I Made My Boomer Parents Try Ultralight Backpacking...

Parent's PackWizard Gear List: www.packwizard.com/s/41Jiw3y
👇 PARENT'S GEAR 👇
Outdoor Vitals CS40 Pack: geni.us/OV-CS40
Zpacks Arc Haul Pack: geni.us/ArcHaul
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pads: geni.us/NemoTensor
Decathlon MT900 Sleeping Bag: geni.us/Trek900SleepingBag
EE Enigma Down Quilt: geni.us/enigmadown
Trekology Aluft Plus Pillow: geni.us/TrekologyPlus
Trekology 2.0 Pillow: geni.us/TrekologyPillow
Olicamp Ion Cookset: geni.us/OlicampIonSet
👇 STEPH & JUSTIN'S GEAR 👇
Exped Ultra 5R Pad: geni.us/Exped5R
Rab Ionosphere Pad: geni.us/RabIonosphere
Exped Megapillow: geni.us/MegaPillow
DreamSleeper Pillow: geni.us/DreamSleeper
Decathlon MT900 Sleeping Bag: geni.us/Trek900SleepingBag
Hammock Gear Econo Quilt: geni.us/HGEconoQuilt
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⭐ MY FAVORITE GEAR ⭐
Garmin InReach Mini: geni.us/InReachMini2
Decathlon Down Jacket - geni.us/Trek100DownJacketM
REI Flash 55 Pack: geni.us/Flash55
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt: geni.us/enigmadown
Garmin Fenix Watch: geni.us/FenixWatch
Lanshan 1 Pro Tent: geni.us/Lanshan1Pro
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📷 MY FILMING GEAR 📷
Sony ZV-E1: geni.us/Sony-ZVE1
GoPro Hero 11: geni.us/GoPro11
Insta360 One X3: geni.us/Insta-360
Rode Wireless Mic: geni.us/Rode-Wireless
Komperdell Camera Staff: geni.us/CameraStaff
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CONNECT WITH ME!
Website: justinoutdoors.com
Facebook: / justinoutdoors
Instagram: / justinoutdoors
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This video description includes affiliate links. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Parent's PackWizard Gear List: www.packwizard.com/s/41Jiw3y 👇 PARENT'S GEAR 👇 Outdoor Vitals CS40 Pack: geni.us/OV-CS40 Zpacks Arc Haul Pack: geni.us/ArcHaul Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pads: geni.us/NemoTensor Decathlon MT900 Sleeping Bag: geni.us/Trek900SleepingBag EE Enigma Down Quilt: geni.us/enigmadown Trekology Aluft Plus Pillow: geni.us/TrekologyPlus Trekology 2.0 Pillow: geni.us/TrekologyPillow Olicamp Ion Cookset: geni.us/OlicampIonSet 👇 STEPH & JUSTIN'S GEAR 👇 Exped Ultra 5R Pad: geni.us/Exped5R Rab Ionosphere Pad: geni.us/RabIonosphere Exped Megapillow: geni.us/MegaPillow DreamSleeper Pillow: geni.us/DreamSleeper Decathlon MT900 Sleeping Bag: geni.us/Trek900SleepingBag Hammock Gear Econo Quilt: geni.us/HGEconoQuilt

[@blop507]

Dude, happy birthday! Might be birthday buddies haha

[@fjellbams1]

@JustinOutdoors YOUR TREKING POLE NAME????

[@shawnr6117]

Sleeping bag link isn't working

[@MarsilioStar]

What is Your Gear list?

[@MarsilioStar]

Also What are your thoughts on your Pack Osprey Atmos?

[@Mth308]

You are lucky to still have your parents healthy enough to go out backpacking with you. Enjoy it. Great video

[@PippetWhippet]

@@helpfulcommenter That’s… that’s not how aging works. You have a built in mechanism that stops molecules that your body needs from being created, you can’t “use it” to stop that from happening. It happens. To everyone. The only difference is that it’s genetic so happens in a slightly different order for everyone. But it’s set in stone from the moment your mothers egg was fertilised.

