Lightweight Backpacking in Sarek - The GEAR

About backpacking light, talking gear and lightweight attitude. Trekking in Sarek National Park.
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Tent - Tarptent Notch
Backpack - Exped Lightning 45
Sleeping bag - Western Mountaineering Ultralite

[@tarptent]

Thanks for choosing us Erik, excellent video!!

[@erik_normark]

Thanks for making great tents! Pleasure is all mine. Atb

[@tomkeller6982]

Thank you Erik. Well done. Especially your explanation about attitude when packing light. Important to remember. Bless you.

[@ollied.7804]

Like your easy, calm approach. I want to get back doing more backpacking here in Switzerland, I'm more in bike camping due to knee problems. Thanks for the great videos! Greets

[@Nabagabo22]

Hi Eric, another thoughtful video - thank you! Half the time just on the mind game of being outdoors - setting and managing our own expectations so that this settles somewhere that both meets the reality of the outdoor environment and a personal reality of what we as individuals can live with. I'm sure each of us is on a journey working out this balance point, and over a whole number of trips seeing what works and what does not... A useful antidote to the gear addicted American videos! Keep up the good work Eric - your beautifully produced videos are much appreciated!

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Steve!

[@OutsidewithTom]

I like your comments about attitude and expectations of comfort when venturing outdoors. Thanks for sharing this.

[@aaron.silveira]

Thanks for this video. Good to hear you go more in depth into this subject

[@KettleCamping]

It’s all about the attitude, you are right about that one! Thank you!👍

[@macarius8802]

Thanks Erik. You are one of my mentors!

[@fromthewoodsdaniel7846]

Awesome! Thankyou Eric for sharing your knowledge and passion!

[@reneehall9278]

awwee, not used to hearing so much of ur voice, very kind. good info here

[@ivantavares2524]

Great philosophy on light weight backpacking!

[@vandringskanalen]

Well said! Totally agree with your attitude towards carrying lighter gear👍🏻

[@Emeraldpilgrim242]

Its all about the attitude! Keep on doing the good work!!

[@songdongian87]

tks Erik, love to see your wooden cup and kettle return!

[@patricelacroix8049]

yeah rite.

[@JimRodgers]

Great lightweight loadout for summer. I've always struggled with going light, not because I want creature comforts but rather because I'm a gear freak. I bring too many gadgets. However, I've got a trip planned for a couple of weeks from now and I plan to go much lighter than usual. Thanks for sharing your gear selection!

[@erik_normark]

Yes it takes some work to go down in weight, and to leave the gadgets :) God luck with your trip! Atb

[@Curlew-Corner]

Thank you for your interesting review. Much appreciated. Greetings from UK.

[@stevensad38]

Hi Erik, Here in New Zealand we have been hearing and seeing the fires I hope that you and the lovely country in your films are safe and far away from the devastation. I have very fond memories of my time in Sweden 50 years ago solo camping and walking in the forests near Stockholm and Uppsala. Sweden also had the very first lightweight gear I had ever seen at that time. Tack sa mycket, Tony

[@erik_normark]

Hi Tony. Yes it's still burning at many places, nothing around where I am though. It's been unusually dry and warm last weeks. Lets hope for some rain soon! Tack Tony :)

[@PaulSheils]

Interesting to see what others take with them on a adventure like this thanks Erik.

[@NagualeroArt]

Great job on this and all your videos. I carry heavier stuff for painting and camping but i like the live it at home what you dont need mentality as well

[@erik_normark]

Thanks! I can say the same about your videos! Yes I adapt the gear after what type of hike I'm doing. I like comfort and heavy stuff too :)

[@KevinOutdoors]

Light is an attitude. - Like it!

[@Cross-Country-Biker]

What a good attitude less stuff less worry

[@michalsip7492]

Thankx Erik!

[@terjemyller6573]

I did two wintertrips to Sarek in the late 80s. Started with 30kg backpack. With today’s gear, and attitudes, it would be a bit over 20, I guess.

[@diderichlangmannen]

Thank you, Erik.

[@isabelllowenherz2213]

I like Your opinion. I find You know much about staying outside - what You can leave away on one side and what is important on the other side. For example the sleeping bag. Many people take a thin one in the summer, but it can become very cold. Good to know what is important in which situation. It's very interesting for me, what You're showing us. Thanks, Eric.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Isabell. That is true, one must always be prepared for cold and bad weather.

