100 Tips For An Ultralight Backpack

One hundred ways to lighten your pack weight and be more ultralight. I hope this helps! The idea behind ultralight backpacking isn't about being as light as possible. It is to carry exactly what you need for the given conditions, nothing more and nothing less. To be efficient both in your gear and your movement. An ultralight backpack can mean less stress on your knees, ankles, joints, and muscles. Easier more enjoyable hiking, or the ability to do longer more difficult trips otherwise not possible. But being more ultralight isn't the end goal, enjoying your trip is.
Try these tips near home before taking them on larger trips, be safe! These are just ideas, some more stupid than others, some obvious and others are learned from thousands of miles of backpacking experience. As always carry what you want.
Gear mentioned in this video:
Scale - amzn.to/35UuA9Z
Wind Pants - amzn.to/35SSEdo
Running Shorts - amzn.to/3GtIigr
NB10000 Battery - amzn.to/3GvNBvV
Wall Charger - amzn.to/3J1qY4a
Camera - amzn.to/3uvHdCM
Stove - amzn.to/35SZOhL
Water Bladder - amzn.to/3AYsAJi
Flashlight - amzn.to/34gq4Cm
Tent Stakes - amzn.to/35Mm90h
Ground Sheet - amzn.to/3GvNUa3
Bear Can - amzn.to/3HzX1b2
Stuff Sack (15L) - amzn.to/3J8AcM0
Odor Proof Sack(20x12) - amzn.to/3B45hgZ
Mike Clelland Book - amzn.to/34E0FSB
Ray Jardine Book - amzn.to/3uqxAoR
Sun Hat - amzn.to/3gyeGE5
Plastic Spoon - amzn.to/3GpuZha
Bamboo Toothbrush - amzn.to/3JaA6n1
Swiss Army Knife - amzn.to/3rvcAvb
0:00 - Intro
1:23 - General
5:00 - Clothing
6:59 - Food
10:03 - Packing
12:41 - Sleeping
14:56 - Shelter
16:43 - Misc.
Goodluck on your trips this year!! Here are a few tips from the video (it won't let me list them all)
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- buy a small scale & weigh everything, when choosing between items, go with the lighter option
- list your gear on a website like lighterpack.com seeing how everything fits together with the weights will help you to pair things down further
- share your gear list and planned trip on an online forum to see what others might change
- if you are going to spend money on gear, your shelter, backpack, and sleeping bag are the three biggest places to save weight
- Use your phone as your GPS with applications like Farout Guides so that you can leave the heavy electronics and guidebooks at home. Use your phone as your primary camera as well
- trail runners are a better option than boots for 95% of the people watching this. they are lighter weight, more flexible, and dry quicker. Saving you a lot of energy through the day with every ultralight step forwards
- If you spend all day walking, and less time sitting at camp, you can carry less insulating layers because you're using your bodies natural warmth through movement
- pay attention to how much food you're consuming so that maybe next time you can simply bring less
- water is heavy at 2.2lbs per liter. pay attention to maps and upcoming water sources so you don't find yourself carrying too much
- go stoveless! I've been stoveless for 9,000 of my backpacking miles. It's lighter weight, and more efficient. Bonus that you never need to find fuel again
- as you lighten some things you can lighten others. A smaller quilt and shelter will allow you to use a smaller backpack. As you upgrade gear, backpack last
- make sure the weight in your pack is distributed well. I keep my quilt at the bottom, and all of my food, and heavier denser items closer to the middle nearest to my back and physical core
- avoiding hard packed ground at campsites can allow you to bring a thinner and lighter sleeping pad
- sleeping near water, sleeping in valleys, and sleeping at the tops of peaks will make for a colder night than the alternatives
- camping underneath bushes and trees will be warmer than camping in the open
- if a trail isn't known for bugs or bad weather like the desert southwest, consider a tarp instead of a tent
- use a tent that utilizes your trekking poles to set it up, rather than a heavier tent that has it's own poles you have to carry.
- Seek out a shelter in lighter weight fabrics, it will be expensive but if you backpack a lot you can save a lot of weight this way as an investment
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[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! I hope this is helpful, or at least provides some ideas. The majority of these were thought up while looking at my own gear lists, thinking of my past experiences, and what has worked. As always, carry what you want! It is your trip to do as you please and what you enjoy.

[@LRChronic]

Hi! What's the name of the second book please? Thank you

[@JupiterHikes]

@@LRChronic "Trail Life: Ray Jardine's Lightweight Backpacking" formerly known as 'Beyond Backpacking' which is virtually the same book just an older version in black and white. It was first published as 'the pct hikers handbook' I believe. None of these are easy to find but it is without a doubt the greatest resource I have ever seen when it comes to backpacking skills and is worth looking for.

[@LRChronic]

@@JupiterHikes thank you for the reply 🙏 love your videos, keep up the great work

[@BurroGirl]

Jupiter, one hard part about what clothes to bring is the unexpected extreme bouts of weather that occur now due to climate change. It's real. Example: I live close to and hike and ride (horses, donkeys) in the Sierras. The weather used to be somewhat predictable in summer - you just expect afternoon thunderstorms that end fairly quickly. One day ride on my horse in later July, by 10 a.m. the thunderheads were already building (odd) fast, but the storms didn't end until the next day! That is not typical and was not predicted. The temp went down to 40 degrees mid day rapidly, w wind and thunderstorms raging, creeks became raging muddy obstacles between me and my warm truck. Fortunately I packed JUST enough clothes on my horse to survive this assuming I got back to the truck within a couple hours. If I had been headed out to camp, and I went by the typical weather for the area as well as the forecast, I would've been in trouble. Maybe. I don't know, I suppose I could've thrown up my tent and gotten in my sleeping bag and waited it out for 36 or 48 hours. But I'm more inclined to prepare for worse case scenario but maybe my problem is I need to learn exactly how much clothes will keep me warm when having to sleep out w my newest gear. Idk. I just feel I can't trust weather to be "normal" or predictable at all anymore.

[@JupiterHikes]

@@BurroGirl you are very right! I'm places where you can bring less with minimal risk that's great, but if the risk is too high I am all for being safe. Just a matter of assessing the probability in regards to each trip and location. I guess that's why I always speak so much about gathering experience near home, and planning heavily for the trip to come. It's nice to learn on the fly sometimes, but in some cases as you mention can be dangerous to do so.

[@itstonz]

My girlfriend firmly believes that bringing a boyfriend (pack mule) is the best thing for lightening her pack.

[@timothy7497]

I almost wet my pants, but this comment brings up an interesting point. If two people hike together they can share quite a few items of gear lightening both their loads.

[@BurroGirl]

@@timothy7497 and bringing 2 very sweet and funny pack burros makes it all the better!

[@Fiyeroification]

I'm going with someone, and we're sharing a tent, a stove and pot, first aid, a knife, bear bag, and navigation (maps cut up by region along with disassembled guidebook).

[@alessandro519]

She’s right 😂

[@ilovecamping04]

I do this lol

[@VeggieHeather]

My tip would be get in shape. It's miraculous how much getting a little stronger and healthier will make you feel on trail, no matter your pack weight.

[@870Slager]

I've lost 30lbs since 2022 began. Talk about saving weight! that's like 4 of Jupiter's packs!

[@wanglelife]

I second this!

[@Longtack55]

Best exercise for hiking is hiking.

[@GoTellJesusSaves]

💯

[@thegingerbeardman8399]

Agreed, i lost 60 lbs iver the last three yeara and i put each of them back into my pack and gear. Never noticed the difference, and i travel and hike in total confort with my 80lb pack. Its not about the burden, its about your capacity to sboulder it.

[@JohnBeNice]

Little late ot the party but I would like to add to the sleep clothes thing you mentioned. I love this peice of advice you gave, but depending on where you're hiking and for how long, having a wet kit and a dry kit will save you a lot of turmoil. Wear your wet kit during the day, and your dry kit when you sleep to allow your skin time to dry and heal, this will help mitigate things like chaffing, trench foot, sweat rash, and subsequent infections from these injuries. Adding this to your evening routine is also a great way to check for leeches and ticks. Remember, your skin is the largest organ of your body and is your first line of defense against infection, look after it and it'll look after you.

[@squirtdogg]

alternatively you could bring a sleeping bag liner and sleep naked

[@davidward4827]

Obviously ex Military. We did that in the Para’s

[@JohnBeNice]

@@davidward4827 You flatter me good sir. But no I'm a student nurse that enjoys the outdoors and hyper-focuses way to much on learning about these kinds of things.

