Hiking Ultralight with a Smaller Backpack - The Gear and How to Pack

[@shorea27]

"Let's go hiking" i want that on a tshirt 👕

[@erik_normark]

Great idea! Here it is ;) www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Let-s-go-hiking-by-eriknormark/78072428.NL9AC.XYZ

[@shuvamdey007]

Wow

[@barrchan5358]

I hope the "nice coffee, holy monent"☕

[@jgurskey]

“Minimise it to the maximum”, great ethos....

[@vbrvideoproductions4643]

I love that in Sweden - a 3 season Sleeping Bag is down to -7 :)

[@Funkteon]

A three season sleeping bag in Australia is down to as cold as 35°C... A winter sleeping bag in Australia is for down to 20°C...

[@MAXPLOSIVE]

I guess it depends on how warm of a sleeper you are and your pad but I've been just fine with a -2c bag until early September

[@p_campbell]

@@Funkteon about the same as the ones I used a a scout. But it's amazing how much smaller they have become now.

[@Funkteon]

@@p_campbell My comment was entirely sarcasm, suggesting that winter in Australia gets down to as cold as 20°C...

[@ppalom2245]

Keep in mind -7 C is 20 F

[@blackibex]

By far the best video and audio quality on KZbin, consistently.

[@fraziboy]

Refreshing to see someone that show you don’t need titanium dyneema super duper ultra expensive stuff to go light. Plan your pack and don’t bring unnecessary stuff. Great video

[@natea1042]

Not to rain on your parade but his tent (Tarptent Notch LI) actually is Dyneema and is very expensive as its one of the lightest single person double wall tents available. Hilleberg's are also extremely expensive which is what he uses in the Winter. They end up being fairly affordable given how often and long you use them though. I think he said he's had his Hilleberg for 30 years. You wont be using a cheap tent for that long trust me and you dont want to buy cheap junk and have it fail 3 days into the wilderness. His pack all together in this video is easily north of a thousand Euro. As the saying goes "the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

[@taylormainard1225]

He uses the sil-nylon version of the Notch, which is considerably cheaper than the dcf version. Either way, the point still stands that you can spend a lot more than this.

[@natea1042]

@@taylormainard1225 Fair enough. If memory serves they were around $325US so it still would of cost him over $400US/330Euro after shipping and taxes. Still not a cheap tent. Just saying.

[@sw0mpy]

Lol, what are you talking about. His trousers and boots alone are 600 euros. Haglöfs raingear (jacket and pants) another 500 euros. Backpack is 200 euros. Sleepingbag is 500 euros. His simple Haglöfs fleece that he is wearing is at least 100 eur. Not to mention his Merino wool baselayer and mid layer, that is also at least 200 euros. So yeah it's hard to get more "ultra expensive stuff" that the things he has got. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with getting quality gear, but he has almost the most expensive gear you can imagine.

[@McCaf-1962]

His sleeping bag is very expensive, and the Notch isn't exactly a budget tent but yes you don't need to spend an absolute fortune.

[@majamidzor3801]

Being able to drink almost every water you find on your way sounds like a dream.. makes me wanna move up north! ⬆️ 🥰

[@RannonSi]

TBH, I've never really had any problems with the water down south either. Though I've become a bit more cautious as I'm getting older, you never really know if there was a (E.G.) paint factory that used (and abused) the water back in the 50's, or something.

[@maarten2803]

@@RannonSi almost all waterfilters fail to filter any heavy metals

[@neemancallender9092]

very interesting please could you discuss and make a video about what food you take for multi day hikes thanks

[@bonpecheur4565]

You can see it in the video description after the gear list :) this is why Erik is petite and slim ,)

[@speckofdust272]

Minimalist style of conversation too... with no BS 👍🙏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ekkimdeh8567]

I have an Osprey 44 L. I have almost the same setup. But I can only be out for two or three nights with this. To be out for one week I have to skip all the beers and the whiskey. 😊

[@japeltoni]

Thank you Erik for informative content with openness, clarity and simplicity. Your definition of "Minimize to a maximum" is shortly The golden principle. Greetings from Finland and have a great weekend!

