How to SAVE WEIGHT on backpacking and wild camping gear for FREE!

[@daleyoutdoors]

Easiest way for me to lose weight for free would be off my belly. Got at least 7kg to go at. I like chips too much though.

[@BTurner.]

I’m exactly the same, I was 93kg before Covid and I’m now 98kg but struggling to loose it. 😊

[@TheSummitexplorer69]

Absolutely spot on comment most of these ultra light UK backpackers are 20 plus stone, yet spend a fortune on light weight gear 🤣🤔

[@axcx5951]

@@BTurner.even worse - 84 > 94 :/

[@asmith7876]

And they wash down so nicely with beer! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Rambling_Bob]

I started 2024 at 203lbs … 2,000 miles of walking Jan-Aug I’m 38lbs lighter. All you need is the time to commit and a hilly terrain to hike across. 👍

[@baldheadedpriest]

Makes you appreciate being young , tabbing about with 50 lbs in your Bergen and belt and rifle , now I struggle with about half that on flat roads 30 years later !

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Feel your pain mate. SADF in the mid to late 80's, toting 32kg + a R1 rifle (FN FAL). Daily 16km run in full kit and not even breaking a sweat. Now you find me in the car park at the bottom of Kinder Scout unpacking that extra box of matches 🤣 But it's not going to stop us! Happy walking.

[@petercollins7848]

Guys, whatever you do, do not give up. I am 75 and still do Kinder regularly. Sadly I am 90kgs and really trying to lose some weight, but it is really hard as you get older because your metabolism slows. But as in the Forces it is your mind that at the end of the day defines what you can do. Keep tabbing!

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@petercollins7848 100%!! Was out in the Rhinogs on Sunday, climbed 640m with 14kg on my back and struggling along happily. The memories and photos were worth it, as they always are! Happy walking mate!

[@Ruckanonymous]

I find it really cathartic to go over the gear I used on a trip and remove what I didn't need for the next trip. Enjoyed seeing your mindset on what was needed or not after.

[@saltydog6613]

Thanks for sharing your gear shakedown. I find this process helpful as it forces me to truly evaluate needs vs wants. It’s amazing just how much you can leave at home and still have an enjoyable trek.

[@tubulzr]

Always nice to do a post-hike gear check. Very useful to take a rational look at choices made. I carried 12kg base weight, that's all the gear except for food and water for the WHW and GGW. With about 3kg of food for a week (and plenty of restaurants and shops along the way) and 2L of water, I ended up with 17kg on the shoulders. 1L suffices during the day, topping up along the way, only for dinner and breakfast extra water is useful. Still had food left after finishing both hikes. I'll always bring a decent First aid kit and extra socks for at night. I brought the weight down between both hikes with about 1,5 kg but decided to bring a more sturdier tent for all future Scottish distance hikes so ended up with the same base weight.

[@richardjennings2708]

Great video. I've just saved 2kg. I ditched my fleece and waterproof trousers, and instead just relied on lightweight running top and shorts. I then ditched all my dry bags and then used a folding system when adding gear in my rucksack. I then change my tent for a X Mid 2.

[@SuperAnatolli]

Tent: Depends on there you are going. High in mountain areas with no protection against wind, you need a tent that can stand +25m/s. Backpack: Most important is that it fits, with the stuff you are going to carry. Much easier to carry 15 kg in a backpack that fits well than 12 kg in a one that does not.

[@ewi57ty]

Its better to carry then regret because you save some weight at home. I dit TMB with a backpack about 20kg and i dont need it most of stuff but weather was ok. With a crap weathere you need a lot a dry cloths because there is no way to dry them even in a tent. Saving weigh with uniform its a bad idea in rainy conditions.

[@pootlingalong8928]

6 - 7 kg backpacking for me, or 8 - 9 kg bikepacking. I simply don’t want to be unpacking and repacking lots of “stuff” every day. More stuff to keep track of, more stuff to go wrong - it does my head in! 😬 Travellers and pilgrims of old - such a simple way to travel.

