10 Tips For An Ultralight Backpack - How To Thru Hike ep3

The how to thru hike series continues! With everyone's favorite topic, gear. Specifically how you can get an ultralight backpack! But why would you even want a lighter backpack? A lighter backpack is easier to carry while hiking since whatever you bring, you then have to haul up mountains for miles and miles on end. It's more comfortable on your back, shoulders, and joints carrying less weight. And in many many ways it helps to avoid potential injuries you might see with people toting a heavier load. Enjoy the rest!
A couple terms you may be unfamiliar with:
*BASEWEIGHT - The total weight of your gear excluding food and water. We weigh things this way because food and water varies greatly from day to day while your 'base' stays the same.
*SHAKEDOWN - Generally referring to shaking out all the unnecessary gear in someones pack, and seeing what sticks. You could perform a shakedown hike by going out with the intention of paying close attention to your gear and what you don't need. Or someone more experienced can give you a shakedown, telling you from their perspective what they think you need, or what you could leave behind.
THE TEN TIPS:
1. USE WHAT YOU HAVE - because the best way to learn what you like and want is by getting out there regardless of the gear. This will give you a better idea when it comes to changing things out or removing items from your list.
2. WEIGH EVERYTHING - take out everything you have, weigh it, and write it all down. Categorizing things in this way allows you to scrutinize your gear further. It's one thing to know your gear feels heavy, it's another thing to know exactly where that weight is coming from. Use websites like lighterpack.com to help with this.
3. CONSTANTLY REEVALUTATE - Everytime you go out, reevaluate your gear. Take small trips as frequently as you can, come home and look over your gear. Consider what you used, what you didn't use. What you like, and what you want to replace, or what you could leave behind next time. Before I did the appalachian trail in 2016 I had done thousands of miles of these little evaluation trips. I learned more on those short hikes than I ever did thru hiking.
4. LUXURY / SURVIVAL - make a distinction between what is actually necessary for your survival and comfort, and what is purely luxury. This way you'll know what you could potentially leave behind without actually suffering for it. Remember a thru hike is much more a walking trip than it is a camping trip.
5. MODIFY EVERYTHING - Cut your toothbrush in half, remove unnecessary straps from your backpack, repackage that sunscreen in a smaller container, cut off tags from your gear. Modify everything. A free way to lighten up. In some cases can even shed a couple pounds by doing this.
6. FIND THE VALUE IN THE ABSOLUTE BARE MINIMUM - and then add back things you want from there. Since you've already made the distinction between luxury and survival it's time to splay your gear out and recognize what the most important items in your pack are. What is the least amount of gear you need to survive.
7. CAMPSITE SELECTION - Good campsite selection means you can get away with less gear. Being protected from the wind with natural features, protected from heavy rain, sleeping in areas that are naturally warmer than say on the tops of mountains, and finding a spot to lay down that has a good layer of natural plush ground cover. This is personally how I get away with so little. I'm very choosy about where I camp.
8. USE OTHERS AS INSPIRATION - Whether you're just beginning or you're an expert, looking at what has worked for others on their thru hikes is an incredible way to learn. Don't just do this with one person. Do this with many people to get a well rounded idea, and use this information to your advantage when it comes to your own gear list.
9. SPEND MONEY - The biggest area you can save a lot of weight by spending your hard earned money is by replacing your big three. Your Shelter, your backpack, and your sleeping bag. Looking for lighter materials and better designs. I like Zpacks for shelters, I use Pa'lantepacks backpacks, and EnlightenedEquipment is an incredible company for quilts/sleeping bags.
10. DON'T PACK YOUR FEARS - Learn how you can overcome these fears. Knowledge and information is power. The more you understand your fear, the less frightening it becomes, and instead turns into a strength. If something scares you, be sure to put special attention and focus into that topic of research.
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[@Jonistired]

I love learning about this stuff and not because I want to through hike. I’m 66 years old and pretty busted up. I haven’t backpacked in about twenty years. I’ve been dealing with health issues, getting into some kind of shape to walk long distances and slowly acquiring lighter gear. At my age, light weight isn’t about covering big miles. It’s about getting out on the trails again without too much suffering.

