Backpacking Gear I'll Never Carry Again

Don't be afraid to try new things! Never know what will be better for you or suit your style more in the end. This is taking a look at a gear list of mine from 2014, though it was very solid I was surprised to see that I no longer carry or use a single item now 6 years later than I did back then. In fact within just a year I had swapped out every last piece of gear you see in that photo for something different. Not intentionally! Just trying new things, and apparently finding a style that suit me better.
If you're looking for a concrete list of stuff I swapped out:
- I don't use stuff sacks anymore. Just one ziploc for small items, an odor proof bag for food, and one big trash bag to keep everything dry.
- External batteries are much more reliable than solar chargers
- My backpack got smaller and more streamlined
- I chose a quality quilt over a big name brand sleeping bag
- My tent was awesome but in the end camping under a tarp suit my style better and offered a whole sew of other benefits.
- I stopped cooking on a stove and switched to a stoveless setup
- My old very expensive and heavy rain jacket was no better than my cheap new one
- I swapped my headlamp for a handheld flashlight
- Water bladder pouches aren't as reliable (they pop) compared to water bottles.
THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/
If you would like to get access to content I create about this type of stuff I don't share anywhere else join me on my Patreon!
/ jupiterhikes
If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:
www.jupiterhikes.com
/ jupiterhikes
/ jupiterhikes

[@calvinminer4365]

I love that Jupiter talks calmly and quietly, doesn't use clickbait titles and thumbnails, and he doesn't clap or shout at the start of every video. That bugs the hell out of me with other KZbinrs. It make me feel like an imbecile. Jupiter treats his viewers like adults.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

That's because Jupiter is humble and down to Earth.

[@davidp6913]

TOPOFTHEMORNINGTOYOULADDYMYNAMEISJACKSE-

[@erikl10001]

I was just about to make the exact same comment! It’s just nice to listen to him rather than some other KZbinrs. I also feel confident I’m just getting his experience based opinion. No other bias. I’m definitely going to try out the flashlight instead of the headlamp and maybe do some cold soaking to see if I like it. Thanks for the lovely content!

[@jenna3996]

Wow, how refreshing. A gear review that is practical and isn't paid for by a company. Thank you

[@Thelavendel]

ok I'll drop my accordion, but the rest stays

[@thebuddhasmiles]

Hahahahahahahah

[@Sandkasten36]

"And then everything changed" in my head: "When the fire nation attacked"

[@norcal9376]

Fucking Lord Ozai...

[@Narx9]

I love how you just threw it "And I quit smoking" like it was as trivial as switching waterbottles xD

[@alfred1925]

Read Allen Cars's Easy Way to Stop Smoking and it is. Not had a cig for nearly 11 years, and no desire to. It's all in the mind. The book destroys the myths that keep people addicted.

[@MrHymme]

@@alfred1925 I read the book, did not work for me. - as i came to the part where the wife threatens to leave him i thought: Now i am definitely never quitting :-)

[@ruslana7260]

If you want to quit smoking - you will do. I wanted, so was looking any information about it till did it ^^ Like thru-hike in mind)) Go till the end! If you don't really want - always will find some exuses)

[@Amelia-vk4jt]

I quit smoking and drugs and I save so much money, I never realised how expensive it was before because I saw it as a necessity.

[@22ndaccountduetocensorship57]

It is

[@gregldailey]

Yeah man in just two years I've gone from a heavy 65L pack to 25L. It makes a world of difference and you can really enjoy the hike.

[@barrybrum]

I'm at 35 lbs and have all the comforts of home... less stored water of course.

[@TonySaunders]

I've gone the other way. Ditched the tarp for a tent, but that's because I moved from England to Iceland and its very windy here, almost no tree cover and it rains a lot. That's why I like videos like yours, it's not what's about being right it's about what's right for the person.

[@barrybrum]

Sleeping on the ground with only a tarp is not right for anyone. Shit will crawl in your ear.

[@thelast344]

I use both.

[@AlexHand]

What's it like living and working in Iceland? What kind of work do you do?

[@dadonad1]

Laughs with 60 liter rucksack middle of Scotland wild-camping in middle of September.

