The Backpacking “FAD” Everyone Should Try

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Check Out Garage Grown Gear: geni.us/m2tzeVo *Gear seen in this video:* Zpacks Arc Haul: geni.us/3pBiA Plex Solo Lite: geni.us/iS1P Zenbivy UL Quilt: geni.us/eaEo Chair Zero: geni.us/Zremfj Gorilla Backpack: geni.us/Yphk Lunar Solo: geni.us/QFJZ Exped 3r: geni.us/BZiouTx EE Enigma: geni.us/4j7JTY Quick Draw Water Filter: geni.us/KWgz Bonfus 58L Pack: geni.us/loVQ9 Stratospire 1: geni.us/66Cl Thermometer: geni.us/BGs5 Nemo Dagger: geni.us/mJxMOYj Farpoint Hoodie: geni.us/EGWb9nd Bottle Genius: geni.us/OEf9AK5

[@NathanHassall]

I think if your favorite aspect of hiking is the actual hiking / traveling part then going as light as you can will make that part of the experience the most enjoyable. If your favorite part is the camping then having a few extra pieces of gear to accommodate that like a chair ect. is the way to go. Pack for the the trip not for some ideology...there is no need to choose a side.

[@jimsonjohnson3761]

Yeah most people don't realize that. They watch one ultra lite vid, spend 3 grand, go hiking and get tired of their 10 mile a day 4 day trip.

Pack for the trip. That’s good. I’m a desert hiker and go UL but not really. I usually start with 15 litres of water. That is why I otherwise go as light as possible… tarp and so on.

[@gretat1087]

I completely agree! I live my time at camp so it makes sense to factor that in. I don’t just want to hike all day and sleep!

[@michaelkennedy4346]

Dang, 33lbs of water is quite the haul

[@McBlamin]

I don't know. I love, love the hike way more than the camping (especially breaking camp!). I'm having a really tough time getting below 20 lb base weight, especially if I have to use a bear canister.

[@mrroboto18]

If weight is a concern, base camping is a great option. Spend one day lugging out all your weight to an area, set up camp, and then spend the next few days doing day hikes, scramble a peak, or just sit by a nice lake. It makes bringing luxury items more reasonable, and most of your trip can be spent without carrying around a big bag. I personally enjoy this much more than thru hiking

[@seswas1]

Agreed.

[@parajared]

yep, that's the way I do it. I prefer day hiking but there's some places that are too remote or too vast to hike in one day.

[@HeWhoHath]

This is how I hunt

[@SummitSeeker546]

I’m 63 and do at least 3 trips per year with 2 of them >8 days per trip and we like going off trail. The #1 item by far in keeping me on trail is trekking poles. No way in hell I could do what we do without them. I ventured down the ultralight black hole and found it’s not the panacea for me. I try to go as light as possible with my gear but with my experience I’ve found the sweet spot that works for me. Comfort, function, and preparedness for the wrath of Mother Nature drive my choices. Fine tuning your gear is a process. Find what works for you or as you hear from the through hiking crowd, hike your own hike!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Hey Steve, you know I’m an ardent fan of your channel and I comment frequently but who am I? This video of a recent trip we did will give you some perspective on where my comments originate. This is a typical trip for us; greater than 7 nights, 60+% off trail, lots of fishing, and lots of laughs. The highlight of our trips are the carefully selected “Johnny 5 star” campsites. Hope you enjoy… kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2WZlmiMec-Cl6csi=arr2V1bSchQWlGlQ

[@mrwes100]

I'm 60 and my approach is similar. My base weight is not 10 lbs or below, but it's close. I balance comfort with the amount of weight I'm willing to carry.

[@dhat1607]

Agree with everything in this post. Will just add that the same goes for bodyweight. Dropped 45lbs the past 2 years and hiking (with UL gear) is now a pleasure.

[@nedanother9382]

BAM!!! I have as well, put a few back on but oh my goodness the difference. Good for you. I hope you did it through exercise and diet rather than the gut problems I've had but either way. It lets you buy all new hiking cloths. Good on you.

[@smellybearc7411]

Good on you man. And good to know losing body weight really does help improve hiking experience. I dropped 30 pounds and am aiming to drop another 20 for the purpose of being able to hike and backpack more comfortably. I used to huff and puff just from walking 3 miles on my local trail. Now I’m able to do strenuous rated backpacking trips (though they are no where near enjoyable just yet). Am really looking forward to when I take another 20 pounds off. Man just imagine when it’s possible to go on backpacking trips and fully enjoy it without struggling too much.

