This Is Why Your Backpack Hurts

[@sempergumby3929]

An interesting contrast is the constant evolution in miltary packs. During my service years, 30 to 40 pound "pack" weight was quite common, but that did not include body armor, helmet, gas mask, night optics, combat knife, ammunition (heaviest) and one or more rifled weapons - those things tended to weigh 50 to 60 lbs. During certain major operations the weights above could even be doubled 😮 Just a little something I like to remind myself whenever I think my pack is too heavy.

[@blakew5672]

Semper Gumby Rucking around with body armor, helmet, loaded mags and a slung rifle makes you appreciate a typical hiking load-out that’s for sure.

[@johnnybomb08]

Of all the gear, Helmets were the worst. Wearing those kevlar helmets on a hump was 50% of the pain.

[@bigg4089]

10kgs in the webbing + your rifle before you put on the bergan....

[@tanakax25]

Hey, I only get three weeks a year off. I'm ENJOYING those 1.5 weeks of backpacking. Not just trudging through it 😅 Jokes aside appreciate your input and thank you for your service!

[@RoughingItWithRuth]

Great advice! I also find that people often pack everything into the pack and put it on and go nuts adjusting the shoulder straps and the load lifters, and completely forget to tighten the compression straps on the pack itself. Even if your pack is full, those compression straps really help to keep the load still and as close to your back as possible :)

[@DanBecker]

You mean just like how I totally forgot to put that in the video?? LOL!

[@RoughingItWithRuth]

@@DanBecker Bwahahahaha!

[@marlenen6130]

Dan Becker hey you can always go in and splice or edit the forgotten compression part? No all Newbies like me will read the comments. Thanks Ruth

[@JeremiahStringer]

Next level on the camera equipment and editing. Looks great dude. Loved the vid and info 😃

[@vwsunny22]

I had a problem with my first pack so I did a TON of research and choose an Osprey. Instead of just ordering it I went to REI and was fitted for it. I still ended up getting an Osprey but it was a totally different model then I set out for. I also got some packing cubes to keep my small items from shifting. This is a GREAT video!!!

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

Wow, Dan is THE man..just with those small changes, like adjusting the hip strap first, made a HUGE difference!! Edit: women may need to pack a large bag slightly differently, but obviously it depends on body type.

[@sempergumby3929]

Wow, for 5 1/2 months on the PCT I thought I was a hiker, but now I've learned that I'm really more of a bushcrafter. More than a few hikers have told me that I seem right at home in the woods, but I worry about some of those hikers who are far far from at home, and I've seen too many rescue helicopters this year.

[@sempergumby3929]

I think this is now my favorite hiking series (does following Second Chance count the same way? - tough call) I'm so over all the self-proclaimed "experts" who go running half naked through the woods with an app to tell them where to go every step. I will no longer waste a minute on those. It was refreshing to see evidence that many hikers who crossed Mt Baden-Powell actually grew some common sense and ignored the app. I love the common sense in this series - there's no "new" right way to hike.

[@april906outdoors3]

Solid advice - well done, and love the new transitions editing, Mr. Rogers. :) I can't say enough about the staff at REI and their assistance & patience measuring me, loading several models with 20 lbs, and allowing me to walk around the store for an hour. I left with a different pack than I went in for, based on comfort and load balance. Hike on!

[@marycarter6186]

Me too, April. Cameron was great at REI and so patient loading up various backpacks for me to try.

[@walkerways8695]

In my experience, you don't want the load lifters to bring the top of the pack right against your back. This would cause the upright, off-balance stance you describe of the novice hikers. You want the top of the pack out a little from your back so the majority of the weight is on your hips, not your shoulders. It's one of those "you'll know it when you feel it" things. I've never used a pack with the Arc Blast style suspension, so it may actually work different there. Also, as the trail changes, you adjust the load lifter straps to keep the weight on your hips or the pack from swinging all around, like steep climbs with your hands or rock hopping versus a smooth, flat trail.

[@DanBecker]

Great point, Don! Like I said, whatever works for you!

[@upcycle.outdoorsman9629]

Unless you are shaped like me and need the load lifters basically cinched tight on the pack I generally use... there are just too many variables between packs and body types to generalize load lifter position.

[@bonnevillebagger9147]

Don, exactly correct. A lot of people are unaware that you are not supposed to cinch an external frame to your body. Doing so negates the entire purpose of using an external.

