My Lightweight Backpacking Gear - 2024

My Backpacking Gear List (hosted on lighter pack): lighterpack.com/r/skh40t
My Backpacking Clothing: • My Lightweight Backpac...
Guide to Hiking Footwear: • The Ultimate Guide to ...
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:37 Backpack
02:49 Backpack Waterproof Liner
03:43 Trekking Poles
04:34 Shelter
06:57 Tent Stakes
07:52 Sleeping Pad
09:11 Sleeping Bag
10:43 Pillow
11:18 Sit Pad
11:42 Hydration
12:28 Kitchen (option 1)
13:31 Kitchen (option 2)
14:03 Food Protection
14:43 Food Protection (option 1)
15:28 Food Protection (option 2)
16:03 Bear Canister Carry
16:22 Food Carry
16:51 Lighting
17:19 Navigation
18:15 Communication
19:00 Snow Travel
20:11 Hygiene, First Aid, Repair
20:52 Clothing - Worn
22:21 Clothing - Carried
24:36 Outro
*Disclaimer: I have not received any compensation for any of the products mentioned in this video. I have no material connection to the brands or products that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[@MrA1582000]

Absolutely the best video of pack contents ever. The scenery is drop dead beautiful. Great photography.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the feedback. Lucky to live in the PNW. Cheers!

[@durstongear]

Nice. Thanks for using our tent :) - Dan

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks to your team for all the time and effort put into delivering quality products for the hiking community. Cheers!

[@allyp7]

dont forget the backpack!

[@TheRealAlanStephens]

Honestly, one of the best put together gear videos I have seen. Very insightful, great animations, and awesome views.

[@cascadiahiking]

Wow, thanks!

[@OlderandBolder.]

I really appreciate the professionalism of your videos. The detailed explanations along with a well-paced narrative (some You-Tubers gabble along at 100mph!) provides a 1st class listening & viewing experience. Also, I didn’t think I could pick up any more tips, but I did; the rucksack liner bag which doubles as an inflation bag . I need to get practising. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the comments and I'm glad you picked up something new. Yes, the liner as an inflation bag is a game changer. My lungs have appreciated the change. All the best!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Always fun checking out other peoples gear selections! Seems like everyone is looking to go ultralight and certainly your selections lean in that direction. I think gear selection depends highly on a variety of parameters, ie, daily mileage, # days, pack weight, comfort desired, campsite locations, etc. If gear weight with food is >35lbs then I’ll carry a more robust backpack (Osprey Exos 58 vs ZPacks Arc Haul 60L) for more comfort and if going off trail, camping near water, temps below 40°, rain in forecast, I’ll choose my freestanding double walled tent (Marmot Tungsten UL1 vs Zpacks Plex Solo) because it can fit into the tiniest of spaces, no condensation issues, more spacious, and warmer. I love having gear options. The trip will dictate the gear I choose…

[@cascadiahiking]

Can't argue with that, good advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@SummitSeeker546]

@@cascadiahiking think you might enjoy this trailer my buddy John did of our 10 day Grand Canyon trip we did a couple weeks ago. Beautiful scenery! She wins… kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGHZi399p7WBrq8si=rG0k4LyYkckH88Ro

[@benny7365]

Very well paced video, really liked it!

[@cascadiahiking]

@benny7365 I'm glad you found it valuable!

[@lolobeans]

Great quality video and perfect kit (or as close as possible). I love my x-mid and am giving serious consideration to the Kakwa (this video helped with that!). Thank you. And subbed!

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the sub. I'm glad the video was helpful. Cheers!

[@malinorcutt1421]

Thank you for the informative video!

[@cascadiahiking]

You bet! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@jasonjudd4]

Well done fellow non-cult friend.

[@cascadiahiking]

Ha, thanks my friend. Cheers!

[@helenburns2186]

Exceptional rundown. Valuable insights explained thoughtfully and clearly. Delivered calmly and economically. Thank you for this. Best gear rundown Ive ever seen.