[@Przewalskis]

Went directly to our basement and got my first aid pack that I have with me when kayaking. Looked what was inside and as I thought. No pain killers. Now there is some aspirin in there as well. Thanks for the tip. I "should" have thought about that my self....

[@ewengillies9826]

You certainly have your gear set up and arranged in a very methodical system. No wonder things flow so smoothly for you on the track Erik. Excellent advice for beginners .. thanks. Bushyboy Oz.

[@eltonstourandtrekking]

Thanks for showung us your your backpack and gear you bring along.. I carry way to much.. Cheers

[@ivanmanzanilla]

I was enjoying the muted guitar when a fly moved around my head and disappeared. Masterful, Erik!!!!!

[@michael-outdoors]

Hej Erik, thank you for sharing these informative details. Let us keep enjoying the outdoors, Michael

[@manuelilic9195]

You are the Swedish Clint Eastwood - and I mean it on a good way! Appreaciate your inspiring Videos!

[@velkospasov1145]

Another great video by Erik. As always, providing such peace in mind and calmness. The advice for simplicity is highly appreciated. Keep on with your great video therapy, Erik. Hope so more and more people are going to explore the connection with nature and follow your way of it. Cheers from Bulgaria.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Velko, I appreciate that! Cheers

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Always great to see you with superb videos! Lot of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker from Chitral Pakistan.

[@GreencampRhodie]

Kit i also wouldn't leave home without - backup emergency shelter, signalling (mirror & whistle), emergency fire lighting, toilet & hygiene kit, power bank, repair kit (including sewing kit, cordage & duct tape), stainless steel water bottle (back up to boil water). Mors Kochanski does an excellent video about wilderness first aid kit (to include a haemorrhage / tourniquet bandage).

[@paulmccullough8548]

Once again, an excellent video Erik.

[@jimrigney1784]

Great to hear your voice again Erik... take care mate.. All the best.

[@violabirdforever]

Tack för jättebra klipp. Så roligt att du tagit dina klipp och ditt filmande ett steg längre då du nu kommenterar. Jag uppskattar det då jag tycker du har mycket att dela med dig av. Fortsätt så, tack! :)

[@Sir_Chuckmyster]

😁 Awesome video Erik, you have taught me that I am carrying too much unnecessary stuff on my overnight hikes. Thank You

[@SusanneBark]

Loving the content of this video, the delivery of info is spot on! Looking forward to seeing more of Swedens countryside in spring bloom.

[@pouyapourjalil]

Please post more videos and thank you for teaching us how to do it right out there in the nature

[@steveyoung9522]

Erik it’s nice to see a different type of video from you!!! Your mastery and nuance of being outside and just being alive is as effortless as anything I know!!! Every brand on your list should be sending a well deserved fat check lol!!! Please do a similar format on camera gear, and a cooking tutorial would be cool too! Yes nature sounds and winks are nice but talk it up too! Aloha Brother!!!

[@ericstoever9577]

Thank you for sharing your gear and why you bring what you bring. Let’s go hiking!

[@GoingSoloOutdoors]

I find a 45L pack to be the sweet spot for multiple days as well. Forces you to minimize and dial in your gear! Always fun to see what’s in someone else’s pack. Thanks for sharing!

[@jlife1259]

Short, strong and light. Thumbs UP & thank you for sharing Erik 👍👍

[@carlos.rberto]

Thanks for the video! I bought a backpack like yours, Exped lightning 45, it's a good backpack.

[@ronaldrose7593]

As always, another great video. Thank you for sharing it. Be safe out there. 🤗

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

Nice video, calm and informative as always! You're very lucky though to be hiking in an area where there is plenty of water, all year round as it seems. When hiking here in Germany water is the biggest portion of additional weight I have, easily adding 5-8kg to my base loadout, that's for two people and a dog for one night, for drinking, cooking and a bit of cleaning yourself and the dishes. With careful planning you can manage to get your water in the evening, but you'll have to know exactly what you're doing and where to find it year round or you'll end up with no water. Very problematic when you explore new areas. That's actually one of the biggest mysteries to me about all this ultralight backpacking thing, how to ensure hydration throughout the trip.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks. Yes we are very fortunate to have water so easy at hand here, it really saves a lot of weight! Atb

[@l214laus]

The distant raven (I think) call is as synonymous with your videos as is the coffee ceremony. Lovely presentation as usual.