[@canadafree2087]

Remember, we are not getting older, we are getting smarter. Hike your own hike.

[@BurroGirl]

Come to NV and I'll have my burros carrying your gear! Hubby and I haven't backpacked in a while due to foot issues and backs that don't want to carry stuff. I've even started going ultralight for my burros' sake, not mine.

[@retropwn7596]

Hope you're still getting it done old timer

[@serafinhikes]

When deciding to lighten my base weight, a really helpful strategy on the AT I used to determine what gear I wanted to carry was I took all the gear I questioned sending home and I put it into a bounce box and sent it up the trail 7-14 days ahead. When I reached the bounce box, if I wanted certain items then I retrieved them and sent the rest home. This strategy helped me drop from 15ish lbs down to 10.3 lbs. More than anything, I gained confidence that I could more easily hike with less stuff.

[@smallberries]

"Don't pack your fears" is such a great piece of advice. Thanks

[@josephbradshaw3294]

I'm assuming you talking about emergency food

[@savannahl4581]

Jupiter, you provide such helpful wisdom in such a humble manner. I wish more members of the hiking community were as pure as you are. No frills, no pretentious attitude, just love for nature. I just keep coming back to your videos 10/10

[@brianwofford3831]

Great video, thanks. At 69 I am still chasing those magic moments in the outdoors. It is hard to give up the old school habits. It is a process as you describe.

[@paganed]

I'm ex-Army .. in jogging\weightlifting shape .. i had no gear .. I stopped logging 50lbs. alice packs when i left the military (screw that).. i walked single day trails with my running shoes (seems perfect) .. sunglasses , a 1-liter waterbottle in hand, and my phone + earbuds I have been watching and looking and making notes on my whiteboard .. i plan on getting gear to do overnight backpacking so I have many items I have made a list of from about 2 months of researching with Primitive skills survival --> but leaning now Heavily into what is the bare minimum I need to take THANK YOU for being so honest and forth wright with how you do things. You have helped me better analyze what I am trying to do by sharing your real-world experience

[@jhonyermo]

Ex Army here also. And I agree with each and every word you say. What do I own of all the military stuff I used to own? A woobie, M-65 field jacket liner, and my P-38. All the rest . . . gone. And I am going to do my single day trails with the equipment you mentioned. Thanks

[@janefreeman4121]

Yay no more rucking.

[@aciavarella]

You're a cool dude, I appreciate you explaining things in a non-pretentious and simple to understand way.

[@neildenton5524]

Great set of tips. For # 9 I found it useful to set a dollar amount per ounce saved. I figured that I was willing to spend $25 an ounce. So something that saved 2 ounces I would spend $50 total and something that saved 10 ounces I was willing to spend $250. Most of the time it would be much less than I was willing to spend. Also it was helpful once I realized what the poundage was. 4 ounces doesn't sound like much, but a quarter pound is a lot.

[@oysterbay9]

so refreshing thank you for being a human on youtube (no weirdo voice or gestures or facial expressions what's up with the crazies on social) - love it

[@markevanpowell2157]

i know you posted this months ago, but damn - i think this is the most informative, straightforward and even relaxed video on thru hiking on the entire platform. you really campaign well for the ultralight movement without being a gear/brand snob. thanks jupiter

[@JupiterHikes]

Hey thanks! I always felt it was stupid how people would just say replace this with this, or spend all this money, when for me ultralight hiking has always been about replacing items in your pack with extra preparedness, knowledge, or skills. Everyone has different goals and enjoyment from the outdoors, so naturally there are very few things I would ever say "dOn't UsE tHat" as they may really enjoy that thing

[@mikerankin883]

Bravo for posting these guides for free! I know you could have easily monetized this behind a paywall like many other hikers. Your advice is on point, clear, and great for hikers of all skill levels!

