories of hikers getting lost or injured on trail and being stuck for days before being rescued. You should never plan for just being out for one night. To me it's like insurance, I'll carry the extra pound of water knowing that I'll have water in the case of an emergency.
"Pleaes be smart/safe about this! Please make sure you are certain of your water sources if you are using this method. Don't cut it too close" etc. An extra pound is half a liter, seems like a reasonable amount of extra water to carry.
Good point about microplastics. I had just assumed backpacking filters didn't get those, but never checked. Turns out, the popular ones (Sawyer and BeFree) say they do filter them out. So the Smart water bottle is still good to go.
If you like supporting Coca Cola (Smart Water maker), one of the world's biggest polluters, and contributing to waste yourself by using a disposable bottle instead of something more long-lasting.
If you filter from one smart water bottle to another then you still get the microplastics. I dont have access to smart water bottles but they are cheap so I bet they are made from PET or PETE. And those are not meant to be reused. Nalgenes are made from tritan and is safe to use couple of years. Or you could use stainles steel bottle and boil the water straight in it.
I'm super light everywhere except my sleeping pad. I don't really know how to address it though. I'm a big guy with broad shoulders. I have arthritis as well. Anything less than 30 inch width leads to pain. I can't find one that weighs less then around 40 ounces, which is a lot for a pad.
Honestly if you are super light everywhere else and a heavier sleeping pad is what makes backpacking possible, I'd say don't worry about it (unless that extra weight is bothering your arthritis). I'd say the only other way to address it might be shortening the wide pad, but again, if that's the heaviest thing you're carrying maybe you don't need to lighten it!
you can get two size small NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pads and link them together with the strap system and it would be 40 inches across and weigh 16oz. Or do the same with the UberLite and it would weigh 12oz.
My section/thru total backpack weighs 23 lbs and I am struck with what else I can do without. 16 lbs base weight and 7 lbs non-base weight. I have ditched my camp shoes. Not much.
Honestly, hard to say without knowing what all you are carrying, but sometimes if your main gear is heavy that's unfortunately the biggest weight savings you can go for, it's just often expensive to get light versions of those main pieces. If you are having an okay time carrying it though, don't worry too much about it!
Make a list of items you know you could potentially lighten by purchasing something new and the beside it list the choice or possible choices you would make if money were no object (it always is though for most people). Then you have to decide if the “juice is worth the squeeze” or in this case the added cost. This is how I approach your same situation. Also each time you go on a trip make some field notes regarding what you used or didn’t and ask yourself if conditions were different would you have used it. If the answer is ‘likely not’ then try a trip without that item. Often this approach works best for clothing and kitchen items. Good luck.
You must have gotten the bread bag as waterproof socks suggestion from Insta rather than personal experience because no matter if you out b the em between your foot and sock or between your sock and shoe they get holes in them very quickly. Not a good tip, IMO.
i've done it before, although only for shorter periods. I honestly don't mind wet feet too much. I feel like if you're using them to stay dry in snow all day a few holes wouldn't be too big of a deal, but all depends on your use case.
It can't strictly be "Ditch this ditch that" offering lighter options or suggesting modifications to existing gear someone feels like is a necessity would be more helpful and everyone tells you to take less clothes but to use those non existent clothes for your pillow. Wah? Or worse take a puffy as a pillow. Then what's the point of a puffy? To be a pillow. You might need it for extra warmth on unexpected cold nights outside of your bag's comfort rating. Now I gotta choose between a neck cramp or shivering. I'm taking the 1 lbs chair and 6 oz pillow. People falsely claim that it comes down to a choice between being comfortable on trail or comfortable at camp. You're gonna suffer on trail light pack or nay. No sense in suffering at camp as well. Just limit the decadence to a few items. I probably take it further than most. I tote around a 1 lbs guardian water purifier to expedite filtration. Spending 35 minutes squeezing for my life to yield 2oz of water was depriving me of previous sight seeing so I accommodated a need.
I didn't suggest many lighter items because that tends to be more expensive. I did cover some gear modifications that I've seen work for people, but maybe there's a different video that would better suit what you're looking for.
If you come to a place where you are considering taking a book you're most likely going for leisure and probably aren't seeking weight cutting advice so it's kinda moot to mention.
if you like to hunt and forage while camping/hiking a bar or stick of dead down wind can really be a game changer as well as its non harmful to the enviorment and wild life
I don't do much of that on thru-hikes (besides a little foraging) mostly due to not really having enough time for it. But, I totally see the value in this for hunting and camping trips!
Lose 5 lbs right before the hike😂 here's your free 5 lbs🎉 Alternatively cold soak, eat grass, sleep on the ground and yes! The big one: ditch band aids😂 really??? There is really not many ways. You cut into your safety or comfort. Lift heavy - travel happy
eat grass?! that sounds awful 🤣. and yeah, you cut into your comfort to be more comfortable, everything is a trade off. The good news is we all get to do whatever we want!
