10 tips to cut your BASE WEIGHT in HALF

[@FollowBigfoot]

My current UL gear list ➜ lighterpack.com/r/fg4py2

[@saltexas5501]

Sweet!

[@jimpflugrath6220]

I'd like to write thanks for the inspiration and tips. Based on a previous videos of yours, I bought a kitchen scale and a luggage scale. I created a spreadsheet with accurate weights of everything. The spreadsheet also serves as a checklist to make sure I don't forget to take everything needed on a trip. I even became a Zpacks fanboy (they have outstanding customer service in my personal experience!). Nevertheless, I cannot get under about 11 pounds base weight without going BRS-stoveless, sacrificing comfort, wearing ALL my clothes, or simply backpacking in circles in my backyard. I see Bigfoot's items and I don't see a water filter, but I guess dis-infection tablets are a consumable. Also I don't see any method to keep critters from food, so I guess you are keeping your odorproof sack in your quilt. And no waterproof pack liner, so one is trusting that it won't rain very hard. OTOH, maybe this sub-8 lb baseweight is for a fantasy trip.

[@mattryan8327]

​@@jimpflugrath6220 At 11 lbs., you are doing great! I wouldn't worry about the last pound to get under 10 lbs. I was out this past weekend (1st weekend in April), on the AT, in GA, with a pack liner, Sawyer Squeeze (the big one), 40° hammock quilts, torso pad and sit pad, phone and 10,000 battery brick, 11' tarp w/doors, stoveless (500 ml Ti pot, no stove), Ursack Major w/ smell proof bag (not exactly light), pillow, pocket knife, etc, and it rained. My base weight (warm, dry, comfortable, and a good night's sleep), 8.3 lbs. Not fantasy.

[@jimpflugrath6220]

@@mattryan8327 Thanks Matt! Yes, I realize it is doable. Then I add (looking at my spreadsheet) my car key, a pair of sunglasses, an ID, a credit card, some money, a whistle/compass combo, .... Now my wife can go ultralight because I can carry all the communal stuff: Tent, stove, cookset, filter, first aid, food. She only needs to take her pack, a quilt, a pad, a water bottle, and maybe a spoon. :)

[@plumislandmichael729]

Helpful video. Thanks.

[@markjohnson6425]

To check pack weight I use the bathroom scale. Pack on minus pack off. Gets me to 1/10 pound. Close enuf.

[@FollowBigfoot]

I’ve done the same when I could find my scale or was too lazy to grab it LOL

[@melindaadams6520]

I have watched this 3 times. Such a great video. It's helped me a lot. Even before the UL movement caught on, I have tried to keep my total pack weight to 35 lbs or less. That was fairly easy as my backpacking trips rarely lasted more than three nights. We always base camped next to water and explored from there so didn't need to pack in a lot of water. Now that I'm through hiking, it's much more difficult. That base weight really makes all the difference in how much food and water you can carry and still keep your pack under 35 lbs. I think I'm down to about 17. Hitting the CT this summer at 65 years old. Thanks to your tips and that of other KZbinrs, I might be successful. Thanks.

[@johnnyappleseed6960]

Good advice!....But unfortunately over the last several years, the push toward lighter base weights have left inexperienced Hikers struggling with under preparedness when the conditions on the trail(s) suddenly change. There is no substitute for good old fashioned common sense, along with some pre-research into the trail systems to be hiked.

[@mountfairweather]

Ok

[@mtadams2009]

Most newbies tend to carry way to much crap. I bring almost nothing but I have been doing this for decades and don’t mind being uncomfortable. I hate carrying a heavy pack.

[@davidw.schuetz3546]

Great video. Please do one on layering like you mentioned. Thanks!

[@awalkingingmistake]

I just finished the PCT and I have to say, you went 10/10. Great advice here

[@TwmSaer]

Im sitting in a hotel in Hiawasee, GA right now and this pops up as suggested video while I stare at a bed with everything laid out. Some things I had not yet used since Amicalola: Body Glide, baby powder, S2S 3 oz. Wilderness Soap, Ben's 100 DEET ( too early for bugs), chemical hand warmers, condoms (don't you judge me!), cell phone mount for my little Joby tripod, Potable Aqua (backup redundancy), roller massage bar, spare stakes, floss, lip balm, gear repair stuff (clips, grosgrain, etc), Snow Peak Hotlips, fisheye lens for cell phone.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Keep the potable aqua and the lip balm....and the gear repair stuff. Eject the rest. Or maybe all of it as I am now waffling...as do many.

[@michaelharris4503]

Someone said it earlier in a different way. If you can carry it, why not have it??? If you are a through hiker, maybe the deet will be useful a little later , Mail it forward. But there is no need to cut everything out of your kit for now. Some things that I never used I eventually either lost or tossed. It’s a winnowing process. Consider it your version of the check out hikes. Eventually the kit will tell you what not to carry. My first Camino de Santiago I carried a towel, a cup, a tent and all kinds of stuff that I got rid of in the first 20 miles. I made due with a bandana as a towel etc. No shame in carrying too much.

[@spaceninjasteve3356]

I use my backpack as one giant stuff sack works out great for me.

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

I'm blind without my glasses , so an extra pair of glasses are a must have.

[@syberphish]

I'm legally blind with my glasses, so losing them doesn't make a huge difference. ^__^ yay weight savings.

[@derekbrigette]

Great vid. Would love to see a separate video on all the uses for the buff.

[@rjschneid47]

Nice tips, especially for planning upcoming summer day and overnight hikes (with ham radios and cameras) in Colorado. I'm 72 and do not want to come up short, especially since I have hiked in white-outs out here in mid-July.