[@vipe650r]

That's real. Health is the best gear you can have for the outdoors. Bless yours.

[@brated9848]

That's not easy. Good job my friend

[@samueljlarson]

I am a minimalist type, but not an ultra light dude... I like simple and dependable gear. Sometimes that means UL but mostly its traditional gear like paper maps and stainless steel water containers because it allows more options about how to use it, it's repairable and will last a longer than one season. Love your videos man!

[@woodbarber6679]

61m. Been backpacking a long time. My last 5 day solo trip I got my gear load down to 33 lbs (incl. food/water). I’m normally around 40 lbs . I can’t believe the difference shedding 7 lbs made. My back, shoulders and feet faired so much better. I’m a convert. Keep up the great videos.

[@jhaas68865]

I have been a scout and scout leader now for quite a few years love this idea because when I started as a leader had to get a lot of gear quickly and budget friendly. As each year went by found a piece or two that were heavy or not needed so started swapping them out for better items. First example was a Coleman 30 degree sleeping bag. Big bulky weighed a ton and took up space. Got a Nemo disco 30 and still shocked on how small it is and how warm it is compared to the Coleman. Granted that was a pricier item. I am almost 50 and already have one bad knee so the lighter my pack can be the better. Also there are the comfort items that I will take the extra weight for like a camp chair and pillow. Ultralighters may say they are not needed but arthritis and a good night sleep make it needed for me. If I was back in the early 90s when I have those fresh joints that could still bend I would try the ultralight way. Now I am just trying to keep from having to car camp.

[@papajonn87]

I bought me and my wife the zipper thermometer from garage grown gear. We seen it in one of your videos and love it. I never heard of garage grown gear till I found your channel. Thank you.

[@jamesmccreery250]

My gear is a mixture of light and Ultra light. I have many items that can be used by 2 people for the trips when my second decides to come along. I also have a lot of gear that can cope with winter conditions. I backpack specifically to fish and will be carrying some extra weight anyway. My backpack is heavy 3lbs. It fits me well and distributes the load correctly for my body. My tent is light for a 2 person tent that can withstand winter conditions at 36 oz. My sleep system is also light and can be adjusted depending on the season. My chair is pretty heavy at 2lbs. I need a heavier chair because I am also heavier 300 + lbs. My primary cook system is light but not ultra light, but it can be used for 2 people. I can scale my system down to Ultra light (

[@Swearengen1980]

I consider a 3 lb backpack light, but I come from the world of hunting packs that are far heavier. If a pack can't haul at least 100 lbs of meat, it's not worth it to me. These UL packs they use look so fragile, like they'll tear if you go off trail (which I often do), and also have a very low weight capacity. I try to go with gear that can double as hiking and hunting gear. My 60L Kuiu pack with internal frame is 4 lbs, can pack out a buck if I need it to, and is so insanely comfortable. That 4 lb pack on me feels better than any 1-2 lb pack I've tried through simple superior quality.

[@stixglass8442]

Great video, great point! Confidence and experience are priceless. This is also the reason i became interested in Bushcraft. In the Bushcraft world there is a saying that "knowledge weights nothing". Cheers!

[@AECFXI]

I'm backpacking through too much off-season snow and freezing temps to be at the place all of these ultralight discussions seem to be coming from. Doesn't matter to me though because I'm having an awesome time!

[@Macca85]

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve loved the journey of getting my pack from a whopping 22kg down to

[@pdx_polymath581]

Updated my gear several years ago and wound up ultralight. In doing so it has allowed me to carry a one pound chair and be even more comfortable than I was before the upgrade. I certainly don’t suffer at all. I agree with you…. If it’s financially viable, everyone should try it.

[@Oldsparkey]

This simple philosophy worked for me , I take what I need , not what I think I might want. I found that by keeping the Pack , Sleeping and Shelter low in weight it's a jump start on UL. As far as a stove , titanium wood ( stick ) burner and a titanium pot. I hammock camp so dead wood is always available. Being a heart patient I had to lighten everything , no more heavy packs. It took several years to accomplish it and wish I would of a lot sooner.

[@radekdickinson5772]

The part about the confidence boost is so true.

[@derekweiland1857]

*too

[@smallbutdeadly931]

*they're

[@drsaintdc]

While I appreciate the sentiment of older folks not being able to carry heavy loads, lots of research suggests we do not "wear out" our joints. Being more active facilitates healthier joints actually.

