How I Pack My Gear 2020 - 35L Pack (Full Comfort)

[@wornoutwrench8128]

As an absolute total noob, stuff like this is pure gold. Shame you can only give 1 thumbs up.

[@jhonyermo]

Same. Great comment feel the same.

[@bradjustbrad]

I'll add a thumb. Darwin's stuff rocks.

[@nagaviper1169]

Same here.

[@Jeremy-lh3lg]

Here have mine ... 👍

[@annoyingneighborcat]

@Spekulatius I remember when they switched it, so many people were upset.

[@Coreycry]

this is a "how to" - so much more information than just packing, many tricks can be applied to other packs.

[@longstrider461]

Yep, I totally agree!!! I took a lot of notes. It's going to very useful for an upcoming trip, if we can travel again :-/

[@charliekendall4288]

Bring up Paul Messener for a true magician with packing a ENOS 58.

[@MegaLitefoot]

This was not only an excellent “how to”, but also a great reminder of “what to” pack. Thank you.

[@williamhahn3749]

I use your packing strategies to pack my Ruck for the Army. While we do have to carry way more weight, cutting down on necessities and just organizing my Ruck has helped a ton to be travel ready faster and confident in my gear.

[@LZ-un7ky]

Thank you for your service!

[@onthefly4711]

And next year: How to put all my stuff for a thru hike into a 32oz nalgene bottle.

[@johnmcgehee5024]

With a liter of water.

[@robertwalter8949]

@@johnmcgehee5024 Yes. He dehydrate the water to water instant powder.

[@stalwart263]

32oz is a noob size. Real thru hikers get down to the 1oz Nalgene.

[@Jangmo_SC]

Eagerly awaiting

[@realityconformist424]

Nalgene is 6 oz ...too heavy

[@tamarmolerick3814]

Great vid. I prefer to keep raing ear, hat and gloves in my big outside pocket, that way if it starts raining you don't need to open your pack at all.

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

That's EXACTLY how I pack my loadouts; Horizontally. Besides it being more convenient and leaving some space on the sides for me to insert odd objects into filling in voids, the loadout is also more balanced because the weight of each item is distributed evenly across the breadth of the pack instead of being all on one side or the other. Unless two similarly sized stuff sacks are identical in weight, one will always be heavier than the other leaning the balance of the pack in that direction if they are inserted vertically.

[@craftedbyorre]

I’m seeing it already: «How I Pack My Gear 2026 - 16L Pack (Full Comfort)»

[@harmleyten4]

Who knows, maybe they will have even better and lighter stuff.

[@Charlie-yv3ib]

@@harmleyten4 hopefully cheaper too

[@kylestyer8240]

@@harmleyten4 I suppose you could do it now ofcourse. SOL Bivvy instead of tent, cold soak/no stove, etc... but this video is totally coming

[@fg1110]

How to pack my gear 2030 - Naked with only a knife.

[@clinclin1240]

In 2026 you can just set up a waypoint and teleport all your gear to camp.

[@arguchik]

This video was SO helpful. During the COVID "stay home" order, I have been daydreaming so much about hiking and travel.

[@GorgoScrobo]

I completely agree on the backup rain protection for clothes and sleeping bag/quilt. You’re one of the few folks who mentions the potential for packing up damp gear ON THE TRAIL. Thx for sharing your techniques, glad it works well for you.

[@JeDindk]

I'm going on my first hike later this month and your video was a great help to me. I am both a little bit puzzled and a little bit confused, when I think about what I shall bring and how to pack everything ..... I think the most important message from your video is, that you can let your self be inspired by others, but in the end you have to figure out yourself and you always have to re-evaluate your needs. You can start with a 65-liters backpack and end up with just 35. You can start with a butt-pad, get rid of the butt-pad and finally bring the butt-pad back again. So what I have learned from this video is, that it doesn't have to be perfect the first time. 😀

[@happyface307]

Anyone else notice the subtle Jazz in the background? It's calming LOVE It!

[@pathardage1880]

Egad! Fifteen years in Scouts, and you just did a PhD course I wish I could have gotten then. Thanks.