[@truepeacenik]

Gotta love July 4 with snow in Colorado. I’ve not yet been in serious snow, falling, in summer, but that day is coming.

[@HawkeyeHikes]

Great advice. I struggle with measuring weight piece by piece. By themselves nothing is really heavy but man do those ounces add up in the big picture. Thanks for sharing

[@junkbox7588]

Great advice... I never go out without my puffy coat where I hike no matter the time of year.

[@cielrobinson]

is there any reason not to first weigh yourself with your pack, then weigh yourself alone, and just subtract that? besides accuracy. i'm still in the very early stages

[@donmartin9567]

I understand "Base Weight" and fully agree with it being without food, water and fuel (although the container is part of the base weight). BUT, when I'm looking at packs, especially UL packs, they list volume and carry weight. My question is whether the carry weight INCLUDES the weight of the pack (which it would for Base weight). Yup, I'm planning to get an Arc Haul (I just don't know if I can go as low as the Arc Blast yet but I keep evaluating). I've purchased a LanShan UL2 for a tent (under 2 pounds all in), yes heavier than the Duplex (which I'd love to get) but about 1/6th the cost. And an Uberlight is on the list as well. Another way to look at saving weight is to look for lightweight clothing - shirts, leggings etc. that you carry. you can save a few ounces which adds up over time. Also, get what you need, not what you think you'll need, for example, don't get the 1.2L pot for cooking thinking you may want to cook something larger when all you really do is boil water and make Ramen! Anyway, thanks for the video, keep looking forward to new ones.

[@emmanuelvincent6107]

Yup, their carry weight includes pack weight. The arc haul is a great pack if your tpw is under 25 lbs imo

[@MrDanAng1]

Yes, backpacks are rated to carry everything on your back... including the weight of themself. Usually, I definetily advice you to choose a backpack that can comfortably support everything you carry, so go with the Arc Haul instead of Arc Blast if you are often close to the weight limit. Sometimes carrying a few more ounces is a very good investment. The exception to this "rule" is if you every once in a while have to overpack, for example you have a stretch of hiking where you need a liter or two of extra water or a few days extra portion of food. Personally, I have a 95% rule! If my setup make me more comfortable at least 95% of the time, it's worth to suffer just a bit for less than 5% of the time. In practice, if I overpack my bag less than a day every 3-4 weeks or even less often, it's a good bag for me. If I regularey will overpack it, it's better to go for a bag that can handle 5 or 10 lbs extra.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

I was hiking before any ultra light gear was available. I don't even know how I managed to lug the heavy boots on my feet doing my first really big hike in Australia in the early 1980s. Heavy leather plus massive soles and when they got wet they stayed wet for days. Then there was film for the camera, plus batteries for everything. My pack used to weigh 20 pounds and I was under five feet tall and tiny. Talk about overbalancing on the track. I got it down to 15 with a few gear changes as lighter stuff came in. I can only do day treks thesedays as I damaged my left knee pretty badly and just can't safely take the extra weight anymore. I grieved that after my accident and the 18 months of learning to walk again and rehab, so drink in and enjoy every moment you have out hiking. I still travel but all that I learned from hiking has translated into how I pack. I never leave with more than 15 kilos of luggage and that includes my carry on. Layering has been a life long bonus as well as rinsing clothes out overnight to dry for the following morning when possible. My dress for a flash night on the town just involves adding a smart silk shirt that barely weighs an ounce. I carry a fair bit of camera gear as swapped my passion for hiking to wildlife photography and day walks. I don't miss the dehydrated food at all, but do miss the wild places you can only access on foot!

[@melissabillmire8641]

Great video on how to lighten your load on the trail. Something I have learned the hard way when I first started camping and hiking again. I just went out and bought just about everything I could. Too get back into camping and hiking and really didn't think about the weight. That slowly starts to add up as I continued to buy my camping and hiking gear. One of the main reasons I just went out and bought what I could is that. Just about everything I bought was either on sale or on clearance. And at the time I was more worried about the cost of everything. And I figured by saving a lot of money on camping and hiking gear. I could bring what I needed and whatever I didn't need. I could just keep at home and after getting back. Then I could decide if the items I left behind were something I really could have used, or something I could just bounce forward to my next destination. While of course would not only save me some weight on the trail. But something to look forward to once I got to my next destination.

[@spikester40]

I learn so much from your videos. I’m new to backpacking so a lighter backpack and tent will come eventually. Thank you for the videos!!!

[@RyanSchell]

Thank you for the tips! I'm only a year into backpacking and already trying to find ways to get my base weight to around ~18lbs. I'll definitely have to re-buy my big 4. But the layering with clothes is the thing I struggle with the most. Did you end up doing a video on that? I would love to see that!

[@dandeleona4760]

**Plastic bread bags or doggie poo bags over your sox make decent camp shoes for that night run to pee, or to rescue that gear still out in the rain. Turn them inside out to pack and then right side out again to use at next camp. **Two foam pieces can be wrapped around your shins as gaiters or snake bite shields, or be double thickness seat, or one seat and one curled neck pillow, or velcro them together again for a 3/4 sleeping pad. **med kit: Take one self adhesive ace bandage (water resistant), one sanitary napkin and one tampon for wound packing, stretch bandaids, alcohol or betadine swabs, sturdy diagonal tip tweezers (splinters, ticks, picking debris out of wounds), nail clippers large flat, tourniquet, aspirin/tylenol/ibuprophen, multi-antibiotic ointment like neosporin, If you want small dressings for abrasions, take individually wrapped light days pads and cut them to size as needed, and med trash bag .. doggie poo bags are the right size and strength. These bags can also be cut to fit over an arm or hand for bandage protection from water or dirt, and while they aren't technically sterile, they're nearly good as torn right off the roll. You probably won't use any med items - and that's a good thing, - but these provide UL basic triage until you get to help. In the meantime, they cut that bulky med kit down to essentials. Decide if you need more, and take minimal quantity. Put it in plastic and then lightweight mesh to keep dressings dry. ** use nail polish color dab on your gear to mark yours from others in camp and glob a 'button' of it for visibility. If the aesthetics bother you, mark an inconspicuous but ready accessible place if there are disputes about what belongs to who. Use neon or glo-lite halloween polish for small items to find them in the grass or dirt when you break camp.

