Camping Gear 2021 - 7lbs Full Comfort Ultralight w Budget Backpacking Essentials

My 2024 Gear - lighterpack.com/r/bnuqop
This backpacking camping gear is great for ALL hiking trips, is only 7lbs/3.2kg, but still fully comfortable, with a 2-person tent, wide air pad, a framed backpack, gas stove, full rain gear and extra clothes.
Attribution: Photo at 0:45 - funandconvenience.com/img/sie...
Gear in Video
Zpack Duplex - geni.us/VLFfc14
KS Ultralight KS40 - geni.us/wRDl
Nunatak Arc 30 Quilt - geni.us/dyEt
Thermarest Uberlite WIDE - geni.us/vpW1f
Gossamer Gear 1/8in pad - geni.us/lTv3j
Big Sky Pillow - geni.us/PgDJobQ
Katadyn BeFree - geni.us/Jw0j
Toaks 550 Mug (with handles) - geni.us/BD4ls
BRS 3000 Stove - geni.us/GnWrZ
Spoon made from pearwood - geni.us/kzmGwCM
Xcentz 5000mAh Battery - geni.us/PuCPD
Anker 18w Wall Charger - geni.us/JWzNLGS
Nitecore Nu25 Headlamp - geni.us/r9Uv9
Tenacious Tape Flex Tape - geni.us/Vg63hXn
Bamboo Kids Toothbrush - geni.us/5sfGvTS
Westcott Scissors - geni.us/ngqg9
Leukotape - geni.us/DFE8v
Gauze Packs to make superbandaids! - geni.us/co82g
Unscented Soap - geni.us/zkMnDI
Food Storage Bags from Plymor - geni.us/vLiV3Y9
Silva Compass Thermometer - geni.us/ddgEeHz
Matches - geni.us/E6kAj
Down Jacket that will replace my Borah - geni.us/XAdWNo
Skylight Gear Alpha Hoody - geni.us/7zrLw
Rab Forge Long Underwear - geni.us/bgFuNk
Patagonia Midweight Gloves - geni.us/HldATK
Skylight Gear Silpoly Rain Jacket - geni.us/7zrLw
Montbell Versalite Rain pants - geni.us/hNnoZC
Injinji Liner Socks - geni.us/m4j6
Ruta Locura Sorex Stakes - geni.us/8zhWaw
Easton Nano - Can't find them anymore!
Mosquito Headnet - No idea who makes it.
Nylofume Pack Liner (not covered in video) - geni.us/QJTf
Sewing Kit Thread - geni.us/RMBj
Cuben Tape and Patches - geni.us/tb90kLT
usb-C to usb micro adapter - geni.us/AVEl4tB
Zpacks Ditty Stuff Sack - geni.us/5NCoyU
Budget Picks Here
Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo - geni.us/KEIBj
Dan Durston 40L Pack - geni.us/XCL4
Klymit Insulated Static V Lite - geni.us/F13Xz
Hammock Gear Economy Quilt - geni.us/nZfmBKp
Gear I sometimes bring
Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Communicator - geni.us/wkR6rKg
Thermarest Xlite (noise isn't so bad on new ones) - geni.us/Bo1Be
SUNSCREEN STICK - geni.us/CuMFv9H
Lip Balm - geni.us/QctEh
Bug Spray - Discontinued (Why Sawyer?!)
Nitecore 10,000mAh - geni.us/J6d5
Goosefeet Gear "Matt Shafter" balaclava - geni.us/b5EXP
Warm Gloves - Enlightened Equipment Stronghold Mittens - geni.us/cZEA
Montbell Goretex Shakedry Jacket - geni.us/B7l0He
NW Alpine Volo Pants - I just heard the pant redesign may have a sharp zipper pull that could put an air pad in jeopardy. It's also gained weight in the redesign. I'm gonna look for a new pant.
Bear Can - Bearikade Scout - geni.us/YvzcYwm
Snow Chain Traction Devices - geni.us/TJzBKV9
Sleep Socks - Defeet Woolie Boolie - geni.us/zLJVFo
Ice Tool - Suluk46 - geni.us/Y7AIaW
Worn Clothing
REI Sahara Shirt - geni.us/tXiX
Shorts All In Motion - geni.us/s5GMSnb
Trekking Poles Locus CP3 - geni.us/ohStAw
Shoes Hoka Speedgoat 4 - geni.us/j8wB
Injinji Liner Socks - geni.us/bVDA
Sun Sleeves - geni.us/H0wbb9A
Ear Buds - geni.us/qiPh
Casio W-800H - geni.us/7ibkX
Buff Tube - geni.us/pptC0FH
#camping #backpacking #hiking
0:00 Intro
0:43 Big 4
2:50 Packed Gear
6:02 Ditty Bag
8:04 Electronics
8:36 Food/Water
9:44 Contingent Gear
11:52 CHEAPER Gear
13:07 About Me
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that
if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra
cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make
videos like this. Thank you for your support!