[@cascadiahiking]

You're very welcome!

[@kenhenley7599]

I enjoyed your last "what's in my pack" video. I enjoyed this one even more. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make it and for providing some useful hints, tips and guidance. Cheers from the U.K.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I'm glad you found it valuable. I'm happy to share what I've learned with my fellow hikers. Happy trails, my friend!

[@paketes333]

Qué buena explicación , sencilla, concisa y directa...muchas gracias.

[@cascadiahiking]

Muchas gracias. Me alegro que lo hayas apreciado. Salud!

[@SherriffInTown]

One of the best gear videos I’ve ever seen. I love your voice!!

[@cascadiahiking]

Ha, thanks for the feedback. Cheers! 😀

[@KevinRStrauss]

Extremely well done video. Great job and nice system. 👍

[@cascadiahiking]

Thank you. Glad you liked it!

[@JasonSnailer]

Nice video again. I still watch your older videos since you have such great info. Also the quality of your vids are great

[@cascadiahiking]

I appreciate the feedback! Cheers @JasonSnailer

[@conordunneguilfoyle911]

Very informative video, well done 👏

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!

[@miadifferent7306]

That was a very soothing and calm video. Loved all the details and visuals! Do you have a video where talk more about the use of the „pump sack“?

[@cascadiahiking]

Not yet! It's on my list of videos that I want to create.

[@teerex4626]

Wow, how proffesh and well presented, the visuals, vo, all so well done.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the comment, Cheers!

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

So glad you're still making videos.....always exellent pro grade advice....!!!

[@cascadiahiking]

Thank you for that. Happy to share what I've learned along the way. Happy trails!

[@HackSparrow8]

Great video!

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the feedback. Happy trails!

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Very well done and appreciated. ULA Ohm guy here but am always interested in packs in that weight range of the one you showed WHEN they have load lifters. At 59, that, and a good waist belt is a must for me. Also, whether or not they jive with the tent I'm using, I always use 2 poles. I've just have never taken the dive on carbon which again may change as I age. Another thing that has changed over the years is my drive to tear down camp in a hurry and hit the trail immediately. Now I like to chill, assuming the bugs aren't terrible and have a good stiff coffee before taking off. That said, I don't see myself cold soaking. As you, I like to have a 'sleep only' outfit with socks or down booties and keep these in a small stuff sack that doubles as a pillow shell stuffed with whatever to sleep with. Dropped the traditional inflatable pillow a while back.

[@cascadiahiking]

IMHO the waist belt in the ULA packs especially the Ohm is the best execution of a reverse pull design. I hear ya, I used to breakdown camp quickly so I could get an early start hiking. Now, I take my time around camp especially to take time to catch the sunrise and sunsets. BTW, the sleep outfit I have listed is the lightest and most comfortable set I've found. Cheers!

[@stevemartin8994]

Great gear list and video. I plan on buying a lot of the same gear: Durston and Timmermade. I already use a lot of Path Projects gear: shorts, underwear, and long sleeve shirts for ultrarunning.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the comment. Yeah hard to go wrong with those brands. Cheers!

[@webtrasher]

Nice setup

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks!

[@onefortheages5983]

Finally a backpacker youtuber who isn't sacrificing everything for cutting weight.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks, I hope you found the info useful. Cheers!

[@BlueDragon00]

great video

[@cascadiahiking]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

Good video!

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the feedback. Cheers!

[@ewoksalot]

17:25 You know when you've been hiking a bit when you recognize the shape of a trail overview before you can read the captions 😆 Considerations for those not wanting to go quite as minimalist as the Durston 40l pack: Osprey Exos. For those not wanting to go as expensive as the Durston pro, the standard Xmid has been great for me (I also use the groundhog stakes and will say Durston has the best customer service of any company I have ever communicated with!). Cheaper than the MSR Pocket Rocket is the BRS3000. I print my paper maps and fold them into a ziplock bag. A lot of my other gear should be upgraded as I continue... my headlamp is a standard Costco-whatever. My poles are old, aluminum and sponge-whatevers. The Nemo Riff 15 was probably overkill, but I use it like a quilt on a closed cell pad (reliability > weight savings for me). All that to say we have to hike our own hikes, and anyone watching gear reviews should take into consideration their own geographic region, bodily needs, comfort preferences, budget, etc.