[@00xanawolf00]

Thank you Darwin for this video. I’m limited to 20 pounds for the rest of my life due to a catastrophic back injury and subsequent surgeries, and I used your gear and packing vid to help assemble an emergency “get home/bug out” kit.

[@FrozensAdventures]

OK yea I do pack like you, was a bit confused on the QA. I think I'll try the extra/night clothes in the quilt idea. Thanks man, great video!

[@hikeswithsass]

I just packed my bag almost identical to your way, holy smokes what a difference! The way it was loaded and is loaded now actually feels soooooo much lighter and while I always look like a kid over an oversized bag, it compressed down so much. Thanks for this awesome video!

[@CaitlynGoesHiking]

This reminds me of Harry Potter when Hermione had that magic purse...this is Darwin’s magic purse

[@SJ-vc2tz]

Bottomless bag :)

[@greyscout01]

Yup... magic.

[@jjjj7302]

Now I want to know what you pack for 4 days of food :)

[@GuilhermeBianeck]

grass and insects

[@cruzcooper213]

Usually peanuts because they last a long time and you can get different ones like sesame seed coated honey coated up to personal preference though

[@filippomarcon2786]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIPPXq2iqc57iqs

[@andrewwolfe8742]

Great plan on packing. I won't start if with this but want this as my goal. Great video!

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

@67schueppi 29schueppi osm ?

[@westcoastislander6699]

Recently "downsized" from a 60L pack to a 50L pack and have made an extra effort to lighten up my gear this year (getting old sucks but you don't have to comply!). Have been trying to figure out a more efficient way to pack the gear in the "smaller" (as opposed to 35L!) volume and this vid gave me a lot of light bulb moments. Thanks for posting this!

[@elvismikel2271]

Keeping sleep clothes in the foot box of the bag/quilt and the gloves with the insulated jacket make so much sense that I can't believe I didn't think about it!

[@leleprtk]

Makes so much sense! I’m only gonna keep my sleeping clothes inside the sleeping bag quilt from now on

[@GustoStCool]

Going down to the 35L is really gonna put a dent in how much delicious Bud Light you can carry.

[@I..cast..fireball]

Bud light is piss, but point understood.

[@XV250]

Delicious and Bud Light do not belong in the same sentence.

[@JMeara]

That's what rum is for.

[@GustoStCool]

@@I..cast..fireball Bud Light is a slice of heaven!

[@GustoStCool]

@@XV250 Does so, jerk! Bud Light was sent by angels!

[@papajeff5486]

Just packed my Kakwa 55L BP for my AT hike starting in 3 days. Barely had enough room. This is right on time. Darwin will never read comments on a three year old post. Just want to say, “Thanks, Darwin”, from East Tennessee.

[@Canadaman4403]

I’ve been labouring whether to go for the Kakwa 40 or 55 myself. My thinking was better to have More space and then just roll up the top no?…..?

[@VirtualTurtleGames]

I'm literally preparing for my first multi-day hike when this is all over, and was wondering how to pack my 40L pack in the best way. This is such a great coincidence! Thanks for the vid budd!

[@KarlaStorm]

Thanks so much for this video. I watched this video a couple of times and then pulled out all of my gear and tried your system. Once I was finished I had a pile of stuff sacks left on the floor had a ton of space in my backpack. I’ve watched several “how I pack” videos from other KZbinrs and yours definitely made the most sense to me. So thank you for sharing this and helping me be more efficient with a lighter pack. 😊

[@BikerBloke600]

Hi Darwin great video. Ex military veteran and your packing and personal administration is spot on. Really love your enthusiasm and passion for what you do and the way you put everything so clearly across. Keep up the good work. Mick, Northern Ireland 👍👏🍻

[@lorens7837]

I think I've watched this video 5 or 6 times now and I have learned a ton but the most immediately helpful idea is NOT to compress and fold and stuff my sleeping pad into a tiny little stuff sack but instead to FOLD it and put it against my back for additional padding. What an AMAZING idea! (Why didn't I think of that myself?) I like the additional comfort on my back and my pad (Thermarest Trail Scout shortie) loves not being compressed to death. Thanks, Darwin!

[@andygarza3057]

Twisting the liner (4:40) is a nice touch. I learn something almost every video of your I watch.

