Lighten the Heaviest Thing in Your Pack!

Ultralight gear can be EXPENSIVE! But you don't have to spend a fortune to save weight. In this video we'll talk about one of the easiest ways to save weight in your pack without buying any new gear, cutting things in half, or leaving anything at home. I was surprised to learn that one of the heaviest things in my pack was actually my food! The solution definitely isn't to starve yourself or take disgusting food just because it has more calories. All you have to do is look carefully at how much your food weighs and how many calories it provides. This video will compare two menus for a 2 night trip. The lighter one saves well over a pound of weight AND is more delicious (in my opinion). If you're trip is even longer, you'll save even more weight.
In my search for delicious and calorically dense foods, I came across an awesome video by ‪@GearSkeptic‬ where he goes into a TON of detail on this topic. I HIGHLY recommend that video. I've been working on making my food lighter (and planning this video) for a while now, so these thoughts are my own. But I have to give Gear Skeptic credit for introducing me to some of the foods in this video including the Paleo Bars, ProCrunch Bars, and Nature Valley Wafer Bars.
You should check out his video here: • Defining "Ultralight" ...
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Jeff Andersen
25050 Riding Plaza
Suite 130-208
South Riding, VA 20152
🔖Bookmarks🔖
0:00 Intro
How Much Can it Cost to Save Weight
1:22 Where You Might Be Able to Save the Most Weight
2:39 Tell me a food you took that was gross
2:52 Day 1 Menu Comparison
4:27 Day 2 Menu Comparison
6:32 Day 3 Menu Comparison
7:38 What are the total calories and weight savings for the entire trip?
8:33 But how much is this going to cost??
9:03 Weighing both of the menus to confirm total weight savings
😋Food List with Links Where Needed😋
Day 1:
-Paleo Bars (Costco): www.costco.com/universal-bake...
-Paleo Bars (Amazon): amzn.to/3C7vegf
-Honey Stinger Waffles: amzn.to/3HzqzoD
-Raspberry Buzz Tailwind: amzn.to/3hw9AJk
-Delicious Peak Refuel #1: amzn.to/3C2sfWz
Day 2:
-Julie’s Real Granola: www.juliesreal.com/collection...
-Hot Chocolate: This is just local grocery store brand
-PB Wafer Bar (Amazon): amzn.to/3puuLzD (you can find these at Walmart and Target, and they are almost half the price compared to Amazon!)
-Honey Stinger Waffle: amzn.to/3ID3zX2
-Pro Crunch Vanilla Bar: amzn.to/3MdaSqF (also cheaper at Walmart & Target!)
-PB M&Ms: nuf said
-Raspberry Buzz Tailwind: amzn.to/3hw9AJk
-Delicious Peak Refuel #2: amzn.to/3hr6jLa
Day 3:
-Julie’s Real Granola: www.juliesreal.com/collection...
-Hot Chocolate: This is just local grocery store brand
-Paleo Bar (links above)
-Honey Stinger Waffle: amzn.to/3ID3zX2
-Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter: amzn.to/35dUOo4
-Raspberry Buzz Tailwind: amzn.to/3hw9AJk
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[@nevereverend]

Curious what the macro nutrient breakdown is between the two menus.

[@DoseofDirt]