[@j.sargent9172]

I pressed like, and so did 11k others. you got a lot of mofers to slap haha

[@MattShafter]

I’ve lost all sensation in my hands. I even went to back handed slaps and it wasn’t enough.

[@hair2050]

@@MattShafter I think it acceptable if you carry a rubber glove to do the slapping for you. Added benefit of offering free “examination’s”, 😬🤭 to any ungrateful slap recipients.

[@robgo9702]

I hit like just because of your promise to slap music-playing hikers.

[@MattShafter]

Hee hee. I don't REALLY slap them. But I have trained squirrels to.

[@aleewoolley]

Same!!

[@koopher]

me too!

[@kristopherbichsel9230]

Same

[@WhiteBeardWandering]

Please could you also slap the ones wearing a Hawaiian shirt and carrying their own instrument?

[@JustaWagon]

Hey Matt! Thanks for slapping the Bluetooth speaker hikers!!

[@MattShafter]

They're so annoying! Good thing we're fast walkers!

[@wchristian2000]

@@JackFalltrades some people have tinnitus and still want to enjoy the outdoors.

[@wchristian2000]

@@JackFalltrades too late if you already have it. Plus, earbuds or speakers with whitenoise make it more bearable

[@patrickgardner396]

Agree! Though I was solo-camped north of Tehachapi on the PCT last week, someone came through nighthiking about 1am, playing reggae on a speaker, and though they woke me up, felt like I really couldn't blame them. I had just seen a bear a couple of days before, and honestly find solo nighthiking in bear and cougar country a bit offputting myself :) :) :)

[@seansilvestri8667]

Am I in the wrong to rock my wired earbuds while on exposed passes?? My rule is to be free of noise distraction in any other terrain than exposed passes, as I agree that nature’s sounds are gold, it’s one of my favorite parts, and of course having all senses on deck for danger from large animals is critical. Although during long treks jamming to my music helps me get over the grueling exposed passes where most of what you hear are your own footsteps. But reading this comment thread makes me confused, tinnitus aside, do you think people who are listening to earbuds on exposed passes are kooks?

[@kovarilaszlo3146]

That short about slapping a bluetooth hiker XD got me. Instantly liked, no matter what follows.

[@MattShafter]

Glad you liked it.

[@andrewfolk5283]

This is my favorite video whenever I need a simple and functional pack list. You've turned me onto Timmermade and I learned a lot from your advice,

[@Josephhikes]

You have the best thought out gear reviews . And they are presented very well. I always look forward to watching your reviews when I see the notification. 👍👏

[@MattShafter]

I appreciate that!

[@claytonstrickland6433]

Probably the best gear vid I've seen and I've been watching alot trying to put together a kit. well done, man. lays everything out clear and concise, to the point with a bit of humour. I dig it.

[@MattShafter]

Cool! Don’t forget to subscribe. I have over 150 video ideas, of which only 20 are about specific pieces of gear. I’ll have more time in 2022 to get to them.

[@DBRGB]

Vast amounts of information without the fluffy music!!! Absolutely genius!!! Thanks for all the tips, because you did all of the work and gave it to us succinctly!!!

[@Klairmont88]

You vdeos quality get better every year! Always looking forward to your videos/input.

[@MattShafter]

Glad you like them!