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

Very helpful in downsizing and packing my warmer weather gear. I think I’ll move my rain jacket into the top of my pack since I’m toting an umbrella. “Darwin Off The Trail”, made me chuckle, yet, hope for better days ahead.

[@JohnFisk-OHS-78]

Totally agree about the umbrella - supremely posh bit of kit and not that extravagant in terms of weight. I've farmed in -30 F weather in the teeth of white outs and gale force winds. I don't mind the cold. But, I HATE getting wet... cheers!

[@hokuspokus8947]

Ahoy! Another great tip for keeping your camera dry while attached on your shoulder strap is to use an inexpensive shower cap. The elastic banding keeps it tight around form of the camera body. Happy trails mate!

[@Martell276]

Awesome video. I just purchased an Osprey Kestrel 38. This reassures me that I will be able to pack a tent and everything else for an overnighter, possibly a multi-day trek. I have read a lot of comments and reviews all over the internet with people saying 38L is barely enough to go out overnight, and to basically forget about bringing a tent. Others have stated that a 38L is more than substantial for this.

[@philsmith2444]

I’ve done a few weekenders with an Osprey Manta 36 AG, which as a day hiking pack isn’t really ideal for backpacking due to pocket configuration. I replaced that with a Kestrel 38, but didn’t really like the fixed lid (the pack was just plain superb in every other way, though) so I went to a Granite Gear Crown2 38 which is just about perfect for me.

[@TheSimpleHick]

This is great, I myself plan on taking more and more gear with me in my 40L on my next hike so this is perfect -Thank you for this video, Darwin!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

No Prob! Glad it helped!

[@shramj]

One thing that really helped me fully utilize my pack space is removing almost everything from their stuff sacks. I pack most of my items in a pack liner and it pretty much fills in all the dead space in the pack. I keep my food bag, accessory bag, and tent outside the pack liner on the top part of the pack so if it rains, I can still setup my tent and then place everything else inside the tent keeping everything else dry.

[@dalechristopher3917]

folding the sleeping pad flat. genius! ima start doing that!

[@marktapp5408]

Excellent suggestions and great advice. One alternate suggestion might be to keep a second pair of dry socks in a baggie in the mesh pocket instead of buried in the bottom of the pack. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@grampakilt]

In my considerable years of viewing UL hiking videos, never have I learned such a logical way to gear pack. You have brought just a bit more order to my scattered mind. IMO you have achieved your PhD with this! GK

[@leftycut1]

Anyone who doesn't know or recognise you must think your on a day hike !! It is amazing how small your pack is. Love this stuff !!!!

[@aaronperkinson4433]

I’ve got a 36L Kumo on the way from GG and this video is perfect timing for me. Thanks Darwin!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad I could help! 🤙

[@brandythomas7928]

Same! Mine should be here Saturday.

[@timearchitecture]

How do you like the gg Aaron? Im eyeing their 42L g420

[@lois6705]

I followed your packing advice for my 50-mile section hike of the Vermont Long Trail and it worked really well. I got rid of an extra bag for clothes and everything was really easy to find. Thank you for sharing.

[@CanadianSkylights]

Nice stuff, Darwin. Hope you get to Canada and enjoy the GDT this summer.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I hope so too! 😬

[@Charlie-yv3ib]

Dumb question but I'm new to all this: what's the GDT? I'm in Canada and would like to start looking for trails and such

[@jimyeats]

No criticism, but I find it funny that you have this completely organized pack that is well though out, well balanced, lightweight, and then right at the end your most ungainly weight item gets thrown onto your shoulder strap. Love it, just shows you that we like what we like, and if taking awesome photos makes you happy, then it needs to come along.

[@motorolas]

Good advice. I went from a 65 to a 40 pack after realizing I was carrying what I didn’t need. Focusing more on the journey than the gear.