[@melly1322]

@@squirtdoggnot for me. Especially if you need to get out of your tent/hammock in a hurry!!!

[@brissiAU]

In my area, Tasmania, Australia the brutal environment as far a cold temps and rain you can save weight using 75% of what this vid spoke about, but no way could you SAFELY use light weight wet weather gear, shelter of footwear,our bush just destroys it, if you can get the total weight down to around 12-15kg you are going well for a 7 day walk. Seriously I have lost count the amount of times I been involved in rescues involving overseas traveler who have said I have done this or that walk in USA or Europe and did it carrying 7kg.

[@janefreeman995]

My tip is for women and researching the most suitable backpack design. In general men can carry more weight on their shoulders thus making it easier to go without a hip belt. Women tend to be built to carry more weight on our hips. I hiked half of the pct last summer having fun designing the perfect pack for women and talked with so many women out there who found these backpacks with skinny shoulder straps and minimized hip belts super uncomfortable. We anatomically have a dip (suprascapular notch variation ) in our shoulders where men do not so thinner straps tend to hurt our shoulders. I switched to a Gossamer Gear g420 (for example) and the carrying comfort was night and day and it's still ultralight. They have a very decent hip belt with great pockets (so no need for a fanny pack) and wide shoulder straps .... I am an older woman so I could go 20 miles per day whereas my young friends can go upwards to 30 or more..... This means carrying more food and water for longer than faster hikers. So know that older ladies out there are particularly badass. :D 👊 The atom pack has some good features, the lightest six moons design packs (altho heavier) even have a vest option for shoulders straps if not too busty. ... . There's room for the ultimate ultralight womens pack to be designed. The Osprey makes a 'womens' pack -- lumina but somehow it fit weird on me when I tried it.

[@gypsywind43]

I was wanting the g4-20 but got so bent out of shape when their order thing online rejected my card and my PayPal because I was having it delivered to an address different..I understand the issue but after the emails I thought they could solve it.. tarptent did on my stratosphere li...so I have a used arc haul that will go with me

[@janefreeman995]

@@gypsywind43 oh that's too bad. Mine was actually delivered to the Yosemite NP post office no problem. The arc haul should be great. Enjoy!

[@EspenFrafalne]

I think girls are underestimated... Plenty of girls hike the AT, and go well over 20km every day. 5 days in a row, before they take a single day break..! I once hiked 23km with a 15kg backpack (Osprey Rook 65 - which is very comfortable with heavier loads), and i was very happy i got a ride back home the next day, because my shoulders and hips were so sore that i could barely walk for several days 😅

[@livableincome]

Thanks. This is very useful information.

[@reneetheriault2413]

I appreciate you bringing this up! Most male ultralight youtubers fail to mention this important difference in center of gravity between sexes. (Though I still luv ya, Jupiter! :))

[@richbuilds_com]

Additional tip for repair tape on trecking poles: Roll it round your pole at the depth your waterproof footwear gives out. That way. when fording water, you'll know if it's too deep or not. This has saved me wet feet countless times.

[@johnovegas]

waterproof shoes eventually get wet and take much longer to dry than similar shoe that is not waterproof.

[@niesaforster9945]

This is brilliant.

[@0verfiend]

I think bear spray or a pistol, or a hatchet if in bear country. A black bear charged me and the only th8nk that sopped it was me banging my sheathed hatchet on a tree stump as hard as I could. I tried to be big, wave my arms, yell, stomp and spit. The hatchet shook the stump just enough for it to run away. Three other people 10-20 feet from me never even saw the bear coming. It stopped walking about 30 feet from me. That when it ran towards me. It never stopped and stared.

[@0verfiend]

It may have been bluffing I’ve seen black bears on videos charge people and back off before they get here. They test you. They also jumó up a tree and will star at you in between charges. I have no clue about giant bears is like I’ve see. Them and they are like twice as big. Maybe way more. A moose is the biggest animal I’ve seen.

[@DNGR369]

Why don't your shoes have Goretex lining? Your feet are the most used body part on a trek and wet feet can be a huge issue especially with blisters etc. Healthy happy feet is key.

[@AndrewMiller_andros]

my tip: if you add 1-2lbs of things that help you have a lot more fun, your winning. I use ultra-lite methodologies to make up for the weight of stuff I like to have. As a CPAP user, learning ultra-lite lessons is critical.

[@Nimsrodel]

Get an oral appliance. A cpap is pretty impossible

[@howardpalliser8366]

I have an oral appliance and have never able to get it to do the job. My go to is now bullet proof: A Transcend Mini with 3 P8 batteries and solar charging panel. Not cheap but I get a total of 6 nights out of the batteries and am able to charge on the go by hanging the solar panel off the top of my pack. Of course each battery is 1 lb. And the CPAP is 1 lb. And the hose and mask add almost another lb. , but I can go.

[@wenkev02]

Lose body weight. Losing 60 lbs has been a game changer for me backpacking. I went from 10-15 mile days to 20-25 mile days.

[@ukwarrior89]

Good shit, keep it up chunkster

[@malcolm20091000]

So true. I knew a couple of fanatic bikers who incessantly discussed how to lose 100, 50, 10 grams from their bicycles (at significant cost) while being satisfied with carrying 10-20 pounds of extra fat. (I sincerely confess from experience it is easier to spend money on stuff than to lose weight.)

[@lawrencedefault7059]

Luckily you solve that issue with more hiking!

[@Sonkens]

This. People recommend lightweight gear to me and say "I can belive how you can be arsed carrying such heavy pack and gear..." like bro... I'm 35 kilos overweight I need the exercise and couldn't care less if my tent is 300 grams heavier or not 😄

[@samholder196]

this is the best tip

[@scout06171]

Great video. I’m older and an ex-long range recon scout from military. I’m learning this ultra-lightweight stuff because our packs were typically in excess of 100 pounds. Just one small thing to add: unless you can engage your core muscles at will, don’t cut off your waist belt. Use the belt to press your core (stomach) muscles against to prevent lower back injury.

[@DollyTheLlama]

As someone with lower back issues, I agree fully. When packed properly and straps adjusted, most of the weight should be riding on your hips. When I've got my backpack on, it feels like I've got a back brace on and is more comfortable than most people can imagine.

[@Glove513]

The first that I heard of this was from GruntProof. He said to use the hip belt like a weight lifters belt across the belly button in order to support the spine, at least when carrying heavy loads.

[@tobiasottinger5200]

I don't understand, everyone can engage the core at will I assume?

[@scout06171]

@@tobiasottinger5200 they can, but they don’t. Pressing into one’s waist belt make it easier.

[@tobiasottinger5200]

@@scout06171 right, I'll trust your experience - myself, I do just fine bracing my core without

[@mKoBeats]

"Water is heavy, at 2.2 pounds per liter." Laughs in metric. (1l = 1kg)

[@JupiterHikes]

I can only dream of such simplicity

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

I'll never forget my first hiking trip to the Grand Canyon in 2010. I had an entire camping store in and hanging from my backpack (hey, I'm a city boy from Detroit). I'll never forget the guy on the shuttle from Flagstaff who only had a half pad and a small tarp that he says he just rolls up in under the rocks. His bag weighed nothing and was only half full. He inspired me, especially after I had to hike out of the canyon carrying 80 lbs up the Kaibab trail. I'm happy to say, I keep it under 15 to 30 lbs now depending on how far I'm going.

[@biomorphic]

It's a process. I did the same mistake during a trip to Guatemala. I planned to climb some vulcano and I carried a massive amount of clothes, ended up having a 21 Kg backpack! I soon realised the mistake I made. Immediately after the trip I started to declutter and I got into minimalism. In 2020/2021 I lived in two different countries for 5 months in total. I managed with a single 40 liters bag, carrying around 10 km, including the laptop. I realised I can live everywhere in the world with just the content of a 40 liters dufflepack. I use a layered system, and all my jackets are packable and weight nothing. I am slowly selling all my possessions, and I feel better every time an item is gone.

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

@@biomorphic Haha, my experience also lead me into minimalism. 👍

[@harduphiker]

When I started hiking, all I had was an army rucksack and I actually carried cans, LOL. That was the 90's though. Oddly it feels my pack has gotten heavier despite getting lighter gear and removing a lot of stuff....not sure why. I think it's cos as stuff goes wrong on trips, I feel the need to carry stuff Like I never carried any water filtration til one very bad trip.

