12 Tips EVERY BACKPACKER Should Know To SHAVE WEIGHT From Your Pack

00:00 Hey Y'all
00:14 Weigh and Record EVERYTHING
00:59 Don't Carry Backups
01:47 Ditch The Stuff Sacks
03:33 Limit Your Clothing
04:49 Repackage Food and Toiletries
05:44 Avoid Nalgene Bottles
06:26 No Books
07:12 Upgrade Big 3
08:35 Upgrade Pack Last and Pick The Smallest Volume
09:38 Trekking Pole Tent
10:08 Pack Shakedown
11:48 Sort Everything By WANTS and NEEDS
12:20 Log What You Didn't Use
12:31 Don't Pack Your Fears
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[@gmonteith]

One redundancy I think is smart is to carry a small bottle of water purification tablets, in case the water filter fails.

[@airic499]

I actually just put a few in a small jewlery bag in my first aide/ emergency pack. But I second this, especaily if you are going out duing potential freezing weather. You don't need too many, you can always boil if you have a pot. Boil for your main camp meals.

[@alangauld6079]

My Oasis tabs come in small sheaths and I keep half a sheath(6 litres worth of tabs) in my first aid pack. They weigh nothing; they literally don't register on my kitchen scale! and 6 litres will last 2 days, even 3 at a pinch. I would also filter the water through a bandana first to remove bigger particles.

[@AvantGardenWanderer]

I completely agree. I made the mistake of bringing one filter to share with a friend recently, and that filter clogged halfway through the trip. We spent the rest of the weekend wasting time squeezing with all our might, when we could have just brought some tablets with us and kept moving.

[@Jess_Bishop]

⁠@@AvantGardenWandererhat sounds awful! I had to use that squeezing method filter system for 2 days and it was miserable.

[@jeffpeters5347]

I agree with water backup. I carry a small Aqua Mira kit with me to back up my water filter.

[@fitzgeraldkeri]

The "what I brought but didn't use" tip is the best ever. The first few years of hiking I kept this list as well as a "what I didn't bring that I really missed" list. I didn't add too many things to the 2nd list but what I did, I really wanted. And the weight I saved by looking at the 1st list EVERY TIME I went on the next hike was huge.

[@toughlikerocks]

This is great advice! Thank you

[@Pharisaeus]

One advice I would give is: don't overdo it! There is this strange focus many people have on being as ultralight as possible, even at the cost of comfort, fun or safety. One question worth asking yourself when doing shake-down is: do I actually still need to shave off some weight? There are diminishing returns. Sure, if your pack is uncomfortably heavy, then it might be a good idea to look into this. But if you have no issues carrying your gear, then maybe it's not worth getting rid of that second pair of underwear in exchange for a couple of grams less, which you won't even register. For example I personally like to have 2 changes of shirt, so I can alternate, and wash one whenever possible, and the added comfort is worth much more than few grams I would save by keeping just one.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Never under estimate the role of dry underwear and socks - that makes a huge difference between chafing, blisters and otherwise being miserable. I'll add a few extra ounces for that. I always splurge on water and food because they're consumable and I'll go through it. You can easily go nuts on shaving weight, and it will definitely have diminishing returns at some point. I go lighter weight as much as possible, depending on where I'm backpacking.

[@marclaliberte5491]

One thing I learned is that no trail is the same, no person is the same. Like the advice to use a 50 L backpack. Sure, but what if you going to go hike in a place where you have to do 20 or 25 miles water carry AND carry a week worth of food? Do you need the same backpack than if you're doing a three days hike in a country with a creek every mile or so? The point is not that one hike is better than the other, the point is that you can't equip the same way, and what make sense for one trail may be nonsensical or even dangerous for another. Always consider safety. Don't over do it (you shouldn't plan for every contigency), but if you're doing a 25 miles water carry with a one liter water bottle (or even two) you're risking your life.

[@chriseidam7319]

I wholeheartedly agree. I sweat a lot, so I always carry one pair of Ingingey socks underneath one pair of Darn Tough socks, a spare pair of ioe socks, and a pair of fluffy, wool socks for sleeping. I wear a long-sleeve shirt, and I have another clean shirt with long sleeves to wear to sleep. I take one pair of hiking pants. I take one pair of light Calvin Klein synthetic briefs - which I find are the most-comfortable for hiking (as a guy) that I have ever tried. On a shorter trip, I will bring a pair of cotton boxer briefs for night time. I bring a Patagonia down zipper "sweater" for camp and a really cool shell I got at a place where I worked. It is water-resistant or waterproof, it is very light, it blocks wind, but it's not sweaty. It feels like a thin layer of neoprene, but it isn't. I love it. I'll bring a tight-fitting thermal skull cap hat and a stiff-brim sun hat. I have a 3F UL poncho-tarp that I like a lot. And finally, I bring an ultra-light, ultra-thin pair of shorts to sleep in. I've been hiking since the early '80s, and we used to talk about how heavy our packs were as if that was a cool thing. So people my age aren't really obsessed with going ultralight unless they're starting to have problems with their joints or injuries nagging them. I must have been carrying a 70-lb packs in the fall in The White Mountains on some trips. I would carry cans of B&M baked beans, cans of soup or Dinty Moore Beef Stew, and hams! Yes, hams. And other absurdly-heavy foods. If Keebler made Anvil Crackers, I would have carried them. I'm down to 40 pounds for tne same trip, using a Bear Vault. It sounds like a lot, but the right pack can make it feel like 30 pounds. I love my Seek Outside Divide pack for that reason. It is rated up to 200 pounds max carry weight! It is very comfortable carrying 40 pounds. Wayyy better than my Arc Haul. And its The White Mountains. I will carry more cold weather gear, like gloves. People die every summer in the Whites, let alone in the rest of the year. I am going to shoot for 30ish pounds with the Arc Haul this summer and compare how I feel afterward up against the Divide with a 40-pound fall pack.