[@sempergumby3929]

@@bonnevillebagger9147 You're referring to the shoulder and chest straps, correct? The waist strap needs to be pretty tight for the hips to take on weight (at least for my body type)

[@kdavis4910]

I'm pretty sure you are the first channel that actually adjusted a backpack on camera. Dead useful and thank you.

[@mothhater5134]

Late comment so you might not see this, but this video saved me. 70+ miles in on the PCT fucking with my straps killing my shoulders and ultimately decided to just try to repack everything differently (even tho I’ve watched packing videos). After doing that and strap adjusting, it’s so much better!

[@Marooncords]

Great, well thought of video! I have sciatica and I'm 33...it's brutal. I'm an athlete and just got into hiking and hammock camping since I moved to Colorado. My Decathlon backpack (30L) is amazing with the pads and the way you told me to set it up...pure game changer. Thank you bro.

[@cobbler88]

Solid advice. Knowing how you're going to use it is the MAIN consideration in getting a pack. A lot of folks just want to drive to a park, maybe hike 5-15 miles and drive home. Those people don't need a 65L pack with a mesh back trampoline and a thick belt. They need maybe a lightweight 20-30L pack that can hold a couple of SmartWater bottles, some clothing layers, Band-Aids, snacks, TP and a filtration kit. I hauled a $260, 65L Osprey Atmos pack carrying 37# up and down Mount Whitney last year. Except for the final ascent to and from Trail Camp to the summit. That 12-hour day I swapped it out for a $19, 28L frameless Ozark Trail Atka pack and carried maybe 10# in it. Know how you hike before running to buy the gear that YT thru-hikers are pimping. It's good gear, but you are likely never going to try hiking the AT, CDT, PCT, etc. Stand firm with what best suits your needs. You don't need a $10 titanium spoon if your idea of a trail meal is a few Cliff bars and gummi bears. And be willing to pay a little (but not a lot) more than you think you should if it means getting the right thing. Buy the wrong gear and you're just going to spend again when you replace it.

[@HughScott316]

Damn! This is a noticeable improvement in production quality and editing. I really like how much energy you bring to it as well. Keep it up, mate!

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Great instructional and advisory video, Dan! I participate in all sorts of outdoor activities and for each one a specific backpack or conveyance bag is used. The backpack used for a specific activity is dialed in to carry that load based on needs. Sounds like BS but it's been my experience in 62 years. My "attic bags" consist of bail out bags to 120L backpacks (with molle attachments). However, you hit the nail on the head. Adjust each backpack so it is comfortable that you can carry it the distance of your adventure. For an upcoming bushcraft trip, I packed and unpacked my 90L backpack three times until it was dialed in. There was another vital point, too, you mentioned. Do a trial run with your loadout. Do an overnighter and use your loadout. Surprisingly, you might discover that one or more items may be unnecessary as I did for my upcoming trip, losing almost 2.5lbs. Luggage and kitchen scales are a huge help in cutting weights.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Great coverage, Dan! I don't know if you've ever used military surplus gear or military oriented gear but it's an altogether different ballgame. Your ZPacks backpack is probably one third the weight of my Mystery Ranch which I use for three seasons and one seventh of the weight of my winter pack. Both can carry heavy loads but comfortably, for me anyway. I evaluate every piece of kit, weigh it and take notes while out on an adventure. Three season loadouts usually range from eighteen to twenty-five pounds. My winter loadouts range from 35 to 50 pounds, sometimes more. The heavier weights are usually due to the fact that I've added weapons and various tools to my packs for whatever reason; however, I am not a hunter and don't kill anything for sport. If game is involved it's for survival or protection purposes. Laying your gear out is great advice though; it gives you an opportunity to inspect, ensure it is a complete kit and to replace anything that looks questionable or outdated. This is especially important with trauma/IFAK kits. My Pathfinder Kit was missing a lid when I neglected to ensure all of its pieces were included on one of my trips. Drinking coffee that chilled quickly was not pleasant.

[@iamcat281]

I think I mentioned it in another one of your videos but I will say it again. If you go to REI, they can measure you so you can be sure you are getting the right size backpack to begin with. I am 5'9 and a bit on the heavy side. And I was completely shocked to find my pack size is XS. (Very short torso) They were extremely helpful in finding comfort with a pack.

[@HuckOutdoors]

You would be surprised how many people see on the trail that have no idea how to adjust their pack. Once on the Lost Coast Trail, we saw a guy with an Osprey Atmos which each strap loose except for along the waist. He already hiked about 5 miles that way until my friend David helped him adjust his pack. He was amazed at how much better it felt.