[@dandeleona4760]

**Instead of buying a -0F down bag, get a 40F and a down blanket. Together they weigh roughly 2 lbs, and can scale for temperature, and pack down to a size far less than a bulky season bag that can get too hot under warm conditions anyway. In cold weather, use the 40F bag next to your body, and then the bag snapped inside the blanket for double warmth. If warm conditions, sleep under the lightweight blanket and leave the other for a pillow or night time backup. Both will have a weather coating, but if one down gets damp, you'll still have the other down the next night. **If your tent condensation makes your feet damp in the morning, toss your outerwear over the foot of your bag to repel most of it. You can still get ventilation under there by unzipping the foot box a bit in the duo-zip. ** To decrease condensation under the fly, extend ground cover under the vestibules with plastic bags or distributed gear. Gaia exhales more moisture than you do 24/7 right out of the ground. Air inside your tent stays drier during the night, which means less dripping on your feet in the morning. ** Store boots upside down on a ground cloth, or inside doggie poo bags or stuffed at the neck with sox to prevent snakes and insects crawling inside them during the night. (shake them out anyway) Poo bags are scented a bit so it cuts edible odors attracting small animals that chew.

[@UtiliTerran]

Foam flip-flops are one of my few luxury items. It feels so good to at the end of the day to let you feet breath around camp. Size 11s are 6oz for the pair; trying to find something a little lighter.

[@UtiliTerran]

@Aaron if you can handle being barefoot that is awesome. My feet are too sensitive and I'm concerned about mechanical injury when barefoot. I also like keeping my feet clean and out of the dirt before bed.

[@lionkill666]

Which ones do you have?

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Keep looking. I have some that only weigh ounces made by skeches!

[@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129]

I have a start date of 3/25/2020, PCT. I've struggled with the durability, comfort, weight issue. I finally dialed in my loadout to 15lb base weight. I still think it sucks with the weight but found the durability excellent, the comfort excellent. Shakedowns are essential. Thank you for sharing.

[@mtadams2009]

How did your hike go? How did your gear work out?

[@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129]

@@mtadams2009 I didn't go until 2021. Much different gear than I originally had. I git off at trail pass mm745.

[@jimpflugrath6220]

Before I watch this, I hope it doesn't also mean that I have to cut my savings account by half, too.

[@TinmanHikingShaun]

That's almost exactly what it means. Unfortunately we just can't have both. It's either have a tent that weighs under 2 lbs. Or have rent or a car payment or two. Lol

[@gz4330]

Shut up

[@springbloom5940]

SURPRISE! Yeah, his tent costs more than my entire kit.

[@christopherhaak9824]

Well, you can get under 12 lbs for way less than half the cost of his set up. There are lightweight tents for just over $100 and starting in late April can help a great deal with weight. You can be light for under $500 for your big 4.

[@chrispeters8555]

@Teddy Machette so you solved the compact issue... but not the weight issue haha

[@sethstratton8656]

Make that buff video, dude!

[@JeremiahStringer]

I too use the BRS. Works amazing for just boiling!!

[@daggiedrop7108]

I just pack mine and my wife's pack... So I give her all the heavy shit and pretend that I struggle when putting my pack on. Keeps her fit and makes me look like a bad ass when I hike way faster than her.

[@FollowBigfoot]

😂😂😂😂

[@whiteflower5603]

DEFINITELY NOT letting my hubby read this comment! Lol!

[@somehappenings246]

Lmfao, I had a boyfriend who packed his after trail clothes and other luxury items, while I had the tent , food and stove. That relationship was soooo 20+ years ago.

[@mitchellcollins3099]

Lmao

[@Meskarune]

​@@somehappenings246I'd rather have all the survival gear on me. If the man accidentally falls off a cliff at least I won't freeze or starve. 😅

[@RC-qf3mp]

1) cold soak 2) buy expensive but worthwhile UL backpack, rain jacket and quilt. 3) think of the minimal amount you’d need to survive as if your life depended on it. Literally everything else is a luxury item. Scrutinize those items and be honest with yourself 4) not discussed, but tarps v tents. Learn about tarps. 5) foam pad instead of inflatable. If you find a good camp site, a foam pad can be comfortable. 6) take breaks during day as needed, but walk long hours so that when you get to camp you just pass out and sleep. I sleep better on the ground after walking all day that home after being bombarded by phones, tv and computer screens all day. 7) as mentioned in the video, shoes… go light. I’m down to hiking sandals now. My camp shoe is going barefoot. 8) effective layering and no redundancy in anything. If you do the above , you’re under 10 lbs with room to spare for luxury items.

[@cthehuston2486]

I’ve been going through my gear since this quarantine madness began, looking for solutions to dropping weight and multi tasking items. I ditched 4 stuff sacks after realizing my inflation bag from REI doubles as a dry bag. 3 season backpacking in the Carolinas, a buff will suffice for a beanie. Gloves? Chuck ‘em. LOL! I ended up retaining the little sack for my inflatable pillow (my only luxury item), but that only drove me to look for an alternative, along with a UL puff jacket. My base weight is teetering on 12lbs. My pack, tent and air mattress could go lower, but I gotta watch my budget. Thanks for the insight/ perspective. C

[@ljhugs4176]

I ditched the bag for my inflatable pillow and just roll the pillow up with my sleeping pad.