[@zacharylaschober]

@@drsaintdc yup, joints adapt as the entire body adapts to appropriate stress with appropriate recovery. when people need ultralight to get outside, they probably need to lift some weights and get in some brisk steps for quality of life more. those are not mutually exclusive or contingent, but when people start complaining about joints and doing nothing for health this is walking over dollars to, in this instance, spend hundreds of dollars.

[@WoodswomanWrites]

This is a case of both/and, not either/or. I'm 67 and being active is definitely recommended for keeping joints healthy and it certainly helps my arthritic knees. At the same time, carrying heavier loads vs. light ones does put extra stress on joints. That said, as my physical therapist shared, carrying a heavy pack for a few days occasionally doesn't stress your knee joints nearly as much as being overweight and carrying extra pounds on your body every day.

[@savagepro9060]

I actually read THAT recently. You got to keep moving!

[@deekelley891]

@@WoodswomanWritesamen. And we can work harder and train for that heavier load. Research the trail, maybe add extra days so you can stope earlier-there are many ways to adapt a trip. And generally, we aren’t doing long, multi day trips every weekend! Just have the preparation, training, muscles and fitness level to do it. Exercise keeps us up and more active which then increases our quality of life and helps us live a nice long and happy one.

[@PacMan257]

I'm geared up for a 8 day thru hike of the Foothills Trail next month and while I'm not sub 10lbs my base weight is is only 12.3lbs. You've inspired me to try to get it to 10lbs.

[@jaredklein8863]

I wouldn’t worry about it. 12 lbs is nothing.

[@ghpatriot]

The foothiils trail is amazing! Enjoy!!!

[@MyCatIsSmarter]

Nice, I have day hiked that trail many times. I just need new gear to backpack it

[@Swearengen1980]

@@jaredklein8863 Ditto. If you can't handle an extra 2 lbs at that weight, hitting the gym is a better alternative than shedding gear. Moot at the moment, as that trail is closed after notable damage from Helene.

[@amywert8088]

I just had a birthday and so this is very timely! I don't backpack much but if I want to continue I do need to consider this. I'm 59 now and my little grandson is 3, we need lots of camping trips!

[@DubTDub]

I don’t backpack full time, but I do hike a ton. Hiking is a bit easier to keep a lot of the weight down. Yes, I do over pack, and yes I overpack for comfort. And on my last big hike, a thunderstorm hit, and I had to descend rapidly, with a ton of unnecessary weight on my back! I rolled my ankle 4 times on the way down! I had to hobble the last 6.5 miles down, which took 8 hours.. Now I definitely consider reducing the weight of my pack. I seriously did not need all the items I brought, just for a day hike. Overcoming that obstacle of losing comfort is my next goal… Thanks for this Post! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@therestorationshop]

Great video! I might add, less stuff is easier to pack and easier to find things. Ultralight gear, while expensive, is often high quality as well. Ultralight gear is often created by individuals that hike with that gear so it is very efficient and functional. This gear usually has extreme attention to detail yet nothing extra... just what you want. Support for the gear is usually the owner of the company and not some giant corporation that outsources support, thus you get help and answers. I was surprised how much my hiking experience improved just by lightening the load. Now I go full ultralight with some "cheats" aimed at improving comfort. AeroPress for coffee is one such "cheat".

[@explorationnorthwest]

My concerns…. Take what you need for conditions. Ultralight on some trips may not work on all trips. Get the gear you need and then become proficient at using it. Ultralight can mean lighter weight fabrics and zippers. Use care….they just aren’t as robust as other gear. I’ve carried very heavy loads, been ultralight, been light, now I settle in around 30lbs fully loaded. I hate the base weight number. It doesn’t represent what you are really carrying. My 2 cents worth.

[@Swearengen1980]

Fair comment on the base weight, but I think it's used as a generality. Obviously if you're hiking the desert in the summer, you need a lot more water and that "base weight" may need to get lighter....not all hikers are in great shape to carry a 40 lb load. 30 lbs is about where I end up total as well. It hits the balance of comfort with durability for the products I chose.

[@glenloewen7507]

I haven’t quite got there yet, but my base weight has come way down, and I’m digging it. I always thought being a mule was a badge of honor before.