[@journeyman7189]

Thanks for the look inside your pack Erik. Nate

[@waqarwiki682]

Love and only love, always felt relax while watching you camp

[@ericb.4358]

Thanks Erik for this excellent gear UL list. My list is very similar in eluding the tent and stove designs.

[@Sparky-ov1ot]

I don't think anyone will ever accuse you of getting over excited Erik! Good advice but pity here in the UK we can't drink the water, even at home it's not great.

[@scottcarlson5507]

Always excellent information and video quality. Thank you Erik!

[@davefarrell4911]

So no saw either very cool. Thanks for sharing

[@markthemutant]

Just found your videos! I appreciate the relaxed nature and honest way you film and talk

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Mark

[@dwaynefoong]

"Let's go hiking!" Says Erik 😀 Thanks for sharing!

[@bradlafferty]

Very efficient selection. Very concise presentation. Well done. Thank you, Erik, for a useful teaching moment.

[@Fjall-Anders]

A lot of valuable interesting tips, and nice hiking on it. Thumbs up👍

[@erik_normark]

Tack Anders!

[@ethnographer]

Kuksa for the win. Thanks for sharing your setup. Great stuff.

[@craigrobertson6082]

Thank you Eric. Great explanation on gear choices and on keeping the gear down to what is really necessary!

[@danvanderwoude4446]

Awesome information Erik! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us.

[@bennypax2167]

Hi Erik I learn much from you and your video thanks a lot

[@maxkorn3910]

I do not need answers, as I know everything, or almost everything one should know about hiking. Maybe except how to restore my knees after being stupid and running while being fat :(. So I just leave comment for purpose of promotion of this channel. Thank you Erik for your great videos, I just wish there were more of them. Could you please do "kayaking, fishing and cooking" video? I bet trout in Sweden as delicious as it can get.

[@agnivickneshwaranr.chandra3107]

Guru of Solo Hiker...

[@TheWinters1979]

Hi Eric, thank you for showing your gear. Inspiring

[@OlliesSpace]

I use a very similar setup Eric this pack is a great size and I find carries very well.

[@rogerstark2381]

Väldigt bra ( och nödvändig) information, behövdes verkligen .Man tror ju att den egna packade ryggsäcken är fullständig men oftast saknas något alternativt finns där ngt man inte behöver Bra att lyssna på och följa råd och tips från en erfaren vandrare. Tack 👍

[@erik_normark]

Kul att höra Roger, tack! Konsten är att skala bort alla "bra att ha grejor".

[@gw6797]

Very interesting and informative video Erik. It would be good if you could do a video on what food you take for a week. Cheers Graeme

[@danielbrehmer4912]

I am getting out for a week long hike at Padjelantaleden and the stuff you present is familiar. Though I try out a new piece on this trip ... an umbrella. Sounds a little bit overkill or even ridiculous, but ... well ... I will give it a try. For rainprotection instead of jacket, for sunprotection, for windprotection in some situations. Your tent looks really good, but I prefer walking with just one pole, so I bring my Hilleberg Enan, which I consider as a really good tent for one person. Thanks for good tips!

[@weeringjohnny]

All that stuff makes a lot of sense with no gear you don't need. Nothing fancy but very dependable.

[@SlaskBliskoLasu]

I bought the same Optimus cooking set this year, it's very nice and small

[@antoinemorcos1321]

Thank you very much for this list. Helpful.

[@jeffhayward9544]

Thank you for this, Erik. I recently “downsized” to a 44 litre pack and am working to minimize my gear without compromising the essentials. I am curious, though, what you take for food on a multi-day hike. Perhaps an idea for an upcoming video? Cheers from 🇨🇦😊🤙☕️

[@Wordsmyth8]

Thanks for sharing this. I like how minimal you keep things, but I’m not sure I could do that. ☺️

[@mobasherkhan7802]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Erik. Please tell us about your rain jacket and rain pants. The exact brand, model, and composition of their materials. How satisfied are you with their waterproofness? Also let us know about the food that you carry on over 4 days summer hike. How you maintain your protein and carbs...we all know you're never low on caffeine 😉 🍻

[@mhn.overlander2798]

Erik, thanks for sharing your setup. How much food / calories do you bring per day?