[@JupiterHikes]

That's my favorite part of KZbin. It's totally free for anyone. I'm also posting these in text form on my website for anyone else who prefers to read rather than listen!

[@MysokStarobyly]

I'm from Czechia (Europe), so I value your great pronunciation, which help me understand....

[@heatherrobinson7033]

The friends & family fears thing was spot on. Thank you for including that.

[@tearoha.hohaia]

That piece of advice on testing your fears with a loved one is very useful. Thanks.

[@kayseacamp]

The fear one is definitely a good point. I live in the desert so I have engrained in my head an obsession with having “enough” water. I always end up carrying more than I ever use “just in case”. While the added weight does suck at times it’s actually come in handy with others I have passed on trail who carried too little and needed to be topped off. Because of this o have adjusted my pack to accommodate my water paranoia lol

[@mtadams2009]

I am from the east coast and whenever I hike out west in the desert I do the same thing. I never want to be that guy that’s runs out of water. I actually have no plan of changing this. Maybe if I did the PCT or Arizona Trail I could get over my water fear. It’s the relentless sun and lack of streams that make me carry more. Take care

[@mtadams2009]

From watching your videos and getting out on the trail I now have my base weight just under eight pounds. To get to six pounds I would have to lose my tent, change my pack to one without a hip belt like your and give up my hot coffee. At this time that’s a no go but who know, now that I am retired and spending much more time on the trail anything is possible. I love lighter pack and using my scale to dial things in. I have done 2 and 3 day trips for decades but it was hiking the Long Trail that really helped me to dial things in. My advice for someone trying to go lighter is to pack to hike not for camp. I went the easy way but the expensive way and purchased mostly Zapcks gear. For me it’s worked out and my pack is very light and my body no longer hurts even after a long 12 to 14 hour day on the trail. I am in my 60s and retired. I am not rich but the money is not that big of a deal. You can’t take the money with you. I am thinking of trying the tarp on the LT because they have so many shelters and if things go bad I have a backup plan. I know you use a synthetic quilt and I was wondering if this is because sometimes your quilt gets wet? Nothing is lighter than down so I assume water is part of the reason. Take care

[@rshoemaker61]

Loving this series. Keep these going your extensive experience is so valuable to share. ATB

[@melissabillmire8641]

Even though this video is some two years ago now. It still has a lot of good information on how to lighten your load on the trail. Something I learned the hard way when I first got into camping and hiking again. Yeah, when I was a young buck I could carry quite the load of camping and hiking gear. And back then in the early 80's companies didn't sell the light weight camping and hiking gear you can find these days. If I remember correctly, I think my backpack alone weighed like 10 to 12 pounds with some 60 liters of space. And it did not have all the bells and whistles of the new types of backpacks. That have all kinds of different places to put things that are easily accessible. Though I did have (and still have) a "The North Face" down sleeping bag and jacket. Which can roll up nice and small enough to put into my backpack with plenty of room to spare. And I used my jacket as a pillow once I figured out how to fold it up correctly. But, the type of camping and hiking gear you can get these days. Are not only much lighter but also in my opinion better made. Happy Trails everyone!!! 🚶⛺🌌

[@JonJaeden]

It seems cutting weight by fractions of an ounce has the added advantage of fostering an ultralite mindset, even if there's no measurable physiological advantage.

[@PersonS6]

Hey would you consider adding the weight in g/kg for you next videos? Would really be appreciated by your international viewers :)

[@horstwinterscheid4927]

Yes, please!

[@peterjohnson6273]

"Find value in the bare minimum." Never have I heard that before. Thanks man! And 10 - "Don't pack your fears.", is so true. Fear is just lack of knowledge. The more you get out and play with your gear abd get to know what to do with it in the bush, the more you'll know about what works and is needed. Great advice Jupiter. Thanks.

[@nrobertson33]

You are an insightful speaker with genuine wisdom. Many thanks

[@cvrussell2610]

You give advice so respectfully! Really great and helpful video!