[@cascadiahiking]

There sure are a lot more options for us these days. Thanks for sharing some alternatives. Cheers!

[@BaltistaniBoys]

Absolutely amazing. Visit k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place. Whenever you start a short solo trip of 4-5 days, Moses Peak is a must. It is a 5300m height۔ from the top of moses pea which you can see the views of the K2 world second highest peak in the world, Nangaparbat, K6 k11 and K 12 views in one frame. best time from May to October. This is a family tracked.its open Zone, one did not need a trekking permit or have to pay Royalty fee to climbed this Mountain tower

[@ericb.4358]

THANK YOU. Excellent video, especially for newbies. MY BIG 4-> PACK: Osprey EXOS 58 Large TENT: Tarptent NOTCH Li (DFC fabric) SLEEP SYSTEM: W.M. OVERSTUFFED MEGALITE (20 F.), REI 3 Season inflatable mattress & inflation dry sack (clothes storage too) COOK SYSTEM: Option #1-Brunton CRUX canister top, foldable, Option #2 Trail Designs Sidewinder Caldera Cone W/ESBIT tablets, Open Country 3 cup anodized aluminum, plastic measuring/drinking mug. long handle Lexan spoon (now commercially extinct) Katadyn chlorine dioxide purification tabs & # 2 coffee filters

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Great kit and well made video. What programs did you use to make the video? Also, I’d welcome learning more about the foods you use when going stoveless. Thanks!

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks, I actually use Final Cut Pro for all my videos. I have a few plugins for some of the graphics that I use in the gear videos. Yes, I'll have to consider putting a video together of some of the foods I bring on trips. Thanks for the feedback.

[@guinarshredder]

Clean video. Glad the algorithm came through. Whats a size guess for the cuddl sleep wear for a 6'3 160 lb guy

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks, you're a few inches taller but around the same weight as me. I went with size M for both top and bottom. They fit snug as you would expect. You could prob fit in either a M or L. M will be snug, L will be less so. If it were me, I'd order both sizes and return the one that doesn't fit as well. Hope that helps! Cheers.

[@davidotto3132]

I love the hoodless bag. I use a EE conundrum. I had the same problem with drafts. I dont think Ill go back

[@cascadiahiking]

Good choice!

[@ciscokid1999]

Love my Xmid pro 2 ........

[@cascadiahiking]

I hear ya, the x-mid pros are such nice tents. Happy trails!

[@ziqingsu4853]

I like your voice, deep and powerful

[@cascadiahiking]

Ha, thanks

[@user-nu8uc8wq8v]

Just signed in to thumb up & comment to help boosts the algorithm 👍

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks

[@Oceanwheel40]

Excellent video! Well thought out, great explanations, rationales. Video design very clear and defined, narration excellent I have watched many of your videos and have learned alot. I too have moved over to much lighter gear and have done extensive research and spoken to many experienced hikers in my quest for my triple crown. I will say the climate can dictate different gear choices i find the Z packs shelters while they are the best lightweight in several ideations and configurations herevon the east coast they do not perform well due to the climate.. rigjt now I am trying to figure out weight to warmth ratio for a february start on the AT. Last time I froze my ass off, i have learned alot trial by fire too. I invest heavilyvin my sleep systems and footwear. I am finding that not only do I need a more comfortable pillow, but because I sidesleep, a knee pillow as well. I have definitely discovered the joys and warmth of real down as opposed to synthetic. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and journeys with us. Perhaps you could givecme a pack shakedown and advise on my lighterpacks page.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the comments. I with you on the gear has to fit the environment/use case. I used to. look for the lightest stuff in a race to the bottom. I've learned that there is a balance and that you shouldn't sacrifice comfort just to save extra weight. My pillow is heavy by ultralight standards but it's really comfortable and I get a better nights sleep with it. Thanks for the support and sure I can take a look at your lighterpack page. Cheers and best of luck on the triple crown. That will be quite an achievement!