3) ditch the pillow. You said you pack your puffy into your clothes bag. I had to listen twice to hear what you actually said. At first, I didn't think packing a puppy into your clothes bag would work well. Too squirmy. But finally I understood... PUFFY! lol not PUPPY😂😂😂
I have two pieces of advice You will stink, deodarant wont help much and it will attact insects. Keep smellies in the car for your drive home. Also as a medic with infantry troops overseas, practice using your first aid equipment. If you dont know how to use it, why bring it? The take away is to practice using it and bring, not leave it at home. First aid is not an on the job training kind of skill.
Ultralight backpacking is just a trendy euphemism for "irresponsibly reducing my safety/supply margins to dangerous levels because I can always call 911 if im hypothermic, starving, or injured." You're carrying less, sure, but only because you've outsourced your safety responsibilities to Mountain Rescue 🙄
@eliseott I made it all the way to your suggestion that "cold soaking" food is potentially a worthwhile goal to be worked towards 🤣 I did 2 weeks on the AT back in 2018 with an "ultralight bro" friend from school. Hammock, half-quilt, no stove, minimalist trail runners, etc... We carried him for the whole hike. Large cuts and scrapes on his ankles and legs from sharp rocks because he wanted to wear soccer shorts and running shoes. No med-kit of his own, so he bummed bandages off of us. Was cold every night and constantly asked for hot water. Didn't even have a metal cup, just some origami plastic bowl, so he couldn't even heat up his own water in a fire. Despite all this, he still managed to be smug. I guess it comes with the territory.
It's so easy for you kids to tell people what's necessary or not. Grow older, have some injuries, and your priorities change. With my neck after getting rear ended, no f'n way I'm ditching my Nemo Fillo. Your method guarantees neck pains and a possible migraine. My pillow gives me a comfortable nights sleep. It's absurd to suggest what people do or don't need based on being a youngster (this is especially ironic since in my experience, most other hikers I encounter are not your age). I'm my mid 40s, same for the chair. I'm not a pansy, I don't need a 10 lb base weight. I can hike all day with a pack, but when I sit, I'm grateful for my chair. If some luxury items that add a whopping 1 extra pound or so to your base weight and that makes or breaks you, you should probably hit the gym.
It's downright hilarious sometimes the lengths people go to lighten the pack. Cutting tags is insanity. Growing up in the eighties, pack weights exceeding 50 lbs was the norm. Now I have the ability to carry the same essentials which have lightened due to technology and can carry all the luxuries id like depending on the trail. Length and difficulty of hike time should influence weight.
Got inspected for trowel in Sierras by Park Ranger in 2022. Would'a won 4th-amendment case at Supreme Court, but wanted to show-off MYoG''d Prairie-dog style titanium trowel and missed the opportunity.
I carry bear spray hiking the Appalachians. I've been hiking for over 50 years. I've never needed a knife for protection. For that matter, I've never needed the bear spray. I carry a Swiss army knife (Huntsman II now known as Climber, I think) with a ferro rod in place of the toothpick. It's the only tool I've ever needed in camp.
On a three day hike a couple of years ago, I met a man who was drinking his tea from his favourite china tea cup. When I asked him why he would bring such a thing, he replied, "because his tea tasted better and so the extra weight and fragility didn't matter".
Another man on the same hike brought along his espresso coffee making gear. His reasoning was that it made his start to the day better, so it was worth the extra weight.
These men have taught me that if something makes your journey better and you're willing to carry it, then it simply doesn't matter if it increases your gear base weight, and it doesn't matter what anyone thinks.
I now take a jet boil minimo as well as a jet boil skillet because I like to have better meals.
Simple. No further justification needed.
Absolutely bring your luxuries if that's what makes you happy :)
Exactly, this is why I always take a pillow 😊
I'm fully on board with this! I bring my thermos even though it's extra weight because it's such a luxury to be able to stop and have a cup of coffee without having to boil water.
I boil water for my breakfast coffee anyway, so I just boil some extra and fill up my thermos with hot water.
On my last hike I took a wrong turn which turned into a long detour in pouring rain and by the time I set up camp I was cold, exhausted and just sick of the whole thing.
But I had hot water so I didn't have to start my stove, I just poured the water over my dehydrated meal and ate it in misery 😅
I also bring actual milk from my coffee from now on, because the extra weight is worth it compared to drinking powdered milk or black coffee; the rest of my equipment is already heavy, that small amount of extra weight doesn't make a huge difference; but then again, I'm just out for a couple of days, if I did a really long hike over several weeks I'd probably reconsider my choices 😊
@@eliseottYeah, I haul my Adirondack chair everytime I go out hiking.😊
three unethical ways to reduce your base weight: lie to other hikers when they ask your base weight, omit items from your lighterpack, count every item in your fanny pack as worn weight.
I wish this worked as well on my feet and back as it did on other hikers!
Remove all your teeth, and then you don't even need that 2g sawn-down toothbrush stub, or the toothpaste tablets.
@@_Chris390 are dentures UL 🤔
If you still have your appendix are you even ultralight, bro?