[@KYZ1978]

"Let`s go hiking!"... That`s awesome!

[@tylerroozen6810]

Thanks for the video Erik, I was curious if you can show how you pack and transport your camera and microphones, mainly I'm concerned about how you pack the microphone I know you have shown how you have them mounted on the tripod but it seems like they would be bulky to pack so curious on how you do it.

[@erik_normark]

If weather is good I always have the mics mounted outside the backpack, I like to have them handy. Otherwise they lay with cables and all inside at the top, they don't take up that much room. Thanks Tyler

[@pbiversen3762]

Nice light setup you have got there.

[@shorea27]

I could listen to this guy's voice for hours. Doesn't matter what he's saying. I'd listen. Really great that the topic's interesting tho. Just saying. Think I'll replay the video again haha

[@АртемПанфилов-ш3у]

Always like, have a nice day and all the best from Russia, Saratov city on Volga river.

[@christophersheehan8635]

Hi Erik, Please let me know more details on the cup you are using. Love your videos. Inspirational.

[@natea1042]

They're called a Guksi or Kuksa. You can actually find them fairly easily though there are nicer (not mass manufactured) version on places like Etsy. Alternately you can carve your own.

[@Oldsparkey]

Nice explanation of your hiking gear and uses. In your explanation of the gear I missed your ( well used ) Trangia kettle , saw it's partner the Kuska cup. I've been using a 38 liter pack and this Fall will be going to a 30 liter pack ( 25 liter main bag ) Less items needed in the Semi tropical weather of Florida. It helps that I only take what's needed , not what's ( I think this might be nice ) wanted.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Chuck. Yes the old black kettle usually stays at home on my multiday trips, sorely missed! :) Atb

[@Tiger-789]

could you one day make a video on how you clean your cook pots? this is something i struggle with a lot and it's hard because not many people film that and show it to people. my pots always end up kind of smelly 🤣

[@didier2124]

I love your video's. This is great for someone who's already experienced and can pay it. Unrealistic for someone beginning. Your tent, sleeping bag and mat are expensive for the average person. Even halve the price of your gear and it will still be a lot and bigger, heavier. Buy the gear you can afford and willing to pay then buy the right sized pack to fit it all in. 7 days of food which you don't dehydrate at home or buy expensive hiking meals weighs around 4kg and takes up room. The only reason I know this is because I take a lot of beginners who go out and buy gear.

[@erik_normark]

The only piece I'd call expensive here is the down sleeping bag, but there are cheaper alternatives. And buying quality is always cheaper in the long run is my experience. Buying second hand or at sales can cut the expenses to half.

[@didier2124]

@@erik_normark I understand that it is great investment but it’s not always an option. I have the same mat as you do and it’s over $250 here. A light enough tent that fits on your pack would cost over $500. That’s over $1000 for 3 pieces of gear. I meet one in every 30 clients who can afford that. Then they still need a pack and walking shoes or boots. Keep on the great videos 🙂

[@mikaelbjessbo3229]

Måste vara härligt med så bra kunskap och så mycket erfarenhet. Lite avundsjuk på dej 😀😀

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Nice one.You just enjoy your adventures more with less in the backpack !!!

[@miskindl650]

Some more infos about rain pants, please?

[@candidagomes2774]

Very nice vídeos!! Congratulations!! 🎉🌺💐

[@e.n.oosterbosch5281]

always great video ,thanks

[@dianevillemaire8286]

Thanks for this video, very informative

[@bonpecheur4565]

The only thing I disagree is the use of the same pot for food and coffee , I dont like the idea of having to wash it before making coffee , but this is only because of my laziness ;) Thank's for the video, very interesting

[@erik_normark]

I can reveal that I don't clean it very thoroughly every time... :D Thanks

[@bonpecheur4565]

@@erik_normark 😉

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

I have the exped 45 and 60 packs , I really like their hip belts for weight transfer onto the hips, good packs . I also have the tarptent moment dw which is also a good tent . However my weight even for 1 night to 3 nights always ends up around 12kg to 13kg including food and 1 litre water 😃 , I really struggle to get pack lighter than that 🙂👍

[@wio2189]

Weigh everything, make a lighterpack.com and check out reddit (r/ultralight) for tips. It's nice to walk further without pain or walk faster and enjoy nature some more.