[@johnnyonthetrail629]

I couldn’t agree more, I’ve researched and I’m in the planning phase of my upcoming hike. These videos are great and they help out a lot.

[@williammcdonald4922]

10 great tips, very well presented. I've been backpacking for 50 years now and i still learn and get inspiration from others. in the past it would have been colin fletcher, then ray jardine, now it's the world of YT! keep an open mind and you'll be able to pursue this activity for a long time.

[@andyryan2945]

Really digging your positive vibe! Thanks for sharing!

[@metouw]

I like this guy. Chill and helpful. I just came home from a 30'ish day hike myself. I simply loved to talk to other hikers esp. about their gear. However the idea of going ultra light weight still seems to be a question that is really dividing hikers in Scandinavia, including myself. The last guy I spoke about gear with, on our trip, was a great guy from the states. However he was also quite arrogant about ULW; 'why would you purchase new gear that still use this heavy and ancient technology?' (insert basically anything of the big 3 from a Scandinavian manufactorer). It was provoking to me but turned into a really "deep" and philosophical line of thoughts. All of a sudden I couldn't figure out the soul purpose of me going on hikes. Sure I could go ULW so I can hike further every day... but is that really what I want? Is the goal of the hike to end it as quick as possible? It's like 2 weeks ago I spoke to this guy and I'm still thinking a lot about it and still have a hard time coming to some conclusion. Anyways a tip for ULW that I feel like no one is talking about is your own body weight. I was and still is a pretty standard guy within the recommended BMI. However before our hike I managed to lose about 20-25 pounds and in that process also got a little more in shape. There's nothing fanatic about this. I just changed a few things in my daily routines and over the next months my weight was slowly going down. To some extend "my tip" has nothing to do with ULW, but if you came here to figure out how to get your total weight down, this might be the way to shave off the most pounds. It did a huge difference for me at least. Happy hiking!

[@mtadams2009]

You bring up a good point. I think if your a weekend warrior, going UL is not suck a big deal. If your hiking weeks on end your pack weight becomes more of an issue. Most men shed at least 25 pounds on thru hike. I am older in my 60s and went UL and it’s definitely a game changer. I still carry and tent and a stove but my base weight is just under 8 pounds. Most of my gear is expensive Zpacks gear but for me it’s been money well spent. The way he has gone is much cheaper and even lighter but it’s definitely at the far end of light way gear. He is not alone I have seen others doing the same. I still carry a real pad but it weights 8 oz compared to his pad that is pretty much like sleeping on the ground. It works for him. We all have things we need and a pad is something I like. Take care

[@cameronvirrill4500]

Your videos show you to be knowledgeable, well spoken, and focused. Thank you.

[@amirabbaslotfi1191]

I really appreciate how simple and honest, you explain your experiences. Thank you, bro. 😃😃🙏🙏

[@christopherch7307]

I appreciate you sharing your passion through awesome videos and really awesome editing.

[@kenmerritt2023]

I'm quite a few pounds away from being ultralight but thank you for giving me many things to consider for shaving the weight!!!! Good stuff man!

[@Teo117]

I think... This is exactly what I was looking for being a newbie with a sudden burst of inspiration. A quality run down and information I need. I'll be watching this whole playlist and giving likes/comments when I feel I've learned. Thank you!

[@jenniferhiking4mylife970]

Excellent Intel as always...thanks for helping us NOT reinvent the wheel. #10 is all knowing & valuable!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

THANK YOU ! GOING TO HAVE TO CHECK SOME OF THE GEAR OUT ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GLAD YOU'RE SAFE & DOING GOOD WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON ! HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT YEAR ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !

[@bassenji5565]

Thank you so much Jupiter for these so valuable tips! I'm not a beginner anymore but I am dtill so amazed how relevant is each word you are saying in this video :) I am actually watching it in a train for a hike in the Swedish Lapland :) Thoughts from a Belgian guy who loves your spirit and videos. Looking forward for the next one!