I'm glad someone asked! I thought about including it in the video but it was already a little long and wasn't sure anyone cared. 😂 You'll see that a big change is fewer carbs and more fat in the lighter menu (which makes sense because 1 gram of fat has 9 calories and 1 gram of carb or protein only has 4 calories). For me I've found that subbing some of my carbs out for fats actually gives me better sustained energy rather than the dreaded crash/spike cycle I can get in with carb rich foods. Here's the breakdown: Original Menu: 1⃣Day 1: -Weight = 282 grams -Calories = 1,310 -Fat = 23 grams -Carbs = 200 grams -Protein = 28 grams -Cost = $12.93 2⃣Day 2: -Weight = 771.7 grams -Calories = 2,850 -Fat = 71 grams -Carbs = 411 grams -Protein = 92 grams -Cost = $24.10 3⃣Day 3: -Weight = 404 grams -Calories = 1,370 -Fat = 21.5 grams -Carbs = 236 grams -Protein = 38 grams -Cost = $5.35 ORIGINAL MENU TOTAL: -Weight = 1,457.7 grams (51.42 ounces) -Calories = 5,530 -Fat = 115.5 grams -Carbs = 847 grams -Protein = 158 grams -Cost = $42.48 Lighter Menu: 1⃣Day 1: -Weight = 228.25 grams -Calories = 1,390 -Fat = 73 grams -Carbs = 107.75 grams -Protein = 60 grams -Cost = $15.72 2⃣Day 2: -Weight = 466 grams -Calories = 2,680 -Fat = 155 grams -Carbs = 219 grams -Protein = 91 grams -Cost = $23.32 3⃣Day 3: -Weight = 239 grams -Calories = 1,460 -Fat = 106 grams -Carbs = 110 grams -Protein = 25 grams -Cost = $7.82 LIGHTER MENU TOTAL: -Weight = 933.25 grams (32.92 ounces) -Calories = 5,530 -Fat = 334 grams -Carbs = 436.75 grams -Protein = 176 grams -Cost = $42.48 I tried to triple check the numbers, but if something looks off let me know!

[@nevereverend]

@@DoseofDirt gives me a good idea of the breakdown. my biggest concern was seeing how protein grams shifted within the three day period and how it differed between the original and the lighter menus. I was surprised to see the lighter menu increased protein intake in that regard, considering the removal of tuna pouches and the like. Then i recalled you added a few high protein supplement bars. Now i guess my only question is the difference in menus when coming out. Maybe a little gross, but still an important reality to consider when tweaking a menu.

[@nevereverend]

@@DoseofDirt Also thanks for turning me on to Peak Refuel as a brand. They look like a better option overall.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@nevereverend Yes, I tried to keep the protein the same and just shift calories from carbs to fats. Love the question about how things come out! 🤣💩 These are the things we need to talk about! 🤣💩 For me it doesn't seem to be an issue on 2-3 days trips, but I can see it being one if the trip was 5 days+. I'm planning my food for a 8-10 day trip in August and planning to take more fiber (chai and flax seed) to help things go more..."smoothly"... I'm also toying with the idea of making a sort of DIY recovery drink with protein powder, ground chai/flax seed and a few other things. I'd buy one but they are flipping expensive. If you're sold on the tuna and salmon packets, you can still get more calorically dense by getting the tuna and salmon that's packed in oil. Those things are loaded with calories and then you still get your natural protein. And I think you can also get a lot of protein in the peak refuel meals if you pick the right ones. Sorry, long reply, but glad I'm not the only one who things seriously about my macros when I'm out there!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@nevereverend Couldn't agree more! I was turned onto them from my buddy Tim at Backpacking with Buckley. They are seriously delicious!

[@garrycollins3415]

Good video. The down side for me is most of my trips are full water carries. That's when the heavier food that doesn't require rehydrating is easier. When there's a lot of water sources, yeah, I go very light.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Garry! That's a really excellent point. I think all of my backpacking trips have had water at least every 15-20 miles, so even if I didn't pass water during the day I camp near it at night so I can camel up, cook dinner, and load up the the bottles for the next day. Maybe I'll try to do the same but without any food that requires rehydrating. In this menu it's just the Peak Refuels (could eat the granola dry) but I'll have to find a dry trip friendly substitute. Also have to factor in that drier foods are going to make me more thirsty (like the wafer bars). Thanks for the comment! Given me some things to think about!

[@muskadobbit]

Smart and yummy. That’s a win. And I’m with you on the HS waffle-too good to leave out.

[@DoseofDirt]

Those waffles are DELISH right?!