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

@@harduphiker Haha, I had canned tuna fish in there too 😂

[@hoss4928]

Jupiter is the UL-goat. When finished with Jupiter's hundred, here are 32 more suggestions: 1) Bivy is both warmer and lighter than a liner - and weather-resistant. 2) Per-gram, extremities gear (hands, feet, head) almost always add more warmth, efficiency, lighter, comfort than core insulation. 3) WaterProof-Breathable (WPB) is a modern miracle and should be the outer layer of most layering systems (e.g. torso, bottoms, gaiters, hands, head, and bivy). 4) Groundsheets with wp-zippers double as ponchos. 4b) WPB rainjackets wet-out, ponchos less so - never had both worn together wet-out. 5) 250lb Spectra fishing line makes a fine (4g w/fastener) poncho belt if windy. (more...) 6) 250lb Spectra fishing line also makes excellent zipper-pulls. 7) A tiny, tiny amount of Blistex chapstick lubricates zippers better than zipper-wax. 8) Extendable 5" plastic mini-utility-knives with break-off blades weigh 7g and stay razor-sharp for years. 9) Amazon sells 5V squirrel-cage fans and USB connectors to make a sub-1oz pad inflator. 10) Velcro NB10000 to a 2.8oz Lixada solar-panel and never have to charge in town again. 11-14) Kam-snaps galore; gloves, bedroll, quilt, hoods, Kam-Snap anything and everything that makes life easier - it saves weight by saving time hiking back for that lost glove or walking off a cliff because a hood was in one's eyes? 15) Heat and bend shepherd's-hooks into closed loops on tent-stakes. Reflective ties instead, or 250lb spectra-line? 16) Double-sided 1/2" velcro weighs less than headlamp headbands and is more comfortable than string alternatives. 17) It also holds gravity water bags to tree-limbs better. 18) Nylofume pack-liner, like bear-cans in Yosemite, should be carried, but not necessarily used while hiking. 19) Bag anything that might leak into the smallest possible Ziplock, then bag together into another larger Ziplock. Like Kam-snaps and Nylofume, it doesn't save much weight, but it sure saves heartache if some chemical leaks onto gear. 20) 2g of MYoG saturated Iodine disinfects (don't forget to dilute in the field). Made from Potasium-Iodide (KI) crystals. 21) 2g food-grade (35%) Hydrogen-Peroxide disinfects (don't forget to dilute in the field). 22) DCF tape is lighter and better than Duck-tape. 23) Tyvek-tape is lighter than most tapes. 24) Blue painter's tape won't get sticky all over one's gear. 25) Tape should be re-wrapped onto McDonald's-style straws cut to length, never on trekking-poles (sry J). Trekking-poles and feet travel twice-as-far as pack (moving both forward and backward with each step). Therefore, keep tapes inside pack. 26) Bidet saves paper weight, but have a little paper just-in-case. 27) Bathroom kit (bidet, paper, trowel) in Ziplock outside pack, in case of emergency situations. 28) Titanium is thinner than aluminum for the same strength and therefore digs better regardless fancy serrations. 29) Serrations only cut hands, never roots. 30) Blue painter's tape trowel-handle edges for comfort-grip. 31) Stow titanium-spoon with tent-stakes. Both are long-pokey metal objects requiring similar packaging/care. 32) Get a polished-bowl titanium spoon; wood/plastic just don't cut it (apologies again J).

[@fotonMNDP]

@Hoss "Trekking-poles and feet travel twice-as-far as pack (moving both forward and backward with each step)." I don't think, that this is correct. Are You trying to say, that when I go 100m , my pack goes only 50m? My feet goes only forward (in air) or stays in place (on ground).

[@francismccabe3265]

@Hoss, l could not find any 2.8oz Lixada solar-panel; they were all 4-5 oz. Where did you get yours, and what model was it. I think it is a fantastic idea.

[@nicknungester920]

for the ultralight fearful, go out for an overnight close to home, in your backyard, or close to your car. take as little as you can and see how it goes. it's good practice and will help you ditch things you may never need.... also, keep notes of what worked and what didn't after your trips so you can avoid over-packing or simply packing the wrong items for that next trip.

[@galehess6676]

check night time temps where you will be traveling, take extra wool

[@csn583]

Be willing to fail and risk being uncomfortable. It's just one night.

[@ctchick05]

yup just did this! 1mile from the car and it was awesome!

[@maaz322]

Interesting how half the logic of ultralight is dumping backup such as batteries or extra toilet paper, relying on flimsy items like plastic bags and spoons, and overall self-endangerment in regard to weather preparation. Sure it probably works on highway trails where everything goes according to plan, but if ur out in the real backcountry and don't have other hikers to save you or lend a spare, you're dead. And when u try to fend off a wild animal with a 1 inch swiss army knife blade, tell me how it goes

[@Senki207]

As a "final" tip, the best items to lighten your pack are experience and physical strength. The right experience allows you to decide which items are worth saving weight on and which aren't, or how other attributes of an item allow you to experience that weight. Getting a backpack that fits you well makes carrying the same weight more comfortable, knowing the terrain and weather allows you to decide which items are absolutely necessary (even if they seem too bulky / heavy) and which aren't. And being stronger / fitter allows you to either carry more weight or carry the same weight further. It's up to you how you use that advantage but having "extra strength" in reserve is always useful for unexpected situations when you need to hike longer to get to the right campsite or off the mountain, carry additional gear (distributing the gear of an injured group member among peers) or hiking the same hike even when conditions have changed (like muddy ground after unexpected rainfall). Also, don't fall victim to fads. Lightening your pack is always a good idea but don't jump on that train solely because you want to be an "ultralighter". Similarly, ergonomic and feature-rich packs like Osprey mountaineering bags are cool and useful but don't get one just because all your friends have one, you don't need an avalanche-airbag pocket or an ice axe carrying system if you're not hiking in terrain that warrants that gear. These are also things that are easier to recognize with experience.

[@rodrigocappato4207]

I understand the purpose of these ultralight stuff, but this should be well balanced with level of experience, by testing what exactly works for you. For a beginner, this needs to be well highlighted. Otherwise, as the UK soldiers use to say: "go light and freeze in the night" :). Nice video and tips! Greetings from the woods in Sweden 🇸🇪

[@JupiterHikes]

I 100% agree! And always try to say multiple times to try things near home, or to try things on shorter trips before ever taking them on something bigger!

[@warlantactical]

For the cold get a set of haley hansen work ware base layers Super light and work great in -27 temperature . I personally have tested the for 5 years in that climate. I have also used them at high elevations and they are the best base layers

[@friarrodneyburnap8680]

He did mention that you have to carry your own pack...you can be as ultralight as you want...for me carrying a light weight 4 season gear base weight is what I aim for...but this isn't for everyone. I was camped out on the Verde River near Sedona Arizona...It was the tail end of March and it was 85 degrees for 3 day's I was their. I trailed up Oak Creek Canyon Sedona Arizona...I was able a mile past the lookout area and set up camp in the woods...I woke up the next day with a whole lot of snow around me...this is why I almost always carry a Ultralight 4 season base weight...if it wasn't for my gear I could have died from exposure...but I was carrying a zero down marmont mummy bag and sleeping in my Black Diamond Mega Light Mid both 4 season gear... Thank you Jesus I was prepared for cold weather...I want from 85 degrees to Winter temperatures...in one day.

[@mtadams2009]

@@friarrodneyburnap8680 I get your point about weather changing but I short trips it’s pretty easy to fairly accurate weather predictions. I normally carry a 20 degree quilt and while it would be cold in it I certainly would not freeze to death. Carrying four season gear year round is a little over the top.

