SILVER WOLVES A CHAT ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR PACK LIGHTER

TODAY IN THE SILVER WOLVES CHAT WE WILL TALK ON LIGHTER GEAR . I WILL OFFER A FEW THOUGHTS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR PACK A LITTLE LIGHTER AS WELL AS ONE PROBLEM WITH THE ULTRALIGHT GEAR..THANKS FOR WATCHIN SAFE JOURNEYS

[@ostekuste3646]

50 years old, I carry an old alice pack with a wool blanket and a swag roll to sleep in. I do flint and steel fires, cook with stainless steel bushpot and an old cold handle cowboy skillet. I take real food, no trail mix or power bars. For a multi day hike my pack weight is between 35 and 40 lbs, but this is what I carry every time I’m in the woods, even on a day hike. If I can’t carry it for the day how can I expect to carry anything for multiple days? Part of it is the nostalgia and connection to the older ways before ultralight was a thing. But also I bet all of my gear will be around long after ultralight junk is all in the trash. Heck, my skillet is already 120 years old😂

[@BingWatcher]

True. But come on, fifty ain’t no silver wolf 🐺. Perhaps a bit of salt, but lots of pepper

[@greyscout01]

You've got it nailed brother. It's just hard for people to give up the extras.

[@BingWatcher]

Ain’t that the truth. Giving up anything feels like being a quitter! Stay strong 💪

[@gerardmartyn1738]

67 years young here. 20-30 lbs max for anything normal. Knowing how and what to use helps.. knowledge is key. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. Be safe.

[@blackoracle69]

Glad to help

[@oldminer5387]

Thank you Blackie good information. My trips are now day trips where I drive to near the area I want to see, walk in to my location, have lunch do some exploring and return to my truck before dark. I carry a modest pack with enough gear to hopefully keep me out of trouble if something happened. I have some light weight items but found ultra light stuff to flimsy to trust.

[@blackoracle69]

Have fun!

[@keithricketts4867]

Well Blackie, I'm glad someone else recognizes this too.. I have always heard "the 3 pillars: weight, quality, expense.. as 1 drops the other 2 tend to rise" well, sometimes this is the case, but most of the time I have seen when the weight drops so does the quality...!! Let's face it, if I see a storm on the horizon, and there is 2 tarps set up to take shelter under, 1 is a waxed canvas and the other is a 2oz ultralight something, well I'm sure I'll be under the canvas along with anyone else who is out in that storm.. Semper-fi sir..!!

[@57WillysCJ]

Great ideas. Nesmuck at the times of his writing had asthma and tuberculosis. The latter was called consumption because that is what it did. Suprised he made it to 69 years old. Think of backpacking with advanced emphysema. Pretty much why he wieghed nothing. Don't know if he was also packing that heavy rifle as well. I would like to make one of thosed trail carts but I prefer car or canoe camping. Car camping is like in the old days setting up a base camp and hiking a ways out from it. Gives time to smell the roses while you still can.

[@BingWatcher]

Hey Blackie, another great video in the series. I am a silver wolf with multiple medical issues. And I have been studying on ways to keep myself on the trail. This discussion has been very helpful!

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for watching

[@jamesparker6383]

Heck, I carry the ILBE and empty it weighs 8lbs. You always offer a lot of really great advice, thank you for all your great videos and please keep them coming.

[@MTwoodsrunnerPrimitiveSkill]

Got me a good friend very much like Stewart...I have been on many week long section hikes with him through deserts, forest's and mountains...we usually push 20 or more miles a day...he can easily do 30 35 miles when I'm not there to slow him down...he has through hiked the AT, PCT,CDT and many others...Super Dave (as I call him) is 72 years old. In two days he is beginning his 800 mile thru hike of the very remote and rugged Hayduke trail...I'm in pretty good shape myself, but that ol boy can out hike me on his worst day...God bless his soul...Hike on Super Dave!!!...woods

[@ManInTheWoods76]

The older I get, the more my gear reverts back to when I was 17. Surplus is all I could get back then. I still carry a steel GI canteen deluxe cook set. I don't care how light I go, that kind of gear will remain

[@wheelsinmotion91]

I'm only 32, so not a Silver Wolf. However, I AM disabled, and have to use a wheelchair or forearm crutches to get around, unless I crawl like a baby lol. I resonate with this series, because it helps me figure out how to adapt my gear/skills for bushcraft/camping. I want to thank you for your insight

[@williammccaslin8527]

Funny how as we get older, we want more comfort, as in warm an dry, full bellys at nite, an being relatively clean to. No more roughing it to prove any points about how tough we are. My .02 , thx for the vid

[@outbackowl4026]

Hi Blackie , greeting from Australia, thank you for your time to make this video. Muchly appreciated.