[@raytaylor4199]

I love the OMM Chest pod, hate having anything in my trouser pockets whilst hiking, easy to get the phone out for photos and maps as well, going through my kit at the moment, trying to cut as much weight as possible, Cumbria Way in a few weeks 🎉.

[@yuriklaver4639]

You could use the extra T-shirt as a towel. With the backpack you're right however: a sturdy one just carries better.

[@davehumpleby3440]

Fair play. I just did a 4-day, 3-night hiking/wild camping trip in the Lake District with a backpack that started out at 27kg! A bit of streamlining might be in order. 😂

[@GeoffCostello]

Great follow up video. I always do a review of my kit after been out. What i used vs didnt use and if anything needs repairing or replacing. From experience what I find drives your pack weight is your fears and your budget. But a 10kg pack (excluding food & water) is a good target.

[@soldier-Dave]

Every item of my gear is weighed individually and listed…and various items double up ie…my groundsheet is also a hammock or a roof. It’s all good fun!

[@Zero_Reaper13]

Some good tip. It's all about planning your trip mainly I plan around water accessibility to carry what I need. Food I don't mind carrying as I don't like having to spend the time off trail and having to decide what food I need to grab for nutrition and calories. I prep diy mre's for each day.

[@justpostedagain]

Good shout on the Nylofume bags. I'll be getting a few.

[@Atamanxxxvii]

My pack weight was 10.5kg. I think I could get down to about 8kg, though that would include replacing my old sleeping bag. I think pack weight is more important than many realise. Yes, its not much as a percentage of your body weight, but its weight you're not used to carrying so it seems to put a greater strain on your efforts.

[@PhillipSimpson-mx6vm]

I have a first aid kit in all my bags. It’s not for you I’ve come across people needing help on walks or on site. Also spare shoe laces !

[@aintnobodygottime4dat]

I wouldn't have thrown the lantern.....at the minimum you'd need to bring a spare lamp for safety purposes....of course the lamp on your phone could be a backup...?

[@clivenewton7609]

Thanks Andy for an excellent and insightful video on the wash-up of your recent WHW trip, also a most enjoyable watch. Much appreciated 👍 From my experience it’s not unreasonable to suggest that the vast majority of backpackers could very easily have a base weight of 10kg, the rest of the weight is just pure luxury 😂 mind you if you want to carry it then fair do’s to you!! However, a cautionary note that you shouldn’t carry over 80% of your body weight, which doesn’t give many people much room for manoeuvre! I pretty much agree with what you took out, but the canister support is a safety feature that in my humble opinion is non- negotiable. I reckon you could save a 100 or so grams by looking at your cook kit! Once again many thanks for all your hard work, regards from deepest Dorset 👍

[@neemancallender9092]

Minimal weight savings Nice to see Realistic weights I have 10 kg as my base weight with regular weight gear (nothing ultralight)

[@Dr.D00p]

I don't know, going light weight usually means easier walking but uncomfortable nights in the tent whilst heavier packs mean comfortable nights in the tent but harder walking. Pick your poisin.

[@Pisunisse]

This is kind of old fashioned way of thinking. My 3 season gear is warmer than shown in this video (because we have quite bit colder climate in Finland) but my base weight for walking WHW and GGW in row was less than 6 kilos with said gear. My 99% sleep score says I had plenty of comfort 😜!

[@darkshaman7087]

Myself travels with just what im needing and still weighs a ton haha, but most places I must carry water as well because not many brooks about up on top of the mountain but loads down below haha... Also Fellmandave have given the vern 1 new another test with double poles etc and its super strong just like I thought it would be also it does tell uses to double up on poles for windy conditions.

[@theinvisiblecamper]

A very interesting video - I hate to pick you up on stuff but I want to mention that although smidge is great for midges it is no use for ticks - permethrin is pretty much the only thing that repels ticks.