[@Heather-vi7gy]

Definitely; I'm a beginner and I know I still overpack, but I'm going on 1-2 night trips in various weather conditions i've never been in before, so I can accept overpacking as a way to get used to it. I also have a simpler tent to set up that is heavier than ultralight ones (though still under 3 pounds!) because before I bought this tent for my first trip, I had never set up a tent in my life. I'm keeping it simple and a little heavier while keeping stuff carryable until I'm more experienced

[@youtubeviewingaccount3387]

Good video Man! I'm a hiker in Australia, and there isn't a massive amount of videos about conditions there, mostly north America, however your tips are applicable to most hikers here. If you do end up doing some international hikes here, I can recommend the Australian Alps Walking Track as the most picturesque, and probably the most similar to North American conditions. Other great, long distance hikes are the bicentennial national trail, and Heysen trail among others. For any Aussie hikers seeing this video and wondering what applies here, here's a few tips in my experience: 1. For outback hikes, a tarp will almost always do better than a tent. Optimal ventilation, and very very unlikely to encounter bad weather. On the east coast, a lightweight tent is probably a safer bet. 2. Never ditch snake/spiderbite treatment. Go hellbent for leather cutting down ibuprofen etc., but never ever get rid of a proper compression bandage. There are highly venomous snakes and/or spiders in every single part of Australia. 3. Water is easier to find on the east coast than you think. I've never done an east coast hike where I've carried more than 2-3L at a time. 4. Odor proof/animal proof food protection is unessacary. Possums won't get food if you keep it in your tent, and only possums at major campgrounds are game enough to try take it from right next to you if using a tarp. The only possible exception to this is where dingos have become accustomed to humans like on Fraser Island. For most places though, a shopping bag is absolutely fine. 5. Sun protection is more important than close to anywhere else in the world. Long sleeve shirts and broad brimmed hats always, and just enough sunscreen for your face and legs. 6. March flies don't give a rats arse about deet. Leave the deet at home and bring a headnet and long sleeve shirt instead.

[@hair2050]

To 6. Kevlar body armor 🙄.

[@billgreen576]

March flies, whatever they are, on top of everything else makes it sound like hell on Earth. Tell me again why Australia has such a strong anti immigration policy.

[@hair2050]

@@billgreen576 tell me how on earth Australian can simultaneously have anti immigration policies and have one of the highest non native born percentages of their populations on earth? As for the wildlife, March flies are hell but I miner annoyance. Again, if one actually takes a look at statistic and facts one will find that indigenous Australian animals cases minuscule fatalities when compared to all other causes of deaths. At the bottom of the list of death are those caused by animal life of all types and yet again, indigenous wildlife is at the bottom of the list. I haven’t looked recently, but horses typically top the list of deaths and serious injuries in this sector in developed countries. Personally, I am Australian and at 54 have known or known of hundreds of people that have died. Excluding cars, I have known at least a dozen people killed by them, being biggest non natural killer, I know one woman killed by a cow, several bitten by snakes, (they were farmers or working in the bush), none of them died. An uncle of mine was bitten several times, he was probably trying to kill the potentially deadly snakes. He didn’t bother going to hospital, just lay down and rested. Spider bites are not uncommon. I don’t know of a single adverse outcome. Anyway. Go look at the stats. You will find dying of thirst and drowning , introduced animals, cattle horses and dogs, outweigh deaths by indigenous wildlife by at least several hundred to one. There’s just one massive exception to the, little danger rule. If you swim where there are crocodiles you are unlikely to live to talk about it. So guess what. Only tourist, who needless to say never return home, swim with crocs.

[@ktm9292]

I'd agree with most of this but a few of the places I've hiked and camped in Queensland have had warnings about wild boar and rats coming after your food and destroying tents to do so. Probably a good idea idea to check first.

[@hair2050]

@@ktm9292 yer definitely a potential problem. Introduced animals yet again, but the pigs are extremely dangerous if cornered. Which is the overarching truth with almost all wild animal encounters in Australia. If you don’t bother them they don’t bother you. Surprising a venomous snake is the biggest risk. They understandably lash out when they think that they are being attacked. Growing up in the bush it’s second nature to never put any part of your body anywhere you can not see clearly. You don’t have a consciously thing about it so it’s not taxing. The only time I can close to being bitten was as a 12 year old. I was running very quickly across a paddock of very short grass in summer. I didn’t slow down for the fence, with long grass growing up between the wire. I stumbled upon the biggest king brown snake you can imagine. It reared up to my height, but didn’t strike. If it had I would probably have died. If I had been traveling at walking pace the snake would have moved out of my way and I would never have known it was there.

[@nickdannunzio7683]

(As someone that hiked pre-cell) Additional things I use my phone for: compass, flashlight, a signal mirror, entertainment, calculator, weather report, a level, ruler, magnifier, mirror, heart monitor, distance tracker, knot tying guide, altimeter, I use uber to day hike a linier trail (I live near the AT), store / eats finder, I stash money etc. between the cover and phone, even squashed a few bugs with it, and I even used it a phone once...

[@Kerskjee]

You already touched on it a bit when talking about drying out gear, but I'll add a little to it for people looking to hike in wetter, more rainy conditions. It won't show on your scale, but carrying gear or clothes that can't or won't absorb as much water as other items can save you a lot of weight while actually on trail. Dyneema is an obvious example of fabric that can't absorb water, i.e. weight. Another good idea could be to recoat waterproof gear (that will eventually soak through) before a long wet trail. A soaking wet backpack on long rainy days can be a real bummer. Thanks for the great tips!

[@JupiterHikes]

That is a fantastic tip and not something I had considered! Great point

[@Renegade498]

My tip is to focus on comfort only AFTER going as light as you can. The experience of going ultralight will cure you of bringing all the stuff you don't actually need or even want for, but instead you will only then realize what you -actually- want for extra comfort. For me, it was my pack - namely becoming picky about how it carries weight for longer sections. In the end it didn't add much weight to find the right one, but for me that was the comfort item I cared enough about to take on the extra ounce.

[@adriansandry2783]

I have travelled all over the world and trekked in many mountain and wilderness areas. One of the best rules I learned was to only have two sets of clothes:one wet set for use during the day and one dry set for night use. On a typical three week trek I'll take at least one rest day to wash and dry clothes, write up journals, read etc. Same as when I served in the army, where in the field we only had one spare set of clothing.

[@timlois]

Save your spent chapstick tubes, they’re reusable. If you’re someone like me who uses foot balm (e.g., Joshua Tree, Bonnie’s Balms), you can melt a small portion in a double boiler and fill an old chapstick tube. Leave the large jar at home. Works great.

[@JupiterHikes]

Hey that's an awesome idea! I've never considered those

[@bethc229]

Ooo I love this! I’m a sandal hiker and my feet get dry after a few days. I like thick balms so that would work perfect for carrying just enough

[@emileewertman5175]

I'm getting ready for the AZT and use Glide for my feet. I am absolutely going to use this tip. Thanks!!

[@parajared]

I keep my medications in a micro chapstick container

[@uglycooper]

Chapstick with sun protection can be used as sunscreen anywhere on the body, as lotion for chapped hands and lips, and as anti-chafe for more sensitive areas. I saved 3 ounces after swapping out my sun screen and chafe stick for a tiny tube of chapstick.

[@joshstiltner]

Yup. And it works just as well.

[@galehess6676]

also works for toothpaste and deodrant and laundry and dish soap. 0.5 ounce lasts a week if you re-use it

[@user-tj6vi8li6c]

Shirt and hat also work. Even in the desert.

[@johnhutchison2268]

Jupiter my addition is meditation before I go. I think through the emotions I may experience on my solo hike such as self doubt and loneliness. This strengthens my resolve when I walk. Secondly I adopt a One Meal a Day fasting regime for 3 months before I walk focused on low carb which generates ketone which in turn enables me burn my own fat as food. This also gives enhanced energy similar to what our Hunter Gather ancestors would have experienced. This cuts down on the food I need to carry as I can easily go 24 hours without food. I read Ray Jardins book when it was first published this set me on superlite walking. Jardine, you are a modern Ray Jardine and thank you so much for your informative clips. I am still walking long distances in my early 70s and I intend doing this in my nineties by clean living and getting my kit as light as possible.

[@manofthecloth777]

I’m in the PNW and find it difficult to go lighter. The rain can be insane and not stop for literally days. I’ve been caught going too light and it wasn’t fun. Good video and researching your fears instead of packing them is a good idea.

[@emileewertman5175]

I'm PNW also and deal with the rain. Last year, I switched my rain gear to Bellmont which works really well, in my opinion. I saved 8 ounces overall. The only drawback is of course it is less durable. I had a small rip in my pant leg but a chunk of duct tape took care of it until I got home and patched it with a Zpacks tent patch.

[@manofthecloth777]

@@emileewertman5175 thanks for the tip. I've always struggle with rain gear because I sweat kind of easily inside it and get wet from the inside out at that point. And I've had so many types or rain gear just soak through after a ton of rain. Finally switched to an ultralightweight umbrella as long as the wind isn't too bad. Chrome dome umbrella for the win, not really a weight savings though. PNW can be tough!

[@emileewertman5175]

@@manofthecloth777 I have a Six Moons but I’m just not an umbrella person. If you don’t already, Zpacks makes a clip to attach the umbrella to your shoulder strap. Works well and is 5 bucks. Happy hiking!