If you have a pack-liner i use a gallon freezer ziploc bags for organizing my clothes and lighting gear, fire kit, water treatment systems, etc. put everything you need to keep dry and organized use different ziplock bag’s. Write whats in the bags in posca red bright pen. Write in big letters whats in each bag and organization. Make list of where everything is packed in layers in your hiking bag. A gallon ziploc bag weights 0.31oz. Ditch stuff bags and use ziploc bags with the attached zippers
yeah if you really crave the organization or want the double waterproofing, reusing plastic bags can be a great hack!
An added benefit to a good trowel is using it as a replacement for a tent peg; one less peg to carry and a trowel in the trade-off.
I can't help but imagine a scenario where my tent is set up for the night and I end up having to dig a hole 😅. Love a multi-purpose item though!
@@eliseott 🤦♂️😂😂 The trowel is dedicated to a minor structural tie-out.
You can also eat with the trowel and leave the spork at home.
Or just have one extra tent peg ($2) and don’t have the trowel ($20) at all. Bonus points for being lighter anyway.
@@twestgard2 You are correct, carrying out your poop is a better LNT practice.
When you're as old as me you'll rethink the camp chair thing. 😅
As someone who is probably as old as you, I have gone back to "no chair". It is just as hard for me to get down into my camp chair, especially on soft ground, as it is to sit on my thinlight pad.
I use the old school stool style chair. I was surprised at how comfortable it was. Getting in and out of lower chairs suck.
maybe true! I have changed my tune on several things over the years! I used to be okay just sleeping on a foam pad, not so much anymore.
Yeah, I'm in my 40s, the extra weight from the chair is 100% worth it for me, same with the pillow. I also have to hall around a 4lb battery for my cpap machine (which is crazy heavy in a pack). I still keep my pack in the low 40lb weight range though for a 5 day hike. But, these are great tips! These really are luxury items and are not needed, so a good place to start if you are looking to cut weight.
100% agreed. Its my one luxury
It's always interesting to watch videos on how to lighten one's pack. You get other people's ideas & perspectives that you may - or may not - adopt. You also need to take into account whether you're backpacking a 'short' hike vs. a thru-hike. On thru-hikes, I take more cards/IDs as it is almost impossible to get a new card/ID while trucking along on a thru-hike. My main card setup is: DL, CC#1, CC#2 (backup in case #1 is compromised), Insurance Card, Debit #1. My backup card setup is: Passbook Card, CC#3, Debit Card #2. I keep these two card setups separate from each other. In the last 10 yrs, I've had my CC compromised 3 or 4 times. Fortunately, not on a hike. But several times on vacations.
So true! Everybody has their own appraoch. Appreciate the perspective on the cards! I have always viewed my debit as sort of a backup credit and now have things like apple pay so I probably would still only carry the one credit, one debit. But fiar point on the extra ID as well! I also use digital versions of my insurance cards so I don't have to worry about those.
yeah, on a thru-hike I always take ID, 2 CC, Insurance Card, and a $50 bill. I have used the $50 bill more than a few times! Main credit card and ID in my pocket, 2nd cc, insurance card, and $50 bill in my electronics bag.
For the drivers license I wonder if you could just have a picture on your phone?
19:33 could you help me understand why so many hikers specifically choose Smart Water? I can’t tell if it’s a fad or if there’s some sort of sponsorship going on, but I’ve seen and heard a lot of channels say exactly what you said “carry lighter bottles” but short-circuit straight to Smart Water and say it like the words are interchangeable. Why not Aquafina, or any of the other hundreds of bottled water brands?
life water is the common other brand I see (i think smart water is just more widely distributed than that brand). usually smart water bottles are the cheapest option that have the sport caps and are still a thicker plastic and the right size (1L and skinny). two fit in most backpacking water bottle pockets and the plastic is thicker than some of the other brands. The shape is also impofrtant. Aquafina 1L bottles are going to be harder to fit two side by side in your backpacking pockets because of their weird shape.
@@eliseott thank you!
@jasonsahl4529 and the other reason is that the smart water bottle and the life water bottle have the specific size of opening that fits on the sawyer water filter system.
Crocs are bulky but nothing is better. I have hiked 100s of kms in them. Just used mine on Eagle Rock Loop in AR. They float, wipe dry, can be in camp mode or all-terrain mode, warm w socks etc. I have tried everything over 40+ years from Luna to basic spa flipflops and nothing is as good. Bulky, yes, but better than anything to date I have tried from the AT to northern Ont.
Sounds like you get way more use out of your crocs than just as camp shoes! If you like hiking in them I totally get bringing them along, but if they are just camp shoes I think it's overkiill!
Are they also good for crossing rivers/creeks?
@@eliseottwell, that’s just your opinion and you know what they say about opinions…
I wanna try filling the blowup pillow with helium to see if it effects the weight of my pack... also a blow up pillow isn't that much weight... when empty
I TRULY wish i could not carry three litera with me, but I've run out of water when 3 separate sources were dry and im like a camel when im hiking uphill!
Honestly it's better to cut weight in other places in that case! Being adequately hydrated is super important. Carrying less water only works if you don't NEED more.