[@kristymoore7052]

I am sixty and am slowly going UL. As you stared, it becomes a must as you get older to continue. I do have comforts that I am not willing to give up like my pillow and a small towel. That said, I just completed the John Muir Trail going northbound and though I was light, 18-25 lbs give and take food and water, I could have been lighter. Too many weather unknowns for that long of a stretch to leave behind though there were other things I realized I didn’t need like coffee and my down hood/beanie or my bra. lol. Love coffee but it is a time waster. Looking forward to smaller treks, a zpaks tent and packing for the known weather conditions and see how I do.

[@adventureswithken1983]

As a guy who mainly uses his stuff at hunting camp. I learned a few years ago that UL is the way to go. Yea, sure, my red sleeping pad may not be as tactical or cool for a deer hunt, but im not using it while hunting. Same with my tent & sleeping system. And the truth is, most of it is WAY more comfortable than my camo stuff I started with.

[@ragingtarrasque]

Love that you’re now in CO. The familiar terrain makes me feel represented lol

[@jamesking4225]

For the cost of 10 nights stay in a middle of the road hotel room, you can go fully ultralight. that’s the way I made peace with my bank account and spending the kind of money I did on my system.

[@iainwright-turner6210]

I lost all my gear moving house a year or so ago, I borrow a lot of gear to get out it works with my budget lately but it makes me happy that I have to start over buying new gear and I've been building a list of Ultra light gear but I enjoy my comforts too

[@sfollows]

“Inspired by ultralight, driven by comfort” has been my guiding phrase. I started with whatever equipment I could afford. As I look to replace some of that gear I ask myself will it make me more comfortable? If it will, I’d there a version that is also lighter? I have found each season has been more enjoyable.

[@15halerobert]

As a backpacker who recently replaced most his gear because he failed to lock the car, and someone felt they had more need for my stuff than I; I feel that the choices I made are quite light enough. Most of my gear was from the 70's and 80's. I had no idea of the advances made. Though my 2-man tent now weighs just over 2 pounds, that still saves me over 4 pounds right there from what I've carried for years. My cook kit is now all titanium, boy prices have come down, so goodby to the stainless steel. I even found a coffee/tea press that's so light I can now have fresh tea instead of bagged dust. The solar lantern folds flat and weights nothing, I can even recharge my head lamp in theory. My burn any fuel stove really needed to be replaced and my new SOTO Windmaster stove works very nicely. My new sleeping pad is both lighter and warmer than my old OG Therm-a-rest self-inflating pads (they stopped self-inflating years ago). My cheap? NatureHikes summer bag weighs less than my pocketknife, I think. And my bag I know is not going to win any prizes in weight, but I carried a Osprey Alpine bag for years, (I bought it at Appalachian Outfitters in about 1976) used for school and anything else I could think of, that's like nearly 45 years. It recently gave up the ghost, but it built in me some band loyalty. I have a 32-liter osprey I bought by mistake; thinking would replace my dead OG bag. Well, it didn't but is still a darn useful bag, like when you want to walk to the grocery store, I'm positive it would make a fine ultra-light bag, though my "gear load" would maybe be a little spartan. There enough said😜😜

[@iac4357]

I was reading a Discussion lately that made a lot of sense. Basically it was on who or how was that 10 Lbs. weight limit decided upon ? If you wanna carry more, & you're still comfortable and happy, then carry more !

[@mariahezeako8603]

Ultralight everything, but i wear a mystery ranch bridger pack😅 Everything is light but my pack I need comfort during the hike

[@mikeb5664]

The Bridger 65 was on my short list for an expedition pack that was at least 65 L The Bridger lost out due to its 5.5 lb weight. But a sweet back pack otherwise. I went with the Seek Outside, Divide 4800 2.0. The main body holds 79 L, front pocket holds 13 L, Each side pocket holds 2 Nalgenes. Weight capacity of 200 lbs It weighs 2.9 lbs Downsides are there are too many options. No hip belt pockets or top lid included. And with the options it can easily be a $600+ pack. I spent $800 CDN dollars on mine. But I head out with 45+ lbs and I'm 58, and it will keep me going for at least 10 more years.

[@Swearengen1980]

Kuiu Pro LT 4000, just under 4 lbs at 66L. Absurdly comfortable no matter how much weight I put in it. I go UL with some gear, but everything has to stand up to hunting trips in addition to hiking.

[@brycewalburn3926]

I bought a super cheap and crappy little 40L backpack off of Amazon for the purpose of doing "dry runs" with UL variations of my typical loadout. I allows me to think through what I actually need and how to pack that gear into a smaller backpack than what I usually take. I see it as a very cheap way to dip my toes into UL without going out and buying a bunch of stuff. I have yet to take the pack out on an overnight, but I plan to do so soon.