[@mss0130]

I was just wondering about the equipment. Thank you for sharing good information. I still have a lot to learn, but if I look at the videos and information that Eric uploaded ... I think I'm learning one by one. Eric Thank you.

[@erik_normark]

Thank you. Im glad if I can help! :)

[@martasztahura934]

I like your simplicity..and modesty..respect!

[@marcomiceli1]

Thanks Erik

[@hermit6208]

Philosophically sound, points well-made.

[@JBOutdoorsAndMore]

Loved the gear and awesome video as always my friend. Thanks again. Absolutely love your style. 😎👊🏻

[@erik_normark]

Glad to hear that, thanks! :)

[@rajeshn9075]

I agree, one should have right Attitude. I just enjoy your video.

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Very informative film Erik and your certainly right about keeping the weight as light as possible. Liked your channel T Shirt. 👍

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Mike, I'm very proud of that shirt :D

[@bootsaremadeforwalking]

Absolutely agree with you about light weight...

[@2manysigns]

Expertise appreciated .

[@finnblu3002]

Lost track of your channel for awhile Seems surreal without... snow. Or that shot of a different (blue) coffee mug! “.... it’s about what you don’t bring...” Indeed~ ... 6:56. : two old friends

[@erik_normark]

I miss snow too :)

[@zanclaminski5028]

Good, thank you !

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

Inspiring as always Erik...kind regards Andrew from moncton n.b. Canada

[@CAkavskaTvKvarner]

Very interesting and informative video! Tent seems like dream-tent.

[@jeremynorman5329]

Great information. Thank you Erik.

[@maciejstarak4817]

Hi Mr Erik, you had a great idea to let us know what kind of gear you had with you on the trip. Please, share also what food you ate. Skål!

[@ThePainterr]

Like your your attitude/philosophy....got me sub'd!

[@josephvella6037]

Thanks for the tips ……….wise words !!

[@KrazyKrzysztof]

I used to carry a 30+ liter during summer day hikes and a 70 liter during winter multi and single day hikes(It had the best attachment for snow shoes). I switched down to an osprey 11 liter for full day hikes and a 32 liter for winter day hikes. It's very easy to overpack for sure. There's so much bullshit you can bring like pillows, maps, too much water, too many clothes etc.

[@raimundb.5560]

Thanks for your videos and information

[@spijkerpoes]

Good set of stuffs.. i was at 7.5 kilo base weight last year. Adding 5 for food (real food) and carrying 1.5 liter water max. The total 14 kilos made my ula cdt pack quite uncomfortable to carry the first days. I could get lighter, dump the trangia and the whiskey and wine. But your right, everybody should find their balance between load and luxury..

[@spijkerpoes]

And oh that was 5 days.. no way i could do 8 days!

[@hackerblubb]

if you think about dumping the whiskey then better stop hiking :-P

[@tex24]

I recently hiked the South Rim in Big Bend National Park in Texas. It was a solo back-country camping trip and my first hiking/camping trip. I carried the Gregory Paragon 58 and suffered the entire time due to lack of knowledge of what to bring and what not to bring. My bag was way too heavy. Following the trip I've been looking at several of your videos to gain some knowledge on how to become a better backpacker. Thank you for this informative video. Do you also have a video on the topic of food on the trail / cooking while hiking? Thanks.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks, yes going light is so much nicer! I have no video on food yet. Cheers

[@jesspanggaard]

Cool Erik!

[@ArtoMikkola]

Thanks Erik! I was just about to ask in your Sarek video to do gear video. I've Been lightening my gear but still much to do :)

[@erik_normark]

Hi Arto. Yeah it's a long process lightening the gear. I'm finally getting to where I like to be :)

[@GodSpewd]

Good gear, I love watching all your videos. Can you do the same with food? greetings from Chile

[@patricelacroix8049]

ha ha ha !!!

[@vassilimarkar7216]

Good question Camilo, from Chile here too!! Really interesting video.

[@WorldSurvivalist]

Great video

[@serge.levesque]

Thank you :-)

[@outdoors3653]

Nice set up. Thanks for sharing. I'm from socal and recently started ultralight backpacking and appreciate any info.

[@mountainhiker6212]

M. From india , m big fan of yu .....your s0lo camping is toooo good n amazing

[@lars-goranabrahamsson9337]

Nice att se att man kan klara sig med lite prylar.