[@DanBecker]

That’s awesome. And so true!!

[@Oddball5.0]

Reminds me of seeing tons of backpackers in Europe walking around with heavy loads, and hip belts unbuckled. They had no idea that the pack would feel so much better if they fastened their hip belts

[@swaggers23]

Thank you! 😭 omg this has fixed my shoulder and back problems carrying heavy camera gears with the LowePro backpack straps not adjusted since I bought it 5 years ago!!! Im just not utilising it properly

[@mikenononada9256]

Great point about " bush crafter " Or " hiker " ... There is an absolute difference between the two... Personally I enjoy both & pack according to what I need for the specific outing.... Keep up the great vids

[@boomnerd]

Load lifers are called "load lifters" because they "lift" the "load" OFF the Shoulders. When cinched, they move the should straps up so that most of the load goes on the hips. Pulling the pack forward is just a secondary effect. Therefore, yes, the load lifters must be above the top of the shoulders. Many KZbinrs with Arc Series (not you, Dan) seem to wear the packs with the load lifters below the shoulders, which undermine their purpose.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks for the tip!

[@SpaghettiToaster]

Lol idk what you're saying, but it's physically impossible for the load lifters to be higher than your shoulders and still lift anything.

[@bigg4089]

They are meant to be adjusted as you climb and descend

[@kamsingchung817]

The shoulder straps need to be loosened to certain extent for the load lifter to transfer load to hip effectively, according to Gregory.

[@casenquentin5879]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know of a tool to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost the password. I would love any tricks you can offer me

[@hyoh-wu]

Best backpacker ever.....Sam Wise from Lord of The Rings. Great video...I like watching these...sometimes we forget the basics.

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣

[@joeyjones9041]

Legolas was an ultra lighter lol

[@michaelgrimes5588]

Pretty much any issue i had with hiking has been solved by running...an example: "my feet are sore, are these shoes bad?" After i spent a lot of miles and months jogging, things i thought were problems were easily defeated with fitness... Think of it like this...if you can jog 5 miles, walking with a little weight is very low impact in comparison...so my hikes feel like a break, as they should

[@neo57611]

Thank you Dan great advice! I would take into account even more fitness, smoker, toker, drinker. This contributes a great deal to over all performance. Basically personal everyday habits create the backpacker comfort zone as well. Vitamins are added weight but great performance enhancer.

[@DanBecker]

Great point! That sounds like another video I should make LOL!

[@xmetal280]

Great content as always, but I'm really liking the subtle camera follow you are using now and the new transition graphics, it adds that little touch of "pro" and looks awesome. Well done.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks so much Paul! That means a lot because I had no idea how to use a camera 10 months ago LOL!

[@ianhilgendorf]

@@DanBecker I went to the comments to say the exact same. Your content has always been very good, but you're taking the presentation to the next level is a great enhancer to the already good content. Keep at it!

[@mckrisbo]

+1 Keep it up Dan!

[@SadBoy-vy6hf]

Please I picup

[@robertschultz8219]

Really impressed with the production value of these new videos. Great job.

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

This is the only useful instructional I've seen on the topic in my years. Thanks so much!!!!

[@DanBecker]

Wow! Thank you!!

[@robpelton]

Great topic and great tips Dan! I believe a lot of people overlook getting their pack adjusted correctly and packed correctly. Thanks for bringing all of this to light. Cheers.

[@joeyjones9041]

My pack is the USMC ILBE main rucksack. It's super comfy, even hiking with 70lbs of gear. It's rated to 120lbs. It's actually an Arc'Teryx Bora with MOLLE webbing and in digital camo. I'm not a hiker or bushcrafter, I'm a prepper/survivalist. Lot's of good info in this video. By the way, i have those exact shoes, same color and everything lol.

[@jamesthornton3339]

This is a pretty good video, very informative as usual. Keep it up Dan, I'm going to share this with a couple of my buddies who are just getting into backpacking.

[@vinceimp9581]

Thx for the info, the details and way you went through it was excellent! That cleared up some questions I had as well as some advice I had been given prior in just a to over simplified way. Its funny even the design inside my pack makes more sense now. Thx for branching out from the usual backpacking mantra while still including/meshing bushcraft and less serious hikers in the equation. Thx for all you do, its helpful and appreciated by myself and I'm sure many others. Keep up the great stuff and be well.