[@nedanother9382]

For near perfection and price I highly recommend Gossamer Gear packs. Theres a frameless G-420 that is 25 ozs. Good room - even for a bear can. 42 liters. Unfortunately it seems to go somewhat cheaper on other things that Dyneema will be a part of your life. Dont pay a thousand dollars for a tent because you bought a 200.00 tent to get you started. That tent will be crap. Buy once cry once. As well the best gear I ever bought was a 10 degree quilt from EE. Ive done the deep research and ounce for ounce warmth and price. NOTHING is better. Look at nothing more than the weight and type of fill and compre that number with the weight of fill and over all weight of anyone else in a 10 degree and you'll see they are the best. The duplex and the quilt are gods...everything else is up for grabs. and you will have many choices with that set up. I could take a chair and not feel it....but I won't because there must always be an Us and a Them. For me its like planning a football game. plan plan plan and then execute and review. I'm heading to the Sierra right now....except I'm resisting putting the food together. Good luck on your journey, its so much fun.

[@jimihenrik11]

When i first started optimizing weight i didn't buy anything. I left stuff at home. There are so many things you don't actually need for a good trip. I also totally agree that it builds confidence. However nowadays i also always choose some comfort items according to the trip planned.

[@wisenber]

Summer trips in the Smokies camping low, I manage SUL (sub 5 lb) without any issues, and 30 ounces of that is my old GoLite Pinnacle pack. That being said UL for a 6+ footer versus shorter people is more challenging. Socks are bigger, quilts are bigger, tarps are longer. jackets are heavier...

[@bernardweaver2416]

My first foray into UL backpacking helped me realize frameless is not for me. It's fine for day hikes over rolling terrain, but as soon as elevation gains into the equation I have to have a frame. Thankfully packs with carbon fiber frames are readily available.

[@architennis]

There ought to be more sub-two-pound packs with a frame and hipbelt. I don't know how so many people are OK without any hipbelt, it boggles my mind (and my back!).

[@meisjeViv]

I have had a couple of very bad experiences with single wall tents. When my current tent needs replacing I will look into as light as possible double wall options

[@edgartokman4898]

January and Februery are tough months to get through it goes by fast though you gotta keep the fire going you can put some dry wood under a tarp

[@davidcooper8390]

hike your own hike. find ways to get more people out into nature. good video

[@clairecaryer5575]

Working towards lighter gear with every upgrade is the best thing I've done since I started backapcking.

[@Bradley-b1h]

Astonishing, and very well put together.

[@bjf10]

I have to carry several pounds worth of a travel CPAP system (12 oz for the machine, 1.3 lbs per battery, each battery gives 1.5 nights of use) plus a few oz for hose + mask, so ultralight gear is absolutely for me, even if I'll never quite hit that 10 lbs number.

[@oliverkedzior]

Thanks for posting! I'm always happy when you share your knowledge!

[@skizzarz]

Noticed your audio was considerably quieter than previous videos I was watching as well as ad video that played beforehand. Then around 3:00 I have to turn the audio up to hear. In general, please adjust audio to loud and clear, just short of clipping, and if the quieter parts when you’re further away from mic could also be loud and clear, that’d really help for quieter listening environments, this is a run-on sentence. Keep up the awesome content as always, thank you!

[@CousinSquatch]

You can achieve ultra light on a budget in nice summer weather. Ultralight in colder conditions is not achievable, to my knowledge, without forking out some serious cash for the technology that makes something light and will keep you warm and protect you from hypothermia in a severe storm or over a mountain pass. I've been backpacking in what is now "the shoulder season" in more mountainous areas. I can be sweating in the day time traveling along a scenic river in a forested valley, then trying to stay warm in the mid twenties at night at camp with some freezing rain at an alpine lake in higher elevation, then fording a river the next day again in 78 degree weather trying to stay cool mid day, then going over a mountain pass the next morning with biting hail and 60 mile an hour wind gusts. When you have to pack for 4 seasons in less then 4 days you will not do it with a 10# base weight. But it is advantageous to learn how to use lighter gear so that you can pack MORE gear that is actually useful and will help you to be prepared for more conditions that mother nature throws at you.