[@tomcatt998]

Year's ago i knew a old guy that rode the freight trains,, all he carried was a blanket tarp small skillet & 1 gallon of water & a small belt knife plus what he carried in his pockets,, i rode freights all over this country but i never could go as lite as old Shorty. Hate to admit it but Shorty was a lot tuffr than me 😅 My freight hoppn pack was 20 - 30#,, I'm with U on being dry & warm 👍

[@TheOCDHunter]

50 yrs old. But I’m One of those knife nuts I definitely go heavy on them. It’s an addiction lol. Blessings, the ocd hunter.

[@hagman1077]

Hey Blackie- Youve brought up many good points here and I guess it all boils down to personal preference. Im a Vet and love my Alice pack set-up. I will be the first to say, its probably heavier than most, but I know it and most of the stuff I carry in it will go thru hell and back. I think many people "over-pack" for different situations/scenarios they "possibly" could encounter, but the odds off all of those scenarios happening on the same outing are slim to none. Just my 2 cents- Thanks from another Silver Wolf-

[@blackoracle69]

the bottom line is does it work for you.. if it does then go for it

[@waynehendrix4806]

Mass vs Risk is always an interesting conversation. As I get older... I would like to do more Camaro camping myself.

[@edgarburlyman738]

I'm young but I'll always take a lighter pack! And yeah, I would call that a "hunting sword".

[@blackoracle69]

it was

[@richardchristian6504]

Hey Blackie, I am 70 i have converted to using a single wheel hiking trailer that I strap my gear to. My gear/pack is around 38 pounds total. Using the trailer i hardly notice the weight. if you are not careful you could fall into the mind set that you may actually try bringing more gear. Food for thought

[@blackoracle69]

I HAVE LOOKED AT THOSE LITTLE TRAILERS THEY LOOK COOL

[@TactiWolf1979]

I love all the information you have! I also really appreciate all the time you take to help us all during Thursday nights. Thank you for all the good work!

[@blackoracle69]

You are so welcome!

[@williamwood6795]

Skeeters can eat you alive.. For awhile I lived out of a van in California. I had an old Kelty Tioga external frame backpack. Not ultralight at all. But I loved it and am looking for another one. Nice info..

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks Blackie.

[@brianburge3349]

THANKS BLACKIE.

[@michaelabramo7373]

Great Intel thanks for the video.

[@blackoracle69]

You bet

[@observationpostcharlie1365]

Blackie becarful sir you got bad weather heading your way good video brother I lover these video on silver wolfs just for use I been useing some modern military gear

[@blackoracle69]

thanks i kept a eye on it

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie, Great Video and Outstanding Information, Thanks for sharing. Being a Silver Wolf and will be 62 years old on the 27th of this month, I might go a little lighter on some stuff and still a ground ponder also I'm Stroke survivaler and walk with a cane. My getting out now I let my truck carry my heavy gear now. You could say now I'm built for comfort not for speed . We go to the woods to relax and enjoy. Thank You for sharing your Time and knowledge and wisdom and experience and teaching. You Are The Master Woodsman and Bushcrafter. Tim L. U.S. Army Vet, Old Boy Scout, Woodsman and Bushcrafter. Hunter , Fisherman, Trapper.

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie, these are the things I enjoy and trying to get back doing what I enjoy.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

I'm a 60 yr old cardiac patient/mild heart attack survivor, but I'm not quitting yet. Everything I need for camping/4 day bug out is in my pack or on my GI pistol belt. My pack is 18-20 lbs and it's really just the basics. Continued good luck and health to you... and all of us Silver Wolves

[@timlacy2284]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 Thank You, Good health to you as well, I had a Spinal Stroke due to Covid and was bed redden and in a wheelchair for months. God and Prayers got me out of them and refused to give up. Blackie, helped me get through my rehab to get back into the outdoors.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

​@Tim Lacy Thank the Lord I'm a former EMT I and recognized the symptoms of the heart attack and didn't pass it off as "heartburn" (what killed my Dad). I caught the Covid a few months later where I shouldn't have... But Blackie has kept me motivated too. I could probably shave a couple of pounds, but comfort IS a consideration, without packing the kitchen sink

[@timlacy2284]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 Thank You for being EMT and saving lives, my covid was mild case I thought I went deer hunting ,I ran a low grade fever and felt really run down and weak . Then a few weeks later I was a sleep in bed a had a very bad pain in my lower back put my feet on the floor and couldn't feel my feet and it started working up my legs and stopped at my chest. I went to the ER three times and did not admit me because they didn't have any beds and send me home. I could not use my legs . Hope your recovery goes very well and you are able to get back outdoors and enjoying. God Bless You.

