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

Stuff I Mention in this Video:
2020 AT Gear List Video - • My 2020 Thru-Hike Gear...
How I Pack My Gear 2019 - • How I Pack My Gear 2 -...
2020 AT Gear List -darwinonthetrail.com/2020/03/...
Favorite Backpacking Gear of 2019 - • My Favorite Backpackin...
Get Exclusive Content & Support my 2020 GDT & CT Thru with a pledge as low as
a $1/month - / darwinonthetrail
** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
- Camera -
Canon EOS R - amzn.to/2L45vwA
- Lense -
Canon EF 24 f/2.8 - amzn.to/2L1WzYk
- Sound -
Rode Video Mic Pro+ - amzn.to/2Q5qFxH
- TriPod -
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[@wornoutwrench8128]

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

[@spekulatius1337]

I vaguely remember when KZbin used a five star system. Good old times.

[@jhonyermo]

Same. Great comment feel the same.

[@bradjustbrad]

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

[@nagaviper1169]

Same here.

[@Jeremy-lh3lg]

Here have mine ... 👍

[@CaitlynGoesHiking]

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

[@SJ-vc2tz]

Bottomless bag :)

[@greyscout01]

Yup... magic.

[@Coreycry]

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

[@longstrider461]

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

[@charliekendall4288]

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

[@MegaLitefoot]

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

[@onthefly4711]

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

[@johnmcgehee5024]

With a liter of water.

[@robertwalter8949]

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

[@stalwart263]

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

[@Jangmo_SC]

Eagerly awaiting

[@realityconformist424]

Nalgene is 6 oz ...too heavy

[@williamhahn3749]

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

[@LZ-un7ky]

Thank you for your service!

[@craftedbyorre]

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

[@harmleyten4]

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

[@Charlie-yv3ib]

@@harmleyten4 hopefully cheaper too

[@kylestyer8240]

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

[@fg1110]

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

[@clinclin1240]

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

[@pathardage1880]

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

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

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

[@tamarmolerick3814]

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

[@KarlaStorm]

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

[@happyface307]

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

[@FrozensAdventures]

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

[@jjjj7302]

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

[@GuilhermeBianeck]

grass and insects

[@cruzcooper213]

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

[@filippomarcon2786]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIPPXq2iqc57iqs

[@andrewwolfe8742]

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

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

@67schueppi 29schueppi osm ?

[@scott55151]

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

[@elvismikel2271]

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

[@leleprtk]

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

[@arguchik]

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

[@TheSimpleHick]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

No Prob! Glad it helped!

[@veroniquediallo6055]

Thank you so much for being direct and getting to the point. I will definitely apply your "essentials" horizontal stacking method to my upcoming section/thru adventures and bicycle touring. Your vids are awesome!

[@jamiller2272]

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

[@andygarza3057]

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

[@VirtualTurtleGames]

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

[@johndwilliamsii]

I love your advice. Simple, well thought out and practical. I learn so much watching your stuff!

[@00xanawolf00]

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

[@WILDONTHETRAIL]

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

[@JohnFisk-OHS-78]

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

[@dalechristopher3917]

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

[@lesliew4026]

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

[@nigeljones8202]

Excellent video, one of best I've seen about gear packing, exactly what's needed

[@JeDindk]

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

[@davidcurtis9559]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank you, I will! ❤️

[@Truth_Matters_to_Me]

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

[@lois6705]

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

[@ChicaandSunsets]

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

[@GustoStCool]

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

[@I..cast..fireball]

Bud light is piss, but point understood.

[@XV250]

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

[@JMeara]

That's what rum is for.

[@GustoStCool]

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

[@GustoStCool]

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

[@JoelMatthewspeaks]

Love the videos Darwin showin everyone you can be comfortable staying lightweight!

[@28memco45]

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

[@westcoastislander6699]

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

[@MikeK-NIreland]

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

[@killslay]

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

[@saminthewoods]

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

[@hokuspokus8947]

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

[@CanadianSkylights]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I hope so too! 😬

[@Charlie-yv3ib]

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

[@papajeff5486]

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

[@Canadaman4403]

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

[@jettherrington8330]

I can’t tell you how helpful this video was. Thank you🤙

[@justalurkr]

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

[@aaronperkinson4433]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad I could help! 🤙

[@brandythomas7928]

Same! Mine should be here Saturday.

[@timearchitecture]

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

[@DS-pj3hu]

This is an awesome refresher for someone who hasn’t been backpacking since my first time last summer:)

[@hikeswithsass]

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

[@grampakilt]

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

[@start-again]

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

[@kellycarlen9605]

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

[@cubweekly]

Hands down most valuable video I've seen on packing. Thank you so much.