[@winterout265]

One aspect of ultralight/backpacking in general that I never hear mentioned is the gear to body ratio. 10lb base weight sounds like a great target to hit, but I'm 6'3 and 260lbs. This means I need a larger tent, pad and sleeping bag to not just be comfortable but covered. Which then means a larger pack. Larger chair, larger clothes, etc. All those ounces add up. I got down to 17lbs base weight and boy did it make the hiking part that much more enjoyable. I don't see the need to try and go lighter. So I think its important to consider the weight range that will make your trip comfortable both on the trail and at camp and not just aiming for an arbitrary number like 10lbs.

[@35manning]

Ultralight is all a matter of perspective. In the Army, we had to load our packs up to between 35 and 45 kg (~70 - 90 lbs) for our fitness tests, as that was the expected weight we'd be carrying. In addition to normal "hiking" gear like spare clothing, sleeping bags, bivvys, we'd also be carrying body armour, night vision equipment, radios, lots of ammunition, maybe some explosives, etc. And of course, none of that comes in light weight versions. Yet I'm seeing people in the comments complain about carrying half that weight. I will almost always agree that fornthe same strength and features / functions, less weight is better. There are some items that work better if they care heavier, like hammers. But the key part is, FOR THE SAME STRENGTH, FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS. First, decide what features and functions you absolutely need, then what you want. Then decide what strength you need. Then buy the lightest option that has those features and functions at the strength you require. Buying the lightest gear makes zero sense if it's going to break half way through the first hike, but "spending" a little more in weight would get a stronger product that lasts you for years. And if carrying a heavy pack really becomes too much for you, look at getting a hiking cart. You can move all the weight off your back and on to a couple wheels. I'm not knocking those people who like ultralight hiking. But saying ultralight is the only way to go especially as you age is just incorrect.

[@Guuize]

Mate, most of us are going to the trail to enjoy life, nature and my family, not to explode shit. We want to be light, not suffer. I'm also not being paid to carry things. There is always someone in the comments saying "ohh because in the army I was carrying blablabla". Would you like to carry all that weight when you're going to buy an icecream for you kids in the weekend a few blocks from home? Thats what hiking is for us, is to enjoy, not to carry tons of not needed things in our back that will make the experience less pleasant.

[@35manning]

@@Guuize clearly you didn't read or understand everything I said. I never suggested that you should pack body armour and 1,000 rounds of ammo. In fact if you did, I'd be rather worried about your intentions. My point was more so that you shouldn't be driven purely by weight. Sometimes heavier items perform better and you'll get more enjoyment out of things that actually work well. A tent is a great example, we want our tents to be warm, spacious and dry. A lightweight tent may do all of that, but if the thinner material rips on a stick or rock, will it still remain dry? A light weight peg is great, until it bends in half because the grounds too hard.

[@urgamecshk]

Agreed. I haven't camped this year but have played lots of airsoft and gone for rucks this summer instead. I did a 2hr ruck with 17lbs on me, 5lb plate in my hand. When I was done it didn't even enter my mind that the weight was an issue. I think it comes down more to felt weight/distribution vs actual mass.

[@35manning]

@@urgamecshk a group of us in Army left training for our first posting, with field exercises expected right away. We were instructed to fly with all the gear we'd need, rather that have it transported by truck as normal. We all walked from the base to the train station, then through the airport with a full field pack, a day pack and two full duffle bags and whilst I can't speak for the others, but I barely felt the weight. It was all well balanced. We are talking easily 70-80kg (~140-180lbs) of total weight. I wouldn't recommend going for a hike with that sort of weight, but we walked up and down stairs with ease.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

6:00 I find that I switch things up depending on the type of trip I’m doing. I have not been under 10 pound base weight much, and when I have I didn’t have the right gear for it, so it was very uncomfortable. But even 15 lbs is very light (that’s about where I usually am when it comes to weight).

[@liamtaylor4955]

I retire in 29 weeks and 1 day (but who's counting?). I'll be 65. I have the means to buy all new, great gear from scratch, sell all my old, and that's what I'll do as soon as I have a list. So thanks for that ultralight site. I want ultralight because I have a jacked-up collarbone that didn't heal right, it's pointy and could literally wear a hole through my skin! There is one extra item I'll be using though, since I'm old and concerned about my joints and such: poles. I don't even day hike without them, and if I had known about them 50 years ago I would have been using them. I'm surprised you do not. Once again, thanks for another great video.

[@ytmwang]

Ultralight is good to try, but also not to obsess over too much. After all, most people only go on a handful of backpacking trips each year. A lot of people get carried away with constant upgrades just to save that one extra oz, like recently those sleeping pad pumps. Once the gear is somewhat dialed in, that attention could be better focused on trail research and consumables to bring.