[@AngusOg69]

I like the Hat

[@oldigger7060]

Looks like a good selection of kit. I assume that all the snow/meltwater saves the need to carry significant amounts of water (the curse of hiking in Australia).

[@erik_normark]

Yes, good water can usually be found very easy, which helps a lot. I can imagine Australia is very different there! :)

[@tannenherz]

High Erik, you have tested a new Tent, and the weight is as half so hight as by other tents of the same type. So please tell more about it. Kindly Fiete

[@erik_normark]

Hi Fiete. I like the tent so far, but want to try it in rain and bad weather also. Maybe I make some kind of review later on. Atb Erik

[@felixbauer2651]

I got the tarptent notch too. Its a good tent for three seasons. Not to light and very stabile.

[@kristoferdanielsson8593]

@@erik_normark var köpte du tältet?

[@barrykimber]

Hi Erik, inspiring trip report & video once again .... thank you. I'm also very much into the lightweight ethos, would be interested to see what you took for a weeks food? Best wishes,

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Barry! Atb

[@magnusnordstrom3238]

How much did the big 3 weigh? You could switch to just the kettle, if you only boil water.... just like Monsen. I´m in to light backpacking too, itś an eyeopener to weigh all gear and really judge oneself if the gear is necessary.... but a few luxury items is mandatory, like a kuksa and real coffee. Thanks for the videos!

[@erik_normark]

Ca 2,7kg. I agree, this light pack has made backpacking a joy again for me! Atb

[@James-cz9lh]

good job

[@olsgunk]

Hej Erik. How did you plan your food, breakfast, lunch and dinner?/Gunnar

[@DERVISHKHAN]

Here a teacher speaking .👍🏻

[@vivianmontalva6730]

😊 desde que te sigo...este es el video que más has hablado😀😀👍 me párese interesante que hallas conversado de tu equipo que habitualmente llevas en tus aventuras...ya que siempre me pregunté cuánto peso llevas ...cuanta comida..qué tipo de carpa usas..ropa ..calzado..etc...datos muy importantes. Para un viajero solitario... lo que no te vi fue un kit de primeros auxilio..que también es muy impotente por cierto😉✌️️que este bien...nadaste...🙏

[@SiddharthKalotra]

Oh my god i heard u r voice after mamy months 😀😀😀

[@Allujallu]

Heh Eric! Do you use any water filter? Just wondering, cuz I’ve used my msr trail shot and it kinda sucks xD Hälsningar från Finland!

[@erik_normark]

Hi! I never use filters. In these areas I don't think it's needed. Mvh

[@markluke8447]

Hello Erik, I’ve enjoyed your videos very much. At this time, how do you feel about the Exped Lightning 45?

[@erik_normark]

Hello Mark, I'm still very pleased with it!

[@patricelacroix8049]

"Mea culpa" of course you are so rite, lite is the way to go, i'm a advocate myself, never seen such terrain, at some point it was like the moon j just taught you ad a good sense of humour, but what whit the glasses ?, anyway it was very good, only you bring back images like that. Cowboy coffee is always good but only if you used the rite horse. lol... friends till the end.

[@erik_normark]

Yeah, the best coffee comes from the old black pot

[@afshanjavaidafshanjavaid9932]

Peace man😍

[@brianjetty2121]

Nice shirt. How much does that weigh?

[@TanukiParis]

Hi, a -5°C sleeping bag is enough for the Sarek in summer ?

[@fjdkfdfjdf33]

Do you skip an extra water cover for the Exped Lightning backpack? It looks pretty waterproof.

[@afshanjavaidafshanjavaid9932]

Erik love u 😍

[@pellebrink4001]

Nice review of the gear, and good input on going light. What is the brand or name of the foam sleeping pad?

[@andreasm249]

Jag uppskattar verkligen dina video! Blir verkligen sugen på att ge mig ut och vandra. Hur packar du din ryggsäck när du gör en längre vandring med tält mm?

[@erik_normark]

Tack Andreas! Jag kanske gör en video om packning vid senare tillfälle. Mvh

[@treewisemonkey2077]

The cooking that you did for eight days. Could you do it in your kettle ?

[@erik_normark]

It's a great idea! think it would be possible. I tried that on a trip once with a bigger kettle, and it did work. Maybe I'll try it with my usual one some time.