[@BackpackingUK]

You should contact them as Smidge clearly says it’s for ticks!

[@theinvisiblecamper]

@@BackpackingUK Not a pop at you at all - I live in Scotland and have used smidge for many years, and as a midge repellent I think its the best out there - but IMO as a deer stalker who has encountered many ticks it does not repel ticks. Don't rely on this as your tick defence - cover your lower legs if in long grass and be careful where you put you coat and hat when you stop for a break as this is when most ticks "hitch a ride" in my experience. A wash in product for your clothes that contains pemethrin is a better preparation for a long trip and you don't have to carry it with you.

[@TheWayward_Collective]

Hi Andy, I'm just starting my backpacking and wild camping journey. I'm trying to lighten my load currently so this video was really useful, Thanks. I'm looking for a lightweight 2 season sleeping bag that isn't going to break the bank. I watched one of your previous videos in which you reviewed the OEX range and felt the OEX fathom ev 200 could be a good one to go for. Since this was a while ago i was wondering if you'd recommend anything els? All the best mate

[@BackpackingUK]

Personally, I don’t see the need to spend a fortunate amount n a pure summer bag. You may find a quilt is better suited for summer use as you can open it up fully if it’s really warm at night. The EV200 is still great value for money and super comfy too.

[@TheWayward_Collective]

That’s great, thanks for the advice mate and I appreciate your reply. You must be very busy so I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I’ll look into the quilts. All the best mate

[@Kevskamping]

Hi Andy I carry far to much need to take you’re advice Thanks for the tips

[@MrDroldo]

Haha so funny, took 2 buddies with me for their first backpacking experience and we did a part of WHW end of april, early may. We saw someone with ‘pro’ filming stuff and my buddy said ‘that must be a KZbinr’. I said yes, I think I recognise him from some decatlon tent reviews. Checked it now, low and behold, a WHW playlist 😅 small world haha. ATB, Sam

[@Pisunisse]

Great video! "As content creator I need to look fresh" I chuckled hard on this one 🤭!

[@BackpackingUK]

😂😂😂

[@chrisarnold4709]

Planning my WHW for April 25....but as I am a senior citizen now reality is backpacking for that time is off the cards 😂 Hotels and hostels for me so that means a daysack.....happy days!!

[@RichardMathews-gv7lb]

A rucksack of 2 kg is still heavy. Plenty of choices around 1.2 kg or less eg Exped. Planning for an April early May trip next year my sack is around 7kg and hoping to shave some weight off that still without spending vaste sums on ultralight gear.

[@vvs3796]

I really would like to try exped thunder.. lightning just not enough pockets for me,but I use similar bag right now..

[@syrus3k]

What do you use for urinating into? I've always hated having to get out my tent in the middle of the night, especially if it's raining.

[@BackpackingUK]

Nalgene Canteen soft flask (wide-mouth version!).

[@syrus3k]

@@BackpackingUK oh I see, I'll need to order the XL wide mouth version 😸😸😸

[@mrzombie1780]

Thanks, This was helpful 👍

[@marcushillerstrom25]

What are those pockets you had for the shoulder straps? I’ve been looking for something like that

[@BackpackingUK]

Gossamer Gear and OMM both sell shoulder strap pockets. Links in description 👍

[@wartington1]

Don't forget to add the trekking poles to the total if going for that type of tent.

[@Kev.B.4311]

That was great Andy, as were Ur WHW vids...👍 I've been going through this same process again recently & really is an art to perfect, depending on the type of adventure, location, distance, days, time of year, potential weather, etc, etc... I totally agreed with all Ur insulation choices for possible cold nights...🥶👊 The only thing that I was surprised by was the weight of that rucksack (Osprey 60L?) at 2.3kg...!😯🤯 I've got 2 cheap Eurohike Nepal rucksacks 65&85L & I've found them to be very comfortable to wear & loaded up the 85L with 25+kg for woodland camping, (albeit I'm not walking far with that weight), but they are strong & the 85L weighs under 1.5kg, so why is the Osprey so heavy...?