[@Crus0e]

I can really see how much work went into this video, I was listening super focused even if I never went on a hike in my life. But I still learned a ton and it will help me when I'll do some camping in the possible future!

[@MattShafter]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jasonwoods305]

Great video. Solid information. You gave me several ideas for improving my own kit. Must echo the DD40 praise. Unbelievably good value.

[@MattShafter]

It's a well thought out piece of gear.

[@jmiya1]

You’ve outdone your previous video as the best gear video on the internet!! Thank you for your time and expertise and the hard work you put into these. Sending this now to my backpacking buddies!

[@MattShafter]

Nice JM, let's get out there!!!

[@alexbumpers]

Man I'm so glad the algorithm send me to your channel. Awesome video with some great gear choices and tips. Also, the strengthening feet for hiking video is phenomenal as well; was just looking for something like that. Subscribed and looking forward to more!

[@MattShafter]

Welcome aboard!

[@danielschnax6620]

The slapping promise convinced me

[@MattShafter]

I'm calling it "The Slap Factor"

[@RC-qf3mp]

I’m ultra light so I have room to bring five giant speakers to create a full Dolby surround sound experience. When a hiker passes me by while blasting music, I stick a Tile on him so I can track him. Then I follow him, wait for him to sleep, and then surround his tent with my speaker system. I have a special playlist created by the CIA and Bush administration used for “interrogation “. I then set up my tripod so I can film my blasting the music. For extra fun I surround his tent with strob lights that flash with the music. I occasionally turn on the karaoke mode and sing along. As you say, it’s not always about lightweight, but comfort.

[@MattShafter]

You have it figured out!

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Hahah!

[@oliveragerwiklander4702]

Incredibly well made video. i love the tips and tricks you have for all your gear!

[@MattShafter]

Thanks OAW!

[@BeauCS]

This was a very practical, slimmed down gear breakdown. Thank you.

[@MattShafter]

Thank you Beau CS!

[@jeffs6229]

I'm at a 12 lbs. base weight. Always good to see an ultra-lighter's kit to see how I can adapt my own. Thanks for the share!

[@MattShafter]

12lbs is a great weight. I think the sweet spot is between 12-7lbs.

[@InWilderPlaces]

Wow! Very impressed by your pack list and weight. Each time we try we end up with a 15kg backpack. Will take some inspiration from your video into the next hike ☺️

[@MattShafter]

Thank you! I hope you have fun with it all. 😍

[@greggibson7313]

Greetings from Utah. You are one of my favorite backpacking KZbinrs. Appreciate your knowledge, presentation, and sense of humor. Thanks and keep up the great work 👍👍

[@MattShafter]

Thanks Greg!!!

[@andrewwheelerguitar]

Most helpful video on the topic I’ve seen. You addressed all my questions. I have some major choices to make! Thanks!

[@MattShafter]

Noooooo watch my 2024 video lol

[@GearSkeptic]

That’s a really well-reasoned load out! And, the gear tips are an appreciated extra. Thanks much!

[@MattShafter]

Thank you, love your vids. Everyone go check this guy out!

[@GearSkeptic]

Wow! Thanks very much!

[@thedawntrader1613]

That "promise" you made about slapping every hiker that blasts music from a BT speaker, was the only ever comment ever, that made me instantly click the like button. Good Video. Thank you!

[@MattShafter]

Thank you Trader!! My hand is so sore!

[@brettsellers2899]

I love this guy. Wish he could do more videos.

[@PatrickSullivanJ]

Congrats on being a PT now! Thanks for the videos!

[@MattShafter]

You got it Patrick!

[@smileysadventures3776]

Amazing info! After lugging a 40 pound pack around I’ve been looking into the switch to ultralight and this is the best breakdown I’ve seen yet!

[@MattShafter]

Do it slow, do it your way, but welcome to more joint friendly and less energy expenditure hiking!

[@888899999888]

Except good luck going into wilderness with thermarest uberlight. This whole list is just "I found those items to be lightest and put it in the video". 30f quilt, uberfragile sleeping mat. Just get xlite since if you're going ultralight you're probably going ultrafar.