[@frankiehernandez1854]

I love the idea you are highlighting. You can mix and match the tuff gear with light weight gear. There is no need to be all or nothing unless you needs require one extreme or another.

[@MichaelR58]

Good video Blackie , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@blackoracle69]

Thank you too

[@scottcatchot1598]

That is an awesome bowie? I have never seen one before. .i have a ww2 bayonet in my collection. Im a knife nut, guilty as charged lo,

[@cowboywrench13]

One of the things I do to "go lite" is to reduce the volume of the goods that I carry. A fire kit or first aid kit can both be reduced to smaller amounts of items. Clothes don't have to be fresh and clean every day, although under clothes and socks will be. Less being and more bang for the weight and footprint of what I take. Like Blackie said, now, I'm more on a motorcycle than in foot, and that affords the opportunity to carry more, but real-estate is at a premium, and weight is a consideration.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for watching

[@cowboywrench13]

@@blackoracle69 on a side note, I just got home from vacationing at PCB. Since I was so close, and knew that I couldn't come to the lake with y'all, I did stop by Kaughman's and APC next door. It was well worth the detour, and the scenic roads back up to Montgomery. I highly recommend APC for lunch when you visit Kaughman's.

[@richardstyron5716]

Got that weather yesterday. Cold day here and getting colder. I use a deer dolly for heavier gear and it will fit on a trail. Thanks for sharing, stay safe.

[@blackoracle69]

thats a good idea

[@shadowx8405]

When I was into the whole thru-hiking thing, people used to say: "Pounds are cheap, ounce are expensive." And that is absolutely true

[@blackoracle69]

yes they are

[@lundysden6781]

Wow, nice knife!$$

[@blackoracle69]

Sure is!

[@benterwellen]

72 years, my gear is old and it works been using it for decades, Alice pack with frame usually about 40 lbs of gear…..don’t use ultra lite, mostly military surplus…

[@lundysden6781]

this was your best vid.

[@blackoracle69]

thank you

[@acerrubrum5749]

👍

[@jeffrichards5106]

Great information. I'm always trying to figure out ways to lighten the load without sacrificing too much comfort. Like Nessmuk, I want to go out there to smooth it, not rough it. I get it rough enough in town. Thanks 👍

[@blackoracle69]

Right on

[@DamienNeverwinter]

Couldn't agree more Blackie. Ultralight is weak. I have bags by Osprey. Its lightness makes it good for a lightly equiped dayhike, but in the *real* outdoors it is nowhere near heavy cordura or canvas. I dont mind light sleeping bags or bedrolls though. They're pricey, but they do make a big difference in what you have to haul.

[@blackoracle69]

very true as long as the money and the comfort make it worth it go for it

[@tomcatt998]

67 year's old here,, Large alice pack 4 everything, even day hikes.. Day hikes > 12 - 15# BOB > 40 - 50# with a lotta rest stops.. Someone told me that i might be growing old.. Hate 2 agree with them. 🤣🧙‍♂️🤪

[@frogmorepipester7490]

Hell Blackey. I quit suffering at forty two. I am now fifty six. We get out in the woods more than ever at four hours a clip. Micro Adventures.

[@blackoracle69]

awesome

[@claymoresteel]

For those wanting to try out hammock camping. Get a flat sheet and tie the ends. great way if you want to take a bunch of friends camping that don't have gear.

[@blackoracle69]

Great tip!

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother

[@blackoracle69]

Hello there!

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi my friend

[@davef5916]

hey Blackie, I've been treading in both worlds of ultralight and bushcraft for a little bit. I use a savotta bag to protect my light gear, I carry a knife and saw but I have a custom quilt, a zpacks DCF tarp, stuff like that. Ultra200 is a new fabric that came out sometime last year, it's a lot more durable than you'd think. Check out Dan Durston's Kakwa Ruck, it has an internal aluminium frame and you can get it in 40 and 55 litres made of Ultra 200. It's a very reasonably price as it comes with a lot of features. A medium 40L runs at 27.3 oz. Alton goods out of Australia also make a fantastic 3x3m tarp that's durable for 19 oz. Paria out of America makes a great sized bug bivy for 23oz. These are light options that don't skimp on durability. That said, I think all that tech has come a long way since you tried it. At the end of the day, ultralight people hike on well established trails, they arent bush bashing, they can restock regularly, but they still do more camping in one thru hike than many of us will do in our whole life. Check out Jupiter Hikes on youtube, he is on the absolutely insanely ultralight end of the spectrum but he has some great ideas on reducing pack size, including cold soaking food as opposed to carrying a cook system and gas etc. Great video mate.