[@Oceanwheel40]

@@cascadiahiking thank you. I really appreciate it. I have gone from learning by being so bullheaded and trial by fire to being completely open minded and willing to listen to others that have the knowledge and experience. And now I am doing everything I can to set myself up for a successful enjoyable journey on my thru hike. And the real kicker about all of this: I am a teacher. Talk about huge life lessons learned.

[@aarontandy5890]

I like this guy

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks

[@jaydimmy]

Thanks from Ukraine!

[@cascadiahiking]

Wow, thank you for the comment. All the best!

[@Mountain-K2]

I have Subscribed to your channel excellent content. I can't afford this ultra light weight gear its just to expensive and not really durable enough for years of use and needs be replaced and changed at more expense. However, the backpack is very intresting and your gear is clever and allows extend time in the mountains. This video is very, very well done and thanks so much for taking the time to edit this video and putting it to-together a very intresting video all very much appreciated... 👍👍👍

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for the sub! I appreciate the feedback 😀

[@obxchas]

100% chance you're a serial killer who hunts hitchhikers for sport with that voice. 😂🤣😂 Great video!

[@cascadiahiking]

Ha ha, thanks for the laugh today 🤭

[@multisportscott]

OMG, my mind is blown with that mat inflation method! I have been trying to come up with clever ways to add a mat coupler to the base of my pack liner and then I watch you just use it to blow your sleeping mat up through the normal opening 🤯

[@cascadiahiking]

Yep, no need for a coupler. The bag is all you need. The trick is place your index finger and thumb around the bag and nozzle to form a good seal. Then, as you begin to push the air into the mat be sure that the valve opening isn't blocked. If the bag is twisted too much around the valve it can block the valve opening and prevent air from going into the mat. If the valve opening is clear and you have a pretty good seal you will push a lot of air into the bag. I use it all the time now. Give it a try!

[@multisportscott]

@@cascadiahiking I went straight home from work yesterday and gave it a nudge. It worked just like it said it would on the package! I was so excited, yet my wife didn't seem to share my enthusiasm 🤷‍♂

[@cascadiahiking]

Excellent. Yeah, I can imagine she just yawned, 🥱!

[@ReskatorDZ]

Really good job!!! Very informative video with a lot of work behind scenes. But as I roughly counted, total expenses is waaaay more 3K USD.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@christianweber4478]

Hallo Danke für das tolle Video! Das Zelt gefällt mir sehr gut. Ich bin ca 198cm gross. Währe das Zelt für mich geeignet?

[@cascadiahiking]

Danke für den Kommentar. Ich sehe, dass Durston Gear angibt, dass es bis zu einer Körpergröße von bis zu 203 cm verwendbar ist, also sollte es für Sie funktionieren. Ich bin 183 cm groß und es gibt viel Platz für mich. Normalerweise schlafe ich auf der Seite, was noch weniger Länge erfordert. Ich hoffe, das hilft Ihnen bei Ihrer Entscheidung. Prost!

[@christianweber4478]

@@cascadiahiking Ja vielen Dank! Die Informationen helfen mir sehr weiter. Bei meiner Größe ist es gar nicht so einfach das richtige Zelt zu finden. Mittlerweile habe ich aber schon ein paar Zelte gefunden die mir gefallen. VIELEN DANK Viele Grüße Chris

[@marcustan5868]

What backpacks have u tried? What do u think of Zpacks

[@cascadiahiking]

I've used so many packs over the years including some of ZPacks earliest CF packs. It's been a longtime since I've used a pack from Zpacks so I can't really give you any good feedback as to their current offerings. I see a lot of their packs on the trail. When I first started ultralight backpacking, there were few choices. Now, there is a lot more lightweight packs that are available. Recently, I've used packs from HMG, ULA, and Durston Gear. They all make really good packs. Right now, I like the Durston Gear packs just a bit more than the others. Good luck with the search!