[@tomad4051]

Lotsa work, lotsa Appreciations !👍🏻! Well Done, Dude 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@movemorenowjames]

Just been geeking out on the lanshan !! Perfect timing for this vid ….

[@DoseofDirt]

Nice! Yes, the Lanshan Pro 1 is an awesome option! I actually have one in the mail on the way to me right now (takes a bit coming from AliExpress). Hoping it gets here next week! Plan to use it for some long backpacking trips as well as hopefully some fastpacking! Thanks, James!

[@damarissanchez9040]

Love the new intro & theme music to ur videos!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Damaris! Truly appreciate all your support!

[@Chris-ov4zc]

Great video! I agree on the MountainHouse scrambled eggs being garbage; I would say the same for the MH breakfast scramble. MH biscuits and gravy are awesome though! I often schedule lunch around somewhere I want to spend some time (an overlook, waterfall, etc), so I'd rather take an enjoyable lunch that I can spread out for, as opposed to just focusing on calories and weight. Tuna salad and crackers is one of my favorites. I understand that others may feel differently, especially if you need to crush miles to get somewhere. Another thing to consider is if you are dry camping - you lose some of the benefits of freeze dried food, if you have to carry extra water to rehydrate it. I backpack with my dog a lot (I think you do as well??), and her food often weighs nearly as much as mine does. Any thoughts on backbacking dog food? I've never heard anyone talk about this.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Chris! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has loathed the MH egg experience! 😆 I like the idea of scheduling lunch somewhere you want to hang out for a bit! Now that I'm on the East cost I'm realizing there are a lot more waterfalls where I might want to take a break for lunch! Sometimes I need to be reminded to 'stop and smell the roses'. I hear you on the dog food! It can be SO heavy, especially if your dog is big! The lightest I've found that my dogs like is actually air dried food from Real Meat Dog Food. It's a little pricier than standard food but seems to be lighter than a lot of kibbles. And my dogs LOVE it. If you're thinking about getting this or something similar, I'll tell you that I got it once from Amazon and it was spoiled. I've had better luck ordering directly from the company website. Been meaning to do another video with the huskies on a trip. I'll see if I can work that in! Thanks so much for watching!

[@tomad4051]

Your dog doesn’t have it’s own dog pack. 🤔🥹😿

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Brilliant video! I love these suggestions.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you sir! Trying to keep it tasty and light! Thanks for watching!

[@jilmiofficial3511]

L55 Great video my friend! Good job! Thank you so much for sharing💕💕💕💕

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks for watching!

[@yahusrevus]

I''ll be checking labels on your recommendations soon! I'm hypoglycemic. My blood sugar drops dangerously low (I'm talking into the low 50s nearly passing out) within 20-30 minutes of eating more than ~10-15 grams of sugar in a sitting unless is properly tapered or chased with enough protein to keep me stable. So, food is always crazy struggle for me even in daily life. Obviously, if I'm hiking/active I can get away with a bit more carbs/sugar as I'm actively burning it. But, I still typically avoid sugar altogether. Fresh fruit (fructose) is a lot better for keeping me stable and fueled, but that's hard to pack. 😒

[@DoseofDirt]

Interesting! That would definitely make it super hard to pack the right food but still keep it fairly light. I love fresh fruit on the trail! But like you said, super heavy and just not practical.

[@yahusrevus]

It is what it is. I'm just so thankful to be getting back into backpacking/hiking/outdoors after ~10 years away and soaking up content like a sponge. The Peak ReFuel meals are definitely on my top list to check out as I've seen them on ~3 different channels now. For now, fruit will remain my "sweets". Thanks AGAIN so much for this channel (and sorry for typing too much LOL).

[@DoseofDirt]

@@yahusrevus No apology necessary! Ya, the Peak Refuel meals are delish!

[@chrislrob]

This was great!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Chris! Much appreciated!

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Very good video. Thanks.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

I'm glad you didn't say I had to get rid of my dog to lose weight.