[@saminthewoods]

Man,i love my camp chair

[@danieldesrochers7136]

Nicely done. Thanks so much for the tips!!

[@PInk77W1]

“I want my burden to be less than the tail of a squirrel” John Muir

[@sha6mm]

Good tips about base weight but, what I feel is missing is what is to much to carry ? A 200 lbs Man and 125 lbs Woman can have a big difference in what they can carry. I have always been told to stay under 30 % pack weight to body weight for backpacking in the Mountains, with that said the more one hikes the more one looks at there gear and what is not being used does not go on the next trip. I also know thru hiking is all about miles and I can see with less weight you could do more miles before tiring out. I also day hike the AT around Roan Mountain and around Johnson City TN and have talked to a lot of thru hikers and some I have talked to do not put in very long days with several telling me they start around 10am and quit around 6pm or 8-10 hours a day, one was on his second AT thru hike and this was his hiking style. Bigfoot how many hours a day do you hike when thru hike ? I know when I go backpacking the Western States maybe because it's vacation and I only have so many days to go.

[@Ivorengland]

The most sensible and informative video I’ve seen on pack weight. At last, a backpacker that doesn’t tell you to saw your toothbrush in half.

[@k33elly]

There are fingertip toothbrushes that are made for babies that some hikers use. Looks like a miniature condom with nubs on it.

[@mrdavman13]

Hey I do it cause it fits in my bear canisters better!!

[@HikeWithLittleFoot]

Base weight is especially important when you’re only 6 and weigh 42 lbs!

[@backpacker3421]

When I got serious about getting my weight down, I put everything into both LighterPack and GearGrams. Then I started shopping around for alternatives to everything that weighed more than 8 oz. I started figuring out which items had the best cost to weight savings ratio. Naturally, it was the big 4 (3 for me since I was already on a UL pad). Then, any time I got tempted to spend money on a new cooler headlamp or stove or whatever, I put that money into saving toward a Zpacks tent (Altaplex) and my ULA backpack (Catalyst), and an EE quilt (20 deg Enigma). Once I had those in place, I was mostly down to my current weight. After that, I found the $ to weight savings was usually not worth it, and most of my decisions started being about what to leave behind. I never did get fully UL, but close - my bare bones BW is now about 10.5 lbs, but I let it get up to 15 or so if I want to go crazy with the kitchen or other luxuries and am not planning to cover tons of mileage.

[@sdlopez83]

Lock laces man, lock laces turned my altras into camp shoes when I loosen them. I can slip em on and off. Good for the 2am piss drill.

[@seakayaker1470]

sdlopez83 hell yes!!

[@seakayaker1470]

And a piss bottle for 2am piss drill!

[@jimpflugrath6220]

I remove the inserts to make my trailrunners into loose camp shoes.

[@sdlopez83]

@@jimpflugrath6220 good idea, good for airing them out also.

[@emmanuelvincent6107]

They are kind of a rip off. I love them, too. Now I just make my own with shock cord and and just a standard cord lock 👍

[@WMHinsch]

Getting ready to leave for a weekend AT trip. Been working on reducing my base weight and was thrilled that it is down to 15 lbs. Number one thing that helped me shave weight is my Gatewood Cape. That is my rain gear, pack cover, and shelter in 13 oz. w/stakes.

[@Rissy617]

Thanks for the tip! Is it durable? In the pictures online it looks so thin. Has it kept you dry? Especially overnight?

[@WMHinsch]

@@Rissy617 I've used the older model in inches of overnight rain without the net tent with no problems. The newer model is thinner, but I wouldn't anticipate this would make a major difference. Generally though, if I anticipated significant rain I'd bring the inner net tent/bathtub floor to reduce the chance of complications. There are cases where a ground sheet alone isn't enough.

[@Rissy617]

@@WMHinsch thank you so much!!

[@putrescentcadaver]

So I'm just getting into backpacking. I watched enough videos and reviews that out of the gates I bought a Zpack Duplex and a Nemo Tensor ultralite. I have a heavy pack that I've been using forever that will have to suffice for the time being but I'm in the market for a synthetic, not down quilt. I don't expect to be in temperatures below 40°F living in Texas, anytime soon. Any favorites suggested? This channel is making me a lot more confident in my gear choices and the decision to start hitting the back country. Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions.

[@karalinell9736]

I just bought a synthetic sleeping bag from Teton Sports. I thought they had a great price/wight/options ratio. I tested my bag last weekend and was really happy with it.

[@mtadams2009]

I think doing the Long Trail in Vermont has helped me the most. It forced me to really fine tune my kit. I had already upped my game and purchase some very light gear, Duplex, Arc Blast and quilt. After a few days on the trail things still felt heavier than I wanted. I changed from a full length Thermorest to a 48 inch pad, four oz saving, I replaced my Anker battery pack with a Nitecore, almost a seven once saving, I went with a smaller pot saving over two oz. Changed my knife saving over two oz. I also removed a bunch of crap I was not using. The scale is a must and it really helps. I use it to weigh out my dogs food and pre bag it on for use on the trail.

[@jimbosepicadventuresinc.8384]

Great Video and Info! Very helpful! Love your Background with the Blazes on Right and Left. Very Cool! Love you'd channel and Video! Many Blessings! Jim from Pennsylvania

[@allenbishop9154]

For just boiling water I prefer to use a simple alcohol stove, yes I know the BRS is faster, but once I am in camp I am really not in a hurry. While the water is heating I can set up my tent, or other camp chores, or maybe just R...E...L...A...X! Currently have a base weight of 8.5#, and that will change when I upgrade the sleeping bag and pack, no hurries on those unless I plan up a long distance hike. Great tips thanks for sharing.