[@IRiSH112310230423]

Super informative and well spoken. Thanks Jupiter!!

[@BenjaminWilcock]

I’ve been scrutinising my gear a lot recently and given the conditions and our lockdown being eased off very soon. I’m readying to head out on my local trail. Just 80 miles but a dope trail I’ve sectioned before. Got down to 4KG will camera gear. Am pretty stoked! Your vids help me to get organised. ✌️

[@kevinsvideoplay99]

Hey Jupiter! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You have helped me the most in my hiking endeavors. I enjoy your channel the most and am hiking much lighter than I used to. One of your best tips I enjoyed from another video was how you pack your pack. I am down to only one stuff sack which is for my food. How liberating! I can pack everything loose and go, instead of spending time cramming all my gear into tiny stuff sacks- brilliant!

[@megacase]

Great. Great. Great. Thanks Jupiter. Sometimes even those who are UL let some “weight creep” into our kit. Your video helped me to recognize where I’ve let some unnecessary items become part of my kit.

[@josie8337]

This is the best pack light advice I’ve seen yet. Really well done. When it comes to overpacking on clothes best to test it out with the short overnighters as each person’s ability to stay warm can differ. Those little overnight hikes are such valuable, safe, learning experiences. Better to learn what you need to know on an overnight hike before investing a heap of money on a multi-day trail. Your advice was FANTASTIC.

[@devononair]

I love the modifying bit! I've saved quite a few grams by cutting straps and labels off things, and since I'm a mountain biker, trimming down the cables on my bike, cutting down my seatpost and so on. Superb advice.

[@kylecredo]

Thanks for this. Excited for the gear videos!

[@elizabethingram9784]

I like your overall philosophy, very wise. “Don’t pack your fears” is universally applicable, as is your sorting system. :)

[@philipvankampen3394]

13:18 This is a really great tip. I'm an engineer by trade and we do this (risk analysis) all the time w/ both technical and non-technical team members. Risk is evaluated as high/med/low and then it is accepted and/or mitigated somehow.

[@fredhubbard7210]

I love Tip 10, and your reference to your mother. My partner is a worrier... She leaves no stone unturned. That tip is good for relationships, AND good for the trail. I hope she appreciates you!

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

This is a truly great video. Several other hikers are offering valuable top ten tips but your ten are the most original I’ve seen. Thank you for listing everything below the video as I can’t remember ten tips at a time. (I think psychologists recommend 5 + or - 1.) Your bonus tip, fear of being dirty is so true. I seriously hate going into town smelly. But this is not something I’m going to get over so I try to clean up before those last few miles into town. Usually, my town trips include a pay campsite which has a laundry. It’s a delight to get the mank out of my clothing. My big failing is consumables so I made a spreadsheet just for them. Calories per ounce and weight of packaging calculated. And I still end up with left over food in my rucksack.

[@mariusborgarbui3211]

Thanks for sharing. I am preparing a 1000 miles long walk. Very useful tips for the preparation.

[@annsolce572]

I've been enjoying this series and have been doing a lot of pack/repack while stuck at home.

[@danik118]

Same here! I leave my pack in the living room so I can look at it, overanalyze and mess around with organization. Husband HATES every second of every gear explosion, but I can't help myself. 🤣

[@alextheis1123]

Great video with solid tips. Made me rethink some clothing and ‘luxury’ items. For those of us who have already upgraded to lighter gear, but not super ultralight, minimizing in other ways can make a big difference. I hauled 40lbs on an overnight up San Jacinto. What a powerful lesson. My base weight was 28lbs. No good. I’ve since reduced my base to 19lbs...still not great, but a 30%+ lighter load to start is a major improvement. Thanks for putting this out there!

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

good video!! i've already replaced 2 of my big 3, pack & tent. my quilt worked out fine but i did replace my sleep pad to a torso length pad. my TN. winter base is at 10lbs and a 3 day load out is under 18lbs. my previous gear load out was 25lbs. 7 lbs is a MAJOR difference in comfort for me! i'll save another 9oz as soon as i order a montbell down vest to replace my fleece. as far as people being inspiring, you got me planning a Sheltowee Trace thru hike, via LASH! my partner needs a few more shake downs and then we'll be on the Sheltowee! thanks Jupiter!