[@XJonAye]

I have a question, this is an older video, but maybe you'll see it. When did you decide to go ultra light, have you always been ultralight? I only ask because I recently got into hiking and I have my day pack at 12 lbs right now. I want to do overnights starting next year, so im gathering gear, currently I have tent, no bag or inflatable mat yet. I bought a molle 2 US military pack at a yard sale and that's what im planning on using, but that bag is super heavy and bulky, which I think I can handle the weight at shorter distance. Ill build my self up as time goes on, anyways do you think I should lean into lighter hear from the beginning or should I try just to get out there asap, it seems light weight gear is more expensive. Anyways Erik thank you for All you do, your an inspiration to me, and a source of serenity to others. Happy trails my friend.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks! Light gear is often a bit more expensive in general, but if you are serious into hiking I'd definitely would go light from start! One day you'll get there anyway! Five years ago my gear was getting old and worn and in need of replacement, and since then I only get light stuff. Atb

[@XJonAye]

@@erik_normark thanks Erik, for replying, after I wrote that question I started looking at different packs, because military gear is so heavy. Its your profile pic of Huginn and Muninn?

[@m1m1n0u]

Hey Erik, first of all i love your video, very aesthetic! I'm wondering what kind of boots do you have or recommand, since you travel on both rocky moutain and dense (probably muddy/damp) forest. Plus i saw you using two pair of socks even in summer time, is it mandatory where you live? (i thought you only do that in minus 0°C)

[@Jappi17]

He is using a swedish brand called "Lundhags". They're not padded, so you need two pair of socks. They work well in the extremely wet scandinavian mountain terrain, because of the lack og padding, they're fast and easy to dry once they get wet. You simply change socks and let the thin leather dry during the night. In fact, using two woolen socks in the summer time is a lot less warmer than a pair of Gore-tex boots that doesn't breathe as well as pure leather.

[@broddireyrhansen1297]

Hi thanks for a interesting video, one question is the Tentarp Notch good for Nordic conditions, would you buy it again? I live in north Iceland and have been looking for a light pole tent.

[@erik_normark]

Yes I'm very happy with the Notch, and would buy it again! Maybe not ideal for storms, but good for most conditions. Thanks

[@thomasf.9869]

Erik, in some of your earlier solo hikes I see you using the Nordisk Telemark 1 and now I can see that you use a Tarptent Notch. What were your reasons for the switch??

[@erik_normark]

The Telemark had really bad ventilation and much condensation, so I decided to get something else. The Notch is a better tent in most regards.

[@thomasf.9869]

@@erik_normark Thanks Erik. I own the Telemark 1 and have also had condensation issues, so I was eyeing the Notch as an alternative for an ultralight. My main gripes however, with the Telemark 1 are that the inner fabric hits my face when I sleep and I cannot get my Exped mattress into it. That said it did keep me warm and dry during one hell of a storm on a beach in the Lofoten islands, so it's not all bad. Maybe not the best option for the taller man.

[@isaaclevy7469]

Sant!

[@arpudli8962]

High Erik, Love your videos... I am planning to go to Sarek with my lady and I wanted to ask about the tent you were using and how did it work in relatively cold winter conditions??? I was thinking about wild country Zephyros 2.... also I like mountains so I do not know would you recommend it for winter conditions?? I was tenting with a shitty decathlon tent for 2 days in a glacier 4000m high. It was quite bad hahaha.... :) so i would go for a little more quality...

[@rebeccasharp7924]

My question when I watch your videos is what happens if you get hurt? What type of communication device do you carry?

[@Ivaylo_P_Hristov]

Hi Erik! I wonder how do you handle the condensation problem in the Tarptent Notch? Do you separate the inner tent from the fly when dry them? I'm talking for drying in the nature not at home. I ask you this question because I have Vaude Power Lizard Sul 1-2P and when there is no wind there is a lot of condensation. I always separate the inner tent from the fly when I dry them in the nature.

[@erik_normark]

Hi Ivaylo, the Notch has quite god ventilation, one reson I like it so much! But sometimes it get wet and then I just leave it as it is to dry. I dries up pretty quick if the weather is good.

[@Ivaylo_P_Hristov]

@@erik_normark, thank you for the answer! I'm from Bulgaria and I'm a mountain guide. If you ever come to my country, I will show you beauty of our nature. There are a lot of wild places in the Rhodope Mountain - my favorite mountain. Here are some pictures from the wild part of the mountain: photos.app.goo.gl/4kRMMHa8HBc2CDvN9 I've summarized my trips in this forum: www.planina.e-psylon.net/viewtopic.php?p=14203#14203 Unfortunately everything is in Bulgarian, but the pictures talk enough.