[@kristinegoodman7534]

I agree! I started out with heavier items, eventually upgraded to very light weight items and now have a nice balance. I also agree with the poster below that no trail or hiker is the same. I like having options for a 1/2/3/6 night trip with different weather. Sometimes I take the half pad that weighs 8oz, sometimes I take the old reliable 2lb sleeping pad that's warm and comfy.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

@@kristinegoodman7534 Agreed - a nice balance is key.

[@alangauld6079]

My biggest source of excess weight is on my own body. I should lose about 30lbs but it's easier to spend $500 on a tent to save 2lbs than go on a diet/exercise regime to lose 30! But it's all weight I have to carry! My aim is to get my summer baseweight down to 15lbs(currently 17) and winter to 20(currently 25!), but each pound is getting harder(and more expensive!)

[@asmith7876]

So true! I like to ride bikes as well as camp and hike. Read a VERY complicated article on how to figure out your output of watts, involved weights and all sorts of measurements. Concluded that those titanium water bottle cage screws for example could increase your watts by X percentage. Or lose 5 pounds of fat for the same advantage and save $50 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ashmaybe9634]

Absolutely, and losing those lbs means you'll wear smaller clothes which weigh less too. Losing 10kg was great for me all over.

[@jpoconnor5744]

I lost 35+ pounds and it made the most difference, in so many ways. Now to go shakedown the pack!

[@pbouterin]

Tu as tellement raison mon ami ! Moi c'est 8 kg à perdre ! 😅 Tellement plus que les 2 kg de matériels que je pourrais optimiser avec de l'ultra léger pour un budget > 1500 $.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

I'll give you an advice here. Weight doesn't matter much in winter because you should be using a sled. In fact, you'll have less weight on your back in winter than in summer, this because of the sled. Also, "stupid light" may get you into serious troubles in winter. Never ever consider weight first in winter camping. Safety and comfort first.

[@jjhikespa3600]

I love my Nalgene and it brings me joy. I will always bring it on my trips. I also always bring a book as I love to read outdoors. Just goes to show that everyone has their preferences and priorities. I have limited vacation days and I go on trips into the backcountry to reset and relax. And my gear list reflects that mindset. Thanks for the video.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Like your style!! Also always have a book with me.

[@swirlytwirl1089]

I've only just bought my Nalgene... it has several uses... A water bottle, a hot water bottle for winter camping (I'm in the current winter in Australian mountains-it's cold at night!), hot coffee/chocolate/soup for breakfast, cold soaking-gotta love the long handled spoon, for rehydrating food, and if you've forgotten the freezer zip lock bag or Mylar bag... I added the hose to it for on the go hiking sipping... which can have an inline filter if you want...

[@anonymousresistance123]

Sounds good to me. Sometimes I stop on high ridges for a random cup of coffee ☕️ and a weed session in the sun. I prefer it to happen between 5 and 6 thousand feet. Sometimes I then get caught in major downpours o those ridges and it becomes luxury and danger all in one go. I'm not being snarky. It's the actual truth.

[@gabiimg333]

I don’t bring a Nalgene personally, but I think it all depends on what your goal is while backpacking. If you’re wanting a shorter relaxing, peaceful trip, where maybe you’re not looking to push 20-30 mile days where you’re looking to shave off as much weight as possible, I think a Nalgene and book are great additions to your backpacking gear! You’ll have the time and energy to carry a few extra pounds here and there, and your ultimate goal of the trip is to relax and unwind. I totally agree that Nalgene has so many uses. I spent about 3 months on the AT earlier this year and really felt no need to have either timed personally, but I will say that the main goal of my trip was to challenge myself both physically and mentally doing long mile days, and build relationships with others who loved backpacking as well. So for me, I wasn’t really looking to read at night at camp. I think a Nalgene could’ve worked in the colder months, but even when I hit some negative temps in the Smokies, I seemed ok without. I think it just totally depends on the person and your goals, I think it’s awesome we can all find different things that work for each other and learn from one another!

[@andrewcain6518]

I memorized a hundred poems, doesn't weigh a thing.

[@paulsisco6748]

I am so grateful on my first boy scout hike when I was 11, my dad went thru my pack that morning. I had used my book to pack and put everything in said to bring. My dad removed so much weight and I was greatful. ( I had packed a tissue box and toilet paper). It was less than a three mile hike, but was hard enough for my first one, that all the extra weight he took out would have been the end of my hiking career.