[@jordanturner3069]

I had a lot of fun designing my KS50! You've mentioned wanting to try the anatomic hipbelt, and I do have that on mine. No complaints about it! I don't find the pack overall very comfortable, though, but that may just be my back. I do have the frame stays, I tighten the load lifters, I pack heavy things closest to my back, but the load tends to pull back horizontally away from me, which strains my back. I've never had more than ~17lbs in the pack. If I tighten the shoulder straps more, the load pushes back on the front of my shoulders, which strains them too. I'm not sure how any pack could be designed to not do this, though.

[@josephjankowski1153]

I had the same problem with my KS50 and ditched the frame stays. It carries much better now. If your load is under 20lbs, I think the frame stays are totally unnecessary.

[@alfiec2631]

Great video Matt! Your videos got me into ultralight hiking!

[@MattShafter]

Nice!!! Don't die on me out there!

[@jamesbadham9665]

Best gear report on the web. You don't blab on and on. Love the concision, precision, specificity. Cool.

[@MattShafter]

BLAB-FREE!!! lol

[@woodchip2782]

👏🏼 BRAVO! The amount of work that you put out for this fantastic list is AMAZING! I hope that every aspiring hiker AND experienced hiker watches this. Not only did you suggest light gear but tips on how to use it wisely. This video alone beats almost all hiking videos I’ve seen in the last three years...

[@MattShafter]

Ohhh wow. Thanks.

[@kimberlythayer4857]

Agreed !!!

[@mr.perfect5303]

What a great gear list. Love the alternative options too. Well done.

[@MattShafter]

Mr Perfect has spoken!! Lol... Thanks sir.

[@mr.perfect5303]

@@MattShafter lol. That's me! Personally, I really appreciated all the reasoning you give for each piece of gear too.

[@joshuawies7203]

Great video Matt and congrats on becoming a DPT - I've practiced PT since '93 and I still love it!

[@MattShafter]

That is awesome!

[@starlordstarlordman8489]

I was looking for how backpackers pack light as I'm packing my motorcycle and was looking for ideas. I have to say you're pretty darn engaging thanks for the super informative video. Good production quality too.

[@MattShafter]

Thanks man, hope ya stick around

[@Jotipalo]

Matt, Mountain Laurel Design still has the Nano stakes the 8”, and REI has the shorter ones. I just had one of the shorter ones bend on me. I also carry the MSR Ground Hog stakes.

[@jessiporch7715]

About me: I've been hiking for decades, I'm an AT thru hiker (class of 2012) and ADK 46er and I've hiked around 3500 miles. I also go ultralight and am also in the 7 pound range for 3 season conditions. I think I know what I'm doing. My thoughts on this video: It's fantastic. Really well done, really well thought out. Really good information. I love the idea of pre-threading the sewing needle and using a spoon as a thimble! Brilliant! I wish there were videos like this when I first started backpacking.

[@MattShafter]

Wow, kind words. Thanks Jessi! I just finished on another round of gear ideas and I’ve got some new tricks coming for my 2022 list.

[@JohnFisk-OHS-78]

Many thanks! And a great video - beautifully shot footage, very focused, excellent detail, and no wasted time. The links in the description are a HUGE benefit. You got a sub and a like. Well done, mate!

[@MattShafter]

Thanks John!

[@danielm7507]

Man this was helpful. Especially the first aid suggestions. Also the sunscreen trick. Thanks Matt.

[@MattShafter]

Hey no problem, it was easy!!!

[@Jotipalo]

Matt, I just ordered a new KS pack. I have the KS 50, but the pandemic struck before I’ve been able to get out on longer hikes, so I’ve been doing long day hikes or overnighted. I’m getting the KS27, with an 8L pocket. I like the zip top and zipper pocket, so I hope I’ll be able to use that pack both as a medium length overnight hike, but also as a day pack.

[@MattShafter]

Sweeeeet! The KS small packs look nice!

[@larrydykes7643]

Matt, great video -- love the density of information and your presentation speed! Subscribed.

[@MattShafter]

Thanks Larry. More to come after school calms down!

[@kellymckenzie4865]

You have no idea how many bushcraft, prepper, blah blah blah people I've watched on here that haven't brought up prethreading your sewing needle. Real smart.