[@justinsandoval9309]

Who makes your kettle? Thank you.

[@ianspicer1529]

Hey Erik - great video as ever - slightly off topic: I believe you wear Lundhag shell boots on many of your outings - which model do you use please? Thanks & best wishes from England.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Ian. That's right, they are Lundhags Forest boots. Atb

[@e.martin781]

Title book....? Nice...

[@jean_mtb66]

Hello Erik What is the mark of the tent? And on which site to find it? I bought a Exped thunder 50 after putting decided after a year of comparison .. not yet been hiking with at the same time I think it's a very good backpack. Lightweight carry comfort and modularity for carrying. Thank you Jean (France)

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Jean. It's a Tarptent Notch. Atb

[@liverpoolho]

Erik, thx for the video. I have a question, how you deal with the wild animals while you camping alone out in the wood? such as bear, wolf... I always want to do some solo camping but those animals would freak me out especially if they come at night, do you have any advice?

[@horizontaal]

liverpoolho unlike in the USA, in Sweden bears and wolves are not really seen as a threat for hikers. At least I never heard of special precautions, bear canisters, bear sprays in Sweden. On the other hand: when there is a real problem, Swedes don’t talk about it :-)

[@kristersavonen1556]

Hey Erik, did you had to modify the Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag in any way to fit your Thermarest sleeping pad?

[@erik_normark]

Krister, yes I took a sharp knife and made the hole of the pumpbag a tad wider to fit on the Thermarest valve. Works very well now!

[@gardneralan]

The hat. Looks stylish and functional. What brand is it?

[@erik_normark]

Thanks. Yes it's a nice sun hat from Outdoor Research. Helios I think it's called.

[@Sam-xh3td]

Hi Erik

[@truenorth365]

Kul att se din packning Erik! Är ute efter en bra sovsäck (3-säsong) för skogsvandringar med ryggsäck/hammock övernattning. Skulle du rekommendera Western Mountaineering Ultralite till mig? Känner mig lite vilsen bland alla sovsäckar, men den ser idealisk ut i mina ögon. Kan dock inte hitta den att köpa någonstans... Grym video och hade vart grymt tacksam för lite råd/tips!

[@erik_normark]

Ultralite är en väldigt bra säck! Angivna temperaturgränser stämmer väldigt bra med verkligheten på deras säckar. Den säljs numera på Uthuset. Jag köpte min på Outnorth innan dom slutade sälja WM's säckar där av nån anledning. Dom är inte så billiga, men kvaliteten är på topp!

[@truenorth365]

Tusen tack för ditt svar Erik! Priset är oviktigt om man pratar om "rätt" utrusting IMO. Skall kolla Uthuset. Tack för alla fina natur videos, alltid spännande att titta på! Tumme upp

[@chrlmn7372]

Hi Erik! Big THANK again to you for your extensive review of your light-weight-summer-hiking-gear for pleasant and nice hike light-way! The summer Sarek video is inspiring and I also wish to make a hike into the last wilderness of Europe in order to see the mountains and glaciers and the valleys as your hiking route was taking you through and up to the summits of the high fells of Sarek (Pårek area). Are you planning to return to the Sarek later in autumn this year in order to enjoy the warm and bright autumn colours, maybe entering into the Sarek from another starting point? When you are planning a hike and choosing the route what is your philosophy to do the search and planning? Maybe some guidelines could be the nature (coast/forest/fells/lakes/summer/autumn/winter/spring - walking canoeing cycling) or what you can expect and wish to see and experience or do you choose your hike, more like out of some kind of systematic wishes, to explore for you new areas; that is still unseen for you so far? Also I do like very much your ideas and good philosophy: of leaving at home all the "maybe-good-to-have"-stuff, that mainly will increase your burden, and making your carry-load to reach a weight that is almost a unpleasant(a bit painful) effort to carry day by day, and instead accepting a lower standard outdoors, so you then can even enjoy after your hike, all the comforts that you normally have a direct access to, in your modern home. - By the way did your swim in the lake refreshing you and make you feel nicely cooled afterwards, in the heat of the summer sun? To swim in the cold temperature (one need some courage!) it is almost like taking a cold-shower-experience and giving you also some health benefits afterwards! So again a warm THANK to you Erik, for sharing once again valuable information, and sharing your reality experiences, from using your new gear, in order help us to achieve the best experience from the different type of hike! Wishing you many safe and pleasant and also joyful hikes in the future! It is always a nice thing to receive a note from your channel, as subscriber, when you have publishing a new video of your very good YT recordings! All the Best wishes for you Erik!