I too drinks tons of water and have been in situations where the water sources are all dried up.
A lot of times you need only dig maybe a foot down into the bottom of a dry creek bed to find plenty of water. Getting it out can be a problem depending on what you have, and it's going to be dirty, but that's what the filter is for anyway. A pump filter is great for this.
Big rocks and one of those paper thin razor blade-like trowels makes doing this no fun at all, but odds are very good that you'll find water this way.
@@eliseott The best reason I have come up with for spending money on lighter gear and cutting what I don't need is to be able to carry more water and food. I think the balance and challenge of figuring this all out is half the fun of backpacking.
13:30 I've tried the toothpaste tablets. I like them in theory, but I wasn't a fan in practice. My teeth just didn't feel as clean. I'll take the weight penalty to bring a travel tube of toothpaste.
This is good intel! Appreciate the input.
I take a camp towel because I can also use it as a heat barrier between me and the ground at night...it also is gritty so less slippery
I bought a shovel from dollar tree that's big in size but super light they put them out in spring it can attach to a broom handle...so walking stick plus...
I friggin' love my camp chair, and yes I did take it on the PCT and it was amazing.
How much did you charge tramily members to sit in your chair? Haha
hey if it works for you and you don't mind carrying it, rock on my friend!
Thanks for all the tips. I didn't read the comments so I don't know if anyone mentioned this but I like portawipes instead of baby wipes. They are so compact and take very little water to expand.
probably safe yourself a lot of time and energy not reading them haha. I have throught about using the dehydrated ones, just harder to find in grocery stores! thank you for the rec though!
great tips. I think using a cup is useful because you only have to cook once. I use a titanium pot and cup. Then I only have to carry one amount of fuel for each meal. I bring the pot of water to a boil, pour 1/3 for tea and cook food in the rest. I think the weight of the cup is less that carrying double the weight of fuel. I find cheap water bottles (the ones that are 1$ for 1.5L) are half the weight Smartwater water bottles. Mine last me over 1000km.
we all have our luxury items! and yes doesn't have to be smart water bottles, really whatever you can find that's still a little thicker than those super thin plastics.
One of the benefits of Smart is that they fit the Sawyers. Have you checked if any of those cheaper ones fit them?
Also made by Coca Cola. One of the world's worst polluters.@@HostileTakeover2
Travel bottle or sample size for soap or sheet soap or wet wipes, hand sanitizer
Here in Siberia, you need a good big bug spray. Or special anti-tick clothes (which are often too hot to use in summer).
And metal or tritan water bottle is good to put a boiling water there. Other bottles will not survive boiling water. And drinking not boiled water may sometimes be dangerous.
I don't have any experience backpacking in Siberia, but I still bring bug spray just not as much now that I have treated clothes and can wear my rain gear too. I use a filter to treat my water (or tablets) so I don't need to boil, but that's a good treatment method if you don't have those things!
All these ultralight hiking RUclipsrs are 100% United Stated focused, unfortunately. Typical Yanks, never even thinking about the world past their doorstep.
I just got done with my 3rd backpacking trip, gonna make a video of my beginner winter backpacking setup! Base weight on last trip was 50lbs + 10L water + 6lbs food haha
I mean winter will DEFINITELy increase that base weight, and for good reason. 50 might be a bit excessive though haha.
@@eliseott just did the weight-in for my video im putting together.. .. guess only 41lbs base, no water/food...
I sleep in my puffy a good chunk of the time. Idk how people don’t need it to sleep and get to use it as a pillow.
Tons of great advice!
Some people wear a puffy as the top of their sleeping bag and just add a short extension for their legs, sometimes called an "elephant's foot."
I used to do this but I found if I warm my body up a bit in my sleeping bag (quick pushups or something) I don't need to. Probably also depends on what your bag is rated to! Thank you!
this is hardcore.
I'll tell you how! I only had enough money to buy a cheap 4 season sleeping bag, EN/ISO said it can go down to -17C (extreme rating), now if we take it with a grain of salt that is atleast 0C (the comfort rating on it). so when i use it in the summer (i only have 1 bag, can't buy more since budget), it is REALLY hot, like i wake up full of sweat kind of deal.
On a recent trip I had a pretty light sleeping bag. So instead of wearing my puffy, I zipped up the puffy, and shoved my feet through it. That kept my legs nice and warm with the wool base layer long underwear. I was wearing. Then I wore my wool long sleeve base layer top, my sun hoodie, my fleece and my stocking cap for the top layer. This worked surprisingly well.
1. Very important item…maybe #1. An accurate scale, postage or kitchen. Know what everything weighs. Nothing is weightless except knowledge. 2. Learn how to do without. 3. Use a bidet instead of TP. 4. The smallest Swiss Army Knife has a great selection of essential tools. The tweezers are the shape recommended by experts for safe tick removal. The blade is big enough for anything you will actually need it for. The scissors will cut tape., patches or aluminum cans…to make an efficient alcohol stove like Fuzzy’s Li’lStove when your heavy high-tech stove fails. 5. Leave the “what iffs” at home; they alwats add unnecessary weight.