[@Alex_Che_1]

Hello! What defense do you use against predators?

[@cascadiahiking]

Depending on where I'm hiking, I'll sometimes bring bearspray.

[@RichPianasOilPump]

Any suggestions for a pillow very similar to that one? Love my thermarest compressible pillow but for the weight I’d rather carry 2 pillows in a 7oz/3oz setup or something similar

[@cascadiahiking]

I have this one, it's pretty similar to the MLD pillow. simplylightdesigns.com/products/apex-climashield-pillows

[@wanttogo1958]

@@cascadiahikingI’ve been looking at that same pillow by Simply Light Designs and wondering if the overstuffed option is a good weight tradeoff. I’m a side sleeper with wide shoulders so I need between 4-5” of relief from a pillow after compression occurs. I have an inexpensive fiberfill camp pillow that I use on top of a blow-up pillow. It provides the additional lift I need and insulates the blow-up pillow in the cold months (I use a quilt) but it’s heavy (~8 oz). Did you choose either the overstuff option or the 2-in-1 option with that pillow?

[@cascadiahiking]

@wanttogo1958 I went with the standard option with no overstuff. My shoulders are pretty narrow for my height. You are wise to really look closely at your pillow setup. I could get everything else right (bag, pad) but with the wrong pillow I'll be tossing and turning all night. My advice with your setup. Test it at home until your comfortable with it. I hope that helps. Good luck!

[@wanttogo1958]

@@cascadiahikingthanks for the feedback. Yes, I definitely will test it at home. I do that with my pack, shelter and sleep systems. Saves a lot of literal pain on the trail.

[@UrDoinItWrong]

You and I have very similar gear across the board. We are friends now.

[@cascadiahiking]

You have good taste my friend!

[@arnoldkotlyarevsky383]

I hesitate to give any advice to an obviously knowledgeable hiker, BUT, since you are so weight and space conscious, you could do better with your crampons. Blue Ice makes some unbelievably light and compact crampons with a bunch of versatile configurations that all utilize a wide dyneema strap as the spine of the crampon. Depending on your winter boots, this could be a great solution for you if you were looking to try something different.

[@cascadiahiking]

I appreciate the advice and I'll have to check out their crampons. I was looking at an Ice Axe from them earlier this year. Thanks!

[@brockgan8941]

PLEASE use proper sunscreen. Zinc oxide by itself needs molecular coatings to de clump after an extremely rigorous vibration with a homogenizer to properly spread over your skin and give you proper protection. Just get a preformulated zinc oxide sunscreen like blue lizard 50 spf

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks for pointing out that detail.

[@99jkane]

Great presentation. (So glad that you don't sound like Sam Kinison, Gilbert Gottfried or Bobcat Goldthwait), ;-)

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks @99jkane. Good to hear from you. Yes, and my family appreciates that I don't sound like Sam, Gilbert or Bobcat! Cheers!

[@thinkof100]

Need to have deep pockets.

[@JTrain8]

Please show me how you inflate your sleeping pad with nylofume.

[@cascadiahiking]

Yeah, I'll have to make a quick video on it since I've had a couple people ask about it. There's a couple tips I've learned along the way and once you know them, you'll use it every time. Cheers!

[@jeffdur1330]

Wish I could afford all that stuff

[@Taffer-bx7uc]

Good video, but your voice puts me to sleep

[@cascadiahiking]

I am definitely no Sam Kinison when I speak!

[@BadgerBotherer1]

@@cascadiahiking You have a beautiful, soft voice, with no annoying background "music" that so many (particularly shrieking Americans!) insist upon. Keep doing things the way you are, and thanks for a very helpful and enjoyable video. Greetings from Wales, U.K.

[@cascadiahiking]

Thanks @BadgerBrother1. Cheers!

[@suemoore1965]

🏕️ THANKS

[@cascadiahiking]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching. Cheers!