[@climberrob7108]

It’s always interesting to hear your perspective as a super minimalist. My trips tend to vary in style. Sometimes heavy-ass pack, sometimes midweight. My “ light” pack base weight has been as low as 15 lbs, which is great for me. I like to camp wherever I want, mountain tops, Valleys, near streams, etc. But my trips are like 2-4 nights, not months!!! So, I’ll bring a bigger tarp, heavier sleeping bag, etc. Thanks again Jupiter, you’re awesome!!!

[@Shane-cg8pk]

Hey just wanted to share that your videos help me take the steps to doing my first ultralight bikepacking trip. My bike weighs 30 lbs but the rest of my gear only about 6. :) thanks my friend!

[@hikerccter9036]

Great information! And this is why I am addicted to your channel.

[@DetraDearmas]

Hi! Great video! I've always dumped the pack after returning, shaving things over the years. Never did it occur to me to sort basic needs from wants. I always allowed what I thought was 1 luxury item. Even though I'm down to 11lb base, I'm going to dump it again before the next over nighter and try it your way. Maybe you can teach old dogs new tricks. Very senior old lady. And your mom was smart by the way☺

[@getrealprepping918]

Good general advice for the beginner. As a person I highly respect said "ounces are pounds and pounds are pain". A word of caution: the bare essentials vs contingency gear is a hotly debated balancing act. The bare essentials are fine until the unexpected happens, like an injury/bite, a forest fire, getting lost, illness etc. Personally, I go heavy and slower, with redundancy, but also continually revise the load and refine the gear.

[@nathanrieck2112]

Defiantly agree with you that you will learn more on short hikes than a thru hike. After every weekend trip I went on I would look at all the gear I brought and if I didn’t use it I would consider leaving it at home the next time. Repeat this process several hundred times over the years and replace gear here and there and i ended up around 10-12 pounds depending on the trip and what I’m doing. Did 800 miles with basically the same gear I carry on all my shorter trips and didn’t really feel the need to change anything. Cut off a tiny piece of a foam sleeping pad for a butt pad at Warner Springs and I’ve been carrying it ever since. Weighs very little and adds a lot of comfort

[@trailcat71]

I feel like there is just an evolution of a person's gear that they have to go through. Whether it be due to financial constraints or preference. My favorite example is the Xlite... I bought it because it seemed to be the gold standard among hikers for weight and comfort... turns out, not the best for side sleepers. I agree it is super important to continually review your gear. Not even so much from a need to upgrade, but as one's skills with gear improves and one learns to innovate with what is available, it becomes easier to shed things. I like these videos... Thanks!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Awesome video! Lots of great information in these 10 tips. Thanks Jupiter. Crow✌️

[@jamieabel477]

Thanks for the info. Always enjoy your videos.

[@cozmo3778]

Thnx this is very informative I will apply this to my planning for my first thru hike !!

[@kylericco2992]

Thank you for making such great videos! 😊

[@monsierlemaire8282]

Excellent video! thanks

[@adirtyswarlos]

Wow this was really helpful. So many things I hadn’t considered.

[@ericevans9257]

I always love your videos keep up the good work.

[@lawrencelile]

This 40 LB pack has got to go. Decades ago the Scouts taught me to "Be Prepared" and that means I carry all this stuff I never use. Too old for that.

[@richardk7379]

"Be prepared" mostly meant in knowledge in scouts. Not in stuff.

[@keithturkjr.8676]

The more nights and the more miles between purchases the better the new purchases will be. When I was putting my base weight in check,...I found that miles can convince me that I did not really need a 200 dollar ultralight backpacking super poodle, I needed the free and weightless no super poodle. And nights taught me that I was old and fat needed to not be cheap and get thermarest neoair. Nights and miles in between buying backpacking objects,.. don't toss the heavy stuff its good for car camping.

