What to Pack for Two People on a Two Night Backpacking Trip (with a dog)

[@annehenningsen6736]

It's very refreshing to see "normal" backpack (i.e not ultalight) setups. Hope you guys had a great trip!

[@pootinplays]

I agree. I do however buy quite a few ultra light stuff. But only so i can have some weight left over weight to carry some luxuries lol

[@nedanother9382]

That way we can all suffer together. Why is lighter a dirty word? Lighter is better - always. I take everything I need and want and more importantly "will use". I need a bear can every trip. It fits in the pack with everything else. I go ultra light because I'm 60 hiking in high altitude mountains like I was 20 - it absolutely has to be light...20-23 lbs for a week. All without any unnecessary pain. With ALL the bells and whistles, redundancy for important gear - lots of rain gear - two fleeces 6 overall layers, full sleep pad, big two person tent, bear can, 2 sit pads whiskey and water. 40 liters all in. I don't take the lightest gear but its all incredibly well thought out. Its a bit pricey but more than that its hard to change the attitude and time consuming to do it. Thats why people poo poo it.

[@jeffreyblanton9877]

I agree. I really don’t get the UL 6lb backpacking trend. I would rather go light weight and have a few luxuries. The fun of backpacking is taking your time and enjoying the scenery not sprinting up the mountain to see how fast you can finish the trail.

[@trailheadjunkie]

Protip: Switch your sawyer water bladder to a Cnoc it’s a wide mouth and much easier to fill. The sawyer filter will fit.

[@BackpackingTV]

Great advice. My biggest problem with the Sawyer is the water bag. It's a pain to fill!

[@ktownc936]

I have the 2 liter bag and it's the best Sawyer system. But the best system is the platypus 4 liter dirty clean bag system. Me and my cousin were arguing for 30 mins about which one is better. I took his platypus system out on a 5 night trip and even for 2 people it's unreal.

[@mitchadamson1653]

I enjoy how you are not focusing on being ultralight. It is very helpful for me because I enjoy the pillow, chair, hammock, and stuff like that. They are not needed but I enjoy my experience so much more with them.

[@BackpackingTV]

I’m a comfort backpacker! I like to eat well and sleep well and am willing to carry accordingly!

[@positronikiss]

THE UL CREW are Insufferable knobheads! No but in all seriousness, theyre insufferable blobheads haha jk. Backpacking and camping is ALL about ENJOYING, not about going the lightest, if you super enjoy going ultrabeyondlight then all good. But a chair, binoculars, music, all these things are important to me and ill always carry them for my campsite : D

[@JarradShaw]

This is maybe the only legit video I have found that shows how a couple can share the load and go camping together with all the gear and stuff, thanks Eric

[@johncheeseman6764]

Hi Eric, great video. Two tips, we live in SE Wyoming. We backpack in Wyoming and Colorado usually above 10000. Rescue mosquito clips. I could not believe how great they worked. I had one clipped to my pack all day never bothered. When we got to camp I clipped it to my shirt no problem. The proof was when I went to clean up for bed, I laid my shirt on a tree and the mosquitoes swarmed until I changed, as soon as I put the clip back on they left me alone. Will never backpack without them again. We have a Great Pyrenees dog who eats 4 cups of food a day. We found a human grade freeze dried dog food that he loves and cuts his weight down in his pack..

[@BackpackingTV]

Hmm I gotta look into the mosquito clip thing! Sounds pretty great. And holy moly backpacking with a Great Pyrenees, that's a lot of food!

[@JB-dy3mi]

Been using the same water setup. Platypus is dirty water. Hoses are from old filter with shut off valve. I have had the filter freeze. I usually take my MSR kettle to help fill the Platypus . I just snagged the larger filter for $10 at the bin store. Quite a bit faster. I use the bean pillow too. Cold weather I use Osprey Aether 70 AG. Just snagged a Bridger 35l for $100. Although I try to go light I’m always 30-35lb for a weekend. The older I get the less I need. I’ve used several ultralight packs and I don’t care for the suspension. Not enough. Hoping the Bridger will bridge the gap. Ha! I’m 48. We used Dana’s in our 20’s. It’s hard to go to less suspension once you’ve grown accustomed to the Dana hug. Lol I think it’s worth the extra weight.