[@MattShafter]

Smart gear choices, I like them!

[@antiguababuda6231]

Most informative gear video. Ever. Immediately subscribed

[@MattShafter]

Awesome, thank you!

[@twostep1953]

I love this light-weight hiking obsession. As I was told, "Take care of the ounces and the pounds will take care of themselves." But to us old veterans, it just makes us laugh. A M-16 (not to mention a M-14 or machine-gun) weighs more than your gear; add in 300 rifle bullets and a 100-round belt of machine-gun ammo, plus canned c-rations, plus... In Ranger School, by the time I had used up the food and ammo I literally forgot I was carrying my ruck-sack (which probably weighs more than 7# by itself). I was walking around camp looking for it when it was on my back. So everything is relative.

[@MattShafter]

It's relative, but the knees can have the last say. I like to think of it this way; it's less about comparing to others, more about comparing to yourself. Your 25 year old Ranger School self could go much further with a 20lbs pack than a 75lbs pack. No matter how fit I am, I know I can go further, OR hang out at sweet spots and still make miles.

[@johnb5534]

Great vids Matt, the only thing I'd change is to recommend the KS50 over the KS40 for those who aren't 100% sure about their pack volume. I ordered a KS40 recently and sold it in favor of a 50, which fits my 10lb BPW much more comfortably, and it weighs a negligible amount (I think about 1oz) more than the 40.

[@MattShafter]

That's a good idea! 50 liter is much more flexible!

[@silvermediastudio]

Literally nobody asked you

[@ScottBreck]

Thank you for mentioning the Volo pants. I was looking for a "catch all" pair of pants and I ended up ordering a pair based off your video. They arrived today and appear to be exactly what I was looking for.

[@MattShafter]

Right!! No one knows about them and they're awesome!

[@iPlod]

Thanks for posting this. You mention several things I'd not heard of before. Good info.

[@MattShafter]

No problem. Further explanations on my lighterpack link too.

[@DanBecker]

I always look forward to your gear videos, Matt! Great job once again! I don’t know how you find all this obscure stuff but it’s awesome! I mean, I thought I had a gear problem 😂

[@MattShafter]

Finding comfort in ultralight is a sickness of mine. Remember, the low pack weight IS the comfort! Thank you Dan. 🙂

[@dannynimmo3052]

Yours are pretty damn good to Dan. Your videos have been so valuable I end up buying what you suggest almost every time, even after blowing money in other directions. Every single time your suggestions were perfect. Thank you for that. This guy seems pretty good too, first one I've seen but I think he's gonna give you a run for your money LOL :) You guys are great thanks again

[@dannynimmo3052]

@@MattShafter Me too, Thanks for the great info. Matt

[@MattShafter]

@@dannynimmo3052 You're welcome!

[@Jotipalo]

Matt with the Mosquito head net, years ago I saw a pattern in Ray Jardine’s book. They are easy to make and you can custom design for your preferred length.

[@BollingerBunch]

I think they’re still like $2 at Walmart? Coleman still makes them and they weigh about an ounce.

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Congrats on your doctorate and thanks for the great videos.

[@MattShafter]

Glad you like them! Thanks

[@darrend5741]

I vouch for your gear list. We share 95% the exact same gear or the equivalent. Hiking, backcountry camping, backcountry fishing, and diy backcountry hunting is so much more enjoyable with the right skills AND the right gear for the mission. Your list is a great way to buy once without needing to buy expensive “upgrades” later.

[@josephjankowski1153]

Great list. Just a comment on the KS frame option, since I often see it recommended. I got the frame option on my KS50 and almost never use the frame poles. For me, the pack is simply way more comfortable with the frame poles removed. I think they are definitely somewhat of a design compromise. My ULA Ohm has a similar simple internal frame design, but is much more comfortable by comparison. I think if you know you'll need the support of a frame, there are better pack options out there than KS. If I had to do it again, I'd probably still get the frame option, since it's removable and barely adds any weight to the pack, but I don't think it's necessary, or the best design. Very happy with my KS50, otherwise. This is not to knock KS. Laurent makes killer packs! Just realize that the frame option is more like an add-on to a frameless pack that increases the weight capacity while compromising comfort a bit. It's no substitute for a more traditional framed pack.