[@oasiflow]

​@@barrybrum That's why I never did it hahaha

[@dddhhh2612]

Glad to see another disciple of the Ziplock bag! They are great. Lightweight, disposable, and best of all--See Thru! so you can see where your stuff is.

[@pinky1494]

Even though I researched gear for months for the PCT, I ultimately changed quite a few things while I was on trail. It was such a great feeling when I got one step closer to my more ideal setup :)

[@barrybrum]

Using a handheld light versus a headlight is ideal for those of us with three arms and 3 hands.

[@os2soliz]

Nite-Ize has a strap that makes a handheld light a headlight.

[@dlaw3734]

That olight hes using has a reversible clip to attach to a hat brim. It's extremely adaptable and barely larger than the AAA battery that powers it. More than powerful enough to work on anything in arms reach. It's in my pocket every day.

[@occashares]

I tie it to my dick, the only problem is that it only lights up my feet.

[@occashares]

@not tryna argue but Many years ago that would have been possible. Not now, poor me!

[@jhonyermo]

Do you ever hike or spend time in the wild?

[@mikef5189]

6:40 - I love how the sunset becomes burning flames behind the tarp.

[@stephaniew2545]

What a great video! I love seeing your evolution and you are inspiring me to lighten my pack! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichalOlender]

Good for you man. Feels like everyone goes through an evolution like this, we're all different and different things fit us.

[@toothpastehombre]

You have a beautiful way of conveying the grace and openness it takes to grow as a hiker/human - thank you

[@n-ricotlabricot9618]

I LOVE your positivity and your approach ! a big thx from france

[@cali5567]

I enjoyed your transformation. Thank you for sharing.

[@CodyLeon]

I like how you throw in “stopped smoking” randomly. The weight savings

[@timshel011]

Ya think ?

[@stevewillis1916]

Man was burning QP’s

[@andyblack5687]

A carton of smokes probably weighs a half pound.

[@wilsonstrong5597]

@@stevewillis1916 I was thinking the same thing like, how much you bringing haha

[@richardjohnson4696]

I think this happens to everyone in all sorts of hobbies. I have done this in mtbiking, mountaineering, fishing and probably every other hobby I have gotten into. You live and you learn.

[@michaelgrimes5588]

Hiking was a huge part of me quitting smoking... Congrats to you on that one brother!!

[@PaulyMcnasty1]

Long Nards why would you want to🤦🏻‍♂️. Don’t bring that garbage into nature. Have some restraint for two days, malaka.

[@tessbrex3823]

Maybe smoking should be an individual choice. We are already ostracized. Yet it is legal.

[@PaulyMcnasty1]

Tess Brex maybe have some will power while out in nature. Smokers are ostracized because it’s a disgusting habit and you smell like garbage mixed with skunk. No one wants to smell that out in a place where it’s supposed to be a nice non shitty smelling time.

[@tessbrex3823]

@@PaulyMcnasty1 pretty sure thru hikers are smelly. And again, its legal. And smokers are forced to smoke OUTDOORS. But am glad to hear that you don't do anything that offends people. No bad habits.

[@gregflores8959]

Michael Grimes Purchasing and inhaling death sticks are nature’s way of getting rid of the weak willed and truly stupid people, sorry, but the truth hurts,..huh.

[@noel757]

This awesome guy has found his joy and he is not done yet. Im so happy for him. There are many things one can learn from his backpacking experiences. Lastly, his narration is so soothing..lol.

[@marko11kram]

I like your philosophy of evaluating things

[@nmambo]

I like your honest and direct message, that seems to make sense to me to travel light with practical stuff and making hiking camping more enjoyable trip

[@nolanlynch2430]

This isn't even my final camping form! Love this. Just shows how we all grow in life. Start small, (Or big in this case) and then shed the layers and stuff as you get more comfortable proficient.

[@constancerudert4830]

I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for this from a fellow "I like to change my gear and experience different settings to keep what I like the most in life" adventurer!

[@ShawnGuffey]

Thanks for sharing, buddy. I tend to keep my hikes to one and two day sections but all of your points were very well stated. Thank you.

[@rolfdenver]

Great ideas and nice philosophy at the end. You’re hiking your own hike and giving us ideas for hiking ours.

[@davidvayhinger1997]

The way you present your information in this video is so clear and without ego or judgement. Thank you! For being human and sharing your perspective without implying that it should be my perspective too.