[@DoseofDirt]

😆😆😆 NEVER! Now that I'm in VA, I'm trying to get over the thought of my two dogs being tick magnets as we hike and bringing them all into the tent at night. ugh Kya is easy with her shorter white fur, but Luna has long thick black fur. Have to figure that out!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Great advice! Love Peak Refuel as it tastes great, has lots of protein and requires less water to rehydrate. No need to pack your fears when prepping for a trip. Slim it down to the basics and you should be fine. Cheers

[@MetroOnTheMove]

tailwind is serious too! That stuff will put some pep in your step!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@MetroOnTheMove Yessir! More than once I've been on a hike with a friend that was struggling with energy and then I gave them some tailwind and their day turned around. Not sure how they do it, but I like it!

[@DaveOffGrid]

Nice video Jeff! Interesting topic! I've heard Tayson at OV talk about this recently as well. Def a great way to lighten the total weight load. Would be interested if you could do something similar for base weight! Challenge throw down! 😂 I plan on doing more food videos in the future as well. It's an ongoing and ever changing subject that's really interesting!

[@DoseofDirt]

Haha! I saw OV uploaded a video and consciously made sure I didn't watch it because I didn't want to be influenced by it as i was preparing my video. Maybe I'll go give it a watch now. I've thought about trying to do something similar with base weight, but seems hard to do without buying anything, cutting anything in half, or leaving anything at home. 😆

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@DoseofDirt Haha so true! OV's video was def not as in depth as yours so you're safe there!

[@arnoldestrada8583]

I seen those Greenbelly Meal2Go bars. That can replace breakfast n lunch n have a peak refuel for dinner. I haven't tried them yet. Does catch my attention

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Arnold! Yes, I've seen those as well. maybe I'll order some and check them out. The other thing I was consider is something called a 'Keto Brick'. It's a bar that has A THOUSAND calories. Super weight efficient, but not sure how something called a 'keto brick' would taste... 😆 Thanks for watching!

[@elr05]

Got here from MyLifeOutdoors. Great content!

[@kewsoner7924]

Beside from the army, I never tried proseced food on hikes before. I always make my own granola bars, you can add what ever you want, so your favorite nuts and what ever dried fruit you desire. My breakfast is always porridge with almonds and raisins. My lunch contains of really dence ryebread and and some conserved fish or leverpate, non of it contains anything unnatural. And for dinner red lentils soup that I add different weeds I can find(I only hike in Scandinavia so I know what I can eat), and with my soup I always have dried meat of somekind, or if lucky a fish I caught. I always bring alot of spices. And a small bottle of oil. But I notice it seems like your are hiking for different reasons and in another pace in the US, atleast that what ir looks like when I watch all of you guys videos.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hiking with you sounds like it would be delicious!!! I honestly would like to try some lower mileage trips where I cook up some real food and just sit at camp and enjoy it. It shouldn’t always be about going light and fast! Thanks for sharing!

[@kewsoner7924]

@@DoseofDirt well I do longer hikes in this way, but I'm never moving fast, and I never set a goal for the day, I just walk and when I find at cool place to camp I set up camp. So if I say I go from a to b and it should take 4 days, I'll give myself 7 days, then I can stroll around, pick blants and berry's, maybe take a couple of hours off here and there and do some fishing. We all do things differently and I guess the is no right or wrong way. Personally for me it only about relaxing and getting away from all the everyday stress. Ps if anyone plans to cook lentils, it can only be done over a bonfire, because it takes around 40 min to cook, but they are super high on protein 28gr per 100gr. And extremely healthy.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@kewsoner7924 Sounds like a great way to enjoy this beautiful planet! Like you said, no wrong way, just the way that works for the wanderer. I definitely want to try the lentil soup. I would guess lentils are pretty light (and super nutritious, like you said!).