[@browsman2328]

I am in the boomer age range and have a son who is 40 although he doesn’t backpack. But as my Irish priest says, “My son you are not old, you are just gifted with age.” Good vid Justin, happy birthday and to me you are still a kid.

[@deekelley891]

I just joined a hiking club and am looking forward to my first group backpacking trip. Fair play, parents! Great trip and no really serious issues. I’m 66 and am still shocked to be called elderly!

[@SometimesMyself]

My grandmother was hiking the AT well into her 80s, and ultralight was a foreign concept to her. Sturdy stock, that one.

[@leonieheuver2245]

Hi Justin, so nice to meet you and your family on this trip at Little Yoho Campground! Didn’t know it was also your birthday 🎉. Best wishes from the dutchies Edwin and Leonie

[@albertlee9238]

Very blessed to be camping with your folks! Everyone looked happy and healthy.....bravo !

[@cathye.9659]

Hi Justin. My friend Diane and I met you and your family at Laughing falls that weekend. Chilly! Whaleback was stunning. Same day. No Iceline for us either. Next time for sure! Love your videos! 😊

[@DrofJustice]

Great to hear your parents’ comments. The right clothing/layers is clutch. I always plan for colder than expected and getting wet. Extra socks, fleece, beanie, booties, gloves, buff. If my quilt is a bit on the lighter side, I will compensate with a fleece layer. I’ve never regretted carrying a few extra pieces of clothing. Gearing up for a 6-day Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area trip in 12 days, using our ultralight basics to allow for some luxury food and camp gear while still managing the portages. ❤❤❤

[@WeekendsOutsideFL]

I just love this! Amazing views, entertaining banter, and interesting weather. Autumn wastes no time setting in up that far north. I sometimes am concerned that bear spray will be hard to get ahold of fast enough when it is kept in the water bottle pockets on a pack. I am not very flexible to reach back super fast, So I created a duck tape holster for the front strap for my pack so it’s right on my front to reach if I need it instantly.

[@dalezjc]

My wife and I are boomers (68 and 69 respectively) and we backpack quite frequently here in the Colorado mountains. She carries around 25 pounds, and I carry around 30 pounds most of the time. We've thought about going ultra-light, but at this point we'd be sacrificing comfort, and we're not quite their yet. 🙂 We did add ultra-light camp chairs last year, and for us, it was a game-changer to use at camp every night.

[@JustinOutdoors]

That's awesome! Chairs are really nice, especially when there is nothing to sit on at camp. It sounds like you guys are incorporating ultralight philosophy into your gear and packing choices, which is likely resulting in a more comfortable time on trail while still allowing you to have your camp comfort too!

[@ewik939]

I feel like a good piece of wisdom here is: whenever kitting someone else to go outdoors (maybe especially if you yourself is a young, fit guy) - bare in mind that women (like a buddy or girlfriend) and older people (like your parents) tend to run colder and might need those extra layers or warmer items. Can't just go by your own dialed in Lighterpack recipe :) For me, this was clear after a work trip where I (female employee of an outdoor retailer) was invited out to a winter skiing and camping trip by some gear company reps in my country. I was given the same clothing and amount of layers as all the other guests on the trip, including guys. And I spent the 4 days out freezing my BUTT off! Not fun haha. The only time I wasn't cold was when moving during the day or in my sleeping bag at night. All other times - breaks, eating, dinner etc, I was suffering. I would've needed an extra layer or two, maybe a thicker version of down jacket, than the male participants. Luckily I already know the gear itself is great if layered correctly to my needs, but someone else might've thought the brands sucked (which is kinda counter productive when you're trying to rep something) ;)

[@Yomamma100]

Awesome man! Glad you got to experience that with your family, great video and great family 👍🏼

[@JRoss707]

“I think we’re almost at the top though.” Famous last words on the trail lol😂 … 15 switchbacks later….