[@brucematys8597]

Great video Dan, very informative for the beginner. You have just made the difference for someone not wanting to continue to backpack vs. enjoying the great outdoors comfortably! Cheers Dan!

[@tamiboelter5491]

I am currently having the same issue. I am 54 and weigh 130. My pack is 35# I feel like I want to get out of backpacking forever because my pack is so damn heavy and uncomfortable. I use both the HMG 4400 and the zpacks arc haul.

[@qwerrewq2709]

I learned a lot .. a lot of things from you , keep going , you are a guide in hiking.THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@Patriot-1]

I’m just starting out but at far as packing your pack, I would think that putting the least used items on the bottom (change of clothing) would be the first priority. Then the heaviest items, (stove, food,) & most used items at the top (rain gear, tarp, snacks) I will be taking a tarp on my first ever back packing jaunt just so if it starts to rain around the time I set up for the night, I can hurry up & hang the tarp , then finish my setup under it , staying dry. I’ve camped for over 40 years (I just haven’t gone backpacking) and one of the most irritating things to have to put up with is a tent that’s wet inside and with a backpacking tent I’ll have a lot less dry area inside the tent. I’ll also bring a small piece of tyvex for the entrance so that there’s less chance of tracking in dirt, & leaves......... so like I said, I’m going to be a first time backpacker (next year if health permits) so I’m starting my research & purchasing equipment now so that everything is tested and I’m well informed. Please let me know if my logic is screwed up

[@billb5732]

8:22 The 45-degree angle for the load lifters is a mechanical optimum, maybe, but a taller frame (smaller angle) may be better for carrying heavier loads. The shorter frame / larger angle that you show in the vid suggests that your pack frame is too short for your torso.

[@calvinbuckner3043]

Always entertaining and informative. Thanks. Keep'em coming.

[@gwmtnbiker]

Super helpful. Better articulated that what I’m capable of with my buddies. Now, I can simply send them the link to this great vid.

[@ImfromTexastoo]

I did 2 days (1 day in, 1 day out) of the bottom part of Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas with a 65L Ozark Trail pack. Total weight was 28 lbs. Never again. So much hurt.

[@USMC6976]

I can relate. I live a couple hours away from Eagle Rock Loop. I tried 55 lbs after letting myself sit for a few years. It was not a nice experience.

[@dndjsjs2014]

Carrying a backpack is for chumps. I now run into the forest and just call for a resupply airdrop. Literally all you need is a 5 kill streak.

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣🤣

[@wolf1066]

Airdrops are for sissies; eat what you kill. :P

[@williamcunningham1586]

Must be a former Grunt!! Love it!

[@theunheardprophet4315]

Ultimate chadhiker

[@es0x]

@@williamcunningham1586 I don’t think he served, think he’s a videogame player

[@guitarhiker4449]

Very well done man! Soo many factors go into being comfortable and definitely alot of trial and error! The packs out there vary greatly. I loved my original osprey stratos. It had the air core back mesh for breathability. It was kinda a pre zpacks arc in a way and i loved it because my back could breath! But it wasnt big enough so i went bigger. Granite gear blaze was very nice but still not my thing. I tried alot of military style packs like the medium alice but it was too heavy and not very comfortable. Then i tried companies like Karrimor, Mystery ranch,Kelty,Condor,Camelbak and so on. Internal frame sheet style packs became my go to instead of external frame packs. They are lighter, more comfortable usually but still rigid! The Futura harness saved my hiking! It allowed for easy quick torso adjustment. First the mystery ranch bighorn with futura and then camelbak tri-zip! It gloves my back severely comfortable!! But i think a semi thick padded waistbelt is important and long semi thick padded shoulder straps! The sternum and load lifting straps are very important too! Adjust to your liking of course! I do my waistbelt first then my shoulder straps followed by sternum strap and load lifters. Some packs even have waistbelt straps on the side which pull the pack bottom closer to your back. Adjusting all those straps is very important! Try to keep your gear weight under a ton too lol...I would love to talk to Mystery Ranch and design a lightweight pack (Possibly dyneema) and have them integrate their futura harness on to it. Make that pack in all of the most popular sizes and im telling ya it could possibly be the best pack ever made!!! LOL in my opinion! That would be sweet!!! Thanks for all you do for the backpacking world Dan!!! Hike on man!!