[@gregskolozdra]

Love the thumbnail with you holding a saw up to your backpack! Hilarious!

[@abc-wv4in]

I enjoy your channel although I'm not a hiker. Keep up the good work and God bless.

[@theprophetez1357]

My main bag is a 75 liter INCH bag, and everytime I decide to go through it and lighten it up I end up adding more gear. Keep in mind though that it is geared for long term survival. I just went through it again last week and videotaped it only to find my camera had overheated and kept shutting down. What a bummer. I will redo the video probably next week and have been seriously considering what to remove. I definitely have too much redundancy. I am sure that I can remove more bulk and weight, but then I would probably add more food. My regular camping bag 2-3 day was easy and pretty much set up the way I wanted it, however the INCH bag has been evolving for over a year now, and it still is not quite right. I must say though that I am currently very pleased with my setup except for the weight. It is definitely not a through hike bag. Thanks for your videos and the motivation you have given me.

[@johnmclain250]

Know the feeling, using a 90 liter indestructible military pack myself. (It's what I'm used to.) It's 12lbs by itself, but will last forever, and every time I drop something to lose weight, I end up getting better quality gear that weighs more in the end. (Except perhaps when I went from aluminum cookware to titanium ones, the titanium ones weigh so little they didn't even register on the scale anymore.)

[@theprophetez1357]

@@johnmclain250 You made me laugh knowing that I am not the only one with this problem. I am not laughing at you, but rather with you.

[@CloverHikes]

I’ve considered going stoveless for one week or shorter summer hikes simply because wraps and bars are fine for me for a week. However, i am not sure you save weight because dehydrated food is much lighter than cheese, wraps, summer sausage etc. Cold soakers probably come out ahead, but I haven’t been desperate enough to eat cold soaked pasta yet. 😃

[@mattryan8327]

It took some time and thought to Bring the over to stoveless backpacking. I was out in GA this past weekend (no stove) hiking with a friend who had an alcohol stove. We both sat down at the same time and I was done eating before his noodles had softened up. I felt a little funny munching away on my tuna and veg burritos while he was waiting for his water to warm up and then for his noodles to soften. I was relaxing in my hammock while he was cleaning his pot. Give it a try on an overnight and see how you like it. I still carry a stove when it is cold out.

[@barb61]

Great video- would love to see a video on the layering!

[@bfree247365]

That makes sense. Thanks.

[@scibi.71]

If your pack is too heavy, get stronger.

[@johnmclain250]

I don't know why I'm watching this, my backpack empty and alone is your base weight.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my hiking friend. Thank you for this very informative video. You offered some great pointers. Take care out there. 🤗

[@mattbullock1673]

Are you going to re-start to Beer/? & answer vids?? Love those

[@rozmcgarry7688]

Awesome! I've watched many a hiking vid and you rock! Great advice - I'll keep watching to be sure I pick up more tips that I haven't yet found out for myself - and that 10lb base weight!!! Hats off sir!

[@evanbarrett2072]

Last summer I hiked and my pack was 53 lbs when we left lol. I had 4 tall beers in there that didn’t help. My tent is 5lbs and a bit, my pack is over 5 lbs, and I had 3 litres of water which I won’t do again. I can’t see myself spending $1000 to reduce my weight too much though...

[@HassanTanvir]

Tip no 5: I dont agree. Actually its better to use gears with batteries. coz the power last for at least a week unlike those rechargable gears - which requires charges every now and then. and no harm carrying one pair of extra batteries (for a trip like 10 days+).

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Hey Roy I watched this video some time ago but felt the necessity to revisit it. Hope you are doing well. God Bless

[@PacemakerandButtons]

You have always been a plethora of information! We have been watching you since your AT hike and you have never gave out bad information ever. We will continue watching your channel to get the latest on gear and tips before we go on out spectacular AT hike when we retire. We plan on returning the favor with purchasing our then current stuff from your Amazon link. Thank you so much. Say hello to Mrs Bigfoot.

[@n.jamesherr7120]

Another good straight forward video, Bigfoot! Keep it up 👍

[@iaminyourbasement]

GPS great idea .thanks

[@R.E.S.T.and.R.E.S.E.T.]

Thanks for helpful the information!

[@Superduper666]

Everyone discusses base weight but I want to know what’s considered acceptable for the overall weight with food and water.

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Ditch camp shoes for 2 bread bags. At camp take off your shoes and socks. Let your feet air out, then put on your dry camp socks. Bread bags go over the dry socks and you can use your hiking shoes to get around camp comfortably even in they are wet.

[@djsomers100]

Nice video. Layering has always been a thing but there are so many options now! My first parka was Ventile cotton. Weighed a ton but when it got wet the cotton contracted and sort of did an early version of Gortex… except when it soaked through. Oh man were those the good old days! Thank you for another excellent presentation.

[@_..____]

Half a sleeping bag, half a tent, half a bowl, etc.

[@christinef7739]

One thing I did to cut ounces was cut off all the tags on clothing. I wear Columbia shirts for the UV protection and they had many tags plus extra buttons. Pants, hat, gloves, almost all this stuff will have tags. I weighed it all on my postal scale and it was close to 3 ounces. I did keep (and label) the tags with washing instructions; I don't want to ruin anything by washing it wrong. Some of this stuff is expensive!

[@markcummings6856]

Is this a joke? Now way tags on clothing for a UL kit will total 3 oz.