[@manofthecloth777]

@@emileewertman5175 thanks! I'll check it out.

[@memathews]

PNW also, during spring/summer/fall I've returned to using a poncho like we did years ago. I upgraded to a Six Moon's Gatewood Cape and now my poncho is also my tent. I stay dry all night and all day, my backpack stays drier under the poncho, and I hike drier since there is a front zipper that open for ventilation. I use gaiters to cover my lower pants and boot tops in the colder parts of spring and fall, in summer the trail shoes just get wet and it's warm enough.

[@mrderekbarthow5967]

A wise presentation. Three tips I could add: Use a self filtering water bottle when streams, lakes and tarns are available instead of carrying extra boiled or treated water. Boiling drinking water requires extra fuel so this weight can also be saved by using a filter bottle. Attach your waterbottle to the front of your pack straps. This brings weight forward and you can drink without stopping to remove your pack. Use your phone on aircraft mode with just GPS switched on. You can run your map app and camera and the charge will last 2 to 3 times longer. You may therefore be able to go without a powerbank or take a lighter unit. Only turn off aircraft mode to make a call or check for messages.

[@ano_nym]

Adding to this a bit. Check whether the water is drinkable directly. In e.g. the Swedish mountains you have drinking water directly in the streams. Depending on how bold you are this may work in other places too. A colleague told me he never used any filtration system and have never had any problems, a guy he was with apparently got sick one time though. This may be a dangerous idea if you are hiking in some area with dangerous parasites or something though, so make sure you know beforehand. Have your GPS switch offed, in most cases you probably wont need it, e.g. following a trail, or stream or other natural formation that is easy to see. Bring a map too look at instead, it's much lighter. You can turn the GPS on only at intervals or when you are unsure to double check too if you want.

[@teutates619]

That’s a gamble. Any stream of water can be contaminated with ecolli bacteria that’s in animal waste. But it’s a fun gamble until you hit the jackpot…

[@harduphiker]

@@teutates619 aquitabs and likewise are super light though. People carry heavy filtration systems, but one tablet in 30 minutes can kill all of that, and you can use a tshirt or something to filter crap if it's cloudy. I always carry the purification tablets as backup - and they taste fine, not sure why people complain, it's a bit like a mild Andrews Salts.

[@tobbleboii5988]

also for phones, onviously turn on power saving and disable wifi, bluetooth, nfc and so on. then you can extend battery life even further by keeping your phone unlocked. That way checking the map only takes half the time. put the screen in light mode and greyscale. Adaptive brightness actually draws quite a bit more battery than you would think, so turn that off and adjust your brightness manually

[@frstesiste7670]

To me, often hiking in colder and unstable weather I find sleep clothes to be fairly efficient. It adds some to total weight of course, but not much as it allows for a slightly lighter sleeping bag/quilt, keep it cleaner and is also an extra layer for emergency use.

[@stuminnis4050]

This is my experience as well. A set of very lightweight long underwear helps me sleep better, feel cleaner, and stay warmer. Also, as you said, it makes a great emergency insulating layer.

[@TransTrump]

Yes me too. A thin tight fitting long sleeve tee and a pair of yoga pants. Softens my pack too making a nice pillow spot on my pack.

[@Shrouded_reaper]

100%, I like ditching everything out of the pack and going super light but really cannot compromise on a clean(ish) sleep layer. Sleeping in your hiking clothes is truly disgusting and that's a big something to say coming from a through hiker.

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

Good stuff as usual. I've replaced my travel size toothpaste with the tablets. Lighter, easier to plan how much to bring, less mess and can brush on the move easily. Works for me so far. Thanks for sharing the wisdom!

[@tudyk21]

I've never heard of these! Thanks!❤

[@ninajasmin3535]

Less plastic waste, too! :)

[@VistaVerse]

Plus the added benefit that toothpaste tabs don't freeze in colder climates whereas normal toothpaste does.

[@richardmichael1445]

Great stuff. Lots of useful tips which has helped me look at my kit a bit closer than usual. For me the lighter my load the more I can enjoy my hiking. The Highlands of Scotland are boggy, wet and very cold. A sunnyday can change in an instant becoming a rain fest with strong gusts. This weather can push one into taking a heavy pack with lots of " WHAT IF " extra gear. I'm 54. My pack weighs in at 11kg for a 5 day fully self sufficient hike. I got the low weight mainly by buying the lightweight kit. Very expensive. About £2000. Not being a wealthy person that hurt a little. The benefits though outway the prices. I can enjoy my extreme hiking. My pack never bothers me. My hike doesn't become a march of pain or a challe ge so great I can hardly get up the next day. May I offer one great tip too. No matter what are fitness level may be training, building up stamina and eating healthy foods prior to hitting the trails makes for a lighter experience in so many ways. 😀 Mind and body. Great video.cheers mate. Oxford 🇬🇧

[@rogerc7972]

I use a fanny pack, and it makes a great belt for my polycro ground sheet - wrap it around your waist for a great rain skirt. Fold it over the pack, and with a rain jacket over that I shed water like a duck.

[@luft_hover]

This has been the most informative video after I browse ultralight advises for the last three days. and as Chinese, the language is quite friendly to understand. Thanks!

[@joshuagallardo3326]

Great video! The only thing I would say is that for some of us, the challenge of going as light as possible IS the goal. I personally love the mental puzzle of figuring out how to keep things light, functional/durable, and cheap. And then the adventure of toughing it out on the trail (safely of course). Again, to each their own for sure, but there are those who intentionally deprive themselves of “comfort” to increase our capacity for being able to be comfortable in a wider range of environments i.e. we can adapt and learn to do more with less. Anyway, super solid tips!

[@ckb1137]

Toothpaste really isn't necessary tbh, that might sound taboo but in reality all toothpaste is is grit, peppermint flavoring and if you're lucky flouride. A toothbrush on it's own will do a sufficient job for most purposes. What's more the strong peppermint smell of toothpaste can bring in curious animals from nearby which can mean damage to your gear etc.

[@hikergir01]

Thanks! I am working at lightening mypack. I am almost 60 and refuse to quit just yet, but those hills are getting steeper.

[@JupiterHikes]

I hope the lightened pack will help with that! I always say when the walking is hard, every step forwards is a step I don't have to take back

[@hikergir01]

@@JupiterHikes yes its been helpful to make decisions on what I can replace.

[@memathews]

I lighten my gear every decade, we just have to keep hiking. Started with a plastic tarp, 6-lb sleeping bag and pad, a canvas backpack, and a steel pan and coffee can for cooking. Now it's a lightweight pack, 3-lb sleeping bag and pad, 11 oz tent/poncho, and aluminum pot with stove (fires are mostly out here in the PNW during summer, but still good in winter). I'm wondering what I'll lighten up when I turn 70?

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

i use a lot of these methods. what i do differently is i ALWAYS have dedicated sleep clothes. when it's cooler and your in the rain it's nice to have something dry to sleep in. also it's nice to put clean clothes on after washing up. i use the same sleep pad UNDER my inflatable pad. i could never sleep on just the 1/8" pad, it does double as my sit pad. i use a torso length pad only in warmer weather. when it's cooler the full length pad keeps my feet and calves much warmer. ALWAYS have a hot meal at the end of the day and hot coffee in the morning, tried cold soaking more than a couple of times and it don't work for me.

[@techguy9023]

I use a piece of foam underlayment that goes under laminate flooring as a thin pad under my sleeping pad. It’s about 1/8” thick. I picked it up as scrap. I changed to a pyramid tarp from Luxe - Minipeak. Bought it used on eBay. Floorless with a thin tarp or plastic paint drop cloth. A wool balaclava and base layers for sleeping with sleep socks.

[@danielparsons2859]

I've now learnt that a single setup is not recommended. I have a really solid winter setup, a set up for mild to cold weather and a warm weather setup. These setups each use a different pack, tent, and sleeping system. And the weights vary greatly. I'd suggest multi weight hiking opposed to just ultra light. Sleeping near the sound of water and keeping the cold out require heavier setups and this is a good thing to have. Ultra light setups make walking great distances possible and these type of videos are a terrific resource for people working on establishing an ultra light setup.

[@christophrehse]

I have really grown to love your content. Evocative, informative, light hearted, strong-willed. Great stuff is to be found here.

