DIY Backpacking Hacks: Lightweight Gear You Can Create

[@HikingWithCam]

if this video helped you out, imagine what the next one could do! 😉 👉 Click SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on the latest backpacking videos!

[@Pattower]

I had pretty low expectations when I clicked this video. Now I’m scrolling through Thingiverse. Good stuff Cam.

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks! Also check out printables.com

[@cheri7828]

Me too!!

[@gr8bkset-524]

I made 4 oz sandals out of mountain bike tires, copying the straps from Zero sandals. I also made a collapsible bucket, consisting of a potato chip bag as the inside layer and UPS tyvex envelope outside layer/handle. I'd like to rig something up so I can turn my platypus hydration system into a solar heated camp shower.

[@HikingWithCam]

Great ideas! I think you and I would be best friends, lol.

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

The slippers got me instantly! In Europe, especially the Alps, you got a lot of mountain huts to stay on. Some of them have slippers, some of those are even standardized and made of foam, others don't and you never know what you'll find. You also often want some to use in the showers, which isn't possible with textile ones you might find. So this is a perfect lightweight idea! Maybe add a bit elastic band to one or both sides of the fabric strap and they'll fit your foot much better. Once you buy a foam pad for that project just make a seating pad out of the rest. Or an extra large one for canoeing where you can afford the extra weight.

[@HikingWithCam]

The idea of a mountain hut in the alps sounds amazing. One day I’ll make it there! Good luck with the slippers and happy new year!

[@tdgilljr]

AWESOME JOB! Especially the backpack. Thanks so much for sharing ❤💪🏿❤

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to the next MYOG project… probably a quilt. Happy new year!

[@PaulSchortemeyer]

This is a fantastic video - so many great ideas for lightweight backpacking fans ❤. I’ve tried a few of those items previously and had the same eternal search for the lightest camp shoe! One of my all-time favourite things to DIY is a lightweight hammock chair. Also a quick-deploy ridgeline with thin paracord and a few prussick knots.

[@HikingWithCam]

That’s so nice to hear. Thanks for watching! Have a good new year friend

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

FYI: Dyneema actually isn't a term for a specific kind of fabric but for the material the threads are made of. It's a kind of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, much climbing gear is also made of it. So if you're looking for it at another place you might get some slightly different material when not looking for the exact specifications. Weight by area like g/m² or whatever is common in the US would be a good indicator to get the same product.

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks for the info. That makes sense. Happy new year!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

@@HikingWithCam idk, manufacturers call it dynema fabric. If cotton fabric is made from cotton threads, then the same applies to dynema

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

@@NewsViewsAndTruth this is both true and false. Both cotton and dyneema are textile materials that threads get made out of and out of these fabrics. But there's different threads for different fabric types and cotton is a great example: if you look at jeans, a towel and standard T-Shirt, they're all typically made out of cotton. But of different types of threads with different thicknesses and "fluffiness", so to speak, to meet different demands in the end product. They also get processed differently, the T-shirt will be knitted, the jeans and towel woven, but with different techniques and fabric construction as well. Jeans has a binding known as Koeper, which gives it the typical diagonal stripes, for example. In the case of dyneema, you got different threads as well leading to different fabrics. And just because they're all of the same material, they're not equal. If you don't look out for what you're buying you might end up with a very thin and lightweight fabric designed for a tarp or tent when you actually wanted something more rigid for a backpack or vice versa. So comparing specs like the weight per area is a good indicator to actually get what you want.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

​@@dereinzigwahreRichi Nope, textiles made from cotton are cotton fabrics. the industry has called dyneema composite fabric just dyneema or dyneema fabric for many years already.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

@@dereinzigwahreRichi perhaps it's a difference of the industries in different regions. I am mainly exposed to north american cottage industries, and don't look overseas because of the added shipping cost. You also could be correct on a more specific level, and retail shorthand might be much more casual. Most people would agree that dyneema was one of those industry changing fabrics for ultralight gear. Whatever we call it, it weighs little. Glad to see someone else passionate about fabrics. I'm not an expert, but for some reason I enjoy technical debates. Cheers from America.