[@EspenFrafalne]

Bikepacking is more ideal for packing a little extra. 10-12kg on my MTB is barely noticeable on a flat road. Great alternative for people who dont have $1000-1500 to spend on ultralight gear, or who want to bring their laptop or other luxury items, or for people who just want to cover more distance in a day :P

[@philsmith2444]

I recently switched from a framed Osprey Kestrel 38 to a frameless Granite Gear Crown2 38 (often with the lid removed so probably 33-34l), and it’s interesting how small modifications to your packing change the way weight is transferred to your hips. The GG isn’t a true frameless pack since it has a back pad and frame sheet, but there’s no wire perimeter frame. But I also figured out through trial & error to move the heaviest stuff up a little bit (I like it between 1/2-2/3 of the way up and right against my back.) This even makes 2 1l bottles in the side pockets comfortable. I’m not a thru/section hiker due to my job and having bad knees, and even though I don’t buy all the way into the UL philosophy I watch, learn from, and shamelessly steal anything that looks useful from 8-10 hiking/backpacking channels. It’s definitely made my 1-2 night trips better. Eventually (after TKR) I’d like to do the Long Trail in one shot if I can take a kind of sabbatical from work. Plus I’m barely an hour from the 100 Mile Wilderness, which looks like a real challenge. Carrying 10 days worth of food in my Crown2 38 is probably not feasible, though.

[@davidcurtis9559]

Love what you do👍 I’ve learned a lot over the years! Very grateful.. stay safe in these strange days!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank you, I will! ❤️

[@kellycarlen9605]

The little ditty drybag in the front mesh pocket is something I haven’t seen before. Thanks for that tip!

[@GaerHampton]

Great video! I never thought of folding my X-therm pad as opposed to rolling it. I'm still amazed at how small backpacking kits/packs have gotten over the years. I used to marvel at how small other backpackers' pack where compared to my 90 liter monster! It took me quite a while to catch on to packing less, and lighter. Now I'm at the very least a "lightweight" bacpacker. I actually have been using an external frame pack for the past year.....mostly for nostalgic reasons. Now that my packs are so much lighter, I actually enjoy the hiking part of backpacking! Here before too long I think that I'm going to downsize even further to a smaller, ultralight-type pack. It's amazing how little you actually need to stay warm and protected while out in the wilderness. I wish that I had figured that out 20-something years ago!

[@28memco45]

That was nice of you to make this video after me (28memco) and a few others suggested it. I really appreciate your videos and learn a lot from them. I just purchased the ZPack Arc Blast for the High Serria trail.

[@justalurkr]

My first reaction to the return of the butt pad was "it's hell to get old." 😎

[@novakillbones2140]

You guys in North America have it so easy. If I was going out bush for 4 days, I'd want to carry a minimum of 8 litres of water. There is also no way I could fit 4 days worth of food in that bag of yours. And there is absolutely no way I could go bush with a frameless pack, I need to have airflow between my pack and my back. I also prefer to pack vertically so that I only have to get out the thing I need, I never have to pull everything out of my pack to get what's in the bottom. On the upside, it doesn't get cold enough in Australia that I need to carry as much warm stuff as you guys. Still, a down jacket isn't quite as heavy as a day's worth of canned food.

[@start-again]

This video was really helpful! Thank you! One question - How would you fit a bear can in the EVLV? Which bear can? And would you even, or would you switch to a bigger backpack for places that require a bear can such as the PCT? Thanks

[@robopecha]

i love this. i am a total noob and with this i think i could actually concentrate on the walking part and not the carrying stuff around part of backpacking.

[@northstarhiker]

Nicely done. My pack is haunting me, sitting in the corner of my room all packed and no where to go, but I keep glaring at it wondering how I can get it smaller. I really like the folding the ground pad idea. Will have to incorporate that for sure. Thanks for the tips as always and be safe. Happy trails, soon.

[@domo3552]

Yup, me too. Staring at my pack, frustrated, but enjoying the community.

[@anulbead4817]

Take it to a protest! Totally peaceful and COVID restriction free!

[@daano465]

Folding the pad was the best tip imo. Kinda feels like it doesnt even take up space like that.

[@tamie341]

I'll give it some dat sweet sweet lovin if ya want me to, all sexy like bruh.

[@nickname6747]

Possibly the most useful gear video ever made!

[@ChicaandSunsets]

I’m going to totally try the clothes in the quilt foot box! Genius! Thanks Darwin! - Chica

[@Galactico42]

These gear loadout videos have helped me break through my mental blocks (fear packing) and reduce the amount of clothing I pack. Now I just need to invest in super-packable shelter and sleeping bag/quilt.