[@kewsoner7924]

@@DoseofDirt for me it's the only way, but I guess I'm extremely Scandinavia, we have a tendency to take it really easy. Lentils are light with a high nutrious value. In huge areas of the world, it is peoples main diet, and it's cheap. Look up recepice for Indian dal, you can skip alot of the fresh stuff and come up with replacements, an easy way is always to add stinging neddels or other leafy tasting eatable plans. And replace the tomatoes with natural tomato pure and the onions with a half teaspoon of sugar. It gives a satisfying feel knowing your cooperated with nature to get your belly full, well knowing that's how we did it for 10000's of years, sitting around the fire cooking what you gathered on your way. I also pick mushrooms when the time is there for it, BUT I WILL NOT RECOMMEND IT! You really have to know what you are doing, and I have a strict rule, if you are not 1000% sure, you don't touch it, NEVER. those things can kill you, or get you so high you will get lost in your 5 hours paranoid phycadellic high, not understanding what's going on, it have happened. But thanks for your content, honestly I don't know why I'm watching your content, I have all the gear I need with different setups. But I find it relaxing to listen to, while working. So thanks for great listening. But always bring spices, if you get in serious problems, trust me a worm taste better with garlic powder!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@kewsoner7924 I love the feeling of getting back to the roots of cooperating with nature. I think that's why I love backpacking so much. It reminds me that this planet isn't something to subdue, use up, or build on, but instead something to be a part of and encompassed by. Thanks so much for your kind wards! Truly appreciated!

[@terrivelazquez4974]

Love this video and I am looking for more like it! If anyone else is looking, I did see a few really helpful videos on this subject by GearSkeptic on KZbin. He even has spreadsheets available so you can build your menu. Pretty awesome 🙌🏻

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

What a clickable title dude! Great video and creative idea!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks dude!!

[@Doc_Watson]

I've found Peak Refuel & Stingers at a local discount sports chain. Helps drops the price.

[@DoseofDirt]

NICE! Ya, the Peak Refuels are by far the most expensive part of this menu. But I figured if I'm counting cost by calorie, they are probably cheaper than mountain house since the PR typically have a lot more calories! I'd be interested to know what your favorite PR meals are. So far I love the chicken alfredo pasta, chicken coconut curry, and the biscuits and gravy (seriously so dang good!).

[@scentybeast9531]

Fair dues man! Even ultralight people rarely talk about this topic. Btw adding a 2 tbsp of coconut oil to your meal will add a little under 250 calories. And also cocoa butter ‘drops’ best are 900 kcal / 100 gram. Per 100 grams carbs are 400kcal proteins 400kcal and pure fat is 900 kcal. More fat / keto is more ultralight. I’ve heard climbers taking lard with them back 50+ years ago too …it’s in the blood of our outdoor ancestors :-)

[@DoseofDirt]

Wow! I've used coconut oil before (nice because it's self stable) but lard is taking it to a whole new level! I haven't heard of cocoa butter drops, so I'm definitely going to look into those! Thanks for your comment!

[@scentybeast9531]

​@@DoseofDirt See you on the trail - we’ll both be chompin’ down lard bars lol. Actually cocoa butter’s good cos you can portion it well and unlike coconut oil and olive oil, it stays solid - no mess. Something else I learned is that carbs and proteins freezedry but fat doesn’t so most freezedried meals are sub optimal cos they’re artificially reduced in fat. Is my math right here - 150 g cocoa/fat yields 1350 kcal allowing you remove 337.5g of carbs, so the original 933.25 could be 595.75g. Super ultralight meals :-p Oh, remembering now that chia seed pudding is another. Soaked in coconut oil, it absorbs fat like crazy… easy breakfast solution.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@scentybeast9531 I feel like an idiot, but the only cocoa butter drops I can find say they are for skin care. Where are you getting this stuff??? And ya, Chia seeds are excellent as well. I've started working on my own breakfast granola mix that has a little oats, chai seed, flax seed, almonds, and powdered cream. I swear chai seeds are like magic energy/recovery food!