[@DanBecker]

Great tips and well said!! Thank you!!!!

[@mckrisbo]

Hey!!!! The long awaited how to adjust your backpack video 😁😁😁👍👍👍

[@DanBecker]

🙌🙌

[@MJGEGB]

Generally sound advice on adjusting a pack and packing. You did over tension your load lifters in the video though. Generally that's not advised. You want just enough tension to keep the pack snug against your back for stability on the trail. Too much tension can actually put pressure on the shoulders. I've definitely been the guy on the trail with the huge pack with stuff hanging off of it. Generally though it's because I'm carrying shelter, sleep systems, and food for 2 or 3 when I take my son's backpacking. Those trips are relatively low mileage though. I can't imagine how many are we there yets I'd get in 15 miles :-)

[@kmazzanti]

EVERY TIME I WATCH YOUR STUFF, I WISH I COULD HIT THE LIKE BUTTON TWICE!!

[@DanBecker]

Love it!!! Thank you!!!!

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I've been having my straps way too loose. Now I know what all those straps are for! I just let them dangle! Thanks man. My base weight is just under 10#! Which is good, cause now I can add more things!

[@DanBecker]

Under 10 pounds?! That’s great!

[@tamiboelter5491]

actually its unbelievable. You must be tentless and stoveless?

[@williamvarner1406]

Great video! the only issue I have is I don't like putting the smell of the bear bag/can on the inside of my pack so I put my weight on the top.

[@GruntProof]

Bushcrafting: Walk 1/2 a mile from your car with old, heavy gear, clear out 1/2 the forest to make a hobbit home, then cook up some Denny's.

[@spikester40]

I love your videos. I always learn something new!!

[@wildwhippet]

I M H A Torso length is very important for frame packs when it comes to that sweet spot for shoulder stabilizers. In order to get the strap positioned in the middle of the shoulders, at the correct 15%-45% angle you need the frame to extend up to 50mm above the shoulders for a perfect fit. In my case I'm five foot seven and a half and a 55cm-56cm - 22" pack is perfect for me. A shorter person would need @ 50cm, and a taller person 60cm+ or even 65cm for a giant. 'Love your Arc Blast...My names Dave and I'm a packaholic!

[@2A4U.S.A]

Load lifters are exactly as described. And it is up to you how much load you want on your shoulders vs your hips. Oh and how you load your pack!! Lighter stuff at the bottom. food / heavier stuff in the middle/ easy access stuff at the top. Or what ever the heck works for you!! At the end of the day, And I hasten to say I think Dan would agree with me? When I say please! Don't go UL without testing your gear in the environment you plan to hike/camp in... But hey if you want to come up this way?? We have every climate imaginable, short of the Sahara. Tho I do have wild cacti growing in the backyard? Welcome to W.I! The forecast will change by the hour so please plan accordingly!!

[@earnieburfitt7791]

Great video, Thanks! One more note... use those compression straps on the side of the back to hold everything in place. A shifting load is uncomfortable no matter the weight. Keep the vids coming.

[@DanBecker]

Earnie Burfitt thanks, Earnie! I completely meant to talk about that but forgot! That happens to me sometimes when I film and edit all by myself LOL!

[@shariris]

Ah! The struggle to mesh light weight hiking AND bushcrafting is a real thing for me. Although if I were super skilled....all I'd need is a knife....and that's not likely to happen. 😁

[@sempergumby3929]

A warrior can handle the rain, but a wise man gets his ass under shelter. - paraphase of an ancient Chinese proverb.

[@MrRourk]

Ditch the cook kit and heavy foods. Chia Seeds, Pinole, and Protein Rice Powder. All you need is 5 to 6 pinches followed by a big gulp of water a day. What those Mexican Ultra Runners live on.

[@jpjpjp453]

For day or short section hikes that might be an idea. For something like the AT you can be sure it'll be ditched by the time the NOC is reached.

[@slipknotrob666]

I hike in skateboarding shoes with supportive insoles in them, because the shoes are flat. I made this choice because skate shoes have always stood the test of time for me, and "hiking" shoes are made to break because of the focus on being light and squishy. Two things about skate shoes compared to "hiking" shoes: they don't breathe quite as well (they are leather), and the soles are smooth (but I prefer sliding a little bit over rolling an ankle or something). I've tried "hiking" shoes on the trail, and they gave me more blisters and I had more issues with them, so I always went back to my skate shoes. Try replacing your insoles before you replace the entire shoe.