[@bjornalansonoutdoors1270]

I feel you there,,, my set up went thru a total retcon.

[@hucknbarry3496]

I remember scouts we brought everything, 1/2 box of beer, bongs, boom box, cards, but this light weight movement is great because you can pack everything up , summit and not worry about someone ripping off your stuff. And have the option of camping anywhere. But nice stuff is expensive and I got to have a bug free zone, tent with mosquito netting.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Additionally, this falls in the purview of “better have it and not need it than need it and not have it” which most of us can agree is ridiculous.

[@stevemiller2470]

In the military we always left “a note to ourselves” in our packs. On it we wrote what NOT to do or take next time or ideas that we came up with during the last op. Of course there’s things you can’t just leave at home because you didn’t use them (first aid kit, space blanket, extra batteries, etc.) but you will inevitably find yourself having a-ha moments on the trail that make you realize you could do things better and lighter. Leaving yourself a note ensures that next time you will remember

[@keithstewart2639]

Thanks for all the information I always learn from your videos

[@MichiGombocz]

i am so hyped for your guides. I'm learning new things about the PCT every day. 2021 is coming, and i want to be out there :) Thanks a lot, greetings from Austria.

[@MichiGombocz]

one more question: since you talked about clothing - and this is what i worry about most - could you show us your bare minimum you would carry on a similar trip, or long distance trip in general? thanks

[@JupiterHikes]

Everyone has different tolerances so It's something you'll have to play with. Whether you spend every waking moment outside of your sleeping bag walking can as well effect this a lot as while moving you're warm. All that said most do fine with a rain jacket, puffy or fleece, gloves, beanie, tights or wind pants, extra socks or two, and whatever clothes you wear everyday (shorts, shirt, socks)

[@MichiGombocz]

@@JupiterHikes Thank you so much!

[@martianmuppet]

Superb vid, thankyou!

[@Parker-oc8es]

Always amazing! Thanks bud.

[@blakew5672]

Such a great tip on clothing. Most people don’t realize how much clothes actually weigh. My first 3-nighter I packed an extra change of clothes, and a few extra “spare” socks and undies on top of that. Easily was 4+ pounds, most of which went unused. Easier to just expect to get a bit stinky, but my “what if my clothes get soaked” mindset prevailed over ALL the weather forecasts lmao

[@toobadimnotyourmom]

Friend, you've become my hiking hero. Thank you for the quality content. Much appreciated. 🙏

[@MylesAway3]

All great tips! Thanks!

[@alexwbanks70]

Great advice! I actually can do the sub 10lb even with a hammock and always find myself taking more. For 2 reasons. One is I have lightweight gear so I can add in more things. Another is my hiking buddies are always carrying a lot of extra gear, so I do too. Next trip I'm going sub 10 period.

[@nathantweeddale9057]

You da man. we love your videos!

[@sevans1414]

I did my first shakedown overnight near on a trail near my house yesterday. WOW, did I pack my fears! I can already see so many things I could downsize or leave behind once I gain more backcountry skills. At one point I tripped, but my pack was heavy enough that I tipped backwards like a turtle. That’s some motivation to ditch some stuff! Anyways, thanks for making a video about cutting weight that goes beyond “don’t bring a change of clothes” and “buy fancier gear”. Your constructive thoughts on this are appreciated!

[@jameshenry1285]

Most valuable series on thru-hiking. I have a similar story about my first time overnight backpacking... only it was 50 lbs, and I was more into bushcraft then. It took me 3 1/2 hours to hike a very steep 2.5 mile mountain. I took so many breaks and almost gave up so many times, but when I finally made it, I was too exhausted to do any camping. Coincidentally enough, I just finished binge watching some PCT hikers' journey and found it fascinating. Needless to day, my entire outlook on surviving in the outdoors changed dramatically. Can't wait until you get to the food part of the series! Shalom.