One item you kind of suggested, but not exactly. You very likely can shorten the hip belt straps on your backpack. They are made extra long and some people need that extra length, but most of us don't So cut them shorter. Just don't make them too short. Also 1/4 height darn tough socks are fine. You don't need long socks. So go as short as you can. This is especially true if you are wearing trail runners.
Some people like to have shoes for crossing streams. Don't do that. I don't like to go barefoot, so I take out the insoles of my trail runners and remove my socks. I then cross the stream in my trail runners. Then after I've crossed I use the top of my socks to dry my feet, put the socks back on, reinsert the insoles and then put on the shoes. Most trail runners don't hold much water.
Of course, some days I'm pressed for time. Then I just ford the stream and don't bother doing all the stuff above, but then my feet can tolerate being wet all day. It is not for everyone.
For an easy food/recovery drink I combine 1 part chocolate protein powder with 2-3 parts hot chocolate mix. I make this up prior to the start of the trip.
totally, or you could order them shorter so you don't risk introducing any sort of breakage! Love that tip. Also, I like to call just crossing in. your trail runners "freedom feet" I heard it somehwere and it stuck with me - once your feet are already wet, you can't be as precious about it. that recovery drink sounds delicious!
I buy dollar headlamps that take those flat batteries and they our super light one small container from dollar tree carries like 5
I started using a stuff sack pillow. But now I don't pack enough extra clothing etc to use as a pillow. So now I have a pillow.
hahah sounds like you're still getting the right result : less stuff.
Dollar tree wash cloth super light no need for bandanas and you can keep it in mesh pocket
Going cook-less is even cheaper and easier than cold soaking, and it's the absolute laziest way to sustain oneself of trail because it requires no cleanup or space 🙂
I hate all dehydrated meals, I just can't do it. I tried, I really did.
I ate a lit of Kind Bars, Nature Valley Bars, cheese whisps, Ruffles, Carnation Instant Breakfast (usually 3 at a time in my water bottle in the morning), string cheese, sausage sticks, peanuts, corn nuts, etc
Cookless is totally an option too! I do find sometimes cookless ends up being a bit heavy compared to cold soaking, depending what food you're brigning. I love carnation instant breakfasts, those are a staple in my backpakcing diet!
So far, don't agree with no pillow or chair. We are older hikers and those are a must. We are sick of trying to make a pillow from extra clothes.
take what works for you!
Bamboo toothbrush or take a metal straw and brush head for the straw
Good vid. I am now a chair guy now. Butt cannot tolerate logs or rocks anymore.
That's fair! Thanks for watching!
When I’m carrying an ice axe II place the trowel in my bounce box. The ice axe is the best digger, way better Thst the lightweight trowel. Thanks for newsy n informative video.
Totally agree. Part of me always considers carrying the ice axe longer just for digging holes 😂
As someone who grew up using water bottles for years out of necessity, i do not recommend it! I don't know about micro plastics, but UV will break down your bottle and that will end up in your water. So if you use water bottles, please atleast change it every 10-15 hikes or so. (I only know about some nalgenes that don't use PET as a material at all, but the topic never interested me that much, since i use a big heavy stainless steel {non-UL friendly} container in which i can boil the living sht out of the water.)
This is fair. It's helpful that Sawyer filters do filter out the microplastics (which are probably the worst coming from my dirty bottle that I squeeze to death) but I'm actively working on better solutions.
Thanks Sauce. Great stuff as usual. I’m 6’6” tall so I’m in a weird sizing for a lot of gear. I cut down a regular UberLite to make a custom size for me as a tall person- needed around 54” pad to help support my knees better as a side sleeper. But totally agree that buying smaller size (47”) for most people would work perfectly. Thanks again. Peace and happy trails.
Thank YOU! I hadn't thought about the need to cut down for taller people where the traditional short pad won't quite work. thanks for that perspective!
No slip on trail runners when going out to go to the green room. Nope. Plus, we have been checked for trowels by park staff.
interesting! I do think you have to be super responsible when digging holes and it's a lot harder without a trowel - it's not something that's worth it to me personally, unless i have an ice ax!
I would still recommend rain cover instead of plastic bags. Because if you dont use a rain cover, your bag will observe rain water making it heavier.
it depends on the backpack you have for sure! I'd probably do both if i had a pack that absorbed water.
Great curation of info. Well done.
+1 for toothpaste tablets.
I use a buff as a buff and a sleep mask
Leaving extra clothing at home is a game changer, too.
good to know you like the tablets!! Great tips :)
Great gouge!
Another professionally edited and narrated film my friend! Love your content!
thank you so much!!
I also carry a hand crank flashlight from dollar tree so Incase I don't have any batteries...or no way to recharge
Not free, but I’m addicted to my hyper light MG dynema pillow sack. It has a fleece side and even is I need to wear my puffy, there is usually enough to stuff it with to make a decent pillow. And it keeps things dry.
I've wondered about those! zpacks makes one too I believe. I'd be super interested in trying one of those eventually.