[@Beefboi1997]

Never thought of shoving my clothes in my sleeping bag/quilt

[@k.whiking4372]

Yeah, me neither.

[@edwardmedina1594]

Putting your extra clothes inside your sleeping bag is genius! Also folding the sleeping pad another genius idea (never even considered it). Thanks.

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Damn your good. I’ve seen so many packing videos and this is the best. So quick, simple and logical. I definitely agree. I like my shelter on the outside but I like this method otherwise thanks 😊

[@lesliew4026]

Really helped to me conceptualize how to do my pack better. Enjoyed hearing the reasons why you combined the things you did (like your sleep system w/clothes). Definitely worth it to be more intentional.

[@monarques93MrGollum]

Hi Darwin, can you give your DCF bag size for quilt and food please? Thanks from France!

[@saminthewoods]

I love the fact you're open to change and look forward to better ideas as you evolve. As we get ideas from you and evolve. I'm always evolving which gets expensive lol

[@mctennys]

Let me start with fitting all my gears into a 65L pack

[@Adam_Outdoors]

Why on earth would you do that?

[@killslay]

I'm definitely a serial over-packer! I'll for sure be using some of these tips to organise my next journey

[@aldenchaisson7135]

Feel like I'm watching Hermione Granger pack her purse... nice vid Darwin

[@footprintsandtyretracks]

An oldie but such great advice. Going to take this on board now I’ve got my first frameless pack

[@bowmanvmi]

inb4 Darwin sees the light and starts rocking a backwoods bidet rather than carrying poopy paper

[@williampennjr.4448]

This is the most useful video I've seen on hiking and camping. You saved my from having to make a packing list.

[@backyardblasters]

How many kgs all up with the 2 litres of water but without camera gear?

[@hannahherrmann4921]

I think between 7 and 8 kg?

[@wav1366]

He did a video about his gear and his base weight was ~4.5kg (~10lbs). I'm guessing w/ the food it would be an extra 4kg.

[@shaqsoda9627]

Water is like 2.2 pounds per liter

[@mimimi2311]

Imperial is weird ... metric: one liter of water weighs one kilogramm

[@kildli]

@@mimimi2311 you mean US is weird?

[@willpotter8343]

Best tip was the folding of the sleeping mat for storage, instead of rolling. Thank you

[@james24799700]

Love how you use the phrase ' arse pad' so British...you must have picked that up doing the WHW

[@Environmenthrall]

Oh, man! That Peak Design camera mount is something I didn't know I needed.

[@johnframpton9643]

How do you like the cnoc trekking pole? How about a review?

[@christophermchugh7887]

My first through hike was using a 60l. I’m down to 35l now too. But that pack is so much better than the one I’m using! May have to invest!

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

Now this was crazy I pack my pack the exact same way even the ditty and electronics on the outside I use a hilltops packs med long dry bag for that

[@gwmtnbiker]

mischief on the trail ...thanks for the recommendation on the ditty bag. What size is your dry bag for the quilt/clothes?

[@kimwoodbury3885]

I can't believe you actually made all that fit. I use a 35L main compartment pack just to pack for a 2 day sleepover or cheerleading trip, with a dedicated cooler bag for packing the snacks

[@JeremiahStringer]

Love the cloths in your footbox. Did I miss, TP, Toothbrush, paste etc?

[@jmz1736]

Ditty bag 9:57 has all those things

[@jamiller2272]

Wow, so simple, you are always so thoughtful in your preparedness. As always, i learn something to make my hiking experience better watching your videos. Thank you.

[@cloudoftime]

How do I fit all my gear into my pack? Step 1: Have +$2,000 in UL gear. Step 2: Pack it up.

[@MajesticSkywhale]

exactly, his tent costs like 600

[@arturskass4695]

@@MajesticSkywhale You dont need a 600 tent to be able to pack it in horizontally. Any tent that uses trekking poles for support will be in similar dimensions. Jus look at LanShan 2 it is about 150$. Besides I have a tent that uses a rod system I just keep them out of the tent bag and that way the tent can easily fit horizontally.