[@Beefboi1997]

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

[@k.whiking4372]

Yeah, me neither.

[@GaerHampton]

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

[@katekilbourne]

such a seriously sick video! thank you for posting. so much great insight and experience here. I learned a lot!!

[@Kathy-jq7ue]

Always enjoy watching these packing videos!!

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

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

[@monarques93MrGollum]

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

[@aaronsmith2929]

Thanks man. You are pretty much the go to for solid info on thru hiking on KZbin. Props to you!

[@JasonFerguson1283]

Dude, this is a thoroughly thoughtful list of gear and packing video!Thank you!!

[@northstarhiker]

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

[@domo3552]

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

[@anulbead4817]

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

[@daano465]

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

[@tamie341]

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

[@JeremiahStringer]

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

[@jmz1736]

Ditty bag 9:57 has all those things

[@nickname6747]

Possibly the most useful gear video ever made!

[@greenbuckeyelove]

What a fantastic videos. I’m all about utilizing space and efficiency too. And my hubby and I are kinda new to hiking/backpacking and I’m usually the one who researches and packs our packs. So this helps tremendously!!!

[@johnframpton9643]

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

[@aldenchaisson7135]

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

[@heatherwenthiking]

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

[@williampennjr.4448]

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

[@bowmanvmi]

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

[@mctennys]

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

[@Adam_Outdoors]

Why on earth would you do that?

[@lirastolons4951]

This was a really great video! This is s very organized pack which I’m terrible at organizing anything to begin with I liked how detailed it was and very concise with explanation for everything 🙂 thank you for sharing

[@brandonboykin9228]

I love how everything you put in there gets a loving pat 💙. As it should!

[@motorolas]

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

[@EspenFrafalne]

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

[@james24799700]

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

[@lorens7837]

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

[@frederickbrault9805]

Your system is so clever! Thanks for the info! I will sure do a thru-hike when my kids will be older!

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

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

[@gwmtnbiker]

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

[@OutLan]

Clothes in the foot box! Stealing that one!

[@Paul-kx7gh]

WoW thank you for setting that benchmark in my head, hopefully we can all get back out there soon, stay safe

[@kaustubhthapa5743]

Very nice setup. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate it.

[@articus5134]

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

[@christophermagera8643]

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

[@vancamjr]

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

[@dennisdrewry5625]

John Van Camp Zpacks

[@angelameredith747]

Just downsized from a 55L to a 38L pack, this video was awesome!! Thanks so much 😀

[@LostandLore]

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

[@larson0014]

but how will you fit the gallon bottle of lysol?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😳🤦‍♂️

[@jt52193]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

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

[@jt52193]

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

[@davidkoeck3695]

Thanks Darwin I got some great ideas from your video. Really liked the idea of folding your sleep pad instead of rolling. I also use a tarp instead of a tent (DD 3X4.5) and folding it along with my sleep pad saves me a ton of space. Thanks again.

[@LongWhiteGypsy]

Great video, thanks Darwin. Always love your gear videos, they've been inspirational for so much of my kit. I just hiked 1800km of Te Araroa in New Zealand with the Arc Haul and am looking to downsize to maybe a 45L pack this year when I head back to finish the South Island. I definitely pack my fears though, so I need to figure out how to get my cold weather items down to a minimum!

[@Luke_0]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

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

[@backyardblasters]

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

[@hannahherrmann4921]

I think between 7 and 8 kg?

[@wav1366]

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

[@shaqsoda9627]

Water is like 2.2 pounds per liter

[@mimimi2311]

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

[@kildli]

@@mimimi2311 you mean US is weird?

[@photog1529]

Wow...just now came across this video. Excellent and timely information. I'm in the process of downsizing from a 75L Gregory Baltoro and giving a hard look at the Zpacks line. Thanks for posting this.

[@leftycut1]

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

[@ScottKent]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Mid May looks to be exciting... 😉

[@jhonyermo]

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

[@JadenLegate]

I think the waymark lite has load lifters.

[@leftycut1]

ULA

[@ScottKent]

@@leftycut1 ULA weighs too much.

[@ozrenkubat6632]

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

[@Environmenthrall]

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

[@ReeceDee]

That is so compact. Has absolutely everything and the bag is nice and discreet 👍

[@kurtdanielson9862]

Darwin Offthetrail. Funny and sad.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😕

[@perrytaylor6388]

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

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

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

[@benhiking3723]

Darwin, inspired by your gear setup and tips! Adapting the info to my minimalist trail kit. Thanks bro!

[@jamesthornton3339]

Great ideas, I am trying to downsize my pack, as my gear has changed. This gives me some pointers to go a little smaller than I had initially intended👍