[@douglasdoucette7352]

Awesome on many levels - that your parents are willing/able to do this (and on video), you have the UL gear to share & make this a reality, & all the fun that happened in the group. My 30-y.o. son & I backpacked together for a couple of years but he left it behind for a new gf who is now his wife. I'm still going strong with many hikes & nights on trail each year. Thanks for the video!

[@frankbecerra6430]

You have the most unique and authentic content in the backpacking space. I always enjoy your videos!

[@carrdoug99]

😂 I love the title.😂 I'm a boomer and have been a minimalist backpacker since the early 70s.😄

[@jpriddle]

Happy birthday, Justin! Love seeing this and your parents are such great sports about being your video subjects and gear testers. Solid insights about helping folks explore ultralight gear and philosophies.

[@douglasdoucette7352]

Beautiful scenery! I LOL'd about the silicone packet misadventures 🤣😂😅

[@1enediyne]

You could think about adding a dyneema tarp when hiking in wet locations.

[@Slow_poke_hiker]

"this side down" one of the best things I have heard this week

[@wisenber]

I'm jealous. Not many backpackers get the opportunity to go with their parents or have parents even capable of doing that. All the gear in the world can't replace that.

[@markforcella3093]

Justin, you have lovely parents, so adorable ❤. So nice you can enjoy hiking together. All the way and I think this is one of your "best" videos, as it shows that (UL) backpacking isn't only for younger people. Keep going - health and safety to you and your family.❤ And btw, belated happy birthday 🎉

[@louspeed1]

Great to see that the 6 of you can all enjoy backpacking together, even if there were some moments of discomfort. Nice family!

[@viscachaventures390]

Great review! Process and criteria are super helpful! The scenery was the best review backdrop ever!

[@DaveOffGrid]

Really cool to see you bring all the parents out on a backpacking trip! I did something similar with a co-worker a couple times this year, one in JTree and the other on Catalina Island. Def agree it helps to have the experience to show them out the gate so they're not struggling with the gear as much.

[@drytool]

You are very creative in finding enlightening ideas for videos. I appreciate it, brother!

[@BluecollarBackpacker]

Great seeing you get out with the folks! Always great content. Entertaining and informative. Keep it up.

[@KrizAkoni]

Very cool hike! Looks like everyone had a great time. Beautiful area!

[@NotYou9311]

I am 62...and initiated a project to get my total pack weight (4 day/3 night trip)...to less than 20 lbs. I succeded. 12.15 lb base weight / 18.5 - 19 lb full load. That includes a BV425 bear can, by the way. It has made a tremendous difference - I feel like I am 25 again, as I head down the trail. I HIGHLY recommend putting in some effort in this direction, especially if over 60 years of age. You won't regret it... at least, I DON'T regret it.

[@aprilatwood4529]

I would love to see your packing list!

[@NotYou9311]

@@aprilatwood4529 Well, OK. That's not too difficult. Here goes : *Base Weight Items* - Osprey Stratos 34 Pack - 6'5" x 10'6" Nylon Tarp - (with cordage and 6 alloy stakes - no stuff sack) - 4' x 9' 2-mil poly ground sheet - SOL heat reflective Emerg. Blanket (for under air mattress) - Nemo Tensor air mattress (wide, regular length) - Polyester Sl. Bag liner - SOL Escape Lite Bivy Bag - 1/2" x 12" x 20" closed cell foam sit pad - BV425 Bear Can - 2 HD Reusable snack size Zip bags (for cold soaking and eating from) - Plastic Spork - 2 x 1- litre Smart Water bottles - 1 x 1.5 litre Platypus water collection bag - Sawyer Squeeze filter & back flush syringe (Std.) - in qt. size ziploc - Hygiene kit: (wet wipes, tooth brush, baking soda, small tube of skin cream, small pack towel) - in a qt. size ziploc - Poop Kit: (half-size paper towels, wet wipes) - in a qt. size ziploc + small plastic trowel - small First Aid Kit - small bottle Bug Repellant - 1 tube Sunscreen - 1 pr. extra Underwear - 1 pr. extra Socks - Rain Jacket (REI) - Rain Pants (REI) - Biolite 350 Headlamp - Phone - Compass & trail map - Money, Keys - Opinel #8 knife - A few homemade Fire Starters + a Bic lighter + Dental Floss & Needle - 2 gal. size ziplocs (for garbage) - 2 or 3 qt. size ziplocs, for personal items, phone, etc. = 12.15 lbs (base weight) I found that, with enough attention to detail...and enough ruthless tweaking...I managed to get to a pretty good base weight without resorting to Dyneema or Goose Down (or any other exotic material) anything. My setup is pretty economical, too ( well less than $500, for the whole kit) Other than food & water & clothing worn, a ball cap, 1 hiking staff... which are NOT included in base weight... that's about it (for 3-season, 3 - 4 day trips). Obviously, for colder - weather trips, more clothes and a warmer sleep system will be included, as well as sometimes a different shelter (so my 12.15 lb base weight will NOT apply then). The various items in my pack which need protection from moisture all reside in various ziploc bags (even my sleep system), so NO pack liner is needed...and I DON'T take the pack cover which came with the pack. As I said, that's about it. Hope it helps.