[@MattShafter]

Yes on frame stays. Backs, like feet will have particular preferences. Do you use the pad pockets with foam in it? I find the frame stays keeping the bag vertical, and the GOBS of foam keep my max loads feeling great. One thing I would like to try is his anatomic hip belt.

[@davidcleveland4575]

Jj I've been thinking of getting the ks50, if you don't mind me asking, what were your options and final weight.

[@F6FHellcat5]

I've been just getting into backpacking and found your channel, it's really great! Been binging it and saw this just came out. Since my motocamping gear is mostly backpacking based for space savings, I realized I only needed a few things to put together a whole kit. Managed to throw together a sub 10lb base weight setup for under $200 for everything. I'm really surprised how my cheap shit gear holds up, but every time I see a gear video I'm tempted to find some of my non-existent college student money and go all in.

[@MattShafter]

F6F, nice plane! I hear ya, gear holes are real! Thanks man.

[@nickotin2987]

I was in joyful anticipation of your new gear list presentation, as of any of your videos. Thanks for the great work and congratulations on your graduation!

[@MattShafter]

WE DID IT!! See ya next year!

[@nickotin2987]

@@MattShafter Not if I see YOU before (next year) :p Cheers!

[@Dalethe1]

Probably the most informative gear videos I’ve watched.

[@MattShafter]

Thank you! I kinda obsess over the gear part. When I get to the trail head though I just enjoy the walk.

[@bowwow1369]

I wish I started out with a 25" pad, the money I could of saved not buying all those 20" pads.

[@MattShafter]

Real life right here people!

[@Umbi1523]

Great video, as always! I have a question: I know that you suggested several times the montane allez micro hoodie for people living in Europe. Now I see there's a new product, the omm core hoodie with 75g primaloft next. What do you think is better?

[@MattShafter]

Sooooooo, I need to look into this piece! Interesting OMM always has a good approach!

[@MattShafter]

I would go for the OMM piece! A little looser grid pattern than Alpha but still worth a try. Seems better than the Allez!

[@Umbi1523]

Thank you!! I'll try it and let you know!

[@maurolimaok]

Very nice video. It's nice to hear things that make sense.

[@MattShafter]

Glad you think so!

[@noodlesthe1st]

It's always amazing to me to watch another persons setup and think why a bunch of things will or will not work for me. For example a 27lbs max carry weight is a tough ask when I might hike 3 days without a water source. That's why I love that you give some explanation on why and how you use your gear. It lets me think if it is works better than my current setup and lets me selectively improve my overall setup.

[@MattShafter]

Oh yes.... Context matters!

[@wyld_at_heartt7783]

Slap 👍🏻 Right on ✌🏻

[@MattShafter]

Hee hee!

[@Jotipalo]

Do you still Love the Aeon Li, or did you have issues with it? This spring I was camping at temps below freezing in wet conditions, so condensation was terrible, not sure if cross ventilation would have helped.

[@MattShafter]

Still love the Aeon Li!! Just trying to max living space a bit!

[@Jotipalo]

@@MattShafter And you already owned the Dueplex, so why not enjoy life!

[@fbswampfox]

It was a great tent but I hated that it couldn’t be scrunched down. Got a Yama gear bug bivy and a separate tarp. Way better!

[@Community-Action]

Every piece of equipment listed I would use for hiking. Great review!!

[@MattShafter]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@blakehall8541]

Absolutely thought out and perfectly executed. Well done man. Ultralight tubers take notes. Cheers

[@MattShafter]

Thanks for the kind words Blake!

[@haileym8819]

Ah yes a budget video that starts off with the first item being close to 700 bucks :D

[@MattShafter]

That's why I said wait till the end! You ok?

[@jeremyncrm2012]

7 pounds is what my pack weighs empty...

[@gillyc15]

😂

[@patrickgardner396]

Lot of really well-thought-through points here, thanks!!

[@MattShafter]

Thank you PG!!!

[@robopecha]

i love that pad person returned in this one!!! bring him back more often!

[@MattShafter]

Hahah glad you like him!