[@jamesbowen5573]

We had a lot of land and we had a stream running through the back part of the woods. I was out there camping when I was a Cub Scout. My parents made me carry a huge walkie-talkie because back in the seventies they didn't have small ones. If I needed anything I could give them a call. I don't think I ever gave them a call. It didn't take me long to figure out you remove the cardboard from the center of the toilet paper, pull out your toilet paper from the center place it in a plastic bread wrapper. And I cut off the top of my grandmother's heartburn medicine unscrewed the lid and put the plastic through the lid and then put the lid back on. It had a pop-top on so she could get her antacids out and that's where the toilet paper would be pulled out. I could tie a string on that and hang it on the tree by where I use the restroom. That way I could leave it there even if it rained. It was completely waterproof. Of course I was only 20 minutes from the house, but for a third grader it was freedom. I'm not sure if my Scout Troop ever went camping. The only Scout leaders we could get were mothers. Usually we would go to someone's house and they would have lame projects. So we pretty much had to figure out everything on our own and do everything on our own. I'm kind of jealous when I hear about people who lived in cool areas where they actually went places and did things. My dad would buy me the stuff but he never had the time to go out there with me. Everything I learned I had to read out of a book. We didn't have KZbin. I was lucky enough to talk family members out of their old military gear they no longer wanted. That's how I got my gear together.

[@MattScottMusic]

I am very glad you put a picture of your backup lighter in, because with my funny English accent I misheard that as ‘ladder’, and I have never taken one ladder backpacking let alone a spare one too.

[@HMRMN4]

A bonus point I’d add: make friends. Hiking in a group; spread loading material out. Water filtration, sleeping gear (*if you’re in a relationship), shelter, single-use tools

[@annebourgonje]

I'm not an experienced backpacker and listened to many lightweight backpackers online. But ended up buying a nalgene after being really cold in the mountains and I loved using it to warm up my sleeping bag! For me this was worth the weight, although i wouldn't bring it in warmer climates. Also after a sleepless night i decided to bring my ereader on my next trip and that was also worth it! Great tips though, i guess everybody needs to experience for themselves what is worth carrying and what is not.

[@28105wsking]

DIxie, in Nepal a Sherpa guide showed me how to lift my backpack up onto my knee, slide my arm thru the right hand strap, and then swing it around to my back as I bent slightly forward, then take a little jump to hitch it up on my shoulders to ride correctly. Then taking it off, reverse the process, remove my left arm, swing the pack around to my right knee and let my right arm come out of it as I slide it down my right leg onto the ground. This way, the pack doesn't thump and hit the ground, breaking anything inside or abrading it on rocks and ground. This is such an easy way to get the pack on and off, that I've done it that way ever since! Hope this helps someone like me who is not very strong and has trouble lifting the whole thing up and on. I don't know if the technique has a name, but I just call it the Sherpa Hitch, LOL! In their honor. Great people!

[@pyronymph-868]

Yes! I learned to do this as well, can't remember who originally taught me. With my hypermobility, I have to be cautious in my motions so I don't pull ligaments/tendons.

[@susangraham157]

I do this too and wonder if there are other techniques I haven't discovered yet.

[@backpacker3421]

I agree with creating a spreadsheet and starting with the cheapest per ounce upgrades. However, I'd add consider the time factor and when you trips are planned. Say I have $100 per month in my budget and I have a trip planned in 3 months. So although that $400 sleeping bag or quilt might be the best option in terms of grams per dollar, I don't have enough money to buy it before my next trip so maybe there is/are an item or some items that I can afford for the $300 that will shave nearly as much weight as upgrading to a quilt or whatever. Also, my advice is "save in the long run by upgrading once to the dream gear". By the time I started buying upgrades I had spent well over a year trying out borrowed gear and picking an ENTIRE list of what I really wanted as upgrades. Then I sorted it with the spreadsheet and spent the money I had saved up in all that time and was able to upgrade two of my big three and the third I was able to afford 2 months later. After that it was easy. But once you have a set up that will get you on trail, don't make the mistake of upgrading to something that is a little better, but not what you really want. Do your research and shop around and pick your dream upgrades and save for them while packing on the budget gear until you can afford the dream gear. If you settle, it will take you longer to get your dream gear, and you'll spend a TON more money along the way upgrading over and over again. If you've got your heart set on a Zpacks tent for example, keep using that REI silnylon budget tent, or Walmart knockoff until you have saved enough for the Zpacks. Don't buy some $200 tent because you don't like your budget tent, then a $300 tent because that other one wasn't great either. You've already spent almost enough to buy the Zpacks tent and haven't yet slept a night in a tent you like.... but also really check out the Zpacks and make sure you like it before spending that kind of dough. Find a friend with one and see if you can borrow it for an overnight or weekend. Upgrade once to the dream gear.

[@jpoconnor5744]

Excellent advice! Learn on a budget so you gain experience with gear, research and try, save, get the dream gear and enjoy. You get it sooner and cheaper overall.

[@geraldwald3473]

One thing that helped me was tracking what the weather conditions were while hiking and how my clothing functioned. Knowing what works at 30, 50, 70 degrees and in wind or rain allows you to dial in your clothes and minimize weight.

[@spuriouseffect]

Unless you're hiking above say 3000 feet. Weather and temperatures can be drastically different than the forecast. You can go from wearing shorts in the middle of June to snow falling with no warning.

[@shelbyteresak]

That’s a super good caveat!

[@jpoconnor5744]

Excellent point! Learning which layers and thicknesses work in what temperatures and conditions is important so you don’t sweat or freeze, especially for colder temperatures. Even in the relatively mild environment of the northern Georgia mountains, I’ve gone from sunny and 60 (F) at the base elevation to dark clouds, snow, wind, and 30 (F) at higher elevations in one afternoon. Of course, those aren’t very high mountains, compared to my friends in the Rockies, but you can still freeze in the “tiny” Appalachians.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

VERY good tip!

[@blurglide]

I can't believe you bring two ladders! I don't even bring one!