[@Gremlin4498]

Nice work Jupiter! I use my mosquito head net with a drawstring as my ditty bag (as you Americans call it) because it is a bag made of holes it doesn't trap air and it is a large enough bag that individual items can settle into the nooks and crannies inside my pack to save space whilst still being in the one bag that I can pull out in a moments notice

[@PaulSchortemeyer]

This would never work for me... when you need your head net, it needs to be in a pocket, not buried and full of small stuff. All those things are now scattered and might as well be homeless from the beginning. I use a small freezer bag as a ditty bag, so I can pull it out in any weather and not soak the contents.

[@Gremlin4498]

@@PaulSchortemeyer Fair enough :) I rarely ever use my head net for its intended purpose - probably comes down to my location more than anything.

[@haydenivey8448]

Also, I use it to secure my inflatable pillow to my inflatable sleeping pad. This is my favorite backpacking/camping trick

[@vipgarg8572]

love the minimalist aspect and the alternate use of other items!

[@brumbybailey6599]

A piece of gear, but not one you carry. A dehydrator hugely improved the weight, nutrition and enjoyment of my hiking food!

[@josephhirsch1796]

I really enjoyed all these tips and tricks. You really have been inspiration to lighten my pack. I recently purchased a tarp, bivy, and 40 litter pack. I started off with the name brand packs like Osprey, Dueter, and Gregory. I have slowly been trying out different ultra set ups and I am really excited about my new kit. I feel this is really going to work for me. As for tips, I think you really did a great job covering everything, but less is really more. And you will have more comfortable experience without injury or mishap.

[@CanCanHikes]

Great video! I check most of those boxes. My tip is to bring a small piece of bubble wrap to use as a placemat.

[@nigeljones8202]

Great advice and food for thought. In the UK though our weather is often unsettled so I always carry spare warm layer. Great point about reviewing what is not used on a hike.

[@chrislrob]

This was great. And nothing has done more to reduce my pack weight than WEIGH EVERYTHING and Lighterpack. Seeing everything and its weight laid out has been a game changer.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

I am always looking for lighter weight clothing. I found a midlayer at 7oz versus my 11oz one that I was carrying. Also, I leave all my stuff sacks at home and went to a pack liner which saved some ounces. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain on my old bones. Great video as usual Jupiter! Happy Hiking

[@dutchunlimited]

Thanks for yet another good one Jupiter. I definitely recommend on "analyzing and do not pack your fears" . Combine it with 'there is no shortcut for experience' and it might make tip 102 🙂. Btw, portable bidet and a 15 ml bottle of Dr Bronner's minty soap (hand wash, toothbrush etc.) is a winner too in my book! And yes, practice at home 🙂

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Good work at thinking this through. Always good to get seasoned advice.

[@BarnCatGary]

Thanks Jupiter! Your videos are the most informative and inspiring on the web! Happy Trails

[@honeybower]

Thanks for the video! I was already doing OK, but after recently purchasing Durston's Kakwa40 pack and X-Mid1 tent (I am not ready to sleep under a tarp when every snake we have here is deadly), I have been inspired to continue to cut down on weight and volume further. I have always packed each day's rations together. Each ziplock bag contains my main meal for the evening (home dehydrated), my lunch (crackers and peanut butter or dehydrated hummus, or tuna pouch), plus the next day's breakfast of muesli, dried fruit, and powdered coconut milk (I add water in the morning), snacks, plus the all important coffee bag. I write the weight on each bag, then eat from the heaviest to the lightest. I alternate the snacks - e.g. an extra treat for day 3 - so that I have something special to look forward to. The ziplock bags then become my waste bags, and are shoved to the bottom of my pack.

[@honeybower]

@@happydogg312 So comfortable that I now use it as a day pack - because of the extra pockets and the comfy hip belt. I have also managed to use it for a 3 night walk.

[@TheRodNemisis]

Have never seen anyone use it in the hiking community before, so glad I got to know the tautline hitch knot, it made life so much easier while packrafting, but have also used it to save some weight on my tent :)

[@GreencampRhodie]

Paul Kirtley has good tarp / knot videos.

[@sandyrock8394]

Very nice work. Thanks a lot for the help. Love the calm and open way you explain everything in.

[@Adventure_Spirit]

Since I discovered your channel I can say that some improvements was on my hiking style. Yes, I tested some of your recommendations and all was very useful. Thanks. Keep inspiring us.

[@Ratatrail]

This video is so useful, even as an experienced hiker I founded new tricks to lower my base weight!! Thank you for sharing 😀

[@JupiterHikes]

If nothing else I hoped it would provide a whole ton of ideas for anyone to think about or try!

[@TangoDelta70]

Hands down one of the best videos out there as far as how much is packed in there! My tip would be to echo on considering leaving things behind. I walked the Camino de Santiago in 2019, and prepped for months ahead of time by walking similar paths in similar conditions. My base weight went from around 18 pounds to around 11 when I started the hike. I had another planned for 2020 until Covid changed those plans. I had gotten my base weight down to about 6 for that one. Now I have a base weight a little over 4 pounds to accomplish the same things on the same trails! If I decided to safe money and stealth camp, I could still do it at around 6 pounds, which is amazing! Thanks to you and the books you mentioned, and doing a lot of prep work and trying things out, I have a base weight at a quarter of what I started out with (or even 1/5!). Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!

[@francismccabe3265]

Tim, I would love to see your gear list. Walked 8 caminos and have my base down to 9.5 lbs without the high tech stuff, but always looking to cut it down more

[@oliverchalkley1187]

I would also like to know?

[@TangoDelta70]

@@francismccabe3265 I've been trying to link it here but have been having issues

[@TangoDelta70]

@@oliverchalkley1187 I have been having issues replying here and linking my list

[@trebledog]

By base weight, you mean walking the camino carrying only 6-9 lbs? Or base is the must have stuff and added on are extras, but stillcould do the hike following all the tips from experts and books.

[@iblamesummers]

I have watched this video multiple times & will continue to consult it as a reference in the future, not for the UL perspective per se but solely for the wealth of useful, practical advice.

[@WasatchWill]

So many great tips! Biggest key I think is definitely knowing the environment, terrain, climate and then of course your objectives. E.g. those intending to go fishing will take some fishing gear. Those into photography will take filters, lenses, batteries/chargers, tripod, etc. Obviously shaving weight with many of those other tips will make it easier to carry those extra little luxuries when desired. A long distance thru-hike on the Florida trail vs a week long off-trail leisure trip to some remote alpine lakes will dictate vast differences in appropriate gear and weight. I will add regarding toothpaste, even better than a small travel tube is getting the dry toothpaste tablets available now. Just pack as many as needed and you only have to pack out the small Ziploc pillbag you may use to store them in.

[@TheBahamabob]

I have not used toothpaste at home for years. My Dad never had a cavity in 75 years using tooth powder. I buy a commercial one at Whole Foods but it’s mostly bicarbonate of soda-Arm and Hammer. The tip is that I use a sparing amount of powder each use and it’s powder so compared to paste it’s ultra light. I’d just take some powder and put it in an extremely light little container or even better just one of the tiny plastic bags you demoed. It’s also less messy. Thanks for this very good summary.

[@bangalorebobbel]

Yes tooth powder is absolutely enough for your teeth. And it is also highly suggested for uses like cleaning your pot or extremely dirty equipment or your hands (e.g. if you come in the woods in contact with any resin or so).

[@joeldavid7462]

Great video. I've ditched bringing toothpaste tubes and use "unpaste tooth tabs" instead. Comes in plastic free packaging, saves weight and you know exactly how many tabs you have for a trip.

[@genevajenn1460]

I have never heard of these. I just looked them up and what a great idea! Just ordered some! Thanks for the great tip!

[@robinmaguire6705]

Want to go Ultralight - Pull your teeth out and you don't need toothpaste at ALL!!!

[@jepulis6674]

@@robinmaguire6705 Should not forget to shave all body hair and pull out finger nails either. You save weight and no need for nail clippers either.

[@stormyboy129]

@@jepulis6674 I always shave all my hair and hike with my shoulders pulled inwards to create an aerodynamic effect.

[@fortyoneshades]

Just weighed a travel size tube of toothpaste. 0.6 ounces. Tooth tabs? Seriously? You can get a bit ridiculous with this ultralight stuff.

[@dougbarton]

Thank you very much! I’m an octogenarian, not as strong as I once was, preparing for my first ever trek, and find your advice to be invaluable. I find ultralight to be ultra appealing.