[@benscapens1012]

This is seriously impressive! - Sincerely somebody who struggles to fit everything in a 70l

[@Luke_0]

4 days of food,how much does that weigh? How many calories a day? Sidebar ... do you use beard oil?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I have done multiple videos on the food I eat on trail. Go Check em' out! 👍

[@mikemaskarinec3616]

Just downsized to 35L pack, I typically only do 3 day hikes but most recently did some rafting on the 1st and 3rd day which took some extra gear. I have been pleasantly surprised at how much you can fit into a 35L pack, even if you beed a pack raft, paddles, and life jacket. I haven't been Hiking very long but have dropped a ton of unnecessary gear and weight and keep trying to find better ways to pack. This video was great and gave me a lot of good things to try! Thanks for putting out these awesome videos!!

[@vancamjr]

Who makes that ditty dry bag? I’m looking for one about that size.

[@dennisdrewry5625]

John Van Camp Zpacks

[@LostandLore]

Definitely needed to watch this. Now thinking of repacking my stuff.

[@larson0014]

but how will you fit the gallon bottle of lysol?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😳🤦‍♂️

[@LuisQuitt]

This guy knows his stuff

[@articus5134]

Great, and organized! Is this pack 35L overall (including front and side pockets) or is the main compartment the 35L?

[@christophermagera8643]

It is 35L total. So like a ~25L main pack with ~10L of external pockets

[@mellowmarmot1191]

This is one of mu favorite videos of all time

[@OutLan]

Clothes in the foot box! Stealing that one!

[@JL-kk9hl]

Great video. As a cold sleeper it's tough with an heftier sleeping bag

[@jt52193]

Is there no special way to roll a quilt? I see everyone just cram it in lol. And is it ok to smash a down quilt into a compression bag? I like using compression bags

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yep! You just compress it into a bag. That's one of the advantages of using Down. It will Compress & then Loft back up! 🤙

[@jt52193]

Darwin onthetrail awesome. Was worried about it not lofting up again. Think I’m going with the EE enigma Thanks!

[@ScottKent]

Still want to know more about the pack. A frameless with loadlifters is hard to find.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Mid May looks to be exciting... 😉

[@jhonyermo]

I know someone got a special order on the UAL CDT just for that.

[@JadenLegate]

I think the waymark lite has load lifters.

[@leftycut1]

ULA

[@ScottKent]

@@leftycut1 ULA weighs too much.

[@elevatelife-nk7896]

Hey Darwin, I'm super impressed with your efficiency and self-discipline. I'm looking for help/confidence that I DON'T need to bring some of the 'extras' that I always seem to want to bring in my pack, such as more clothing layers, rain pants, sunscreen, bug juice, extra lighter, patch kit, blister / bigger 1st aid kit, bear bag (heavier bag they can't bite through), extra stakes, extra headlamp/light, bigger water container (3L) etc. These seem to really add up for me, and I'm wondering if you have had these over the years and have just dropped them over time.

[@perrytaylor6388]

Where is your pillow? Did I just miss you putting it in ?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It was in my Footbox. If you check out the Full Gear List, you can see even item in specific. 🤙

[@markjohnstone5568]

boss magic im new as to this and all your advice is gold.ive a disability arm and hand..the things as what to take out in order is great your time to youtube is appreciated ..i now don't have to handle things twice..more pleaser to do the things i love..take in the walk

[@ozrenkubat6632]

2020 and we're watching a video on how to pack stuff in a backpack... Go figure.

[@joeymaryland2]

Thanks for ideas. Just went from a 70L that I thought was near full to a 57L with nearly 10L empty. Same stuff just packed better. Keep those videos coming I really enjoy them.

[@kurtdanielson9862]

Darwin Offthetrail. Funny and sad.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😕

[@Bluecollar_Berean]

These are really helpful, not just for packing efficiently, but for ideas on trimming down your kit

[@acausedelle1547]

Get sintax77 on your livestream!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

K...

[@AdamMalcolm96]

I like pack liners for organization, too. When I was in the army, after I wore some socks and underwear for days on end, I could put them outside the liner, so my sweaty wet stinky socks don't sit on all my nice clean clothes and food

[@Hector_Outdoors]

Thank for the tips! I pack my bag the same way except I put my food bag on top. I am going to try and put my food before my shelter. It makes more sence