[@JessicaTPeterson]

Captions are fun.🪜

[@williambranham6249]

Funny. I thought the same but I decided not to comment. Thanks🤣

[@asmith7876]

If you get the Ultra-Light-Approved titanium collapsible ladder, it’s not so bad but it’s REALLY expensive. 😂😂

[@niallchapman7655]

Make sure any ladder you bring is made of chiralium ;)

[@Karma-qt4ji]

I *always* take a book on a weekend hike. Firstly, I hike solo and wild camp in the UK, so I do need something to keep me occupied at night and secondly, the book I carry (usually a short novel - around 150 pages), weighs less than a Kindle and less than the power bank I no longer need to carry for my phone. On the subject of phones... put them in airplane mode when you have little to no signal and carry one that has a good battery power. I carry the Samsung S22 Ultra which has an excellent camera, runs my map app in airplane mode as long as I have downloaded the map and has a battery that can last up to 4 days.

[@soaringibex]

There's a reason why Nalgenes are ubiquitous. Bladders break and can be hard to fill from natural water sources. The Nalgine can also be stored upside down to avoid freezing the mouth of the bottle. Carry less and refill enroute. Also, consider smaller 0.4l bottles, which are easier to pack.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Smart water bottles can be stored upside down I’ve never had an issue with them breaking on trail.

[@rjstewart]

I would definitely always have an outfit to sleep in. Last thing I want is to run out of my tent naked when something happens. It’s also what I wear to to to the bathroom or before I get dressed in the morning. Something like shorts or jogging pants and a T-shirt. It would also double as a back up outfit without considering it as a second set of clothes

[@stanbyme7874]

I keep those in my sleeping bag. Very lightweight & there’s nothing better than dry Sox.

[@simpler_times81]

I still carry a 500ml Nalgene bottle. It works as my protein powder/milk shaker and oh so lovely hot water bottle on a cold night 😊

[@Martin42944]

Things to bring doubles of: * Ways to make fire (lighter and water proof matches work well) * ways to make clean water (boiling counts, so usually just cook set and filter. If cold soaking just throw in some water tablets, they’re light and small) * socks and underwear (2 or 3 pairs and rinsing them off works for pretty much any amount of time on the trail.)

[@I..cast..fireball]

And navigation.

[@Martin42944]

@@I..cast..fireball I have a built in compass. There’s also the sun as long as you know roughly what time it is, but yes, if you’re prone to getting lost an extra compass (there’s one on your phone) and map is a good idea!!

[@KrizAkoni]

Avoiding carrying too much water (if the conditions support it) is an easy way to cut significant weight.

[@samgoeshiking]

That's one of my biggest issues. Most of my hikes are in the desert so I get nervous about no water

[@shaggyterrell8460]

@@samgoeshikingSame! I was on a hike alone in the desert here in south Texas and didn’t bring nearly enough, especially when I lost the trail at midday with no more water. Barely made it out of that one so now I have a tendency to play the camel 😂

[@the_peefster]

@@samgoeshiking its much easier to die from running out of water in the desert than from having a sore back

[@anonymousresistance123]

Yes, but an extra bottle allows for dry camping if needed. I carry 2 bottles

[@STho205]

Matters to the geography. Southern Appalachians...you'll never be far from water with a filter. Death Valley, not so much.

[@michaelsakowich7026]

Thanks Dixie! Everyone hit the like button and help out Dixie.

[@ScorpionRegent]

Technology has changed since I was a kid backpacking in the 70's - 80's. Back then purifying water was done by boiling and/or with tablets. Given that there are a lot more back packers water filtration is more important than ever so I can't fault carrying what makes you feel safe. Some other things that didn't exist then were cell phones, satellite communication/navigation, kindle readers, solar panels and battery banks. We had to navigate by map, compass, landmarks and (if you knew how) sun and stars. If you are serious about shedding weight consider going low tech.

[@timm7524]

Yeah. If nothing else, sticking to map and compass as extra backups is cheap insurance! Both money and weight. Gotta have some idea how to use them, but they don't fail.

[@brandyhouston2105]

It never ceases to amaze me how people cannot navigate by sun/stars/planets. 😎...sometimes, to me, maps and compass can make navigating worse. I always carry them as back-up and, reading material...lol..recently, I stopped to get my bearings in the high back country on a dirt road I never traveled before when an out of state party stopped and asked if I needed help, I ask what direction the town was in and they said they didn't know but don't go straight at the fork in the road. Bum steer in the back country as I knew my general direction of travel and back tracking wasn't going to do.

[@danielcluley870]

Don't weight-weenie socks and undies. I have always brought 3 pair wool socks and extra wool undies to always have a dry change. Totally worth the 5-6 0z to have a backup to switch into if you get wet/cold. Also, IMO one of the biggest factors is just "water management". When I first started backpacking I liked to carry 3 L of water to start the day so I knew I would never run out. After a couple of years of experience, I learned to look up where the water sources are at during the day using my trail app and manage my water carry around that, drinking a bunch at the source to rehydrate and not have to carry it. Now I usually only carry 2 L max and sometimes less than that if I know there are multiple reliable sources of water on that day. Each Liter is 2.2lbs, so carrying less adds up to big weight savings.

[@davidblanchard5252]

Fire starters, two type lighters . Cell phones , or GPS. And don't forget the toilet paper. And soap,towel and wash cloth,with tooth brush. Hygiene is mandatory. RAIN SUIT, water pack cover But most of all ( do not enter the woods without a firearm, protection is mandatory . Plus a first aid kit.