[@scentybeast9531]

​@@DoseofDirt Yeah they’re pretty awesome. I’m mostly doing keto/paleo but that gets a bit too complex in the backcountry. That mix sounds like the ticket, don’t mind me some oats. Flax is estrogenic though, i avoid. But wait you do oats with chia? I’ve never had that. Haha thats funny. Yeh they use it for beauty too. Safe to eat though, exact same stuff they use to make chocolate. Cocoa butter + Cocoa powder + sugar + milk = chocolate. It comes in ‘nibs’ or ‘buttons’ or wafers’ to make it easier to cook with and melt. You’ll have some luck typing “cocoa butter wafers” and go for a 1kg bag which is 2 pounds or so. They make keto bars with loads of stuff in them kind of like a fat ‘flapjack’ type thing. But I mostly just like them as they are. Clean, direct fuel that doesn’t do the damage sugar does. See how you like it. Maybe 50 or 100g a day works on active days. Let me know how you get on!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@scentybeast9531 NICE! I found some thanks to your help! These will be a great addition to some other things. Definitely going to order some and start trying them out. Thanks a million!

[@larrysheedy4293]

Interesting. What is the tailwind (?) you mentioned?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Larry! It's an electrolyte drink that I like to use when hiking/backpacking long distances, trail running, or mountain biking. Good electrolytes and some flavors have a kick of caffeine. Here's a link to their website: tailwindnutrition.com/

[@Frank020]

Hi, nature hike cloud up, beesport, vs others 2.5 p/ 3-4 s tent? Thank u. High Sierra Ca wind some snow..desert occasionally.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Frank! Been wanting to do something like this, so will see if I can move it along! I will say I have 2 Bessport Tents, but would like to compare to some others. Thanks again!

[@Frank020]

@@DoseofDirt TY tried that little jet stove you recommend, on a lunch and it rocked. Next, tent and headlamp sleep cushion (for yr round use.) ⭐🌝 frypan too..lol

[@DoseofDirt]

@@Frank020 Nice! I like to hear that! Tents and headlamps at various price points are in the plan for future videos!

[@movemorenowjames]

Peak refuel , got it…

[@DoseofDirt]

Delicious freeze dried meals! Unfortunately I have a lot of Mountain house from when it was on sale, so I'll slowly have to work through it, but Peak Refuel is SO much better!

[@jimbojones6169]

Hey Jimmy here. Jeff off topic question!?! Have you ever tried to put your air mattress inside your sleeping bag? I have a mummy bag and a tapered mattress. Cheers Jimmy

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Jimmy! Great to hear from you! I actually have never tried that and haven't heard of anyone that has. I can see some potential benefits (I hate when I'm trying to roll around in my sleeping bag and it just moves with me--that probably wouldn't happen any more). Interesting thought! You thinking you may try it?

[@jimbojones6169]

@@DoseofDirt hopefully this Wednesday eve will try in the yard. It is to be a low of minus 2 Celsius/28.4 F Going ground sheet, try the mattress/ sleeping bag combo. I am a active sleeper and hopefully this could keep me in place better. I have a 3 man tent and when I touch the sides it’s beaucoup de condensation. I will let you know how it works out. 🥾

[@jimbojones6169]

@@DoseofDirt Jeff, i spent to night outside. Having the pad inside the sleeping bag was good for me as I continuously toss and turn throughout the night and stayed on the mattress the whole time. The cons were the hexagon pillows on the mattress were not comfortable in certain positions, so a layer would be required. Also my inflatable pillow would not stay in place resting on the mattress. Will try it a few more times before I decide to adopt this method.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@jimbojones6169 Nice! I"m interested to try this as well. I know I've started to gravitate more towards quilts lately, I think for some of the same reasons that putting your pad in your sleeping bag seemed to work better for you. As you mentioned, I think it does require a certain type of pad (smoother mattress/baffles rather than hexagons or other protruding shapes). I'm interested to try this with my Teton Leef, which is a little wider than I would like, but putting the pad inside would solve that problem as well!