Wallet app for phone and also gift card instead of cash
Dollar tree knife the mini scissors are in the Dollar tree medical kit
Good stuff, don’t agree with all of it but will adopt a couple things.
awesome! I think just taking on a few things makes sense!
If you go with a lighter can and it's a popular trail, you can bring a small fuel transfer device. When you hit the trash/drop-off spots where folks leave behind partially full cans, you can refill your own and extend how far you can get on the small can.
love this! I bet you could pretty much fill up on just that and rarely buy fuel cans this way.
I just bought one.
This is the way.
gas transfer usually needs temperature difference between two cans
@@kwokau6610 Which can be accomplished by putting one canister in the sun to warm up or by putting one canister in a stream to cool down.
Toothpaste tabs are great - just need to keep them dry. I am fully converted. I also use the dry wipes, counting on maybe 3-5 per day.
I forgot about dry wipes! I'll have to try the tablets eventually!
@@eliseott I only use them to clean my face, feet, etc. Not for bathroom kit.
I put blistex in mine and tweezer I think
I do the poncho to
Great video! Thank you and I’m now a subscriber. Double check your captions for #3 tip, not sure if you can change it but wanted to make sure you know!
thank you!! I just did (and fixed it), appreciate that!
Great!! Thanks again for the great video, love your channel.
I only use one stuff sack for my clothes
the Xero shoes are really nice and ul camp shoes. sad i lost them
Perhaps it is not your niche but if you were down for doing something a little outside love to see more about balancing “comfort” and lightweight? I put comfort in parenthesis because often what [able-bodied] people think are pointless are necessary accommodations for my disabled / chronically ill ass. I want to shave weight but not looking to be a bare bones minimalist! Love your channel either way~ 🖤
I really like this idea! It's something I've had to figure out for myself over the years. I've definitely opted for heavier items because lighter ones are just not worth it (moving to carrying a blow up pad instead of just a foam pad). I probably should have included this in the video, but ultimately everyone's needs are going to be different (especially for people hiking with disabilities, chornic illness, chronic pain, etc.) and at the end of the day whatever makes backpacking possible is what makes sense to bring. Thanks for your perspective.
Dollar tree med kit has everything
Cooking gloves latex or non latex instead of bread bags for hands or just carry gloves or socks...bread bags for feet yes
Some of these were really smart. However I would not do all of them because I only do these kinds of Hikes as training for any Bug out event I might encounter. Under those conditions for instance you do not know where year next water source might be. But getting lighter is smart none the less.
yeah I think it's still helpful to be able to carry more, even for desert hikes where water sources are few and far between! but it's also nice to lighten up to make longer trips more sustainable.
No, I won’t ditch my wallet, because I carry a very small thin SoC black fabric wallet, which works fine. It has a long tape on it so I can wear it around my neck, but usually loop it through my belt loop at my waist. And I plan on keeping some type of pillow.
Ditch extra batteries? Really? Don’t think I will do that.
If I am going to carry a bandanna for a snot-rag, I think I will need another one for pre-filtering my water, lol.
If you listened I was talking about big bulky wallets, sounds like you have an alternative solution that works great! And "ditching" in that instance is more about consolidating.
... Agree with some ,, not with some .... Yes , yes/no , no , no ,yes , no , yes , no , yes , no , no , no , yes , yes , no , yes , yes/no , yes/no , yes , no , yes/no , no , yes , yes , no , no , no , no , no , no ...
... pack for conditions ,, includes trip difficulty & weather .... pack for success ,, not by weight ... it is what it is ... BE PREPARED ........ All trips are different ,, don't destroy your pack and gear to satisfy one loadout (You may need those compression straps for the next adventure ) .... practice Leave No Trace .... Safety First ,, Always .........Have respect for other hikers and wildlife ... Don't leave anything of value in your vehicle at trailhead .. Trailhead vehicle break ins (or vehicle stolen) are getting more common every day ( leaving house keys and vehicle registration in glove box or anywhere in vehicle (thieves will find hiding places),, leads to possible home intrusion/invasion at some point in future) .. ( maybe before you get home from THIS hike ,, they know you won't be there ) ... test results based on 55+ years experience on trails ...
yeah I think it always depends on the trip and what works for you!
Good advice about the keys left in the car. I was just planning on that 😬
I disagree with a few of these suggestions. Almost none of your cutting weight went into planning for emergencies. There are so many stories of hikers getting lost or injured on trail and being stuck for days before being rescued. You should never plan for just being out for one night. To me it's like insurance, I'll carry the extra pound of water knowing that I'll have water in the case of an emergency.
"Pleaes be smart/safe about this! Please make sure you are certain of your water sources if you are using this method. Don't cut it too close" etc. An extra pound is half a liter, seems like a reasonable amount of extra water to carry.
I think you could go even lighter if you ditch your phone and all electronic and rechargeable devices. A paper map and a compass is all you need .
you certainly could! I like to document with my electronics though. and phone gps is much quicker than paper maps, just my preference.