[@shelbyteresak]

1. Weigh and record everything 2. Don’t carry backups 3. Ditch the stuff sacks 4. Limit your clothing (one hike set and one sleep set) 5. Repackage food & toiletries 6. Avoid heavy Nalgene bottles 7. No (physical) books 8.a. Upgrade the big 3 (e.g. trekking pole tent, down sleeping bag, smaller/dyneema pack) 8.b. Upgrade the pack last and pick the smallest size you need 9. Do a pack shakedown with another person 10. Sort everything by wants and needs, weigh the wants 11. Don’t pack your fears

[@jamesbowen5573]

It kind of seems neurotic when you put it in a list form. I mean what is the purpose of this? Are you just trying to impress other people or are you there to relax and have a good time. I understand they hike these Trails for bragging rights. And somehow it has become a part of who they identify as. Nevermind the original people that plays these trails did not have all this high-tech crap that cost thousands of dollars. It's true they probably did not cover the mileage per day that a lot of these people cover. Which begs to ask the question, are you there to cover miles or see the scenery? Another reason the old-timers didn't do a lot of miles was because they had to do their own hunting and Scouting Around. It was also a more dangerous place back then. But considering what the old-timers carried compared to what the younger people today are carrying, I can't help but think there isn't a happier medium that's a lot more cost-efficient without all the virtue signaling and trying to outdo each other on mere Oz. I mean just because you can do a thing, does not follow that you must do a thing. I'm sure there are people that are skilled enough to where they could carry a knife and make the same trip and still survive. They might even be able to cover twice the distance. But there comes a time when you have to ask yourself what's the point? Sure you can have survival skills that you can survive anywhere but there is a difference between surviving and living. I mean good grief a lot of us go out into the wild to get away from all the rules and crap and leave it to you guys to find a way to bring it with you out into the middle of nowhere. Coming up with little lists and rules, having other people checked your gear, Desperately Seeking their approval while giving them a chance to Flex On You and try to put you down for not having the approved next new thing. You guys can keep all that. I'll be the one out there you guys are probably passing by and try to judge me for being actually happy well you guys are being miserable. It may be a race to you but it's not a race to everyone. I think you guys are missing the point

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Not having backups for certain things could lead to disaster. Always keep that in mind...

[@bradleyhenderson1198]

1. Can I pick it up? 2. lol, hope you hike popular trails 3. If you don't mind disorganization, sure 4. same as two 5.MRE 6. Heavy nalgene? guess I'm out of touch 7. If you are surviving, books, day hike, no books 8a. USMC sleep system 8b. FILBE, ILBE, MOLLE, ALICE are all good 9.Why? Do they know what I need or want? 10. see number one 11. Good luck with that. Caution is fear. Not afraid? Don't pack anything. Nature provides for the animals, it can provide for you, too. For perspective, 15-20 miles/day and over the hill.

[@iwantcheesypuffs]

"Don't pack your fears." Good tip for backpacking and in life. Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@thegorn]

But then you die if fears are realized

[@kevinj.4847]

If im with a small group someone always brings a sawyer squeeze and we use a 2L Gravity Works as our main setup. Because its fast, easy to backflush, and you can also integrity test it in the field. Even with all that I still bring a couple water purification tablets just in case you have to get water from a really questionable source. Very minimal weight penalty there and totally worth it in my opinion.

[@littlepixieme1]

Especially since dehydration is such a huge safety risk (and there's so much that can be hiding in water!), I feel like having redundant water systems is a no-brainer solution.

[@douglaspefferd.c.2988]

My son on the Pacific Crest trail used my first need which tends to be a little big and a little bulky but he states he really liked it during that stretch through the desert were so much to the water was getting water out of a ditch or out of a horse trough that was a extremely questionable and having a filter that he knew would take out viruses he ended up plugging it up mailed it back cuz he didn't have any replacement cartridges and ended up having to buy a kated dying which he used till that was plugged up and he mailed that back and I sent him a Sawyer which was lost and he ended up with a finishing up with a keto dine squeeze bag The first need and the katadine pump can be cleaned up and reused

[@michaelsakowich7026]

A paperback book saved my life once when I ran out of toilet paper.😮😅

[@tysonbrown249]

Leaves work better, especially with a little dew

[@ddahstan6876]

Try some solid cool rocks. They do wonderfully! 😅

[@opusmas7909]

I heard that original people from Patagonia used gravel rocks, there are everywhere, usually smooth without sharp edges. In the steppe all vegetation has spikes, it is a big no no

[@douglaspefferd.c.2988]

you became very adapt at finding natural toilet paper My son did the Pacific Crest trail he was one of his comments was is that when he got into a higher country with trees and plants that it was much easier to find a substitute toilet paper We prefer salmonberry leaves they're very large and fuzzy softer than toilet paper soft grass we made into a little brush Moss was preferred by a lot of the Vikings and even little goat spirit moss is a useful for a toilet paper or Kleenex or makes a good bandage and a test some antimicrobial properties Little blood on the cut and it sticks right down like a Band-Aid

[@TraceyAllen]

I switched my stuff sacks to dyneema and saved 8 oz in my pack. Also you have to differentiate between a weekend warrior, section hiker, or through hiker. It’s all different and packing would be different for each scenario.