[@christinef7739]

@@markcummings6856 No, it's not a joke. I don't have a UL kit, just trying to cut weight. After I cut off all the tags, including ones with spare buttons (maybe those are just on women's clothing) it came to just under 3 oz. Even my buff had a tag. I'm just saying it's one way to cut a little weight.

[@Mostlyharmless1985]

I’m good just getting 3 ounces stronger...

[@fionaludbrook8193]

I too wear columbia shirts and cut labels off all else. If you have access to water you can rinse out the shirts in the evening. I sleep in my clean one and the other one is usually dry by morning. I am allergic to most sunscreens so try and keep the sun off my skin. I use a lightweight sarong instead of those nasty travel towels. It makes a great pillow at night and I can also use it to increase shade as needed. I use it like a veil over my face very often! It dries as fast as a fast drying synthetic towel as well and does not pick up sand if you want something to sit on at a beach spot for a while. I take two. They are my base layer unless cold, then I put on my thermal top, which I can also use to sleep in on chilly nights. I have a marino sweater, super light, a fleecy jacket and either my down jacket or gortex coat, depending on the weather. Three pairs of underwear. No bra. two pairs of legging type trousers, or lighter ones or one of each depending on the season. I never wear shorts due to the sun burning my fair skin. Always have a good hat, but one that will squish into my pack. I hike in my hiking boot sandals with light socks under them in most places I hike thesedays. Have never been injured and just find it more practical and comfy. I don't do alpine region hikes any more nor go in winter. And I do have some cyclists cotton sleeves that go over my hands again to protect from the sun.

[@christinef7739]

@@fionaludbrook8193 Thanks for the info! Do you know what material the sarong is? Or are they all the same? Sounds like a good idea. I have a light weight travel towel and I hate it, so rough.

[@fredviola2657]

Awesome channel!! Thank you... I’m subscribing!

[@Tom_Bee_]

Kidneys are heavy and you only need ONE! Sell a kidney and invest the proceeds in cuben fibre products handmade by hipsters in the good ol USA. That's my top tip to lighten your load. Hope this helps. atb, campers, love from tom X

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thas a good idea. Calling the clinic now!

[@Tom_Bee_]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 I'm also pretty sure it's possible to remove an arm and a leg and replace them with a single, carbon fibre walking pole joined at the shoulder. Not only will this save many pounds of extraneous flesh and bone being carried on the trail, but will also save more weight on pant legs and a sleeve! I'm also willing to debate whether stereoscopic vision is actually worth the weight of a second eyeball, but I suppose that compared to the big amputations outlined above, the weight savings are marginal.

[@gokcaneray4901]

i like how u replaced your brain with nothing. Great weight saving bro

[@ReadObituaries]

tom byfield fun fact: it’s superrrrrr illegal to sell any body organ- even if you consent. They’re actually pretty harsh if they find you doing it& actively interview to avoid it. Soooo, maybe donate it? Lol

[@BobPritchard]

Tom, I donated my kidney and 15 years later at age 58 thru hiked the Appalachian Trail (2018). Yea, I may have saved a little weight:) I did have to be more careful about dehydration and heat stroke which is a greater problem with one kidney. Considering the extra water I hauled, I'm not sure I saved anything. But no regrets!

[@jeffharrington5372]

Great advice on keeping a jacket at all times. For the AT, what are your thoughts on down vs synthetic (such as the Pategonia micropuff). From your experience which would be better for the precipitation, and is their enough weight difference (at comparatively priced jackets) to switch to down?

[@DrsharpRothstein]

I am still trying to figure out what I can leave out of my kit. All of my equipment is heavy. My big three is about 20 lbs. The fourth therm-a-rest ProLite which I really like. Trying to keep my base under 50 lbs. I can't imagine the super light weight you run at.

[@DamionJR4923]

I have a heavier setup also. I want a little more comfort. I am also not thru hiking my big 3 with pad is 16 lbs. I want a different sleep pad but I don’t want to spend $160.

[@DrsharpRothstein]

@@DamionJR4923 My therm-a-rest ProLite costs around $100. It is durable and rolls and compresses to a very small size. It is one of the better items of kit that I have picked up. I can side sleep without hitting the ground a bit warm in the summer but not bad.

[@DamionJR4923]

Dr45120sharp Rothstein thanks

[@larryd9068]

Since only hiking 4-5 day sections, I bring along my Helinox Chair 0 as a luxury. Its 16oz but I love sitting at camp on such a comfortable chair. I also have the Helinox camp chair and my son and I share between the two. Thanks for the suggestions and an informative video. Every ounce lost equals pounds of unnecessary gear. Depending on the hiking distance and time of year, I've managed to have a minimum base weight of 12 lbs and dont want to spend any more to lower a few more. If thru hiking though, it would be a different story!

[@marktomasko7863]