[@architennis]

No pump weighs less than those new light weight pumps out there!

[@peterjohnson6273]

Always good, Steve. Thanks.

[@professormarceloricci]

"If you enjoy backpacking and you wanna do it for years to come, UL may be your only way forward" (SMITH, Steven). I’m about to turn 50, and this is something I realized a few years ago.

[@coachhannah2403]

I'm 67, and have trimmed my pack down to about 18lb base. I could see getting down to 15lb by giving up chair and reducing my cook kit, but why? I don't do a lot of thru hiking, so my heavier camp water gear (fewer trips to the river) is just nice. 🤷‍♂️ Of course, I used to take 30-35 lb with a heavy pack that never fit, so 18 is just fine for me in moderate (late spring/early fall) conditions.

[@mikeb5664]

I'm 58 and like coach said, once your base weight is below 20 lbs, it can be managed depending on trip conditions. How many trips do you take per year? Do you train? As we get older health becomes an issue. I can head out with 45+ lbs, knowing I'm coming home with 18+ lbs, 6 days later. I think the key is your back pack. I switched to an external metal frame pack that can support 200 lbs. I can carry ~90 L of gear and the pack weighs

[@coachhannah2403]

@@mikeb5664 - I do not see 10 lbs as reasonable, at my age. 🤷‍♂️

[@professormarceloricci]

@@coachhannah2403 Totally agree! I still do a lot of thru-hiking, and even when it's not a long mileage trip, most of my hikes are through hot, humid, and steep tropical rainforests. So yeah, lots of ups and downs over rough terrain. That said, trying to cut weight makes sense for me. On my last 3-day summer trek, I got my pack down to around 17 lbs total (gear + food), especially since water was easy to find along the way.

[@professormarceloricci]

@@mikeb5664 In my case, Mike, the older I get, the more I want to hike longer distances. I live in an (increasingly) warm tropical country, so I save a lot by not needing much winter gear. I’ve given up cooking (just stick to ready-to-eat and/or cold-soaked meals), probably because my focus is more on hiking than camping. That said, sometimes I do like to feel cozy and try some outdoor recipes, so I’ll head to a closer spot and bring all my knick-knacks and stuff in my bulky Deuter Aircontact 75+10, which is almost 6 lbs on its own! When I’m solo, I also go with a hammock, mosquito net, and light tarp.

[@corbindallasmultipass]

To start UL is VERY expensive, for good gear, and if you do not get good gear, its dangerous and can be even more expensive. Its a balancing act. Get a good tent and pack, and then find the middle ground on the rest.... One could argue the sleep system is the next biggest item, and it should be. So in reality, the top 3 BIG items to spend the money on are tent, pack, and sleep system... It's fun to shave oz off a system. That is part of the UL fun. Be safe, and enjoy

[@VinceFowler]

Thankfully in Canada, Garage Grown Gear ISN’T the ONLY choice… we have Gear Trade in Okotoks, AB… and they have an exceptional UL gear choices from cottage companies. Also… cold soaking??? NEVER! LOL

[@zacharylaschober]

4:48 some basic GPP would be the solution here as the body will adapt to appropriate stress on the body. joints do not "wear out", but excessive and erratic volume of backpacking with weight, elevation, distance, terrain, etc., could cause an injury when you are ill prepared for this. reducing weight to reduce injury risk is spending hundreds of dollars for negligible mitigation which does not extend to the rest of your life. this said, lighter weight tends to be more comfortable and will reduce this volume comparing one hike to another, thus by all means do, but it is like drilling holes in the toothbrush to save a gram when you bring out an extra french press in case the first one breaks. *and I am sure several folks will talk about how ultralighting has allowed them to continue backpacking as they increase in age, and I am all for this, I might just recommend some things which are far more effective for all of your health like lifting some weights and consistent cardio in the week.

[@seattlegrrlie]

I've always been a weight weenie. In fact, I've added more over the years as I used to curl up in a sleeping bag under a bush with no tent or pad.

[@waterbuck]

I've had a mixed experience with ultralite gear. Ultralite is achieved by reducing features and using less durable materials. Ultralite bags tend to wear out fast and rip/tear even faster.