[@eric8851]

Socks are important! I'll take that weight. That said in combat zone I had 2 uniforms for a year so wearing pants for a few days, weeks or 6 months is no problem 😊

[@sinusnovi3826]

4:13 For socks, I recommend a high proportion of new wool, such as merino wool. They don't stink that easily

[@jennys2122]

You can pour boiling water into a Nalgene and use it for warmth. It's also the right size for use with Steripen system.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

My counter argument to that is id rather have the extra weight from the Nalgene and steripen into a properly rated sleeping bag and a sawyer squeeze is lighter anyway-but this is all personal preference.

[@RagtimeBillyPeaches]

Your "Big Three" weight of 6-15 got me wondering. My rig is more lightweight than ultra-lightweight. Anyway, my 46 liter Luxurylight backpack, 30 degree North Face Beeline bag, and Tarptent Sublite (Tyvek) come in at 4lbs 12oz - not including the 8oz of my hiking sticks. If I remember correctly, my base weight is usually somewhere between 12 and 14 pounds. At the last ALDHA Ruck I attended, I was nagged to cut my base weight, but I'm considered old and go for safety and comfort, and for a 6 day trip typically walk away from the trailhead carrying about 26 pounds.

[@AdventuressAli]

One of the reasons to have 2 sets of hiking socks is one can be thin liner merino for the normal use and one a thicker merino on it's own when it's cooler or together when it's really chilly. I also do this, and a sleeping pair that is warm and cozy as my feet tend to freeze for no reason, even if my body is really warm. Sleeping clothes are also good emergency clothes.

[@donnajean72]

Yea I get it about the Nalgenes but the first time I put one filled with hot water into my sleeping bag, I was addicted.

[@STho205]

Try a hot water bottle (English Standard). Weighs the same but collapses to a bladder...feels better in bed too.

[@ree10340000]

i use my 135 liter backpack, stuffed whit 3 tents, 2 sleeping bags, a anvil, some other steal, water bottles. i carry it every small trip. From 20 min around a lake to a few hours hike. from 20 to 30 kilos. start small. have a 10 kilo west and walk around whit. Train to carry things. Find you're limit. Don't walk on asfalt. get used to you're backpack, weigh you're gear. add another 10% then 20% When finally you're going on the hike, weight is not a problem. And use treking poles.

[@mosquitoeslovejohn]

Go Dixie! Another awesome video👍

[@jonfarmen7455]

Book? I was on a packrafting/hiking-trip this weekend. Few things in life are better than laying in my hammock after 10 hours with padling and walkinng and dinner, to read on my Kindle.

[@calvinhartman5086]

I had to laugh when you mentioned drop the stuff bags. Your so right. I counted over a dozen !? Not only not so much weight but trying to find something 😂

[@ericneff9908]

Great tips! I'm not sure I could lose the stuffsacks, but I see the wisdom!

[@AdventuressAli]

I seriously love your broll lately! When was the last time you did an electronics video of what you carry? I'd love to know what you're using these days, especially for gimbal /camera.

[@craigrandall5091]

9:30 Absolutely agree. You will pack to your pack's size. Smaller packs force you to make some wise and hard choices--choices that will make or break your hike.

[@bobmcelroy7289]

I like the 2 lists ideas, 1)weight of everything, and 2)what you didn't use. On 2, I also list location, weather, and conditions, as to why I did or didn't use it.

[@kiwicory100]

So good!

[@tailgunnerhikes4703]

Three things I always pack but never use: (1) first aid kit (2) bear spray (3) Garmin SOS button (The day I have to use all 3, in quick succession, will be a really bad day.)

[@coachhannah2403]

I have never considered bear spray... I see black bears about every other trip, and have never been threatened or heard of anybody who has been threatened. YMMV

[@dwm53w1k6]

@@coachhannah2403 True - I surprised a black bear in brush at about 15 feet and we both went opposite directions. I bought my first bear spray about 2 weeks after the two thru hikers were killed by a machete wielding physico on the Appalachian Trail. And then there are cougars, which concern me more than any black bear.

[@coachhannah2403]

@@dwm53w1k6 - OK

[@wcdjmase]

Great tips! while I’m not a lightweight hiker at all, your videos are extremely helpful. The logging of gear not used is a major pro tip.

[@kevinmulloy693]

Sounding great, Dixie. Thank you for the work! KM

[@davidwebb2337]

Well done/said!

[@EatCarbs]

Great info. Thanks for the video

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. Going through your gear at the end of any type of trip will help you lighten up and minimize your life. Less is more. My camper van has been losing weight after every trip lately and it is getting more comfortable to use. The less things cluttering a space the more joy I feel in that space. The time required for daily tasks gets shorter when all you have is just what you need. You don't really realize that decision fatigue is a real thing until you reduce the stuff in your life. Thank you again for taking the time to create your videos.

[@GoodMorningHikers]

the weight i kept in the "want" department eventually got down to 3 things that I just refuse to give up. 1. My NEMO hornet 2p tent. i LOVE having that mesh above me when weather permits so when I lay down to sleep it feels like I'm cowboy camping under the stars because the tent above you is basically invisible. falling asleep looking at the stars overhead is worth every ounce to me. 2. my chair. ultralight hikers laugh at the chair, and then they get into camp and ask to use it. shameful. having a comfortable light chair is worth it's weight in gold when you're in camp. 3. ultralight pillows are so compact and light there is really no need to use your smelly clothes as a pillow anymore. and a bonus item I don't always bring but sometimes talk myself into packing up is my foldable fishing pole and a small plastic bag of lures. waking up before the sun rises to head down to the water and have a flick (on my comfy chair) and a hot cup of joe is just the best way to start the day in the mountains. i guess you could also consider bugspray a "want" I HATE mosquitos. i will bring a whole can of the strongest Deet I can find and bathe in it if I have to.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Great info! TY!