[@davef5916]

for ground pounding too, polycro ground sheets (stuff you insulate windows with) are a great saver. nylofume pack liners too, these are really cheap additions to a pack that can shave off a lot of weight if you're carrying typical military stuff.

[@stevenladrig9592]

Blankie that's why I bought a knapsack so I can go lighter I got a 40 lb backpack and I'm 65 years I got to start doing light lightweight stuff if I carry enough stuff that I can go for a couple days that's what I'm going to do

[@blackoracle69]

sounds like a plan carry what you need to enjoy your time

[@jelkel25]

Got a lighter kit for if I'm putting in the miles but it wouldn't be considered light by ultralight standards. Titanium or aluminium pots, one plastic canteen and Platypus bags for the water, a lighter tarp, my Mora 2000 weighs very little and most of all I dehydrate my meals if out multiple days, this makes a huge difference. My packs are just regular hiker's packs because I don't trust these ultralight things (my regular packs are banged up enough, never mind these thin material things). You've got enough sense and experience by our age to know how little gear you can comfortably get away with and what lighter options are available that don't break the bank.

[@kenbarrett6466]

I couldn’t find the post for who’s coming to your gathering. ,, so I’ll let you know I’ll be there and I plan on being there afternoon of the 22nd

[@blackoracle69]

great look forward to seeing ya

[@mr.miniaturesmodels8465]

50 years young here. 35 ~ 40 lbs is my limit and that’s still an amount I’m getting used to. I take a backpack for my welding job to work every day and it’s about 20 lbs of PPE and essential tools. I walk the line between ultralight and comfort and found a happy medium. I just hope it doesn’t tip as I get older toward the too heavy. Outdoor gear is constantly evolving so maybe it can keep me going when I get to that point.

[@blackoracle69]

sounds like your staying with it and thats what counts

[@terrancecoard388]

Everything Black Powder gave a great review of your Gun Butter.

[@blackoracle69]

i saw that it was awesome

[@lloydscott295]

I'm having supplies issues also wondering about what kind of tarps is the best and also I'm concerned about getting good mosquito netting for outside camping I would like some advice on where to order good mosquito netting

[@tag1462]

What you pack in you have to pack out. I've got it down to the basics.

[@blackoracle69]

sounds good

[@timothygourley5690]

Where did your friend get that bowie ??? What make is it ???

[@williamdroom5789]

I can't do ultralight anymore. My medicines weigh almost 8 pounds. Some of it needs to kept refrigerated.

[@smoothvern165]

Excellent advice, Blackie! I’m old, and I totally love going camping in my own version of the beer budget truck camper!

[@blackoracle69]

Right on!

[@GordonCodyDixon6591]

I have a grayl and a canteen set. Should I carry both.

[@blackoracle69]

i would carry grail unless its a long way between water sources then carry both the grail doesn't not carry a lot

[@TinyTitan50]

At 63 my pack weighs too much… I’ve got way too much comfort in it, it must weigh about 35 pounds and that’s too much for a woman of my size. I’ve got it set up for at least a two day travel with a map so I can get off main trough ways. Time to be a bit more uncomfortable. Thanks for making me think.

[@blackoracle69]

glad to do it

[@robertterhune1880]

What happened to the old oil tarps? Realizing they are heavy

[@blackoracle69]

i still have a few i use them on truck camps these days

[@BeSeeP]

He was running…

[@blackoracle69]

i agree thats all he really wanted to do

[@stevestumpy6873]

How about a dog that has its own pack, to carry some of your load.

[@DamienNeverwinter]

I once saw a St Bernard with side packs

[@blackoracle69]

i have friends who have done that

[@overweighthikerwannabe901]

Of course if you do that, you need supplies fir the dog as well. Some people use pack goats. A benefit of that is they eat brush and other stuff along the trail so they aren't as reliant on packed in food. Of course with either you need to check the rules to see if they are allowed where you intend to backpack.

[@TheBrianGale]

Jeep camping all the way now, at 72.

[@blackoracle69]

awesome