[@markperry222]

A really useful demonstration of how to drop weight.

[@Pasequale100]

great video! Thank you! Which 500g lighter tent alternatives would have recommended for a solo UK trip as you did it? Hubba Nx and the xmid solid? Or which tents were you thinking of?

[@BackpackingUK]

Both of those, a Lanshan, Cloud Up 2, Tarptent (various), etc, etc. Vango have some good value lighter choices too. To be fair, there’s quite a lot out there, but not all of them are suitable for adverse conditions.

[@Pasequale100]

@@BackpackingUK yes i was espacially looking for lighter helm compact alternatives which can handle the adverse conditions you could have met on your trail. And i don t know if Lanshan or the cloud up would be an alternative to the helm compact

[@vvs3796]

Helm is a good tent, I own fjallraven abisko lite 1,helm and lanshan, helm is great.. I may try vango heddon..

[@foreverirish132]

Have you any videos where you only pack a minimalist light kit? Thanks

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve got a 7.7kg all-in video. I’m going to put an ultralight one out there soon but it’s expensive!!

[@mokotramp]

That has to be the biggest of biggest sleeping bags in the history of sleeping bags! 😂 I think you backpackers could learn a thing or two from us bikepackers about travelling light! 😆

[@Im_With_Stupid]

It's not that big. It's an 800fp bag so very lofty and in that mesh storage sack it's able to blow up.

[@malls886]

That sleeping bag is in it’s storage sack, i.e. it hasn’t been compressed as it would be for back packing. Just cos it looks large doesn’t mean it’s heavy. My down sleeping bag compresses to 25cms x12cms & weighs 800gms. That’s not bad is it?😊

[@EdTrails]

Great demonstration. Also I quite surprised to see down pants and puffer you are taking together with winter bag, I think having proper witer bag with 100-200g of insulation more is more lighter than taking puffer pants and jacket, which are more than 500g probably together.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m one of those people who just sleep in sleeping bags. I know people get into them as soon as the tent’s pitched, cook on their side, etc, but that’s just not me.

[@EdTrails]

@@BackpackingUK I think Im getting the idea, in spring/autumn, it could be quite cold, I need to consider one of these. Thanks

[@ascar77uk]

you are removing small stuff when you should be looking at the heavy stuff like that rucksack and tent, that will save more weight than a few stuff sacks

[@BackpackingUK]

True if you're just after saving weight.

[@VEx304]

The quality of life items you dropped make it worth doing the walk and keeping up moral surely?

[@musicinput5490]

absolute w video

[@silentrabbit247]

my suggestions: Replace heavy trowel with vargo Ti dig dig ( also doubles as strong tent peg ), ditch the booties if its that cold your in your SB anyway, instead of heavy repellent just use a more effective midge head net and fine mesh mitts (plus open tent zip then run around the tent before getting in), wear green or light coloured trousers to SEE THE TICKS, instead of pee bottle make one out of a Firepot meal bag putting 2 webbing tabs for easy opening, lighter rucksack like a ULA Catalyst for eg, and 100% merino wool boxers & merino socks - anti bacterial - are hard to beat. Was it minus every night ? If mostly above freezing could poss ( depending whether hot/cold sleeper) of used 3 season SB & wore the down jacket & trousers inside SB when needed.

[@mickymazda1]

This is something I'm thinking about right now. Im coming to England in September (from Australia) with my (grown up) kids to walk Hadrians wall. My biggest weight-hog is all my camera gear, drone and Gopro - about 4.5 kilos!! I'll have to cut down on undies and socks!

[@INSOLESandLACES]

I think the mentality of I bought it am going to use it can be an issue.

[@shaun4443]

100 mile!!! dammmmmmmmmmmm

[@arjen4059]

I am surprised you took all that stuff to begin with.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m not 😂

[@HayyuAdam]

🤷🏼Hi Guys i’m Andy🤷🏼