[@kayasper6081]

Although I have quite a lot of long distance travelling myself, your thoughts about gear keep inspiring me, thanks!

[@BeCCaWhere2GoNext]

What an awesome channel, looking forward to following your adventures!!

[@guywills4087]

great video, very honest and great points. get out there, try things out, keep what works for you.

[@zacharypeloquin340]

I've watched a lot of videos on lightweight packing and this is the best one. Thanks bro 👍

[@brunopiga663]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Nice background (with the alligator :D), nice personality and voice, clear and inspiring message, no annoying music. 9/10

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

What an awesome new channel the KZbin found for me today! Thank you so much

[@doctorbea]

This was very eye opening and very inspiring. Thanks for the share!

[@hoser7706]

I enjoy your commentary, content and how you present things.

[@greygardens81]

Loved this one, Jupe!

[@dangerdave138]

excellent content man, definitely inspiring for shedding weight for back country climbing

[@dougfrommaine]

I enjoyed your thoughtful video, thanks! Continually re-evaluating your choices is the key to success in many ways! Regarding lining your pack with a plastic bag. - you didn't do this, but for others who might not think of it... NEVER store your water INSIDE the plastic bag! Many years ago I did. Half-way through the day, it started raining, and I remember thinking how glad I was that I had lined the pack with a plastic bag. When I stopped for the night, I found out just how watertight that bag was: the "sip top" on my MSR Dromedary bag had opened-up sometime during the day, and completely soaked my down sleeping bag, which was at the very bottom of the pack. That was over 30 years ago, and I still remember shivering all night, too cold to sleep, waiting what seemed like an eternity for the sun to come up! In addition to storing water outside the bag, I also ditched the sip top, and replaced it with a regular blue nalgene cap, to be sure it doesn't leak.

[@westcoast2372]

Been watching your videos and others about backpacking all day. Went on a long hike today with my hammock and now I want to go overnight, I’m getting really interested in this. Your videos are great, I see myself becoming an avid backpacker one day

[@explorermike19]

Nice vid. I like the perspective of a newish backpacker growing with his experience.

[@MarkSouza22]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I'd been on a similar one going back 20 year. You're far beyond me though. At some point, I realized that the weight savings in other parts of my kit allowed me to cary a wool blanket. I love it, but would probably never use it on a through hike. It's a cool hybrid between ultralight and bushcraft though.

[@Lina-gd8xf]

Thank you for taking your time to post this. I love the passion and the gratitude of learning. Thanks brother. Light speed and more adventures your way!

[@pottingsoil]

Congrats on not smoking anymore. That's awesome, man!

[@pottingsoil]

What the fuck... I've been here before?

[@Oladavol]

Cool to see, thanks for the advice! It's crazy how the answer is usually to keep it simple lol

[@kVarfpv]

Hoa this is excellent info!! Thank you so much!! 😊👍

[@hobomaki1606]

Great vid! I followed the same path starting with tons of gear and now carry pretty much clothing/sleeping bag only. Don't need gear, need resourcefulness.

[@JupiterHikes]

you got it man! so much is replacing things with various skills and experience. love the car camp now and then but if im lugging a pack long distances the lightness is much appreciated.

[@77confusedzombie77]

I appreciate the honesty here.

[@jackdaniels7913]

Well said and good luck on your next adventure. 🥃cheers🍻

[@Godisfirst21]

I learn so much from you. I'm heading out tomorrow.

[@reidtillery2856]

Good ideas in your video. It's got me to thinking. Thank you. Cheers.

[@justsomedudeTV]

Love the video(s) man. Been very encouraging to helping me reduce my weight. It makes such a difference in having a comfortable long hike.

[@JupiterHikes]

Hey thanks! I definitely think so! Regardless of miles, it's always fun to mess around with your kit and build something comfortable that makes you happy

[@justsomedudeTV]

I agree. I've made some big changes recently with a few more planned. I usually use my tent without a rain fly, sleeping only under the full mesh. Cowboy camping but with bug protection... But my 4 year old Alps Mountaineering tent is soon to be replaced by a much lighter bug bivvy and tarp for rain. I always thought it was crazy but after watching you and some others, it doesn't seem crazy anymore.