[@katebender4745]

I love your channel since you are not focused on ultralight! I'm a new backpacker who's more traditional and your videos are so helpful!

[@BackpackingTV]

So glad I could be helpful!

[@nedanother9382]

Hi Kate - I believe theres an absolute truth about backpacking as it relates to reality and KZbin. Think of backpacking as football and youtube as the local bar....this is where all the BS happens..you curse and yell and call people nuts for being a Raider fan. And thats where it stays. In backpacking reality NONE of this means squat! Noone cares. Backpacking, at least where I go, is an equalizer. A big ass hill don't give a damn about what you're wearing or carrying. It whoops ass wholesale. We're all out of our element, all a bit uneasy, and all feel vulnerable for different reasons. The best gear isn't going to make you unafraid of a bear or a big gear failure. A road isn't an easy hike out. There's no judgement out there because everyone will need help sooner or later. Those perceived snobs will give you the shirt off their back and go shirtless if thats what it takes. Ultralight is awesome....just because its light. Heavy sucks because we don't carry around bags of concrete just for the fun of it. Both are subjective and mean different things when your off to the hilly woods like most of the country vs in the mountains at 12000 ft. Weight is VERY limiting...but might not be a deal breaker where you are. Also remember that all this ultralight is nothing new and shouldn't be frowned upon because of cost. The very gear you are looking at on this video was once seen as ridiculously expensive, too lightweight, not as durable as canvas bla bla bla. and this is just the next iteration. As long as you get out and get back. Cheers

[@heidih2887]

A small microfiber-type towel to wipe dog's feet (and dry dogs' feet and body, if wet) before he/she climbs on top of sleeping bags/pads.

[@BackpackingTV]

Yes! That's a lifesaver!

[@maxviking3210]

I am not a guy that cares to much about weight.. I go to the gym before instead, also I am a former swedish para ranger (long range recon unit) so used to carry about 70 kilos. Why do I mentioned that? Because I find my comment a bit silly, but for those who cares about grams.. when you talked about wet whipes.. i actually takes them out and let them dry, then before using them I add a little water and they get back to the original form again. That reduce the weight a lot and you don’t need that outer packaging. A silly (perhaps) tips.. :) great video as always.

[@meghanmoore5039]

It’s so cool to bear witness to your growth as a backpacker & creator. Thank you for being such a great inspiration!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Nice to see other people going out with their dog. Great Gear!

[@tamaracheeseman183]

Good stuff, Eric. It seems like you two each eat one freeze dried meal. My husband and I share 1 freeze dried meal, but have something for "pre-dinner", such as Ramen, couscous, or or soup.

[@BackpackingTV]

That's a good way to do it. Honestly I don't normally eat a freeze dried meal for every meal like we did here, but it was the simplest solution for us. Yes, having other food such as soups is a great way to get the calories you need and not spend 12 bucks a pop on each meal.

[@panhandlejake6200]

Stove: If you can consider options, look into using liquid fuel (ie Whisperlite) when cooking for two (or more) people from one system. May be lighter and quicker. Gas (Pocket Rocket) is definitely a good option when cooking for one.