What amazes me is that no one ever mentions Columbias Outdry for rainwear when they are describing rain jackets that either they own and use or recommend that others give a try to. If your not familiar with Outdry, its a rain jacket which has the waterproof membrane on the outside of the jacket thus negating any need for that third layer that typically is coated with DWR which ANY experienced thruhiker will tell you ALWAYS, sooner or later 100% of the time, will wet out making your so-called water-proof breathable jacket pretty much just the opposite. When Outdry first came out several years ago they received rave reviews on its incredible breathability but it never became "popular" among us ultra-lighters because it was, to be honest...heavy as hell. I bought a jacket and pants when they first hit the market and the weight of both came out to a staggering 26 ounces....lol...too heavy for hikers like us. BUT....things have changed with Outdry. It is now among the lightest rain gear available from ANY manufacturer anywhere!!...In the months since I bought my Coulmbia Outdry Caldorado rain shell---which, by the way, WEIGHS IN AT a ridiculously LOW 6.9 OUNCES for a SIZE LARGE never once, even in all-day downpours on the AT, have I ever had this jacket wet-out on me. Not only that but it actually breathes pretty decently and the material, even tho it feels flimsy, is tough as hell and quite WARM to boot!!. So far not a rip anywhere nor damage on the jacket...and I am not noted for being gentle with my gear...and yet not one single You-tuber offering advice and info on raingear has ever brought up Columbia's Outdry featherweight and ultralight raingear....why is that?!?.....Ive listened to you many times, Bigfoot, along with Dixie, Neemor, Darwin and many, many others, recommend raingear and never have any of you talked about Outdry and if you look at the specs, Outdry is lighter than just about any single rain jacket made today. I have tried over the years nearly every ultralight rain jacket made from nearly every manufacturer only to find that not one single jacket ever breathed as advertised---which is, really, impossible with a pack on---and EVERY single one of them, with the exception of Frogg Toggs, would completely wet out after hiking hours in a pouring AT mountain rain UNTIL I tried Outdry.!!..Now, I dont work for Columbia and use very little of their products as they are not particularly noted in the ultralight hiking world for being light but I swear by Outdry when thruhiking in all day rains and will never wear anything else unless someone creates a rain jacket that is lighter, breathes decently and never wets out. Gore has a new product called "Shakje-Dry" that is supposed to do what Outdry does as far as not wetting out but unfortunately its not made for backpacking,,,and they tell you that. Supposedly you just shake off the rain, more or less, and you have a relatively dry jacket but it has zero durability. Im not sure what genius came up with a product that, basically, you can only wear while walking down the street but Im sure as Gore goes along theyll find a way to make it durable...but maybe not as light as what Outdry definitely is! Ive been a long-distance hiker for a long time with thousands and thousands of miles under my belt but I know that I certainly dont know everything and its always a pleasure when you--- or one of the other you-tubers---- put out some info or tips that I can use myself....as they say, many heads are better than one. You do a great job and I hope that your life is long and pleasurable...Thank you for your help, tips and advice and I will continue to listen as long as you continue to make these wonderful videos...!!!

[@ironpig701]

As a new hiker I really appreciate these tips.

[@maxchapman9002]

for camp shoes barefoot shoes are a great option

[@exopisode]

I need this video, thanks!

[@kevinsmith954]

My down jacket stays in my pack year round.

[@conracewhatever5224]

Me too! Idk why

[@coachhannah2403]

For some of us, lbs off the body is the best, but not easiest, way to reduce packing weight.

[@melneeds6358]

excellent video --thank you.

[@bobbafett1971]

I'll agree with all your points. But especially for a through hike or a long hike...an overnight...truly not to necessarily..i like my extras when overnight packs

[@irontigerrambles743]

Hope the keto is working for you! Thanks for the base weight tips

[@patticarey9016]

Ultralight gear cost a lot more, so if you have the $$$$, fine, but most of us don't have that kind of money. The pack, tent, sleeping bag and sleep pad alone cost $1370!

[@bobwaddell841]

Why should I buy a luggage scale when I already own a bathroom scale? Sure, it's not as accurate at lower weights, but it's no issue to weigh with and without the pack and compare the difference.

[@williamdulitz6525]

That Garmin inReach is NOT (just) A GPS That is a satellite communication device A GPS device only receives data from the GPS constellation of satellites, the inReach can also SEND data to the Iridium constellation of satellites. I just want to make sure that someone with a Garmin Rhino, Garmin Oregon, or Montana doesn't get the idea that they can call for help if needed. Thanks for the great information though! ::Edit added in parentheses::

[@russ2991]

The Garmin inReach is a GPS and a SEND device.

[@williamdulitz6525]

@@russ2991 *Not just a GPS Better?

[@russ2991]

@@williamdulitz6525 Yep. Makes more sense. :)

[@bumlifeproductions4883]

Hey Bigfoot! We met on trail in 2019 just before Timberline Lodge. Just wanted to say you're a genuinely awesome guy and I felt your sincerity and humbleness when we crossed paths. Keep the quality content coming brother!

[@flashmanv3260]

Great tips and advice that some would not think about. Your tips didn't cut my base weight of 8.5lbs in half but was not expecting that :-)

[@brandonfoley7519]

I will never part with a good jacket If I meant to go jacket-less I'd have fur

[@lisahall1899]

Hey Bigfoot! Can you give a demo on the mini stove camp, please? I’m planning on my hike on the AT 2020 NOBO. I don’t want to cook after a long day so boiling H20 for hearing something to drink or my meal is all I’ll need! . Thanks!

[@mtadams2009]

I have been lowering my weight over the last few years. If I was doing the PCT or AT I would simply get all of my gear from Zpack and that would end that. I just picked up a Granite Gear 38 L which comes in at 2.1 lbs. if I get rid of the plastic stay in the pack it goes down to 1.6 lbs. Its a good pack and it cost less than 140.00. My next gear change will be to a Zpack tent. Nothing seems to come close to their tent.

[@sharingtheadventure]

Excellent!!!!

[@woudt61]

Good video, Thanks.

[@jimpflugrath6220]

I know you are a big fan of Patagonia and now I am as well. I noticed the weight of the Patagonia long-sleeve 1/4-zip lightweight capilene shirt (size M) is about 107 grams while the mid-weight version is 221 grams. I'm thinking that using 2 of the lightweight shirts is better than taking the mid-weight shirt. The 2 shirts should be just as warm or warmer than the mid-weight, but are more versatile since one could wear just one shirt and the two shirts in colder temps. What would you do? Thanks!

[@markcummings6856]

Jim Pflugrath That is a great question imo. And like you say, I would think the two together would be warmer too, because of the air gap layer created between the two individual shirts 👕 👕.