[@YnseSchaap]

I needed this video 30 years ago 🤣

[@Lee-70ish]

I've compromised to some extent but 23lbs is as far down the lightweight I'm prepared to go . If you're more comfortable wearing your pack upside down does it matter. I load heavy on hip line as I find heavy high makes me top heavy.

[@margaretwandel5660]

I started backpacking when I was a kid. My dad always put the heaviest items in the bottom of his basket pack. I always packed that way until I read you are suppose to,put the heavy items in the middle. That was one of the most painful backpacking trips ever. Noe I am back to packing the heavy items on the bottom.

[@tamiboelter5491]

I would like to hear more about this Margaret. I am experiencing miserable backpacking trips and want to quit because of it. So you are more comfortable packing heavy items at bottom?

[@ChristiannTyler]

My pack has been rubbing my hips raw.. that bone towards the front not the “iliac crest” I’ve heard so much about I don’t know if my pack is too low or too high on my hips..? I have scabs from a 20 mile hike and I’m dreading going again now

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks Dan I always enjoy your videos.

[@andygarza3057]

New logo? I like it! Same strong, relevant content.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks!!!

[@Silkstep]

All great tips, and another excellent video.

[@brucefluth3930]

Love your Camp Forest Springs shirt!! 😎

[@DanBecker]

Been there??

[@DanBecker]

We go to family camp every year there!

[@brucefluth3930]

Dan Becker, no, but I’ve had friends work there. Tom and Nicole Schaer. I help out a lot at Village Creek Bible Camp in Lansing, IA.

[@DanBecker]

Nice! I’m not sure I know who they are. But I’ll keep my eye out for them!

[@JoaquinParker]

SO GOOD 🤯👍🏽

[@LostAgainwithJim]

I pack my kit in a very similar way. Only real difference is I keep my tent towards the top, because that's usually the first camp chore I take care of.

[@DanBecker]

Goatlord Hiking when I tent that’s what I do as well! When I hammock it goes at the bottom. My hammock tarp goes on the outside for a quick easy access when I get to camp.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

@@DanBecker I'll try that set up next time I hammock!

[@LicWalter]

great video Dan, as always!!

[@tsavage4185]

Great video Dan. Thanks

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Great video Dan, I really want one of those arc haul backpacks pretty bad

[@DanBecker]

They are awesome but they are extremely expensive! A couple other great backpacks that essentially do the same thing and are much less expensive are… Gregory optic, Osprey Exos, Osprey Levity, Deuter Futura.

[@markpanarese2452]

Great video! Helpful tips!

[@paddle_hike]

great video with great tips and advices !!!

[@larrymcafee7481]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@marian_f1704]

This dude looks like a mix between Jim from the Office and Pete from the League

[@goober24787]

Excellent content sir!!

[@dmosier]

I use a Mystery Ranch pack. My pack never hurts. 15hour day and heavy load, no problem.👍

[@jennybrandon2393]

Funny and informative - thanks for the awesome video!

[@DanBecker]

Jenny Brandon thanks Jenny!!!!

[@mawilkinson1957]

Great video. Thanks.

[@TrickyLittleMiss953]

Hahaha legit snorted at the Mr Rogers thing 😂

[@gumbi8989]

Weight distribution is huge for comfort.

[@mitnwes]

Great video, very informative

[@rebeccabradnam2716]

So my should blade area has been getting inflamed or something after a few miles and I figured out my chest strap was too tight

[@salahmad83]

Quick question, you said to keep the heavier items in the middle of the pack so they are close to you. I noticed earlier in the video, the arch on your pack in the middle was the furthest from your back. Would you mind clarifying? I'm planning a long trip through the Grand Tetons next summer, it will be a little under 32 miles. I'm starting to train for it now. Your videos are awesome. You need to get out west man. You absolutely have to do Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Yosemite. I almost forgot Utah!!!!!

[@salahmad83]

@S DJ Awesome! Thanks man. I was thinking the same. I'm going to try it both ways to see what works. I was planning on getting the weight to the bottom of the pack to begin with.

[@DanBecker]

Great question! The backpack is designed to arch like that for airflow. It keeps my back from sweating. I can still keep heavier items towards the center of my back and I find it the most comfortable for me. But like the other person said, it may work at the bottom of your pack as well! To each his own and whatever makes it comfortable for you!