[@Turnoutburndown]

I feel like one of the biggest reasons to strive for a really light base weight is because people always forget they have to add food and water. So you can put on a 20 lb base weight and say "Oh this isn't too bad, I can comfortably hike with this." But then you have to add an extra 10lbs for 5 days of food and a liter of water! And THEN you are really feeling the weight. So always go lower, because your pack is going to get real heavy once you throw all that food in!

[@blakew5672]

My first trip out I was right at 35lbs with food and water. Even that was a grind but it’s more an in issue with my not knowing what to expect. Was a 30 mile hike in the Shining Rock Wilderness of NC. Trip started with a 1000+ foot elevation gain lol I was happy with my pack weight for a first timer but quickly realized HOW MUCH stuff I brought that I never needed still. I’ve gotta break from the prep for all contingencies mindset.

[@jasonOfTheHills]

Awesome vid - only thing I would suggest was missed was always keep an open mind. Over a year ago I stumbled across this video by this guy named Jupiter going through his gear list. When he got to his toothbrush he had cut down, I categorized him as a complete loon who had way different priorities than my sane, reasonable ones. Luckily, while I was an initial bozo I kept an open mind and now a couple years later I have learned so much from watching your videos and yesterday as I was doing final prep for my upcoming 160 mile hike...yep, I cut down my toothbrush :)

[@daven.7685]

This is one of the best presentations I have seen on transitioning to ultra-light backpacking. I haven’t packed for 40 years, and the in that time EVERYTHING has changed! Specifically, gear and my body! Thank you for this very thoughtful and helpful presentation!

[@JupiterHikes]

I recently did a somewhat updated version of this, but instead of 10 tips I did 100 ! Though this original video I still think offers more explanation, the new video offers more small ideas to get someone thinking

[@daven.7685]

@@JupiterHikes yes, I saw this, and it was awesome!

[@abbymccarthy6598]

very nicely done, and soothing

[@davidstefani1]

Thanks. Nice job and very helpful. Thank you.

[@slydogg616]

Excellent information

[@washingtonmike8296]

Great bonus tip. I need to re-evaluate.

[@benatkins5052]

Fantastic video. Thank you

[@lingould7825]

Great advice!

[@Drenger7]

Thanks man, loved this video

[@jmorrison5206]

Nicely done.

[@awksedgreep]

Great content. I learned a few new things

[@gonewild1220]

Sweet knowledge!!! 👣

[@claudiavandamme2633]

Thanks so much to show and teach !

[@valleyjo7803]

The background shots you included with your narration are hella 🔥🔥🔥

[@karenb221]

Great advice thank you

[@ianbell8789]

Awesome video, I like your style.

[@1717jbs]

Great vid. Thanks.

[@jhonyermo]

Another excellent ass video. Always the greatest advice. I watch and re-watch all your videos, and that way even learn more. Pick up on things I miss the first time. And they are so damn interesting. Just like Ray Jardine's advice and books. 😷

[@MrDetloebskeliv]

great tips and advices :)

[@Lazzoboy]

Great video!

[@TainoXtreme]

Very good video subject. I almost always customize my backpacking gear for the purpose of making it lighter or more practical, for the most part. I thought I was the only one doing that but now I know I’m not the only one. I’ve been called crazy for doing that with brand spanking new gear that I just got from the store. I really don’t care what they say. I know they don’t mean any harm by saying that though. Comments come from my friends and family. The main reason I always do that is because I have become very demanding from my gear and I never find anything out there with all the features to meet my demanding criteria. There is a line that I will never cross and that is to sacrifice my comfort when I go to sleep and warm. I am 59, what can I say. Don’t you carry a neck strap underwear, pair of socks and undergarments for when you go to sleep? You carry some extras like your mosquito mesh condom and maybe others though. Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I know that your point of view is from May through hiker and no from the weekend warrior like me though. God bless you.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

Good advice for sure! I personally aren't so gram conscious as to cut up my toothbrush but I also aren't a through hiker!

[@patadedog]

Good vid and advice about minimalist