[@BackpackingTV]

I used to cook exclusively on the whisper light. I love it, and yes it's great for cooking for multiple people.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

If anyone is considering a whisperlite don't make the mistake that I made, which deprived me of hot food and the ability to boil water. About 50 clicks out from the last gas station where I had filled my fuel bottles for a multi-dayer, I learned the hard way that whisperlites don't like premium gas, so run it on low grade fuel or turn the jet upside down and burn kerosene and it will be fine. It farts, splutters and keeps losing flame after which you will need to go through the whole lighting procedure again and again as it will only burn for a minute or so before extinguishing itself, if you try to feed it premium gas. So remember stick with the low grade stuff or use kerosene and it will be the supremely reliable piece of kit that MSR intended it to be. My self inflicted discomfort occurred in Andean western Argentina, near to Cerro Mercedario. It was a long and not very enjoyable trek back to Barreal. After refuelling correctly, the stove performed flawlessly. As with all camping stoves it gives its best when having the protection of good wind shielding.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Eric, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this informative video. You did a great job in presenting the information. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 🤗 👋

[@spencerminor]

The bag looks like my older model 15 deg. Marmot Sawtooth. Thanks for the video!

[@BackpackingTV]

Yes I think it is!

[@hindrikvandijken4846]

Have been following your youtube clips, really enjoy them. Making decisions on what backpack to buy and other items for trips based on your tips. Thank you. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@kaylahoppe7962]

We carry an emergency harness for our dog incase of injury and we have to carry him out. We use Fido!

[@DogmannUK]

Mystery Ranch do a range that can open up a ledge between the frame and the bag itself. It’s for hunting so you can transport a kill out. I’ve got the Bear 80 so if my dogs get injured I can put them between the frame and backpack. Also great if you’ve small kids and they get too tired 😂

[@ursulaanne]

Ive preferred using picaridin bug spray over deet

[@BackpackingTV]

Yeah I'm just starting to switch!

[@shinobihouzin]

Looking fantastic and such a beautiful backdrop for your adventure !!

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you! Pretty awesome place!

[@Polkster13]

Um, I'm pretty late to this video but wanted to chime in on the Kevlar bear bag. It will keep a bear from getting to the food (main goal), but the food will in all likelihood get crushed so I still hang mine. Also, and more importantly, the manufacturer of these bags does not warrant them from rodents. Rodents can chew right through these bags if you leave them on the ground and they have access to them. We have been backpacking in the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico and had swarms of chipmunks come right up to us looking for food They can chew right through anything to get to your food; therefore I always hang my food (when trees are available) regardless of bear activity and have never had an issue. Others have not been as fortunate as me.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks for your input! Glad to have some more real world experience for info on this.

[@GoneFishingStories]

I just got the etherlight... And had it out on one trip... AND IT'S AMAZING!!! LOVE IT....

[@BackpackingTV]

Yes it's a great mattress!

[@EssahibiAbdelmouhcine]

Amazing work! Thx for sharing... Can you make a video about military surplus backpacks?

[@BackpackingTV]

Good idea!

[@JENorton15]

99% sure I have camped on that lake, and elk hunted that area. As always good stuff!

[@alpineearth]

You should pack freeze dried dog food that you rehydrate with water on the trail. so much lighter and the dogs can carry it themselves in a pack...when you get one.

[@tamaracheeseman183]

We do that also. My dog loves iy!

[@BackpackingTV]

that'd be a gamechanger for us!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Nice gear - and always room for four-legged sidekicks!

[@BackpackingTV]

Especially when they're as cute as Kovu!

[@ankushkaul5092]

I know I am late, but would love to know what bag/organizer you using for your clothes in the video? Thanks

[@fairwind3111]

First of your videos that I have seen the dog, “Texas healer “? That’s what I have, could do a hole video on that breed

[@BackpackingTV]

He's been in a few videos here and there. He's a border collie / blue heeler / Aussie mix. He's the best!

[@fairwind3111]

Only a few videos…..afraid he’s going to steal the show?

[@32Belownature]

Anyone know what the bramnd of Kovu's collar is?

[@JarradShaw]

Eric, is the rain jacket a size larger than your UL puffy? I have OV’s Nova UL. Super light weight and thin (but god awful warm), and just bought Patagonia’s Torrentshell. I am 5,10, about 160, so usually a medium works just fine. But curious if it gets colder and wetter… needing to wear both (rain shell over down puff.