[@aliwolpern2808]

I LOVE this! Now days everyone just buys the UL gear...but making it or using things you already have is a much better solution!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

The cheapest and lightest sandals will be found in nail salons. Their flip flops are super thin foam

[@HikingWithCam]

Wow really good idea. My quest continues!!!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

@HikingWithCam know what my current camp socks choice is? Barefoot socks that I can wear by themselves. I have done miles on the AT going downhill in muddy conditions, and the test worked well. They are made with Kevlar I think. Not sure how this will work in reality for a long trek, but there is a question about not having open air sandals to air my feet out. The theory is that using my barefoot socks properly, I can keep my shoes and socks drier which should improve foot health.

[@randybowman]

I used a mosquito net baggy stuffed with clothes as a pillow. Its also good for not losing your socks in the laundry.

[@AdventureswithReidandTiff]

Really cool items. The sandals are awesome because finding something light enough to actually pack is always an issue.

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks! I still need to tweak the sandals a bit, but yes they are very lightweight!

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Hi Cam. Thanks for the info on thingiverse. I've never heard of this. Great job on the backpack. It looks really nice and I'm sure you are proud of it. My wife is a quilter and years ago made coozies for my dehydrated meals and for hot summer trips I made reflectix water bottle coozies that drastically reduce the temp of your water. Thanks for the video ✌

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks! If you like Thingiverse you might like printables (.com) too!

[@L_yeah]

Great video! Thanks! The solution for your slippers is to sew a length of elastic to each side that will stretch around the back of your foot - like they put on slides for babies.

[@HikingWithCam]

Great idea. I’ll try that. Thanks

[@DiabloOutdoors]

I really liked the content and how you presented things. Well done Cam!

[@HikingWithCam]

Hey thanks! I really appreciate the kind words. Happy new year!

[@goodwaterhikes]

Nice DIY gear. I also buy material from Ripstop by the Roll and made a hammock and tarp for my 2022 AT thru hike. Even had enough material left over to make a matching pack cover. Another option is if you have an old backpack you can cannibalize for a project. I was able to make a shoulder strap water bottle holder from the mesh, straps and buckles cut from my daughters school backpack. BTW I had no sewing experience and had a blast. Next project, ordered 3D spacer mesh from Ripstop to improve the comfort of my EXOS pack. Happy trails 😎

[@HikingWithCam]

That’s funny because I was just looking at my bike commute backpack and was thinking about rebuilding parts of it while leaving the shoulder straps and back intact. Fun stuff! Thanks for watching and best wishes for 2025.

[@vshybeej8756]

Holy crap dude!! This is my dream channel!!! Thank you so very much. I soooo loved this video. I'm definitely going to try the slippers out. I've seen and done the pot cozy deal with water bottles etc for many years now. You are now on my forever saved list. Can't wait to go back and look at your past content as well as future video's. Thank you so very much!! -Shybee

[@HikingWithCam]

I really appreciate your kind words!

[@brendanroney]

Great video man! Love that you're going down the rabbit hole of making your own gear.

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks for watching! Best wishes for 2025

[@hydrophobicbathtowel6816]

You don't have to look pretty out on the trail which means you have the freedom to see together anything you need out of any fabric. Sewing along a line is easy, making the stitches look nice is the harder part. You can sew a bag liner or a polartec alpha hoodie or what ever you want.

[@HikingWithCam]

That is so true! Function over form for sure.

[@ChrisWilliams-j4n]

Nice pack Cam! I asked around and found two sewing machines people did not want anymore. DIY is pretty satisfying. I bought two IKEA Frakta bags and turned them into a 30 liter pack myself. More projects underway.

[@HikingWithCam]

I'm going to look into the Frakta bags. Thanks!

[@WallowaHikes]

Just ordered my groundhog pusher. Thanks Cam!

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks Chris!

[@ChrisCS22]

Hi from New Zealand. Great video. I really like your backpack, nice colour choice. Materials can be a difficult to get a hold of here in NZ. I did make a Dyneema ridge line for my hammock a while ago, learnt how to splice loops at the ends via tutorial videos. You have inspired me to have a go at making more of my own gear.

[@HikingWithCam]

There’s a really good Reddit group called “MYOG” that I find super helpful. You might want to check that out too. Have fun and happy new year!

[@ChrisCS22]

@ thanks for that tip. Happy New Year to you too.

[@JasonHikes1]

Very cool video! Love all the projects you created! The backpack looks great!

[@HikingWithCam]

thanks! I really enjoy the process of making my own backpacking gear. Happy new year!