[@erik_normark]

Thanks for your comment! :) My plans for the autumn is not set. I have some ideas, but usually make the decision only a week, or sometimes just days before I go. I like to keep thing open as long as possible. The lake I was swimming had shallow water and was quite pleasant, not very cold. The weather was very warm those days, I needed to cool down. All the best Erik

[@hermendekok405]

Nice video. But why is the food you take with you for one week 6 kilo’s. Buy freeze-dried stuf and for example beef-jerkey and you can reduce it to 2 kilo’s. That book is also to heavy. 15% of your bodyweight can be the target. I wonder how you communicate in case of emergency in Sarek. Have a nice trip. Herm, Holland.

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Herm. Yes I can work on the food a bit. The book is one luxury item I allow myself. There's satellite messengers you can use for emergencies. Atb

[@JohnKlopp]

Great videos Erik! Do you use a ND or circular polarizer filter in your camera? Are you filming 24fps? Thank you!

[@erik_normark]

I use ND filters (3 and 6 steps) Fps varies from time to time. The Sarek video a did in 24fps

[@swedenoutdoor]

intressant! jag kör ungefär samma filosofi...tar också gärna mindre ryggsäcken då behåller man översikten 😂 med vänlig grüßen ;)

[@erik_normark]

En klok strategi! :D Mvh

[@TOURBOOK]

Nice.#GurukulPandit

[@Acalarakta]

Aliens from outerspace were listening to this as well

[@chrise1533]

Erik What binoculars you have ?

[@erik_normark]

Swarovski 8*32

[@chrise1533]

Erik Normark thanks, I check the price, and wow 😮

[@fireyourrocketts]

15 kg is about as high as I would be willing, max 20 Kg, that is in no way light; light is half of that! but then again, carrying light and what you really need or want it is a compromise! 7 kg without food and water that is where I want to get but including my "want to have" things..one way to do it is with a super light tarp for shelter; I like tents; mine is a Zpacks duplex because I like also space not being cramped out, my tent with everything needed weights right under 2 pounds, 1.5 if I eliminate its free standing poles as I can always use trekking poles which I usually carry. The tent poles comes like around 10 ounces, backpack of choice is Zpacks Arc Haul at 1.5 pound with all extra pockets I ordered with, quilt EE 20 degree at 1.2 pound and for summer it could be one at 40 degree for under a pound, sleep mat I got several to chose from at around a pound to 2 pounds for the Xterm Max, all my cooking gear is titanium, I might go with fuel or fire depending where I would go but I live in desert area; fires are not allowed in places I have immediately access to, so most of times I carry the fuel can; cook system could be from a pound to under 2 pounds. Water treatment may be under a pound, including botles, I have bladders but think that adds lots of weigh for its real convenience. There is clothes usually varies from summer to winter, but winter stuff are light weight and of quality as well as summer clothes I wear. generally around 2 pounds in clothes, not including shoes, runners or hiking boots depending location, boots are around 2 more pounds usually then there is the electronics; that includes phone, GPS locator, GPS watch, charging cables, battery bank, camera gear and extra, that could go all the way to 5 or 6 pounds easily, then of course are miscellaneous like tools if you are bush crafting and first aid kit with repair items; this could be half a pound; tools could be another 2 pounds...if you add for most ideal situation that all is way more than or near 30 pound not including food and water! One thing that kills it for desert locations is anywhere you need to take at least 5 or 6 litters of water and that is 12 pounds right there! so even going light with essentials, you are still packed heavy because of the water. There is one location near me I am yet to go it is called Bonanza Peak which is going up mountain in really hard terrain full of rocks wash for 8 miles up and back, no water sources at all; recommended to take at least one gallon of water per day; so an overnight trip with 2 gallons would be nuts as your starting weight to climb would be almost 24 pounds in just water; that is taking water reserve half way up and stashing it to have it "close" on the way back or if you run out. I have heard of people going up with couple litters but that is insane for a place with no water on the way...I hear sections of the PCT have long miles without water but there are reserves conveniently placed, some desert locations there is no water for miles and miles; those are the ones I am trying to figure out how to hike light on them so every ounce counts for a place like this!