[@bmwohl]

Thank you Google for popping this one of Dixie's up for me. :) At age 76, I've added in a 16 oz Nalgene which works as a night time urinal and day time water bottle (assuming plenty of rinse water). Otherwise I'd be wearing out the zippers of my Duplex getting out of the tent so often every night. It's a fact. For my own part as an extremely experienced backpacker who has been shaving grams for about 40 years, my biggest personal mistake is taking too much food, especially on short two or three night summer hikes in the Rockies. Weighing the edible food at the end of each trip inspires me to do better. That's what those short trips when the snow is first going out are for. Oh yes. And after getting my base level down to the 15 lb range, adding in my Enzo has added a couple pounds of dog food and dog clothing.

[@sorearm]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@cathye.9659]

So helpful!

[@josephjemello479]

Just great information!! Thank you!!

[@AUMINER1]

We 💓 you Dixie!

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Great tips! I have a comment on the pack though. You should have extra space for when you become UL and can afford to carry luxury items. This is why they say ro buy your pack last. So you know how much space you need. My pack allowed me to carry a huge bear cannister for a week. A smaller pack wouldn't have worked or made me carry it wrong. On top is not good for your back.

[@1attempting2bkind52]

This is super helpful. Thank you.

[@ellisonsmusicchannel9606]

This was great! Thank you for the time you spent creating this! All great advice!

[@rocketta.chique5761]

Knowing you, you filmed this outdoors but it def looks like a screen behind you 😅 Also thanks Dixie, helpful as always! Currently trying to decide which Triple Crown I want to do next year, mostly because of you!

[@michaelcostello6638]

Your videos are awesome! Thank you for putting them out there.

[@Hikerdude23]

Good stuff!!

[@jamespayton9832]

I enjoy your information ,it's helpful To not only hikers but survival And preppers,scouts ,hunters etc.

[@erict5878]

THIS I think was your very best video! ...Especially for the new peeps! Great vid Dixie!!

[@impulseuphonium]

This is amazingly comprehensive. Probably the simplest and best explanation every hiker should watch. I’ve been making some of these for my son’s scout troop and I’m just going to show them this. You said everything much better than I could and didn’t miss a thing. Thank you for making this!!!

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Great video. I am glad you are getting rain in Alabama. Here in northern Ontario, Algoma District, the rain has been minimal and forest fires are burning everywhere and the air quality has been deadly. They closed the road I use to get to my remote lake. I don't drive. I bike and hike and paddle. So thru hiking videos like yours are essential for me to lighten my load. There are no thru hikers in this area, everyone drives to their woodland refuge but I am dependent on thru hiking techniques to ease on my access to my favorite locations. Using freezer bags is a great idea that I want to definitely use. And the Smart water bottles in combination with the Sawyer filter. Reducing the clothing needs. Yes. I need to take several runs with this video to pick up on the details. Thanks very much.

[@mountaineer5596]

I like the videos. A comment on Nalgene bottles. They can contain hot water, and make an efficient heater inside your sleeping bag in the winter.

[@jonfisher9214]

I've always kept a spare Bic lighter in my first aid kit as an emergency back up. It came in useful when I was walking in Snowdonia and met a lady who was carrying matches that had got damp and unusable. She was unable to cook or make a hot drink. I was glad to be able to help her out.

[@HikerJohn316]

I think you meant to say laaater

[@countrygirl63baker64]

🎉HI Dixie, a lot of truth there, and ALL of it good !!! Thank you darlin, it sure helps!!!!❤😊

[@johnetches9741]

Excellent commentary. Thank you!

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

The "pack your fears" is so true. My thing to overpack is keeping me and my stuff dry. Too much plastic and nylon.

[@TooTall_hikes]

Thank you. Your video is very helpful. 😊

[@yawpable]

Glad you called for help! Hope you are recovering and that you have good health for many many years and hikes to come.

[@brandyhouston2105]

'Funky problems '....thanks! ....next small group of songs 🎵...😎👌

[@jsfriedberg]

You're awesome, Dixie. Doing a thru trip with you would be a dream come true.

[@user-qv3kk7xe7e]

Really helpful super good video.

[@Firestarter24]

Thanks!

[@antoniom.andersen6704]

Need to have vs. nice to have. Good advice that I've always used both when hiking and in daily life.

[@johneason6540]

Hi, I put my merino wool neck gaiter around my dcf clothes bag to make it more comfortable as a pillow. Not cold or sweaty then depending on the temps ❤ Live your videos. Im in Alaska, doing the big 5 NP s

[@RVingwithLuck]

You are so adorable. Although my backpacking days are behind me, and I am living my RV life, I enjoying keeping in touch with it through you.

[@rodoutdoors]

This is great. Great tips. I try to create a lighterpack for every trip. For reference to look back on and to help others. Lately I've been looking into reusable bags so I don't create so much waste.

[@6bluestrings]

Thankee Man!

[@jaclynbaerart]

This was such perfect timing!!! Literally taking a break from packing my bag today because I leave in 2 days for my thru-hike in Sweden! Thank you for this!! I've done really well on keeping everything lightweight and just the necessities, but it always helps to do another reevaluate! Thank you!