[@aprilatwood4529]

Thank you!! This is inspiring. :-)

[@mendyviola]

I’m Gen Z. I only have my boomer mother now. Lost my father New Years Day this year from dementia. My mom and I walk around her apartment condo together. She can’t do trails due to neuropathy in her feet from an ages long issue from DVT and severe arthritis in her knees, but she can still do limited stairs. Enjoy this time with them on the trails while you can. When your health goes down hill when you reach a certain age, it does so very quickly. Advice: when you hike with your parents, carry chewable aspirin with you if they aren’t allergic or otherwise are advised to not take it. It’s first aid for heart attacks. I’ve had to give it to a neighbor this year when they had an episode in their front yard this year.

[@hamiltonharper]

Friggin epic waterfall and great idea for a video. Appreciate your content Justin!

[@bradcharlebois7258]

Keep up the amazing work Justin! You are really one of the best sources of hiking advice and gear reviews! Thanks ! What Osprey pack are you using in this video?

[@brholder1]

Happy Belated Birthday 🎉 Spending it on the trail with your loved ones is awesome!!!

[@edwinklaver]

I wouldn't worry about the older folks, pushing through. As an older person myself. You don't get this old with out having to push through a few things. Nice country as well!

[@iamtoast3397]

But did you take out some of the jacket's down to offset the added weight of the repair patch..? 😉

[@obristimagery]

Loved this video! Sending to my Dad to watch. And friends who don't understand too. And LOL on the silica pack!

[@milliex6609]

Thank you for sharing all the good videos and all the advice and tips =)

[@deangerhardt8781]

Great spot! I have taken that loop twice in reverse, once with a friend and once with my wife on the reverse loop - yoho lake first, then through the iceline and around the whaleback. It was my wifes first backpack, and the whaleback was an amazing ridge for a first trip. Funny thing is the second night she tried my large wide ugq quilt and i was told i was never getting it back 🤣🤣🤣

[@Christinevalley77]

Famous last words, Justin, “just about to the top”. Lol

[@michaelcrawford9425]

I love that you were able to have this experience with your parents!

[@beck57]

Beautiful hike!!! Best video ever! Love seeing your parents. Happt birthday!!! Thanks for sharing it w us! 🎂🎉

[@joker2100]

Hey, I was just in Banff last week and did the Iceline Trail. It's cool to see you were in the same area as I was.

[@Rob-Eckert]

Love the format of this video with all the family along! Great job taking care of the boomers, even though I am also a boomer!

[@sheena73kial36]

Its nice to have your parents... only you can do that... more videos with them🎉

[@jasonward808]

Epic views! nice family time! Happy birthday Justin

[@katlw136]

Justin, this was a great video! You're so good with your parents. ❤ May I ask what layers for warmth your mom wished she had brought?

[@unightie]

Rotten luck about the weather. I think your Stephipoo would LOVE the Unightie Justin. If you don’t have time or inclination maybe she would like to try it. Replaces bag liner and night wear, and is always dry because you treat it like your sleeping bag.