[@FollowBigfoot]

That’s a good question. I love the mid weight version as it has served me very well throughout the years. Have you bought either of the shirts yet or are looking to go one of those routes? I only have the mid weight 1/4 zip version, not the lightweight version. It makes some sense what you’re saying.

[@jimpflugrath6220]

@@FollowBigfoot I bought the lightweight capilene first and was really pleased with its weight and features, then I bought the mid-weight capilene and really like it as well. Then after measuring the weights of each, I bought a 2nd lightweight one. I'm going to the Sierra and will have a chance to test out all combinations. Does anybody know the weight of the lightweight capilene bottoms? My lighterpack link for weights: lighterpack.com/r/2lrund (you can see that your videos have heavily influenced my gear, thanks!)

[@FollowBigfoot]

My large lightweight cap bottoms are 3.8oz I believe. Let me know how the test goes. Love your setup!

[@jimpflugrath6220]

@@FollowBigfoot Thanks, all my current tights are double that weight.

[@amopotato7953]

Thank you.

[@PuresteelPaladin]

If anyone is hesitant to ditch the camp/water shoes and wants a real light pair check out the Aleader XDrain Classic Water Shoes. My size 9 comes in at 258g/9.1oz for the pair. They're lighter than the Xero Shoes ZTrek at 394g/13.9oz however I do wonder how long they'll last.

[@bobbafett1971]

In PNW. In mt hood wilderness..even summer I'm not going with a 40° frankly I want a 4 season..weather changes so fast up at elevation. And its always wet. You get mountain rainforest...feet are always wet and cold...i never go without camp crocs and sleeping socks..but all your points are great

[@eddiewilds1750]

I'm doing a 100 day trek in South Africa and I made the mistake of buying tin foods which are SUPER heavy but food just about the only thing that has a lot of weight and your pack gets lighter over time but you cant expend all your calories in the first 7 days. BUY FOOD PERPETUALLY EVERY 3-5 DAYS

[@TinmanHikingShaun]

Only thing I need as an Ultralight hiker ,is a second job. Lol I'll be staying in the light backpacker range until some companies put their kids thru college I guess. Lmao as always tho brother, extremely informative video.

[@nickbyrd1027]

I'll be doing the same until I am through college 😂

[@matthewsinclair507]

UL is such a hack in my opinion. 3 weeks on the trail (AT) and I'm glad that I didn't buy into it. Seeing a bunch of people with frameless UL packs complaining how their shoulders hurt because of the lack of support. I have a huge Gregory 75 liter Baltoro, I pack it 35 + but never feel the weight because it fits me and provides great support. This is especially crucial because I have chronic back/neck/and shoulder pain. Also seeing a lot of UL tents break (i.e., z-packs) and support has been lacking considerablely.

[@TinmanHikingShaun]

@@matthewsinclair507 thank you ,my thoughts exactly 100%.

[@FlyfishermanMike]

@@matthewsinclair507 I agree to an extent. I typically aim for the light weight spectrum not UL. My backpacking back ground is Scouting. If there's an opposite mind set from UL it's Scouting's "be prepared" so bring everything for every possibility and then some! I've found some great middle ground between those two paradigms. I went from a Osprey Crescent 85 to a Osprey Exos 58 dropping 4.5 pounds. I went from a 5 pound double wall, free standing tent to a trekking pole style tent, dropping 3 pounds. I reevaluated my clothing choices and dropped more weight. These choices weren't the lightest and thus not the most expensive. Best thing I did was after a trip I'd lay everything out on my bed. If I hadn't use it and it didn't serve an emergency type purpose, I ditched it. Over a few trips that whittled more down. Functionality, durability and even comfort are just as important to me as weight so often I'll take a weight hit. Lightest isn't always best. I just can't justify hundreds of dollars to save a few ounces and possible less comfort. I sleep cold so I carry a heavier, warmer pad and quilt. I rather carry a little more than be cold and miserable.

[@zachbackpacks]

@@matthewsinclair507 I would encourage you to try it with a 20 lb load out. You would probably notice it even less.

[@nadronnocojr]

I’m so over weight I went to bear mountain ny and hike to Harriman with 62 lbs And made it two days ... I had no idea that I would have to scale those cliffs and feel the weight pulling me off , my balance and after 14 mile day I checked out, I’m poor and doing this one a shoe string . Budget . Deuter air contact , 4.6 Teton altos 3.6 Sierra designs fo Devine light 3 lbs . Am I screwed ? This is what I started out with as my big three

[@Mostlyharmless1985]

Nad Ronnoco artwork military packs 40 pounds for 3 days, and expect 19 km in 3 hours. 62 pounds for a 200 pound man is over a 1/3 of body weight. I’d shoot for no more than a quarter, and I’d be comfortable with a tenth.

[@PInk77W1]

I wouldn’t make it 1 mile with 62lbs. I’ve cycled across the USA 4 times. I just use a regular day backpack A change of clothes and a few Other things. Anything I need I can buy Along the way

[@seanmcgraw6371]

Thanks for the video Bigfoot

[@blackrock8185]

Awesome setup! Only thing you're missing is a BlackRock Hat :) We make both Goose Down and Merino Wool beanies right here in Seattle! When you're Bigfoot Hat isn't warm enough you can step into one of our Merino Beanies for 23.5grams or jump to our ultra-warm Down Beanie for 23.0 grams. Boom. Add warmth and lose weight in your setup.

[@perpetualconfusion5885]

My base weight is so 24 lbs solely because I use military gear that's heavy asf and I don't have the money to upgrade at the moment

[@drewskihikes5981]

Great video🤘

[@jasonholly7346]

take the frame out of my bag.... i like the safety tip