[@DebCampos]

Master 🙌🙌🙌 #mattismyultralightguru

[@MattShafter]

All-stolen-ideas

[@hogey74]

I really appreciate this vid. Heaps of good tips that are making me think. Cheers.

[@MattShafter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andrewralte4844]

I usually play gear reviews (or any video tbh) in the background while working on the pc. Had to come in here to see if anyone mentioned your voice. Guess no one did. It's a good voice, calm and clear. Subbed.

[@MattShafter]

Thanks Andrew! I’ve been thinking about doing brief and calm voiceovers on my trail videos. I think I might try it.

[@MattShafter]

What else I should do on the trail for likes? 😎

[@dannynimmo3052]

Matt, Its hard to respond to that one, I go back over and look at this video, I'm still processing it. I think you have nailed it. I'll be checking out some of your other videos. I might be a little like you, I'm a little obsessive about this stuff but new and learning. Its a completely different world then it was 15-20 years ago. I think more of these new things should be applied to military packs, theirs aren't quite as good. seems like a person might be able to get a government contract supplying some of this , just a passing thought. Thanks again Matt, your saving me a lot of time and money

[@anthonytyrrell7291]

I thought I was the only weirdo that listens to scary stories camping and hiking

[@MattShafter]

@@anthonytyrrell7291 Welcome weirdo!

[@Jotipalo]

I think it was Jupiter, who instead of Trail Angels, introduced the Trail Devil. I suspect you will get some likes for giving Trail Devil advice.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

I wish he would carry a hammer and clip them in the back of their heels. His baseweight is so low, he can afford to add a couple pounds for a hammer.

[@jamesking4225]

Dude that was one of the best gear videos ever !

[@MattShafter]

Wow!

[@SomeDudeWalking]

Hell yeah baby! New year new Shafter list!

[@MattShafter]

It's out! Run!!!

[@briancswartz6411]

Great vid, man. Please keep them coming.

[@MattShafter]

I have so many ideas, just need time!

[@GreatAmericanHikes]

Always a great video. Super interesting to see what you keep and what you change.

[@MattShafter]

Worst part is, I had two amazing ideas RIGHT before I made this video. We'll see how they pan out. Thanks Robin!

[@markwolinsky5903]

Great gear suggestions Matt. I have had the Nemo Tensor fail at the welds. Nemo agreed there was a defect and replaced it promptly. Nemo has great customer service. Love sleeping on that pad!

[@MattShafter]

I’ve been liking the three Nemo products I’ve tried. Glad to see they helped you.

[@fletcherbrown728]

Stuck in SW China (Lijiang - near /Tibet) due to covid. At 75 I am just getting back into backpacking, after a 20-year pause, and after two years of car camping in the mountains here. What a fabulous video with so much detail. I'll have trouble sourcing the right gear in China and deliveries from the US are expensive and sooooo time-consuming. One of the best features of your channel is the dialogue in the comments and how you really take the time to respond. Learning a lot just from the comments and responses. Well done! OK - On to searching for your other videos and sourcing gear.

[@MattShafter]

Fletcher I am sorry you are stuck! Yes, ultralight that sources sensibly safe gear is good for everyone. Some of the trickier things to get don't matter, just use what you have and all will be good. Happy trails!

[@itstheadventureimtalkingab4016]

Thanks for the ideas dude.

[@MattShafter]

No problem! Almost done with my 2022 list and it looks sick!

[@murillomr7]

Great Setup!! Really good video!!

[@MattShafter]

Grazie mille!

[@timalimdim]

I was getting a feeling of gear inadequacy, but then your budget options rattled off 3 of the 4 items I already carry. Thanks for stoking my confirmation bias! (And seriously, great channel.)

[@MattShafter]

We pulled it out at the end!!! 😃

[@chrisowens4853]

Good stuff. Fellow PT here. I used the Lunar Solo, Nemo Tensor insulated, and Hammock Gear Econ quilt on our 12-day Philmont Trek. Slept comfy. Good content. Subscribed.

[@MattShafter]

Niiiiiice!!! I love that area. We ski over in Angel Fire and Taos.