[@brendansaunders6072]

awesome video, I am a part of the group who usually never comments on videos but I appreciate the simplicity and straightforwardness of this video. enough said.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

1. Don’t add a new bit of gear without taking something out. This will help deal with the ‘just in case’ problem. 2. The situation in Northern Europe is very different. Here, you can never have enough waterproofing and keeping stuff in separate dry bags not only helps keep your kit dry but minimises the time your rucksack is open. 3. On a related note, have a system for packing and always keep stuff in the same place. 4. Never use compression sacks as it’s like carrying a rucksack full of rugby balls. 5. A GPS is an aid to navigation not a replacement for it. Carry a paper map and compass and know how to use it. 5. Don’t carry a ‘spare’ set of clothes. Have one minging set you walk in and a separate lightweight set (like silk) to sleep in. Put the minging gear back on the next day. The exception is socks. 6. If you’re walking in wet conditions carry talc or foot powder for your feet. 7. As a luxury carry a small thermos. I use a 0.5 litre Sigg Hot and Cold and it’s excellent. I boil water last thing at night and in the morning this means I can have a hot drink first thing in the morning without leaving my maggot. Then before I set out I boil again and it means that if the weather sets in I can have a hot drink immediately after I set up camp. It sounds like a luxury but it’s a REAL morale booster.

[@sistersageherbs]

I have used turkey bags both to carry out food also great for laundry in town., and keeping gear dry. Super durable and of course they weight almost nothing.

[@lauradonofrioart]

thank you so much for this, I took notes. you are the king of ultralight and I have learned so much from you. I hope more people discover you before they hit the trail long term, you saved me a lot of headache from the beginning that I had seen a lot of beginner backpackers do

[@don.hinton]

Thanks, you've given me some great ideas to consider. I did 1426 miles on the AT back in 2018, but injured my back and had to get off. It still bothers me a bit, but nothing serious. It's just a good reminder to be careful and pay attention. Just retired, so planning on doing the AT again in 2024. I wasn't planning on changing everything, but I needed a new pack, and decided to downsize my tent as well. I did go for a wider, higher r-value sleeping pad, but I figure the better sleep will more that make up for the few extra ounces. Thanks again. I plan to keep watching, so please keep it up...

[@SugarHikes726]

Hey this is a *fantastic* video dude, thanks for taking the time and effort to make it. As an evergreen resource, I hope this gets a zillion views from prospective and veteran thru-hikers in the coming years. I got some good reminders and new tips out of it. Oh, I also use a thinlight as my sleeping pad and people think I'm nuts, but I dunno... that bad boy's .5 R value has always done the trick for me! lol

[@user-sg9kj3mz2o]

Agree with a lot of this… but have to say a good lightweight and reliable knife cannot be overlooked! It is very versatile and should not be minimized as he clearly said it did.

[@jhonyermo]

Hogwash. Malarkey

[@kellynywneing]

Eh I just hiked 600 miles with no knife

[@twalk6164]

Very well done and presented. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@dalerobert6404]

One of the best ultralight videos I have seen. Good Job! Very impressed, also excellent presentation and thought process!

[@samueleide]

Thanks for the tips! I do a lot of fishing. Instead of bringing the whole tackle box I some times only select 3 to 5 lures of various sizes and colors which I know will be good, and they fit in a film canister. That alone saves me perhaps 100-300 grams, depending on the tackle box!

[@user-bt7oe5jj1o]

I like the tip on where to wrap duct tape. Ill be using that one on my trip this spring. One thing I bring in a repair kit is 2 extra long zip ties. They are extremely lite and do a better job than tape in a variety of repairs.

[@nerdbot2085]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing. So nice to see guidance using concepts instead of specific pricy gear. This is super useful.

[@joannecooney7174]

Learn to sew! To start I was adding large pockets to the my back pack straps and making hip belt pockets bigger. Now I've sewn my own UL backpack and tent that are perfect for what I need.

[@Donovanhikes]

Thanks for sharing always enjoy your videos.

[@thesagedwizard]

My sleep system is pretty much a 80% wool blanket these days. Weight wise it's not much lighter than a quilt or sleeping bag, but volumetric-wise, it's much easier to pack and carry. It can be rolled and tucked away or strapped up top. I've also wrapped it around the inside of my pack or worn it as a cape with a blanket pin when it's chilly. Being in Australia, I find I don't need much more than this 95% of the time and if I do, I wear something warmer on top.

[@vikasmalhotra1766]

Great vid, thanks so much for all the tips

[@samanthatheriot8879]

Fantastic tips for a newbie, thank you so much. Ive gone from my first pack 18kg that nearly killed me to 7.5kg. At 5ft and slim, a lighter pack is critical for enjoyment. Thank you very much, very hekpful tips ❤

[@SandCrabNews]

Create your process, improve your process. Bring all you need to get to the next town, carry all you bring. I read the book 'Shibumi' by Trevanian. He mentions Shibumi as meaning "effortless perfection". We can never reach Shibumi, but we must forever strive for it.

[@rickkaylor8554]

Really good video with lots of good advice - especially for beginners. One tip I have: Since I live in southern California water sources are often very shallow. I found that cutting the top off a small water bottle works great as a scoop and weights virtually nothing. It can also cover as a cup if needed. I usually use a Marmot EOS 1p tent which is already light at 2.5 lbs. However, if I don't think there are going to be any bugs, I'll just use the rain fly and the footprint to make a shelter that is about 1lb. Most of my youth in Boy Scouts we never carried tents and just cowboy camped or had tarps if we thought it was going to rain (rare in southern California). It was good training but back then we still carried heavy packs and crappy sleeping bags.

[@kl0an]

I'm crazy when it comes to garage sale season and it's amazing what you can find at them. I picked up one thing that's in my Camelbak Mule (or is it a Mutt) that rides behind the seat of my pickup truck just in case I come across a trail I want to hike on. The neatest thing I found was a small Craftsman AM/fm radio with a flashlight as well as a plug in for a USB cable to charge things up. Oh, it's also got a small colar panel AND a hand crank for when the sun hides from you or you finally stop at night. I've got other goodies in my CamelBak and I don't think I'd ever just beebop down a multi-day trail with just that but, with the water bladder that's part of the pack and lots of small pockets, I keep it loaded with all kinds of different things to at least cover me on an over-night trip. I've got a Garmin GPS (very small) in my pack which I'm not comfortable enough to do without and rely on a cell phone for what it can do. Whether it be deciding which fork to take in a trail or a shortcut back to civilization if the need arises.. I DO have the fork kind of like what you showed but, mine has a spoon on the other end. I think you've made me think about pulling my Camelbak out and checking the inventory to see what else I need to add. Great video..

[@randifriedner]

Thank you. I like the idea of cutting away parts of items that you don't need. Like toothbrush handle. Other than that I'm happy that the decisions I've made in equipment are aligned with what you've said. I have the same quilt, a tent with no poles, and just ordered a smaller, lighter pack!

[@quirkykindalife2948]

Thanks for making this. I've tried a bunch of these out over the years with moderate success. I'd be interested in hearing about your mistakes with ultralight hiking, so I can learn more about what to avoid.

[@JupiterHikes]

that is a great idea though would certainly take a lot of thought!

[@magnarcreed3801]

Yes but I always plan for the worst. Even the best planning can’t account for life. I’ll just workout and get stronger so extra weight doesn’t suck as much. Worked so far!

[@masonkimble2006]

Thanks Jupiter I’ve learned so much from you over the last couple years.

[@TahoeTrailRunner23]

Wonderful video. I have learned an incredible amount from your channel, and it has benefited in many ways with my time outdoors. One small item I have found that I feel is worth sharing is a battery bank with cables built in. The TG90* battery bank is 10,000 MAH with a built in iPhone, micro usb, and usb type-c cord. This item is incredibly lightweight, and having the cords always ready and available is super useful. The cords are quite short, however I have never found an issue with this Thanks again for the video!

[@obiwanjacobi]

Not a weight saving tip, but I use a small rubber band (cut up inner tube of a bicycle) around the lighter to block the 'button' from moving. That ensure that there is no chance the lighter slowly empties when its stuffed into your pack. The rubber band may also be used in case of emergency as a fire starter. Personally I do feel a distinct difference in using an umbrella for the sun vs. having a hat and long sleeves. The umbrella is way cooler and allows you to take off your hat to cool your head a bit.

[@timothy7497]

We all need cooler heads.

[@KENFEDOR22]

Is there a "wearable" umbrella out there or does that enter clown mode? The idea of an umbrella seems logical contrasts with having to hold it.