[@WallowaHikes]

Wow. I expected some dyneema bags... But that backpack?!?! Just wow. Super cool. Nice job, Cam!

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks Chris! I plan on using the backpack this summer on an ultralight trip.

[@micah6-8]

Great video! Especially the backpack. That’s really impressive. 👍🏼

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks, I'm super proud of how it turned out!

[@OutLan]

Nice! I also printed that stake pusher for my setup. Having a 3D printer is fantastic for small, lightweight DIY printing projects.

[@HikingWithCam]

It absolutely is! I just got a printer upgrade: Bambu labs A1

[@bobololish]

Some pretty cool ideas ! Thanks :)

[@JoeyOutdoorz]

I've bought your tent stake pusher! It's a game changer for sure! The backpack looks great! Awesome job dude

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks Joey! I’m so proud of my backpack lol. Happy holidays

[@jean-sebastiendesjardins8420]

Love your backpack! Great job!

[@HikingWithCam]

Thank you. If I can make it you can too :) Happy new year friend

[@jeniferwalks]

I loved this, thank you. It’s exciting to find out that libraries have 3d printers; I often think up thingamys that would make hiking more efficient but dont exist yet. The only example i have brought into life is a layering system that can be put on and taken off with a backpack on.

[@HikingWithCam]

Be careful, it’s a slippery slope. First you’ll use the library and then before you know it, you’ll be buying your own printer!

[@WallowaHikes]

Congratulations on 1,000 subscribers!!! Well deserved, sir. 😃

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks, Chris! I really appreciate it.

[@bentelindstad5759]

Thanks for great tips Cam, specialy I like the aluminum insulation around your cup 👍and your backpack and the inspiration to make ones own gear ! 💕

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks your comment means alot! Happy new year

[@sebastianjavier4655]

Simply, genius!!! Best regards.

[@HikingWithCam]

Thank you sir! Happy holidays.

[@SyvakK]

Great video!! Super cool.

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks!

[@therealdrecu]

Awesome Video! I started with small projects as well, and i also built some camp sandals as i was struggling with the same problem you did lol! I used the isolation material you used for your pot cozy and used some duct tape which turned out to be super light, i think 25grams for both (and i painted them olive). They're not for runnig around really much as well, i use them for the occasions when you need to empty yourself while sleeping outdoors and it worked like a charm! My friend first was skeptical and made fun of it and know everytime asks if i brought them since he loves to use them as well, haha :D Also i did a pot cozy for keeping my Waterfilter (like the grayl waterfilter) from freezing and did some testing and i could see that the temperature took more than twice as long to cool down, if without the cozy protection.

[@HikingWithCam]

That’s a great idea about using the cozy to keep the water filter from freezing! Happy new year

[@sergeantcrow]

Good job making that backpack ! 😀

[@HikingWithCam]

Thank you so much! I have a lot of other MYOG projects lined up

[@sergeantcrow]

@HikingWithCam All the best for 2025 🎉

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks! You too!

[@bass22ist]

😊I have been looking for something like this to inspire hiking with friends

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks 🙏 I’m glad it found you

[@Raykenn1]

Enjoyed your video thanks for posting 👍

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks for watching. If you haven't already please subscribe. I have a lot of other videos in the works :) Have a great 2025!!!

[@dsa5394]

I made similar pillow covers. I used old pillow cases for the fabric and put elastic straps on them to go around my sleep pad. It's great. Before, I would lose track of my pillow, or it would slip off the pad. I might do it again and add some extra softness.

[@HikingWithCam]

I like the elastic idea! My problem is that I’m a stomach/side sleeper, so I’m always looking for a good pillow solution. Happy new year!

[@amalielaursen1280]

What a nice video. I like your backpack, the small plastic Thing on your throwel, and your aluminium Thing on your pot. I havent made much diy myself. But its winter where i live. Allmost all of my gear is heavier and on top of that i also have to bring microspikes, i hate the big backpack. Therefore i have just last night swapted out my pot lid (a small pan) for a foil lid. That did not did enough. My hot water nalgene bottle with the added nalgene heat refleksive sleve, is 290 grams. I am trying to make it under 100 grams, finding another hot water bottle and making a sleve for that with the material you showed on your pot.😊

[@HikingWithCam]

Winter is the perfect time to fine tune our gear. Good luck and happy new year!