[@DarrenYee]

Happy belated birthday Justin, looks like you had a great family experience!

[@biomorphic]

Glad to see you hiking with your parents, really nice.

[@catherinedisnard5371]

Aww thats a beautiful trail, ❤Iceline

[@hobbithikingnz8321]

What a gorgeous location and good fun to go out with your family 😊

[@MsAcreage]

I'm 71 and go to the CO mountains every year backpacking for a week and am trying to get me 40 year old son go with me!

[@mrbgpati]

Beautiful backpacking trip!

[@glenloewen7507]

Great video. Thanks Justin!!!

[@SuperMeiMei]

such wholesome parents! 🥰

[@ropersix]

Met a Boomer out on a four day trip out in the Winds. He had a 44L pack and all the UL gear. Gotta think he enjoys researching and trying new things.

[@wolfoutdoorscanada]

I wish my dad was still around awesome dude good video !

[@kristymoore7052]

Parents are more resilient than you think.

[@jays7318]

This is great. I wish I could've taken my parents on a trip like that. I am curious what rain gear everyone was wearing?

[@niranjames9418]

Thoroughly enjoyed this post Justin

[@filmic1]

What a drag, your poor mom....! (I did that Whaleback route with a group from U. Calgary 1980 I guess.)

[@tarabrand4361]

I can't imagine going under 10 lbs in the Rockies! My baseweight is usually 15-17 lbs. Also it's incredible that your parents are so open minded to trying new things! I hope to be just like them when I'm that age.

[@woodchip2782]

I think that Justin being such a good person, just switched some gear from their packs to his. I would have done it.😊

[@mtadams2009]

I am at about 8 pound base weight and it’s not very difficult but it was expensive. I think people make more out of it and carry way to much crap. Carrying heavy packs is for a weekend but not so good if your trying to hike a three hundred miles or more.

[@vaidahick1703]

@@woodchip2782NOPE

[@Colby168]

Getting the Arch Haul for Christmas. Just can’t decide between the 60L or 70L and there’s no good comparison reviews.

[@Colby168]

Great video. I have 4 nemo pads. I can’t understand why people can’t figure out the plug. It has 2 tabs. You hold one down and gently pull the other up to separate them to be able to access one way fill valve.

[@willek1335]

Some are just mechanically better gifted than others. I easily solve puzzles on the fly and great working with my hands, but my brother struggle. Individuals are just different, and they often have other skills we don't.

[@Adam-oy7lj]

I think its awesome you hike with your parents. I can only imagine how special that must be. Mine are so old and out of shape they couldn't dream of it. You are certainly blessed. But ultralight backpacking is dumb IMO. I carry 30-35 lbs regularly and still hike faster than most ultralight hikers. And I have all the nice luxuries that ultralighters have to sacrifice, my gear is more durable, and lasts much longer. But the silliest part of it is the whole competition it becomes to brag about who cut their weight the most. Its not the badge of honor you think it is. I'll gladly take the comfort of the camping luxuries I carry with me over saving weight unecessarily.

[@kevinludwig1873]

Love this video. Fun stuff

[@miriballet2668]

Hi Justin What do you do with the gear that you don’t use all the time?

[@derekhand7904]

Im taking my dad on a backpacking trip this spring I’m trying to talk him in to using my light gear but he’s pretty insistent on using his old gear.

[@andreameigs1261]

Eating a silica gel packet here and there won't hurt you, but there was a guy who ate a whole bowl of them and went to the hospital...it's on chubbyemu's channel that talks about reckless people (generally 21 year old males) who do reckless things and end up in real medical trouble.

[@SpiritedTherapy]

Not the duvet😅😅😅 they are so cuteeee lol

[@srmilk4495]

I saw where you get your dance moves!

[@Tyler-pc4wg]

Malcolm loves silica!

[@CristianBodnari]

This was a great video. Ultra light does seem to be quite the sufferfest.