[@salahmad83]

@@DanBecker -- I'm in Chicago dude! If you ever come down, hit me up. A buddy of mine and I are hitting up Devil's Lake thanks to you! I've been looking for a 10+mile hike with hills around here, and we found one thanks to you!

[@JesusTheCity]

Youre the GOAT

[@diegoornelas3394]

Intro sounded very similar to Casey neistat 🧐😂 loves the video by the way

[@idofps9709]

The loadbearing straps tip made my pack feel SO much lighter

[@idofps9709]

Me and my girlfriend are walking across America, leaving Friday!

[@thuthiehiker]

Awesome. Learned some new things. Nice logo. Is it new?

[@DanBecker]

Yes the logo is new! Glad you were able to pick up some tips :-)

[@AmyRoutt]

So the Zpacks packs DO have a frame? My backpack is the next thing I need to upgrade. It's not sold anymore and it's 4 lbs...but it never hurts my back. So I am nervous to try something like Zpacks, and was worried about the support and weight you can put in it. And now apparently I have lower back compression so now I have to worry about these things.

[@DanBecker]

Amy Routt my pack starts to get a little bit uncomfortable if it has more than 25 or so pounds in it… That usually with food, water and fuel. It’s really meant for lighter stuff. My Osprey Exos only weighs about 1 pound more but can handle a bit more weight. They make a small version of that pack and my wife uses it… She loves it!

[@AmyRoutt]

@@DanBecker Good to know! I'm considering something lik a 40 ish L pack for 3 day trips that I don't need to carry a bear can for. So that probably means I'd be 18-20 lbs. And then I was thinking of keeping my 60L (obvi) for when I need more space to fit a bear can/much longer trip/climbing combo trip. Since it's got nothing wrong with it! It's just a little heavy and I could definitely get away with something smaller for a lot of trips. ANYWAYS I'm basically just typing out my thoughts to myself at this point. Thanks for the info lol

[@stevebrown1461]

It's tough strapping the AR-15 to the bottom of the backpack. Throws off the weight balance.

[@sietskevandiejen9774]

Thx!!!

[@oldunion]

You're no Steve Climber, but Steve Climber is! and he'd choose the Archwood Flextrek 37 Trillion Whipsnake edition, ZXYVR/M Series, Magnum Package! Dominate the Landscape, Neutralize the Environment!

[@Family_Protection_Dogs]

Mr Rogers!!! 🤪😆

[@FABM27]

The 45 degree angle doesn’t work for me.

[@no_peace]

Man I have some stupid nice Osprey bags but they never fit right and my $15 outdoor products bag fits great Another win for us people of Walmart I guess

[@pluggothesluggo5509]

everyones back is different

[@Matt-cu2yi]

What is a comfortable weight for the arc blast ?

[@DanBecker]

I found that the pack gets uncomfortable when you have over 25 pounds of a complete load out, with food water and fuel. It’s not terrible but does start to reach it’s maximum comfort level.

[@youwild4432]

Got out this past Monday...40 lbs. BIG MISTAKE! Came home...repacked and I'm down to 22 lbs - including food and water for a solo over night. Sometimes you have to get out there and refigure it out. Going back to the same trail and doing the same hike...in 10 days.

[@DanBecker]

Wow awesome! That’s pretty cool that you’re going to the same place with different gear! What a great video that would make!

[@corbinarnold5998]

Cool

[@john-davidchambers2496]

👍

[@marinamile]

2 words, Mystery Ranch

[@TheLeoojedap]

Here first!

[@rkf2746]

Crap!!!! Beat me by 12 minutes. 😂

[@BackcountryExposure]

Dan Becker University

[@DanBecker]

I literally laughed out loud LOL! I am just a shadow under backcountry exposure University LOL!

[@HuckOutdoors]

Ha Ha Ha!

[@drakecarver9702]

Dude you’re killing my feed. Do you even have time to actually hike?

[@DanBecker]

I wish I had more.. for sure!!!

[@MrTmax74]

Lol

[@chadhoughton5795]

Wait...it’s not supposed to hurt?! Oh man I’ve been doing it all wrong! 😂😂

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣

[@jdhall420]

I'm a bushcrafting hiker i suppose lol, i hike at least 17 miles before testing out my axes and stuff, but i hike so far in for the scenery and tranquility

[@farstrider79]

I've lightened everything except my pack over the years. Just can't justify the cost for how often I can go, just gotta live with my 20 yr old Gregory thruhike. It's heavy, but....$$$