[@Vicarious-Living]

Great job man. Keep on posting it seems to be working

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks. That's the plan! I have tons of video ideas and I enjoy producing them. Happy new year!

[@_Terc_]

Amazing idea! The sit pad sandals are nice since they don't flop down compared to using something like an insole. I will be making them for the next season for sure!

[@hoagietime1]

For canoe tripping I've wanted to make a dynema tarp with a bug net apron like a bug out shelter but with a wide sod skirt. Set up high for a roomy bug shelter, set low for a big floorless tent and you could pull up the sod skirt and it's walled tent for wind and spray. But cash for dynema and time for a big sewing project are in short supply

[@HikingWithCam]

I hear you about the cash for dyneema! That stuff isn't cheap! Best wishes for 2025 friend

[@YakubFloyd]

Get some Ultra TNT fabric. It is in the same category as DCF/Dyneema but costs half as much. :)

[@terencejamesmusic4126]

Excellent.Thanks.

[@sixeco]

Hey Can, I like your work!

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks friend, I really appreciate your kind words

[@Drew-Abbott]

I make at least half my regular kit. Go look at what you want and pop off home and see if you can make or find something to do the job.

[@HikingWithCam]

That’s how I see it too! Happy new year!

[@Drew-Abbott]

@HikingWithCam some people seem to forget you can use household stuff for camping and save money

[@ericb.4358]

I'm in the middle between store-bought and DIy. I'm a "modder". I modify much of my store-bought gear to suit my own needs. From backpack mods to tent mods to cook set mods to clothing mods I've done it many times.

[@HikingWithCam]

I totally agree with you. Sometimes a little tweak can make a huge difference.

[@lukefitt56]

Cool stuff! I’m a big fan of making my own stuff as well so I always appreciate the work that goes into it. That backpack looks awesome! How much did it end up costing with material? I may have missed it if you said in the video

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks! I made the pack in 2021 so the details are kind of fuzzy, but I don’t think it was over $100 in materials

[@TameGear]

Awesome ideas, thanks

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks for watching!

[@olgaeva12]

Great tips, thanks

[@HikingWithCam]

I appreciate it. Thanks for watching! Happy new year!

[@michaelstudelska5607]

I got an idea from another KZbinr, an insulated envelope for a one quart zipper bag. It keeps the food toasty hot while hydrating.

[@HikingWithCam]

In the cooler months, I use the inside of my jacket (while I’m wearing it) to insulate the hydrating food bag. It warms me and the food!

[@isaiahpalm5151]

A cool thing to add to your pillow case would be a pad strap!

[@HikingWithCam]

Good idea 👍

[@inoculatedcity]

just got a 3d printer for christmas, thanks for making this video! excited to try this stuff! do you recommend any specific type of filament for these?

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks and congrats on your new printer! I have used a few different PLA filament brands but Overture seems to be consistently good. What printer did you get?

[@inoculatedcity]

@ thanks! i got the bambu labs A1. been mostly using PETG so far

[@HikingWithCam]

I’ve heard great things about the bamboo labs printers. Enjoy

[@charli-mae3611]

Lining insole with a grip tap would do the job

[@HikingWithCam]

I’m going to try this, thanks!

[@photooutdoor2574]

I made a lot of stuff. Tents, tarps, quilts, Bivi, bikepacking stuff clothing. I love to make things, but it’s not so much cheaper than buying! Think about; not everything you try to make is successful. The nice thing for me is, making things you can not buy.

[@HikingWithCam]

You are absolutely correct. Thanks 🙏

[@MikeHacker]

Cool backpack

[@suhelavaneerten419]

Thanks for this! Would adding some dots of sealant or silicon or so, on the sitpad camp shoes help? Makes it way less slippery, I think? Thanks for giving inspiration and wow @ the backpack! ❤

[@HikingWithCam]

The silicon is a great idea. I’ll have to try that and report back!