[@pakoutdoors1303]

Your skills are awesome and videos have cool effect i think doctors should recommend their patients your videos

[@ericlang7700]

Hey Erik, How are you? Our spring here has been wet, and cool! in new jersey. You still have a few snowballs around i see. This is a good beginner video. Do you have any migratory birds returning to your areas? I really like the old shelters that still serve shelter for people who hike, like you. Always, good to see, and hear from you Erik. Peace!

[@erik_normark]

Hi Eric, thanks! In the forest it's still too much snow for hiking, but warmth is coming now, so perhaps next week I can do a first little trip. Really look forward to that! Atb

[@koko_outdoorlife]

nice bag! i use this one aswell~

[@JamiedoesWildBikepacking]

The biggest weight for me to carry bikepacking is water, and ale of course!

[@steveproud846]

Good info Eric👍

[@abelnunez-guerrero3832]

Thank you so much for sharing Erik 🥾💯✅

[@vonHannersdorf]

Is Kuksa own-made or purchased? It has a beautiful patina of hectoliters of coffee. Nice video, awesome quality, as always. Thank you Erik 👍🏻

[@Morongobill]

I believe Erik made his.

[@ysgolgerlan]

Thank you for a very informative video. Did you miss out on your toiletries, especially if you are going for up to a week. You have got it just right there as I tend to put way too many things into my pack 'Just in case '. Looking forward to watching your summer hikes.

[@erik_normark]

Yes I missed a few small things, like the soap and toothbrush :) Thanks

[@pakoutdoors1303]

Hy erik i was just waiting for your new video thanks

[@jakubvisna]

Let 's go hiking... 🤝🤝👏

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Jag började nyligen använda en gammal Haglöfs-ryggsäck med ram (aluminium och lätt nylon från tidigare versioner) och har varit positivt överraskad av hur lätt den är. 1,6 kg för 60 l ryggsäck med plats för skummatta etc. uppgraderade höftbältet och axelremmarna och det är mycket bekvämt. Lägg i en stark påse som liner och det är klart! 70kr väl använt.

[@erik_normark]

Allt som funkar är bra! Svårslaget pris! :)

[@northernswedenstories1028]

@@erik_normark Precis!

[@bethcollier3789]

Extremely informative, Thank you.

[@raomudasir6490]

Simple is beautiful... Need to know the total base weight of your backpack without food.. Thanks for the wonderful video...

[@erik_normark]

6.5 kg. Thanks Rao

[@federicot7173]

Thank you very much for sharing your special videos :-) Just a question for you about stuffs. Have you ever thought to use a drone? Have nice walks

[@wandering_not_lost]

Erik, How are you? I'm sure that I speak for many people when I say that I miss your videos and that I hope that you are well. Happy New Year 2025.

[@BjornHallSE]

What are those pants!? Can’t figure it out! Looks so comfy and durable!

[@owlsonik37]

Great info, what do you do with a wet tent and gear when your packing up in the morning? ✌️✨✌️

[@bikingviking6688]

As always, great video my fellow Scandinavian brother! Two thumbs up 👍👍! Which rain pants do you prefer?

[@erik_normark]

I have the Haglöfs LIM pants, very happy with those. Tack! :)

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

@ErikNormark WHAT BINOCULARS - Exact make and model please , And your comments on the binoculars - ... THANK YOU ... JAH BLESS ...

[@Fjall-Anders]

Thanks for sharing, so really inspire

[@Corcioch]

Hello Erik, Another really great film, thank you. Can you tell me please what binoculars you are using? Thank you Cormac

[@daveygroothoff1366]

looks like a Swarovski EL

[@eelponna3145]

What about navigation Erik - do you use a mobile phone or more traditional compass? Or do you use trails that you know well and therefore won’t get lost?

[@northernswedenstories1028]

He showed in the video his map and compass

[@eelponna3145]

@@northernswedenstories1028 I meant to write “do you ever use a mobile phone or always a compass?”