[@tylerrandel9187]

Do you ever go fishing at any of the lakes you go to? Not that you would rely on the food source, but it night be a welcomed change?

[@cam-vb8cu]

Camping with a dog and inflatable sleeping mats, any worries about his claws popping a hole in the mat?

[@BackpackingTV]

I do worry a little. But our pup doesn't have crazy nails. So far no problems tho!

[@arthurrsaker8893]

Including some hard surface exercise on paved surfaces, sidewalks etc keeps a dogs claws nicely blunted.

[@garyprice8330]

I love ur show so interesting and informative

[@yinthena4]

Hey Eric! I really enjoyed this video. Could you tell me what kind of bag you're using for your clothing? I like the clamshell lid option rather than the roll down bag method. Thanks!!

[@exploringquests]

How did you like the Sawyer over the Grayl? I Love my Grayl!

[@andreww9098]

Wet wipes ohh yea baby.😄

[@BenjaminArai]

Great video! What breed is the dog?

[@qtas101]

Thats a goodest boy you got there ;)

[@BackpackingTV]

He really is!

[@Farbulus]

Wasabi and Soy almonds are my favorite hiking food.

[@BackpackingTV]

they're highly addictive!

[@patriotmjb]

Nice video

[@HashFace253]

Spam 2 cans Funyuns 1 large bag Chocolate 1lb Bourbon 3 liters

[@nedanother9382]

I have a hard time seeing past the Nalgene bottle in the background ...I feel like that, even more than a chair, is what separates US from Them. In that I have never even heard a story about how you choose a nalgene over a 5 times lighter option that makes sense. Especially the "you can use ALL of your fuel to boil water for a heater in the too light of a sleeping bag you brought" BS that I'm not sure more than the first person ever did. Its like your not even trying - weight/comfort be damned it looks cool in the REI add.

[@jimizxztheorginal]

"Dont just plan on going hungry" 😂 don't just plan on going hunting either, this aint survivorman.

[@EricFleming231]

those pillows suck

[@edthacow]

Too many plugs. Seem like a likable fellow,

[@Colorado_Kkid]

What? ... No peanut butter? ... And you're taking dehydrated food instead of one of the many Chef Corso meals ... Hmmmm

[@BackpackingTV]

I know, the no peanut butter thing kind of broke my heart. But I'm always trying new things with food!

[@Aestheticnerdlife]

Anyone who likes flavor and cares about food do not buy Peak refuel meals they are awful and have no flavor. Mountain house is fine but still pretty bland and my favorites are the Alpine Aire not as good as real food but taste mostly like what they say they do.

[@BackpackingTV]

Hmm. Interesting. I actually think the opposite. I'd gladly eat peak refuel over almost any other freezer dried food. Although Pinnacle definitely gives em a run for their money!

[@Aestheticnerdlife]

@@BackpackingTV You sir must enjoy bland flavorless food. I have tried half their meals and have yet to find one that was properly seasoned. I personally believe that KZbinrs are being paid to say their food is good when every store I have gone to no one is buying them.

[@marycarter6186]

All those freeze dried meals are too expensive and have way too much sodium to be healthy. Also, as a vegetarian they lean heavily toward meaty ingredients. I love Andrew Skurka's beans, rice, Fritos, and cheese--have that every trip. Lots of healthy things--lentils, couscous--that I am able to cook up in a Jetboil , have max calories, and taste great.

[@Aestheticnerdlife]

@@marycarter6186 Why do people believe sodium is bad for you, its an essential electrolyte that is readily removed by the kidneys

[@marycarter6186]

@@Aestheticnerdlife If I am backpacking and pushing my body to the limit already, I certainly do not want to overburden my kidneys with EXCESS sodium. The key word here is EXCESS as in too much. Pay attention.

[@WillieMakeit]

Lose me everytime someone starts the kid talk

[@stephtraveler7378]

A 6 lbs backpack??? Really. Sponsor much?

[@karupt422]

Stop the soyfacr