[@Drownedinblood]

In your opinion what's the best filling feeling food you've had on the trail?

[@DoseofDirt]

While I"m hiking I love Tailwind elctrolyte powder, honey stinger waffles, and almond butter packets. At camp, I love peak refuel meals and double stuff oreos. 😆😆

[@CaptainBrash]

Interesting, what is your height/weight? I read you need like 4000 calories per full day of hiking. I will be going down the dehydrating my own food route, dehydrated veg/rice/couscous/pasta for dinners with herbs. Oats for breakfast Then for on the trail/snacks jerky and hippy energy balls made from almonds and dates. Then some chocolate/sweets for fast sugar release if I need a quick pickmeup (I'm 6ft 90kg)

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Stephen! I'm about 6ft 200lbs. I usually take about 3100-3300 cal/day for backpacking trips. I end up losing some weight because that is at a deficit, but I just don't want to carry more and this amount seems to keep me going. I just did an 8 day trip where I had that amount of calories and it was about right.

[@CaptainBrash]

@@DoseofDirt awesome, that's good to hear, similar stats to me. I'm fine with being in a deficit also, so that means I can carry a decent amount less than I thought!

[@pinchpeak5203]

Nowadays the freeze dried food takes up the entire budget of this video lol

[@DoseofDirt]

Ugh, I know. It can be so expensive. I get my mountain house at costco in the boxes. That's the cheapest way I've found. I've also started using rice sides and pasta sides more. Not quite as light or easy, but a heck of a lot cheaper.

[@TheNypenfan]

I just can’t eat any type of protein bar. Also, ramen. I just can’t eat another ramen in my life.

[@DoseofDirt]

Haha. I have actually never taken Raman backpacking. But I know I ate waaaayyy too much in college 🤣. Some protein bars can be pretty terrible! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jimbojones6169]

This year i am most likely subbing my Pop Tarts 😢 for a lighter option.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Jimbo! I hear you on the pop tarts! I love the strawberry! But ya, they are definitely not calorically dense. Delicious though! Just save them for the shorter trips! 😆 Thanks for watching!

[@jimbojones6169]

@@DoseofDirt however… the tub of Nutella is staying!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@jimbojones6169 some things just aren’t worth sacrificing! Also, a tub of Nutella sounds like a fantastic idea!

[@jimbojones6169]

@@DoseofDirt by the spoonful or in the coffee.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@jimbojones6169 doesn’t get much better than that!

[@bfg1836]

I get confused by the folks spending hundreds and hundreds of bucks on ultralight gear, while carrying an extra 30 pounds on their gut and their butt.

[@DoseofDirt]

Guilty here... 🙋🏻🤣 But ya, I know exactly what you mean. I've thought about that with myself several times. I could probably drop my entire base weight from my body weight so then it would be like hiking with no pack at all! 😆 But donuts are just too delicious! Thanks for watching!

That 30 pounds ain’t cheap either

[@DiabloOutdoors]

You forgot on easy trick to save weight.... shave your beard ;)

[@f.c232]

i don't agree with this weight cut, your counting on perfect conditions from start to finish. but life throws curve balls first everybody took away comfort for a lighter pack, (half a sleeping pad, no jacket, no hat) and the list goes on than they took away hygiene for even a more lighter pack, (only 1 pair undies for 3 days) no soap, no deodorant - some don't carry tooth brush and now you want to starve yourself for even less weight if you get hungry but ran out for that day, do you tap into the next days supply or do you stay hungry less food for the sake of weight what's next only one liter of water for a 3 day hike being that water weights the most besides if things get ruff (weather) and you have to slow down or spend an extra night you'll be happy if you carry a little more food than you need i like to save weight here and there but food is not on my list, energy is something you'll be grateful for on trail and for what if's you know the saying - better safe than sorry!!! so 👎👎👎👎👎 for this vid

[@ebshangraw]

You want an extra couple lbs incase you get hungry, be my guest. pack whatever you want. You’re the one who has to carry it.