Good point about microplastics. I had just assumed backpacking filters didn't get those, but never checked. Turns out, the popular ones (Sawyer and BeFree) say they do filter them out. So the Smart water bottle is still good to go.
yep, I know it's a concern for some and I definitely don't want any more in my diet than I can help!
If you like supporting Coca Cola (Smart Water maker), one of the world's biggest polluters, and contributing to waste yourself by using a disposable bottle instead of something more long-lasting.
If you filter from one smart water bottle to another then you still get the microplastics. I dont have access to smart water bottles but they are cheap so I bet they are made from PET or PETE. And those are not meant to be reused. Nalgenes are made from tritan and is safe to use couple of years. Or you could use stainles steel bottle and boil the water straight in it.
I'm super light everywhere except my sleeping pad. I don't really know how to address it though. I'm a big guy with broad shoulders. I have arthritis as well. Anything less than 30 inch width leads to pain. I can't find one that weighs less then around 40 ounces, which is a lot for a pad.
Honestly if you are super light everywhere else and a heavier sleeping pad is what makes backpacking possible, I'd say don't worry about it (unless that extra weight is bothering your arthritis). I'd say the only other way to address it might be shortening the wide pad, but again, if that's the heaviest thing you're carrying maybe you don't need to lighten it!
you can get two size small NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pads and link them together with the strap system and it would be 40 inches across and weigh 16oz. Or do the same with the UberLite and it would weigh 12oz.
@@eliseott You're right of course. It seems like the closer my trip gets the more I overthink things. Thank you for the good advice.
@@billprice6458 It's so easy to do, it's part of the pre-trip ritual! thank you for watching!
My section/thru total backpack weighs 23 lbs and I am struck with what else I can do without. 16 lbs base weight and 7 lbs non-base weight. I have ditched my camp shoes. Not much.
Honestly, hard to say without knowing what all you are carrying, but sometimes if your main gear is heavy that's unfortunately the biggest weight savings you can go for, it's just often expensive to get light versions of those main pieces. If you are having an okay time carrying it though, don't worry too much about it!
Looking at your clothing layers and see if you can't cut 1-3 things
Make a list of items you know you could potentially lighten by purchasing something new and the beside it list the choice or possible choices you would make if money were no object (it always is though for most people). Then you have to decide if the “juice is worth the squeeze” or in this case the added cost. This is how I approach your same situation. Also each time you go on a trip make some field notes regarding what you used or didn’t and ask yourself if conditions were different would you have used it. If the answer is ‘likely not’ then try a trip without that item. Often this approach works best for clothing and kitchen items. Good luck.
Lake Ingalls?
You must have gotten the bread bag as waterproof socks suggestion from Insta rather than personal experience because no matter if you out b the em between your foot and sock or between your sock and shoe they get holes in them very quickly. Not a good tip, IMO.
i've done it before, although only for shorter periods. I honestly don't mind wet feet too much. I feel like if you're using them to stay dry in snow all day a few holes wouldn't be too big of a deal, but all depends on your use case.
We used bread bags over our shoes just to not get our feet wet by going out in the rain😊. The year was 1958.
@@suecox8355 I suspect today’s bags aren’t as durable.
@@andymytys much thinner also newspaper bags worked in their day. Just have to be resourceful with what we can make work in a pinch 😊
@@suecox8355 How about bagel bags? too short I suppose.
It can't strictly be "Ditch this ditch that" offering lighter options or suggesting modifications to existing gear someone feels like is a necessity would be more helpful and everyone tells you to take less clothes but to use those non existent clothes for your pillow. Wah? Or worse take a puffy as a pillow. Then what's the point of a puffy? To be a pillow. You might need it for extra warmth on unexpected cold nights outside of your bag's comfort rating. Now I gotta choose between a neck cramp or shivering.
I'm taking the 1 lbs chair and 6 oz pillow. People falsely claim that it comes down to a choice between being comfortable on trail or comfortable at camp. You're gonna suffer on trail light pack or nay. No sense in suffering at camp as well. Just limit the decadence to a few items. I probably take it further than most. I tote around a 1 lbs guardian water purifier to expedite filtration. Spending 35 minutes squeezing for my life to yield 2oz of water was depriving me of previous sight seeing so I accommodated a need.
I didn't suggest many lighter items because that tends to be more expensive. I did cover some gear modifications that I've seen work for people, but maybe there's a different video that would better suit what you're looking for.
They make hiking Crocs
I always bring a tuxedo backpacking. Just in case. Also a chair. And a footstool. Also, my cast iron pan. These are not negotiable.
My buddy man made hiked part of the PCT in a tuxedo. Different strokes, ya know?
😂🎉😂
If you come to a place where you are considering taking a book you're most likely going for leisure and probably aren't seeking weight cutting advice so it's kinda moot to mention.
I think that depends on the person. I've talked several friends out of carrying books and they were thankful for it.
Great tips!!
thank you!!
if you like to hunt and forage while camping/hiking a bar or stick of dead down wind can really be a game changer as well as its non harmful to the enviorment and wild life
I don't do much of that on thru-hikes (besides a little foraging) mostly due to not really having enough time for it. But, I totally see the value in this for hunting and camping trips!
