How I Lowered my Pack Weight by 7 pounds

[@Xhadp]

Wow what a great pack weight lowering video! Your before gear is about where I am at right now w/ about a 20 lb base weight. The Alpha direct material for a sweater might be my next item I get. I currently just use a standard gridded fleece jacket from Columbia.

[@hikingwithrae]

Thanks for the comment, and I’m genuinely glad you found it helpful! It lol me about a solid year to get all these upgrades but honestly it was worth it! I don’t even know what my original base weight was but it was probably close to 20, as well. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@travelandtrailswithsamanda7764]

Just watched your video, my wife and I enjoyed it. Looks like you have done hikes in same area I live and train. Glad we found your channel

[@hikingwithrae]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your comment! I’m in SC, so I do most of my hiking in SC, NC, and GA.

[@ajaxjtb]

I hate inflatable pillows too. After trying many pillows, here’s my solution. I bought an egg crate foam seat cover for $16 on Amazon. Weighed 6.5oz. I then cut it down to fit my Sea to Summit pillow. I use a buff as a pillow case to hold the foam piece and pillow. The cut down foam piece weighs 2.1oz; all told the foam+pillow+buff weight is 6.3oz. I might get the most recent Sea to Summit ultralight pillow in which case everything together will weigh a little over 4oz. The foam takes up some pack space but not too bad. Less space than what my Therm-a-Rest foam pillow took up. As a side sleeper, it’s just the right height. For a back sleeper, I think you could just deflate the air pillow until the height was right.

[@hikingwithrae]

Thanks for this tip! I’m going to look into this because I am a side sleeper. I’d love to get used to sleeping on my back because I think it would be better on trail but it’s hard to get used the that. Thank you!

[@christimartin8512]

I am curious to know what pack you used. I did not hear it mentioned. That is a major way to save weight. I switched from my Osprey Aura, at almost 4 lbs, with the brain, first to the Zpacks Arc Haul, at 19 ounces, which did not fit me well and was uncomfortable, then to the new REI Flash Air 50, size Small, which is about 24 ounces. I love that pack and it is still 2 lbs lighter than my Osprey!

[@hikingwithrae]

Hey thanks for the comment! So the pack has been an ongoing journey for me lol. I switched also from the Osprey Aura. I had removed the brain and cut off a bunch of unnecessary things and had the weight down between 3 and 3.5 but it was always the hip belt that killed me. Rubbing raw and bad bruises. I just couldn’t use it anymore. So I switched to the Durston Kakwa 55 and I really love that pack, I just wish there was more air flow on the back. My shorts and undies would be drenched in sweat (sorry if TMI). Awesome pack though and I still use. I recently got an Osprey Exos 58 to try out. I really like it so far I just haven’t taken it out on any trips. And then I also got a Nashville Packs Cutaway to try (frameless, no hip belt, and a running vest harness for shoulder straps). I’m still trying to figure out the best pack for me. So far I love my durston and the Exos the best though! Thanks for the input!

[@christimartin8512]

@@hikingwithrae, thanks for responding! I sweat heavily too, which is why I chose the Arc Haul, initially. I liked the air flow on my back, but the hip belt was uncomfortable for me and the worst part was that I could not reach my water bottle pockets. I did use a chest pouch to hold a small bottle, but that fell out every time I bent over, and drove me nuts. So far I am loving the Flash Air 50. It does have more ventilation than the Durston Kakwa 55, but not as much ventilation as the Arc Haul. I guess we can’t have it all! :-/

[@hikingwithrae]

Exactly what I’m learning! If I want the “perfect pack” I would probably need to make it myself and I’m just not going to do that. Mostly because that’s not an ability I have and I’d rather buy one. I also just switched my Exos 58 to the Eja 48 and man I love this one WAY better. If I try any other pack I’m trying the REI Flash! But for now, I’m worn out on packs. Oh and the Cutaway was a terrible try for me - already sold it lol.

[@jimhamilton8997]

Great video, been backpacking for years and there’s some good stuff in here! Two specific comments: genius move on moving from those bulky crocs to those super packable sandals. In my case I moved to Xero’s, but same idea. And man I wish I had seen your video before I bought some REI rain pants last year; yours look fantastic. Oh well - future Xmas list item!! Thanks for the video!

[@hikingwithrae]

Thank you for watching, and I appreciate your comments and insights! I'm certainly happy with the camp shoes being WAY less bulky and the rain pants being completely simple.

[@juliamarple3785]

I Took Notes. I ♡ women's gear videos. I'm fine, but I know I need a bigger pack and a lighter tent. Upgrading that is going to save me at least 2 lbs. 7 lbs Wow, great job!

[@hikingwithrae]

@@juliamarple3785 yes the pack and tent can save a lot! And thanks for the comment ☺️

[@christimartin8512]

Consider the REI Flash Air 50. In my opinion, it is the best lightweight pack out there.