[@suhelavaneerten419]

@@HikingWithCam I think it might work... Would be great to hear! Did you ever see the Nymph sandals by Mayfly Ultralight Equipment? Might also give some ideas

[@paulpeopleperson3594]

for camp shoes I used some old inner soles from my work boots and bungee cord in a crisscross pattern

[@HikingWithCam]

I love the creativity 👍

[@ulperformance4087]

I made a 4.05 ounce Dyneema floor-less tent, 4 ft x 8.5 ft x 3.5 ft high, entry/exit zipper and mosquito proof zippered vent with hood, all glue construction and a loop at the peak for hanging it by 8 or more methods or a pole. I'm almost ready to make my Dyneema floor-less two person tent, 5 ft x 9 ft x 3.74 ft high with 4.4 ft wide at the 9 ft ends. I'm estimating it to weigh about 6. 3 + ounces. Heat reflective clothing such as an Anorak that weighs 3.7 ounces, over-pants, 2.8 ounces, leggings, less than one ounce with zippers, beanies, etc., breathable, wind and water resistant/proofed, great freedom of motion. The faster you go the warmth increases. A shoe insert/orthotic that gives a person the ability to walk roughly 7% faster and run roughly 17% faster, patent pending. The device also eliminates a large number of foot, leg, hip and lower back problems. No other manufactured device can claim the benefits of the device. A revised folding wood cutting saw that eliminates it's 8 ounce handle by taking a vacuum hose part, heated into an oval, drilled lightening holes in it, added wilson tennis tape for good grasping and added webbing for mounting it on my belt. The saw blade sits inside unless prepared to saw by unscrewing 2 bolts & wing nuts, taking the blade out & mounting it to the tubing with the bolts & wing nuts. A trowel with the handle removed and a horizontal slot for 2 fingers while the remaining fingers also grasp the handle. I glued a piece of leather where you placed the plastic end piece for comfort. The solution allows a person to properly grasp & drive the trowel into ground with minimum fatigue and pain vs using a handle. I have a patent for a hiking pack and a patent for a running pack, both eliminating the 5 to 8 bio-mechanical inefficiencies of the backpack based on my 55 years of experimenting to develop efficient ways and means of achieving performance hiking, greater speed, endurance, comfort and reduction of fatigue. That's the major portion of my DIY gear. Inventing and designing gear is a satisfying way of solving real world problems, a great learning experience testing one's ability to succeed in various areas of technology using simple tools. I gave up sewing because I can't sew in a straignt line as well setting the tension properly.

[@HikingWithCam]

Wow you’ve been busy! I’d love to see some of this gear. You should make a video!

[@canadianneo-frontiersmen6165]

To prevent slippage from your diy light weight sandals have you try to put some dabs of silicone on the top….and rhino liner unger to reduce wheat…😉 just food for thought…

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks. I’ll definitely try the silicone idea!

[@bentelindstad5759]

Subscribed 👍

[@HikingWithCam]

Thank you so much! I have lots of cool videos in the works :) Happy new year!

[@bentelindstad5759]

@@HikingWithCam Im looking forward to your cool videos, and blessed NewYear from Mountain Rondane Norway 👍

[@fanat22012]

For lightweight camp shoes you may look into barefoot staff, for example xero z-trail )

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks! I'll definitely check those out.

[@beekeepersjourney8192]

Bro, I need this stuff in my Etsy shop.

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks 🙏 happy new year

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Tried to order a little stake helper trough your Etsy shop but unfortunately no international shipping 😔

[@HikingWithCam]

That's odd, I thought I had international shipping turned on. Let me check on that!

[@HikingWithCam]

I just checked etsy and it does look like international shipping is on. Happy new year!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

@@HikingWithCam great, thanks! Will order it lager this week.

[@shakyarcher]

I made an underquilt for my hammock from a kit from RBTR.

[@HikingWithCam]

I’ve been debating purchasing a quilt kit from them

[@Klartext.Germany-lg9dm]

❤❤❤

[@MikeHacker]

So I need a 9x10 tarp for a tent how much in dyneema would it cost?

[@HikingWithCam]

I’d guess $150. I buy 18x54 inch sheets for $20. The stuff isn’t cheap!

[@YNOTRC]

Gr8 vid glad I stumbled across it and the sub button and the like button and the notification for more fun button 🤙✨🤓

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks! I really appreciate it!

[@CombatBanana]

Awesome stuff man 🙂

[@HikingWithCam]

Thanks 🙏

[@platypushatstand]

An alternative pusher: half a tennis ball.

[@HikingWithCam]

Good idea 👍

[@MikeHacker]

Don't kill yourself with stinky socks in your pillow case

[@HikingWithCam]

Hahaha 😂

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I already know how to make a pot cozy from reflectix. None of the other stuff is worth carry on a long distance backpack trip.

[@HikingWithCam]

That’s what it’s called-- reflectix! happy holidays