[@BayAreaHikingGuides]

Great tips thanks for the information. Love your Channel.

[@IronheadOfScroteus]

I hike and camp for enjoyment rather than distance and setting land speed records. I'm kind of a mountain goat and have been backpacking with an old external frame pack since I was a kid. I like my amenities the older I get, but I like some of your items and ideas, like the Frog Toggs rainwear. Nothing wrong with that gear at all. And lightweight tarps. You can make great shelters in all sorts of configurations with those. Happy hiking!

[@tynature3598]

I was really considering purchasing a solar panel...but after watching your video, I'm reconsidering. Thank you for all the tips!

[@tynature3598]

Also, I highly highly agree on spending a bit more money on the sleeping bag and getting the right one!

[@rara58524]

I'm still hiking with dirt cheap windstopper jacket from some low quality fisherman store in town. I invested so much money in other gear, but I'm still not changing that jacket. Anyway, thank you for the idea to ditch multi-bagging. I'm gonna try it. I notice my stuff is never well packed, because the shapes of bags leave too much space in between and it has been driving me crazy.

[@EhsanPoisy]

It was an interesting video, honest and people could connect with your experience. cheers

[@Brad-99]

Most excellent video!!!! Wish I would've come across this sooner 🙄 haha good advice . I just feel the same about my new tent 🙄

[@RichardSites]

Love that pavilion at Pine Glades. Good video.

[@sneedmando186]

This was a great video, especially if you’re a gear hoarder or get gear envy, great lesson

[@robertbarnes6047]

That is good info. I know when I started I carried enough crap to go to the moon. I have fail back, but still need to cut more.

[@kaffeemitcola6506]

:-) That is what everybody goes through, who does it many years. I remember my first biketrip here across Europe. The bike was loaded to the max. Now it is a third. But one thing I learned in all that years is, that one should come to an end with optimizing at a certain point, because some things are indispensable. It is always possible to take a lighter and lighter sleepingbag for example: shorter, less zippers, better downs... But what is sleeping under the stars without a cozy night. Thanks for that video :-) !

[@michaelb1761]

Unfortunately, IMO, not everyone does learn. Some keep doing things the same as they always have because that's how you do it. Those people also seem very insistent that you should join them in their misery, because you're risking your life if you don't have the 50 lbs of gear that they carry. You must be miserable if you don't have a camp chair and camp shoes, etc.

[@kaffeemitcola6506]

@@michaelb1761 ...not to forget the Ortlieb Bag for the Toilet-Roll :-D , so they can take the nice roll out to feel the real outdoorfeeling.

[@stendec73]

Great vid man, great advice.

[@brad7232]

That’s some serious outside the box thinking 🤔 I’m impressed

[@user-pp8em7mh4r]

That's very true - individual pouches for every possible kind of gear not just add the weight, but steal place in the back-pack, due to some amount of air left inside of them

[@jeromebullard6123]

Tarp camping is great. You wake up with a full stomach of protein rich spiders that made their way into your mouth while you slept. Also, while the bear is eating you, they won’t be as salty from having to open a frustrating wrapper. You will also lose weight from the mosquitoes draining your blood. It’s awesome.

[@MichaelAcurantes]

Damn, I enjoy your videos so much. Keep it up!

[@jm2461]

What a pleasant and informative video

[@jrclark2479]

Fantastic video!

[@rjb]

I’ve dropped a bunch of items as well. When you’re hiking into the double digit miles every pound counts.

[@Joe_Serious]

Quitting smoking... Good on you brother!

[@michaelaregenfuss5968]

Very good information. Thanks

[@stevejolley5651]

It looks as if you are at Payne's Prairie doing this great video. Regardless of where you recorded this, it is very good information. Thank you.

[@iac4357]

Not exactly ultralight packing, but I remember being on field exersises in fair weather, many years ago in the Marines. A matter of it being tired in the evening, looking at a particular piece of comfortable looking ground, lying upon it uncovered, and closing my eyes.

[@BurroGirl]

Love this advice! I'm applying the ultralight minimalist paradigm to my ....pack burros! Can't carry weight on my feet and back but my previously wild burros can and they deserve to carry the lightest weight possible for MY a$$ lol. Thank you for helping me change the pack burro culture of bringing every human comfort possible cause the donkeys are carrying the load!