[@memathews]

@@KENFEDOR22 Use a couple of 1/4" elastic cords to attach the handle and shaft to your pack straps for hands free use in non-windy conditions.

[@stormyboy129]

@@KENFEDOR22 six moons design sells umbrella holders that allow you to strap your umbrella to your pack so you can hike hands free

[@KENFEDOR22]

@@stormyboy129 Thanks! Six Moons looks like the solution for me!

[@lucadibenedetto3653]

Great video, confirmed the experience I have gained over the years. What I found out new for me are the barefoot shoes, which are lighter and healthier. But everyone has to find out for themselves. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@canadafree2087]

Great tips. In Canada you need more clothes, however having a thick layer will either keep you warm or keep you wet with sweat. Better to have several thin layers so you are adjusting by small steps.

[@AlexSharesTheView]

I feel like half of these could get me killed.

[@miguelteixeira1979]

Depending on the weather, Instead of a fleece, use arm warmers and compression calf sleeves and buffs. Besides modular, they can warm you up and even help you recover faster. Epic vídeo.

[@galehess6676]

hmmm. arm warmers and leg warmers.... and neck tube thanks.

[@carbotradingcompany4794]

I have down leg warmers I bought on Amazon. Saves me having pants and much warmer than pants when needed.

[@StewartWilner]

yep, this is excellent. can pair arm sleeves with a vest.

[@radamshome]

This is one of the most useful videos I've ever watched. Thank you.

[@GreenBlindness]

I might not intend on being ultralight but even a few tips can easily minimise a regular backpackers gear and the ethos is great. Thanks Jupiter 🙂

[@Khaleesi_Tess]

This was an awesome video! I'm not an ultralighter or even really an aspiring ultralighter, but there's a lot in here that is helpful for any kind of hiker. This is a wonderful compendium of a lot of tips I've heard in various places, it's great to have it all put together in an organised video like this. I also really appreciate that you're not suggesting there's a 'right' way to be ultralight, as for each individual there will be tips that work better and tips that don't. e.g. I can't go without deet because I have allergies that make insect bites much worse for me (and not only do I have to bring deet but also antihistamine tablets and creams so I'm not miserable when I do get bitten) My weight saving tip that I don't think I've seen anyone mention is that tooth powder is lighter (and easier to source) than travel sized toothpaste. You can make it yourself with a combination of baking soda and xylitol. It's even better if you can source bentonite clay to include but fine without if you can't. The xylitol makes it taste yummy and if you're feeling fancy a single drop or two of foodgrade peppermint flavour gives it that minty fresh feeling.

[@ritahall8148]

My aunt always used baking soda and salt instead of toothpaste or powder.

[@iainrenton7527]

It's not about the weight, it's about the fun. OK, I think doing 20 miles in a day is good going (I'm 58). Hike your own hike and have fun, This ultra-minimalist form of hiking will allow you to hike further in a day, but will it give you more fun? A few comforts on the trail can really help turn a slog into a good experience. Hiking is not about how fast you go, but more about how you feel in this amazing outdoor World. Take your time and look, chances are you will see something you have never seen before.

[@dylanagli1577]

Hi there I’d just like to comment that this is your opinion. If someone wants to be ultra minimalist and count grams, that may be fun for them. There is no singular definitive way to hike. What is fun and what is worth the sacrifice, is different for each individual. If someone doesn’t agree with the idea of minimalist thinking for example cutting a tooth brush, then leave it at that! I myself love having the extra items that are labeled luxury, for example coffee mug, extra pillow, camp clothes etc. To some people it is about their weight. To each their own. 👍🏼

[@iainrenton7527]

@@dylanagli1577 I agree totally, I'm not saying don't do this, just I don't do this and you don't have to either. Weight is important, the more you carry the less distance you will be able to walk. I prefer my comforts.

[@RPGstorm]

He says exactly this at the end of the video

[@jhonyermo]

@@RPGstorm maybe he doesn't want to hear that

[@user-bt7oe5jj1o]

Im only 46 but after all the impact sports Ive done as a young man my body only has 1-2 speeds left whether walking or running. Five pounds either way isnt going to change how fast or far Im going in a day. It will dramaticaly change my attitude though if Im cold/wet/sleep deprived. These tips can be helpful but ultraliting is a young mans game.

[@kan-zee]

This is a super made video... I've been researching only a couple of Thru Hikers who touch in the area of Prepper, survival bugging out. We've been having more SHTF events happen , in the country , from Wild Fires, Droughts, Power Outages, Heat Waves, Floods, Snow Storms, Ice Storms, Tornadoes etc... People are bugging out from homes (fires, looters, flooding) , vehicle accidents & long traffic jams, and flooded out communities with longer poweroutages..., more often than ever , in the past 8 yrs .. Alot of people don't have any to no skills; on bugging out, and the gear needed to be successful on a bug out escape route....ThruHikers have a ton of experience on the obstacles they face, whether it be body conditioning, weather readiness, and tried and true equipment... I beleive that the combination of Survival skills, Bug out prepping , and Thru hiking with a touch of preparedness on homelessness mindset...is the perfect recipe for survival... Thank you for your great organized visual video presentation...super helpful ...

[@sidonieburton2448]

Tip: use a nartow( cut to your body width) piece of Reflectix... tightly rolled as a sleeping pad. Super cheap, readily replaced, moisture barrier, super lightweight, and can also line your pack, inside your pack liner, to pad your back and make your pack more comfortable next to your body. In a survival situation, can be cut up to make boot liners and prevent frostbite. Also, a small piece, 8x10, next to your chest, under your sweater, can keep your core warmer on winter nights.

[@joshstiltner]

Thanks for the great tips. I’ve learned a lot from your experiences and applied them to my own high-mountain trips. I can’t go as ultralight as you, but you have me some ideas that have definitely assisted in lightening my load at 5,000 meters above sea level.

[@JupiterHikes]

jesus that's high, glad I can be of some assistance!

[@shmerelize]

@@JupiterHikes I work on trips as an armed medic, and usually carry a 44 lbs Gregory Baltoro (I have 65 & 75L models), with 3L of water, food, medic gear, 20,000 mAh charger, light fleece, windbreaker/rain jacket, etc. I never have any back trouble, and use hiking sticks, wearing Salomon Quest Element hiking shoes. I never suffer from feet and knee trouble. My thighs, though. Do you think it's doable for me to do the ADT with 33-44 lbs of gear? I'm thinking of doing it in sections, 3 weeks at a time.

[@amyarcher8017]

Thank you for the great tips! That editing must have taken forever, it was fantastic! I like to pack my own dinners into gallon sized bags and just scoop what I want from that. It is a great way to eliminate bully trash.

[@JupiterHikes]

My old counter died so this is all with new software as well! One silly little mess up right in the middle but other than that I'm very happy! Also that is a fantastic tip! Love the less waste and lack of extra bags

[@0808anwar]

yes right, Don Ladigin's UL book is my starting point years ago. Funny illustrations from Mike C is a bonus 😁

[@jennijun]

2nd tip - When I suddenly got my period out of schedule while backpacking (which apparently frequently happens especially when mountaineering w large shift in altitudes), I asked any women I came across for tampons. One mentioned to use a rag (since that's of course an item I backpack with), and her partner exclaimed, "Isn't that why it's called "on the rag?" And that rag saved me for those days. Washed at any clean steam crossing.

[@MrSnation1982]

Excellent video, I cannot add much to this! I cover my skin and ditch the sunscreen and bug spray.

[@anotheryoutuber_]

as a fan of the cold and wet experience, ive found a lot of these to be true but generally i find that weight can absolutely add convenience and safety. going outside is a journey and chasing a number instead of its experience is pretty silly in my opinion, so i make a distinction between minimalism vs ultralight. you definitely need a bit of both to get into really low numbers but i favor heavier gear but less of it. for instance a hot water bottle that a nalgene can produce can really make the difference on an evening thats cooler than expected. maybe its splitting the issue a bit too much but ive got quite a few friends with bags heavier than mine for a given trip with gear that on average weighs half as much. this video is a pretty balanced approach and definitely for people who are information seeking to get their gears turning. keep on inspiring and cant wait to see a video on some gear youve made.

[@JupiterHikes]

I fully agree convenience and safety. I guess in many ways some things do ask the user to have the experience to go without the convenience, or a certain skill to replace an otherwise safer item. It's definitely a trade. Many will find that the convenience and safety wins out, but it's still fun to try other options as occasionally one of them will stick! I do agree with you though and find myself often carrying heavier items because it makes my life better. That's the journey with gear I guess