[@hikingwithrae]

@@christimartin8512 I’ll definitely keep this in mind! I’m still on the search and I’ve heard others mention good things about this pack! Thanks!

[@CharmingGecko]

Loving the new setup!

[@hikingwithrae]

Thank you!

[@ytaylor276]

Hey - cool video - thanks for the ideas. I wish you'd include a list of links for where you got certain items.

[@hikingwithrae]

@@ytaylor276 I can definitely add those to the description, don’t mind at all! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@McBlamin]

Great video, can't believe I missed this one. Warning, wall of text coming but I value your opinion. 2 questions: I’ve got the XMid 1, this is a great tent but not roomy enough & seems it has a larger than normal footprint. I wanted a roomer tent so decided on the NEMO Hornet Elite 2 Osmo (footprint is about the same as Xmid 1 person). I like the tent a lot, but I am starting to think maybe I made the wrong choice. Two things I don’t like: 1) Not enough head room when I’m sitting up, and 2) I really can’t set my backpack in the vestibule because there’s nothing to lean it against, other than the wall of my tent (no poles in vestibule). I might bite the bullet and buy the XMid 2 (or maybe the XMid2 dome!), but I’m worried about how much space it takes to set up. Is it tough for you to find a spot to pitch your tent? Second question - What made you decide to switch from Poncho to rain pants and jacket? PS, I just ordered the Klymit and the Senchi based on your review.

[@hikingwithrae]

The tent was another big one for me to nail down - I tried a few out and also highly considered the NEMO osmo. After using a trekking pole tent, it was hard for me to go back to a tent with poles. Just felt like a lot of extras to be carrying around (poles, fly, tent body). My Xmid pro 2 is literally my favorite tent I’ve ever tried - plenty of head room so that shouldn’t be an issue for you, so much space for all my gear to be organized and laid out how I like. And yes I can keep my pack in my tent with me. Plenty of room in the two vestibules for the pack to be there but I like having everything in there with me. I usually have the pack mostly empty inside the tent and I can stand it up against one of the trekking poles. It’s never been an issue doing that. Oh and your main question - space to set up. There have been some iffy locations and having to set up on a bit of a slope. I can honestly say I’ve had some not great campsites with it and it hasn’t been ideal but I’ve never had an issue finding a spot to set up. Ive also passed plenty of campsites while hiking that I was thinking there’s no way my tent would fit there, but no it hasn’t been an issue for me. And the rain jacket and pants vs poncho - the main reason I switched is because my mom said when we do our thru hike next year, the rain pants and jacket let you have something to wear while your clothes are being washed, if we need that option. I’m a BIG poncho fan but for that reason I went ahead and invested in rain jacket and pants. I still have a poncho but I don’t carry it with me as often.

[@hikingwithrae]

And thanks for the comment! I hope you like the pillow and Senchi! The pillow I’ve come to really like because it can help me sleep on back more. And I love my Senchi!

[@McBlamin]

@@hikingwithrae Well, that's a pretty dang good reason to use rain jacket and pants!

[@McBlamin]

@@hikingwithrae I really appreciate your honest answer! I probably over-worry about finding a site. I always manage to find a spot. Might not be the most comfortable, but I'm at least dry. I'm thinking the high traffic trails and more popular thru trails probably have an abundance of sites to choose from, as long as you're not going at peak time when most sites are taken. I like starting out on a Monday or Tuesday, surmising that most of the Weekend Warriors will be leaving on Sunday.

[@hikingwithrae]

@McBlamin exactly what we like to do if we are doing a 5 or 6 day trip. Or start on Sunday so many people would be heading out. And I’m happy to share thoughts on the tent, I’ve been incredibly happy with it. My mom just got hers in the mail so she will be giving it a go on the next trip.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Thanks for the video. I’ve never tried cold soaking. I might some time. Cheers.

[@hikingwithrae]

Thank you for the comment!

[@rosemaryphilips670]

Very nice! So, how much does your pack weigh now (base weight before water and food)?

[@hikingwithrae]

Thank you! I’ll have to check for a final weigh in, but usually it’s between 9 and 11 pounds. It depends on whether I need my bear canister. I hate that it’s so heavy but it also gives me more peace of mind to have it.

[@tanvach]

If you hate normal inflatable pillows (I get neck kink) try Flextail Zero pillow which a shape similar to ergonomic pillow I have at home.

[@hikingwithrae]

This is the second recommendation for this pillow - I need to try it out! Thank you!

[@jakeva9802]

The UL bug has gotcha

[@hikingwithrae]

Seems to have taken me over for the past year but I’m calming down now 😂

[@roselee_explores]

I had a very similar weight reduction. The alpha fleece for me was a game changer ... it's my sleep layer and extra warm layer during the day. Saved another 2lbs when I switched from the Osprey Aura 65 to the GG Mariposa ... and the latter is far and away more comfortable! But then I've also added some weightier stuff - MSR Windburner mainly. Had looked into the SOTO windmaster ... but still on the fence about it. Fantastic video!