[@robertkerner4833]

Good stuff here. I appreciate the explanations and alternatives which sets your content apart from others who are just advertising stuff for sponsors. That spoon is terrific; I got one based on one of your earlier posts and I won’t go back to titanium sporks.

[@MattShafter]

Yessss. You must explain why you chose it! Glad you like the spoon!

[@SurviveOutdoors]

Good job. Great info. Concise and to the point.

[@MattShafter]

I appreciate that!

[@chrisabray]

Nicely done. Succinct, informative, well-organized. Very helpful.

[@MattShafter]

Well thanks Chris!

[@tomasguerrero9622]

New guy to your channel. Been backpacking, bike-camping and motocamping for over a decade now. Made all the gear mistakes every reputable channel on YT mentions. Got a ton of gear I don't use anymore. The gear I use is much heavier than yours, (just my 1P-tent weighs in at ca. 1,7 kg without FP). Anyways, great tips here, all very legit info and all these items are more or less the same things I bring after all these years of experience without any YT shared experience, with the difference that my gear is way, way heavier. It's incredible what you can learn just by looking into a couple of good advice videos like this one. Thank you!

[@MattShafter]

Thanks Tomas! Have fun out there!

[@davidstepanczuk]

Now this is how to make a video: no BS; no hemming and hawing; no useless asides; no self talk, just information, information, useful information. Thank you. I’ll have to rewatch to soak it all in. Excellent video.

[@MattShafter]

Thanks David! I appreciate it!!

[@kangsterizer]

straight to the point, cool gear, nice vid man

[@MattShafter]

Go straight into the bush, don't beat around it!!! Thanks K!

[@johngray6062]

Mate this is quality! keep up the good reviews!

[@MattShafter]

Thanks JG!

[@timdula9674]

Great video and suggestions. I’m a PTA myself. I use a lot of Paria outdoor products for backpacking which has excellent price points for quality gear.

[@MattShafter]

People love Paria! ... I can't wait to get into the clinic and start learning from the PTA's and PT's.

[@sethwheeler3531]

Best gear video so far, no bearing around the bush!

[@MattShafter]

We went straight into the bush, not around it.

[@sethwheeler3531]

@@MattShafter lol...life motto

[@kierenkd]

Great video. Important to mention the reason shake-dry doesn't wet-out is because the goretex is exposed and doesn't have a nylon external layer, like a typical 3 layer jacket. That can impact life of the product at wear points, like pack contact points.

[@MattShafter]

Yessss that's why I said still assessing durability. However I should amend my lighterpack link

[@erichobbs4042]

So many awesome little tips here. Great video 👍

[@MattShafter]

Thanks Eric!

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

Love my Skylight gear alpha hoodie. I'm taking that over my Melly's for my AT thru hike. I haven't seen him too active on IG lately and I hope he hasn't stopped making gear.

[@MattShafter]

Yeh, he's gonna concentrate on his degree, so it's Senchi, Farpointe, and Superior Fleece

[@zipworks]

Great list! I really enjoyed this

[@MattShafter]

Thanks zip!!!

[@daytripper7815]

Loved the video Matt.... looking into it as I type. Cheers, all the way from Australia :)

[@MattShafter]

Thanks, have fun!

[@adamwagner2782]

Solid vid. Thanks!

[@MattShafter]

You bet!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks Matt for a great video.

[@MattShafter]

Thanks Warren!

[@goodnatureart]

Great post. Shared with 5 backpackers as a challenge course to the new world being born. Whole world lighter!

[@MattShafter]

Thanks Tim. Lots of tips and concepts in there.

[@ForestScamp]

Great share. No fluff, appreciated.

[@MattShafter]

You’re welcome!!

[@eternalrecurrence6042]

bro.. that head lamp trick that was some serious big brain stuff right there.

[@MattShafter]

Go to my TikTok and watch my latest video about my new pillow!

[@davidoutside]

liked and subbed. the video was so straight forward. i don't even backpack, just regular camp but loved watching.

[@MattShafter]

Heyyyyy nice!

[@jjensen554]

Matt: From a PCT trail volunteer in Washington - thanks for the PCTA love.

[@MattShafter]

Yessssss out there doin the WORK!