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

​@@safarihikerHa, just did a part of that Kungsleden, the 'hordes' you speak of consisted of meeting, on average, 6 people per day on trail. Up to 15 per day in the huts. Not quite the 1000s of people I can see in the city where I live.

[@LuckyLarry]

Thankyou Professor Mills for a wonderful tutorial. I am not a back packer but I am a frequent air traveler. Hubby and I are retired and always headed to some beautiful place and a VRBO with a washer and dryer. I used to take several “outfitsl. Now I wear some clothes and take another set of clothes…one pair of of shoes! Currently some emerald green lone peaks! Love them! You can only wear one thing at a time! One nano puff jacket, one nano vest. All this info shared today has reinforced in my mind I’m doing good. Thanks

[@anonymousresistance123]

Cool. Backpacking USED to be cheaper than everyday life or other forms of travel. Now, those that backpack actually need to love it. I do love it. I have some medical issues that feel better when on long, sweaty, grueling, dangerous hikes. I never thought I'd make it that far and the sense of accomplishment daily is amazing. Just be warned though, it's true what they tell you. A through hike, especially a long one, will ruin your life in the best way possible.

[@robingood62]

This is by far the best and compact advise to lighten the gear!

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

All excellent advice. I like the idea of noting what you take and didn't use.

[@NealBenson]

Thank you

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video

[@Tele-gram-me-Homemade_wanderlu]

🚀✍️

[@dagnolia6004]

love this

[@markpescatrice9783]

Thanks Daisy! You're the second person who recommended shedding the stuff sacks. His contention was they make the pack awkward to load and lumpy. Great video and suggestions.

[@meganv1735]

Something I found to be really nice on a most recent trip was vacuum sealing my meals with a Foodsaver machine. The bags are ok to boil and 100% withstand boiling water being poured in them. Do they seal like a ziploc bag…..no but you can use a homemade food koozie. It worked great, was light and condensed my food bag down with the vacuum sealing. 😁🎉

[@kristinegoodman7534]

Oooh!!! I just did this for my trip coming up this weekend. I'm super excited to try it. Happy to see someone else does this.

[@meganv1735]

It really worked great!! The food koozie made it easy to hold so you don’t burn your hands. I was able to rehydrate an entire package of Spanish rice without having to cook it in my pot. Less mess to clean. **Tip** cut tiny triangles near the top to make it easy to peel the bag open. Also be sure to peel as close to the top as possible to leave plenty of room for the liquid. It’s then just like eating from the dehydrated meals you buy! Have fun!!

[@kurofune.uragabay]

Needs and Wants Analysis... anybody packing for a hike would benefit from that one. Thanks Dixie (also for the random Fancy Mae clip ☺) ѧѦѧ

[@CB-wq4eu]

Good detail on cutting weight. Hard choices sometimes must be made. Knowing the area's resources, and survival skills are essential. With that said plan for success rather than short term comfort. Too often people fail to pack in key survival items. For SAR we pack in extra clothing, water, food, support items, and medical, when searching for lost/injured campers/hikers.

[@journeyinthewilderness6276]

My sis-in-law earned the trail name Aquafina when she carried 4 liters of water into Desolation Wilderness (she also wears aqua/teal colored clothing). If anyone knows that area, there are lakes and streams EVERYWHERE! I tried to tell her, but some people gotta learn the hard way. 😆

[@1z1zmike]

Thanks- great summary of what to take and not to take … best gear l’ve seen! 🙏🙂

[@Tele-gram-me-Homemade_wanderlu]

🚀✍️

[@DiabloOutdoors]

VERY good video. Probably the best tutorial you've made so far :)

[@andreasbrandstetter9221]

agree with everything excapt the nalgene. Part of my water purificaton system with the steripen..... would never go without it and use it for a heater bottle in winter in my sleeping bag. i normaly ditch the tent *g* and just sleep outside or under my superlight tarp. just i summer i use the saywer mini instead of the steripen because the saywer sucks in snow and ice...

[@Swearengen1980]

I'd have to disagree on the pack size/weight, depending on what you call "heavy" for a pack. My pack, a KUIU system pulls double duty for hunting. 66L including the carbon frame is under 4 lbs. And because it's meant for hunting and hauling heavy loads of meat, the hip belts and straps are beefed up big time compared to big brand hiking packs. So maybe you gain an extra pound on the pack, but the comfort level makes it "lighter" while still having the larger capacity - Which can also be synched down to a firm, compact, smaller size with it's compression straps. Overpacking is a "you" problem, not a pack problem. There are many amazing options for various aspects of backpacking (such as rain gear) if people looked at hunting companies and not just read off the same lists of hiking equipment.

[@oWvldo]

solid video and solid comments. thanks all.

[@PaulEgges]

Contrary to what some people suggest I picked out a new ultralight pack first when I was updating my gear before picking out all the gear I was going to take for my thru hike on the Colorado Trail. My rational was by choosing a smaller ultralight pack first I knew it force me to limit what I took on the trail. I ended up getting a Gossamer Gear 420. 42 liter total, 30 liter main compartment and was very happy with it. It worked out very well for me. YMMV. I do like your suggestion of maybe just looking at your absolute essentials and then getting a pack based on that. My choice did force me probably to decide to go stoveless. A very minor item but one that I felt was not compromising in any way was was to cut off the excess strap lengths for my waist belt. I'm pretty trip so I definitely didn't need those straps to be so long. I'm not so crazy as to cut my toothbrush in half though.