[@hikingwithrae]

Thank you! ☺And yes I love my alpha fleece too! I don't normally sleep in it, but I had to on the Art Loeb because I didn't bring a sleep shirt, and I was definitely too warm. Had to keep unzipping the bag and let some hear out lol. I've heard great things about the Mariposa, but I haven't tried any of their packs. My dad has one and loves it - the 420.

[@roselee_explores]

@@hikingwithrae 😄 yeah the alpha is warm for sure! I got a matching hoody & pants that I call my camp pjs … best evening wear! Plus, it’s a loose fit so I can layer over leggings or shorts - so if they’re damp they’ll be dry by morning 😊. I’ll say the GG is great but not for narrower builds … my mom has narrower shoulders than me so she didn’t like it. It’s like shoes … everybody is different 😀

[@hikingwithrae]

@@roselee_explores I thought about the matching pants too! I wanted to get them but they were always out of stock on Senchi so I went with the Outdoor Vitals ones. And I didn't think about that, but that makes sense on the narrower build. My mom tried the pack my dad has, but she didn't like it. And she is quite slim.

[@AWBabbage]

@@hikingwithraeMy Senchi zip hoody has displaced my favorite lightweight fleece for backpacking. I got active fleece sleep socks too. No more clammy cold feet for half an ounce.

[@hikingwithrae]

@AWBabbage that’s another thing I was thinking about trying! The alpha fleece socks or even the down booties. But my feet tend to get hot in my smartwool socks so I’m worried they would be too hot with either of those options.

[@JanaynaVelozo]

Thank you for the information Rae! Do you use any sleeping bags or quilts at all?

[@hikingwithrae]

Thank you for the comment ☺ Yes, I have a few from over the years and also from between both myself and my boyfriend. Currently, I've been using his Big Agnes 30* sleeping bag. I previously used a Zpacks 20* quilt, but I haven't liked the quilt as much as I wanted to. I really prefer the standard sleeping bag style with a zipper, so then I tried Zpacks' 10* sleeping bag, but it was a newer design and didn't feel as warm as my 20* quilt from them, so I sold that one. This year, for colder weather, I bought an Outdoor Vitals 15* sleeping bag with the zip on the front down the middle. I haven't used it yet, but I'm really looking forward to trying it out!

[@bertman4]

Nice upgrades! I would get rid of that orange bag for the Toaks. Weigh it separately. It's remarkably heavy. If you only use the pot with the gas burner, the outside of the pot is clean enough that you can just use a rubber band to keep the lid on. Or you can buy a fancy DCF stuff sack for pots.

[@hikingwithrae]

I’ll have to check that out! I’ve gotten used to my cold soaked meals but I could always go back to cooking. Definitely not getting rid of my cook sets! Thanks for the tip!

[@AWBabbage]

@@hikingwithrae I tried cold soak this summer and was fine with it, but I think having a stove for hot meals and drinks will be something I will want in colder weather. I agree that the Soto Windmaster is great and worth a few extra grams over a popular stove that won’t simmer, doesn’t have a built in igniter, and is highly inefficient in wind.

[@hikingwithrae]

@AWBabbage exactly what I have learned on the stove! In this case, lighter is not better (to me). I’m hoping cold soak will be an option for me in colder weather but to be completely honest, I’m still not sure on that for temps that get below 40. Thanks for commenting!

[@dangerpudge1922]

Pillow suggestion: Flextail Zero Tall. I have an absurd number of pillows most are embarrassingly expensive. The Flextail is my favorite, even beating my Zenbivy Down Pillow system. At $27 it is TOUGH to beat cost-wise and is just crazy comfortable.

[@hikingwithrae]

Thanks for the comment and the suggestion! Looking this up tomorrow!

[@hdanna823]

I wish I slept warm. I have to keep my 250 Smartwool. One of these days I’m getting a new tent

[@hikingwithrae]

I still think they are great and comfy, I just found that I didn't necessarily need them. What tent do you currently have? If you don't mind me asking. Thanks for the comment!

[@hdanna823]

You can also use an emergency blanket as a footprint

[@hikingwithrae]

That's a great idea! And those are usually even cheaper than this polycro sheet. (And wouldn't be see-through, if that makes a difference.) I may need to get one of those too! Thanks for the suggestion ☺

[@xyiana]

Change Thermarest pillow to Wise Owl - the snoozy if weight is acceptable in comparison to inflatables. I have neck problems after climbing injury so i need to use good pillow. Bought Thermarest but as you mentioned it is not good with keeping volume/form. So i tried to replace it and finally found The Snoozy. It is little bulky but comfortable, surviving whole day in stuff sack.

[@hikingwithrae]

Thank you for this tip! I’m going to look up this pillow today! I appreciate you watching and I appreciate your comment 😁