Lose 5 lbs right before the hike😂 here's your free 5 lbs🎉 Alternatively cold soak, eat grass, sleep on the ground and yes! The big one: ditch band aids😂 really??? There is really not many ways. You cut into your safety or comfort. Lift heavy - travel happy
eat grass?! that sounds awful 🤣. and yeah, you cut into your comfort to be more comfortable, everything is a trade off. The good news is we all get to do whatever we want!
3) ditch the pillow. You said you pack your puffy into your clothes bag.
I had to listen twice to hear what you actually said. At first, I didn't think packing a puppy into your clothes bag would work well. Too squirmy. But finally I understood... PUFFY! lol not PUPPY😂😂😂
hahah also the captions were way off on this previously so that wasn't helping!
Great breakdown on getting dialed in for the trail!
thank you, that's half the fun!!
I thought you said to stuff my puppy. Now, that’s a silly thing.
Nobody takes books it's called a Kindle app
I have two pieces of advice You will stink, deodarant wont help much and it will attact insects. Keep smellies in the car for your drive home. Also as a medic with infantry troops overseas, practice using your first aid equipment. If you dont know how to use it, why bring it? The take away is to practice using it and bring, not leave it at home. First aid is not an on the job training kind of skill.
both great points!!
Ultralight backpacking is just a trendy euphemism for "irresponsibly reducing my safety/supply margins to dangerous levels because I can always call 911 if im hypothermic, starving, or injured." You're carrying less, sure, but only because you've outsourced your safety responsibilities to Mountain Rescue 🙄
you have a point but it just kinda tells me you didn't watch this video
@eliseott I made it all the way to your suggestion that "cold soaking" food is potentially a worthwhile goal to be worked towards 🤣 I did 2 weeks on the AT back in 2018 with an "ultralight bro" friend from school. Hammock, half-quilt, no stove, minimalist trail runners, etc...
We carried him for the whole hike. Large cuts and scrapes on his ankles and legs from sharp rocks because he wanted to wear soccer shorts and running shoes. No med-kit of his own, so he bummed bandages off of us. Was cold every night and constantly asked for hot water. Didn't even have a metal cup, just some origami plastic bowl, so he couldn't even heat up his own water in a fire. Despite all this, he still managed to be smug. I guess it comes with the territory.
I think that if you don't have a trowel holes ararely really 8-inch deep and you just cheat. Prove me wrong.
I do think it's really hard to get a good hole without a trowel.
Go ahead and get the travel tooth paste the tablets suck...
It's so easy for you kids to tell people what's necessary or not. Grow older, have some injuries, and your priorities change. With my neck after getting rear ended, no f'n way I'm ditching my Nemo Fillo. Your method guarantees neck pains and a possible migraine. My pillow gives me a comfortable nights sleep. It's absurd to suggest what people do or don't need based on being a youngster (this is especially ironic since in my experience, most other hikers I encounter are not your age). I'm my mid 40s, same for the chair. I'm not a pansy, I don't need a 10 lb base weight. I can hike all day with a pack, but when I sit, I'm grateful for my chair. If some luxury items that add a whopping 1 extra pound or so to your base weight and that makes or breaks you, you should probably hit the gym.
Sounds like this video was not meant for you. Have a nice day, and feel free to just not watch it next time!
It's downright hilarious sometimes the lengths people go to lighten the pack. Cutting tags is insanity. Growing up in the eighties, pack weights exceeding 50 lbs was the norm. Now I have the ability to carry the same essentials which have lightened due to technology and can carry all the luxuries id like depending on the trail. Length and difficulty of hike time should influence weight.
An elegant way to handle a man who is clearly upset young women have anything to say in this space. You keep doing you ✌🏻
@rebekahtravels6828 hahaha now that's funny. I thought women were equal?
@@rebekahtravels6828 How the fuck did you make that about sexism? Some serious mental gymnastics there.
I had to ditch my condoms. They weight too much.
The stuff sack takes the air and water out making things lighter
Can you link that backpack please?!
the purple one is my neighborhood packs meadowlark 30, you can get 10% off with my code SAUCEY10
Got inspected for trowel in Sierras by Park Ranger in 2022. Would'a won 4th-amendment case at Supreme Court, but wanted to show-off MYoG''d Prairie-dog style titanium trowel and missed the opportunity.
Thank you!
thanks for watching!
Hard disagree on the the knife. Carrying an actual knife can save your life if you run into a rabid animal or something that wants to attack you.
We can agree to disagree :)
I carry bear spray hiking the Appalachians. I've been hiking for over 50 years. I've never needed a knife for protection. For that matter, I've never needed the bear spray. I carry a Swiss army knife (Huntsman II now known as Climber, I think) with a ferro rod in place of the toothpick. It's the only tool I've ever needed in camp.
❤ from 🇮🇪
SOS is the BOSS
Thanks friend!!
People only smell because they don't bring deodorant... Bring a small travel size deodorant or body spray...