[@warringalice3980]

great way to tell your story...fun video and informative....the way it should be...

[@TravelTourTaste]

Hello, hope your well and keeping safe. we are forever learning new ideas I have never slept under tarp but it is a rather interesting way to set up camp . and probably a lot lighter to carry? Kind Regards Sarah and Glenn from the UK

[@Ski098]

Great information and good outlook on ultralight hiking. I look forward to seeing what's in your pack in another 7 years. And every sentence doesn't need a cut...

[@Yumster78]

Tarp camping in FL! I don’t know how you do it, the bugs are bad year round. Great job.

[@MichalOlender]

I have the same Ravpower charger, love that beast!

[@thek3743]

#metoo

[@jackson57170]

Excellent video and congrats on quitting smoking!

[@brotherlove100]

interesting evolution. thanks for sharing

[@sectoronetwothree]

Hell yeah. Amazing video brotha

[@5303138772]

"SOLAR CHARGER WHAT FUN" OMG CLASSIC. THANKS FOR THE LAUGH.

[@mitchellcollins3099]

Never thought to carry my tent & sleeping bag loose. Genius.

[@Litheon11]

put your sleeping back in last, on the back end of your pack. It's light and holds everything that's heavier closer towards your back.

[@davidthomson802]

the Marie Condo of going for a walk. The particulars are very helpful, and the underlying principle of lightening is, well, the principle of taking off...taking off to take off! Thank-you for this...a sort of Thoreauvian reminiscence.

[@Johnnyjawbone]

Just went camping with a 19kg packed backpack - I thought it would be a good idea to bring the kitchen sink!

[@johnsanford3596]

19kg? Sheesh, you haven't even got your basic load in your assault pack.

[@Johnnyjawbone]

@@johnsanford3596 Sir yes Sir. I'll just go get the rest of my kit, and a doughnut Sir!

[@MrRourk]

Day or 2 day hikes I made a 17th Century Market Wallet. Works great.

[@vincentssoul2369]

to compare with tent, disadvantages under the tarp probably bugs and flies, advantages you can jump out faster if you noticed alligator nearby passing, in a places like on the end of video

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Great tips!

[@furryface1057]

reminds me of the first time buying canadian tire fishing line cause it was really cheap but very stiff and lousy fishing line , i upgraded to the 5 $ fishing line and OMG ! what a wonderful difference that made

[@mikevargas809]

good vid Jupiter, thanks. What do you do against bugs/mosquitoes in your tarp set up?

[@chrishiking8818]

This is so true , people change but learn .

[@stefanhoffman7052]

Sounds like my first bike tour. Started with premium stuff. Ended up with no electronics or solar, cheap water bottles, no cooking, and my entire shelter/sleep kit replaced for 50 dollars at Walmart....all more durable and usable.

[@safromnc8616]

I tihnk the hike your own hike mantra also very much carries over into 'make your own camp'. My kids and I camp frequently and we all do it differently. My daughter prefers to hammock camp, My son likes an itty bitty tent, I like something w/a little space. Of course all of that is negotiable depedning on the where, the weather, etc. Keeping in mind he is based in Fla. and I believe is in AZ currently. I'm not sure I would tarp camp down there unless it was in the 'winter'...

[@ER332211]

WoW dude good for you. im still the camp yuppie I love all my extras lots of extras. good luck and if I see you ill be sure to share ...lol

[@stevenmeisner5222]

good reminder to try new things.

[@JayJayasuriya]

Great video brother. Checking out your gear list. New SUB!.

[@ryankillpatrick]

That's sort some! I have a suggestion though. When your pack is on your back the pack is raised a little above your shoulders. And so is the back part of your cloak raised above your shoulders also when it covers your pack? If so, I wonder if rain, if it falls, run into the neck of your cloak. So I was wondering if you might possible insist on a hood, or even just a collar. This way, even if a raised part of your cloak doesn't completely run the water off, it still doesn't run into your cloak at the neck. Or maybe even a fatter section around the neck. Something that insures water doesn't pour into your cloak. I'm super interested in owning a good cloak and yours seems really cool so once it's perfect perfect, I want it! Great setup thus far though!

[@Sgreum]

Very usefull, thanks for the share !

[@pecosray]

Great video, and info. Peace