[@mtadams2009]

I think it’s a misnomer that you can’t be very comfortable and safe with UL gear. I do a lot of long distance trips and I love my Zpacks kit. Base weight of under 8 pounds. Hell I could carry one of those crazy heavy pads and one of those chairs you love and still be about 10 pounds. Zpacks makes a tent under 20 oz. that will handle two 25 inch pads. I am a boomer but I gave up carrying heavy gear some time ago. Most boomers I meet that are doing long distance trips are all into DCF. For colder temps I do bring down pants and booties to sleep in. This looked like a beautiful location for a wonderful family trip.

[@BrentSSI]

Happy belated birthday Justin

[@adventurebythemile]

Ultra-lite equipment is so expensive. And I don’t understand why. Some heavier equipment is made better. Love your videos, I want to visit Canada really bad!

[@JoshM11]

I'm assuming the cost of material. Plus all the research and development that goes into it. I don't think most people think about that. There's a lot of trial and error in making anything.

[@Tanner731]

I always push people to pack warmer layers than I would pack for myself, a warmer thicker down jacket isn't a huge weight penalty

[@OutdoorGearJunkie]

Hi I like your Videos! Nice idea to bring your parents with you. May I ask you what trekking poles you are using?

[@natea1042]

Komperdell camera staff

[@OutdoorGearJunkie]

@@natea1042 Great, thank you!

[@davidcooper8390]

Justin, what Osprey pack where you carrying for this trip?

[@milliex6609]

You guys forgot to add what tent Steph and Justin used? Do you have a link to it so one can buy it?=)

[@Nhkg17]

It can't be that hard. ;-) I'm over 40 years old, have never slept in a tent and in 3 weeks I'm going on my first 4 day trek with tent and I am going solo. The base weight of backpack will be less than 4kg.

[@wildeone1636]

Happy birthday 🎉🥳🎂

[@paulahavens2764]

I noticed that your parents did not have any problems with their feet. What shoes did they wear, and what socks did they wear. thanks you have great videos.

[@JustinOutdoors]

They both use Hoka Speedgoats. I'm not sure what socks though. (I'm sure my mom will see this comment and reply though)

[@vaidahick1703]

😊I wore injinji toe socks and Steve thinks he wore darn tough socks. We love our Hoka speedgoat 5’s.

[@paulahavens2764]

Thanks for your reply it was great to see seniors enjoying the out doors by hiking and being with your family.@@vaidahick1703

[@essmac3453]

@justinoutdoors Hey, what waterproof jackets are you wearing? I always sweat tonnes In Waterproof jackets. What are your recommendations on finding a good waterproof jacket? 👍🏽

[@nategilka4386]

I can’t get my parents to go to the park let alone backpacking with me.. 😅

[@AlexisZenios]

What were they using to store the wine?

[@AlexisZenios]

Its a Platypus Platy Preserve 800ml

[@millerhoo]

Durston has confirmed the xmid 2+ coming in Oct on Reddit.

[@averyvan93]

@justinoutdoors have you ever hiked in the bugaboos ?

[@25gang24]

You go Justin

[@shawnsears7590]

I think I would have picked days with better weather if my parents were going.

[@JustinOutdoors]

They flew in from across the country and I, unfortunately, don't have that level of control over the weather... yet

[@SometimesMyself]

Aw, man. Your parents’ rain gear needs a refresh.

[@truepaulesko]

Hahaha there are rumors they say... look at the rumours over there 😂

[@kathycare8009]

You’re lucky you didn’t get grounded after that. Hehe.

[@hamiltonharper]

Parents. Eating silica packets like it's Tide pods

[@jayforr6964]

Where about are you hiking?

[@mdog1615]

A couple of feet of silver duct tape wrapped around a bic lighter would’ve given you the stuff needed to take care of that ripped jacket no problems at all.

[@somerandomguy706]

Wait, you're 37!?!? Good on you.

[@kristenmurphy4122]

My father is a butthead. You are blessed. 🙂

[@mobius9818]

you such a meanie> I, also, am a boomer. Sigh.