[@HugeCockAndBalls]

@@waterbuck ultralight bags are made from the strongest fabrics you can buy

[@Gitgudm9]

It's more about the mentality to me than the gear itself (although there are some UL innovations like trekking pole tents that really are quite nifty). UL is all about looking at your kit and asking "Do I really need this?" - not only to make your time on trail more enjoyable, but also to decrease clutter and make more space for things you really want. There are probably hardcore ULers that will contend that many things in the "things you really want" category are also superfluous, but for most of us who aren't UL, it's very useful dialing in your pack to the essentials and some thoughtfully-picked comfort items. This doesn't have to imply sacrificing comfort and safety or spending exorbitant amounts of money, IMO.

[@outsiderswalks5460]

Which DCF or Ultra bags did you try? if UL means standard company light bags (like osprey) well yes - but newer, like ultra 200x material - are more durable than whats used in most normal hiking bags - and if you use a frameless pack, its a much less complicated construction with less stress points that are prone to early tear in the construction. My personal experience from 20 years of UL hiking, a well made UL pack last as long or longer than a normal pack

[@frstesiste7670]

@@Gitgudm9 Totally agree, ultra light is about leaving most stuff at home.

[@vincentaudibert9789]

Excellent advice, and no less excellent reasons ! ❤

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

My desire to go (ultra)light also depends very much on the terrain I'm travelling and the season that trip is in. Doing an UL trip in winter seems impossible to me. You could go as light as possible but you'd either be hiking in the dark for half the time to max time you're not camping or be either miserably cold or bored in your sleeping bag at camp for long times. Or you bring equipment for making a campfire and a book or something else to keep you occupied but that'll hardly be "light" in any way. In summer contrary to this, you can get away with leaving a whole lot of gear at home and can just hike long days from dawn till dusk until you just want to eat and sleep anyway.

[@TomasJanicek]

Watching this while enjoying rucking with 20pound plate in the 🎒

[@gretat1087]

The only critique I have about Garage Grown Gear is that it’s very easy to get sucked into buying ultralight gadgets and cool things that are really light but maybe not necessary. So your pack doesn’t get all that much lighter because you’re adding things while you’re also buying lighter things. That damn thermometer is a great example. lol. That’s not the fault of GGG but it’s a real danger zone - at least for me!

[@TheAgingAscetic]

Yeah the thermometer seems useless to me. I can see why gear reviewers would like it for testing gear and reporting data on how well stuff works at different temperatures but for your average backpacker it seems dumb

[@keithmeyers1720]

@@TheAgingAscetic I'm capable of telling if it's hot or cold without a thermometer. I saw those and thought WHAT?

[@tomsitzman3952]

The best way to cut weight is to travel with a partner. Especially on a week or longer trip. Going light weight at -20F on a x country ski trip is very different than a three-day trip at 70F in the same area. At 82 my backpacking days are over and now with the same equipment limits, I travel bike trails systems.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

I have been meaning to try something new when it comes to bottle cap retention. This summer I dropped my Smart Water bottle cap in a creek while getting water and I could not find it. The cap was immediately lost, myself and one other person looked for over five minutes for it, to no avail. In the video I see something I haven’t seen before. (I’d see the CNOC caps in people’s videos, I assume their CNOC bottle got worn out and they just swapped the cap onto a smart water bottle). I had to search Garage Grown Gear for it. The Bottle Cap and Tether by Common Gear. I’ll have to get me a couple of those!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I love it. Don’t know that I’ve talked about it in a video yet…but it’s a awesome

[@WoodswomanWrites]

Steven, following on this comment about water, what system are you using with the tube and mouthpiece for your water bottles? I find carrying bottles by themselves clunky. I love the ease of a tube but have only seen them with attached bladders.

[@RenoSydney]

​@@WoodswomanWrites +1 to this question. I've tried two brands which adapt drink tubes to Smart Water bottles, but both have very bad leakage potential that could result in losing an entire bottle of water. One brand's cap has threading issues which can cause the cap to pop off the threads. The other system has a bad air gasket which VERY easily pops right out of the cap, leaving an entire hole you can lose your water out of.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@WoodswomanWrites this is it: except I’m using the tube off an old camelback I have. I think this is an affiliate link FYI. www.amazon.com/Source-Tactical-Convertube-Bottle-Adapter/dp/B00W9O2Q0W?tag=mylifeoutdo0b-20&_encoding=UTF8&linkId=b6b2d8f55a0b6cb0f66469cd71ea5747&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&geniuslink=true

[@Erik_The_Viking]

My gear is on the "lighter not not ultra-light" scale for me. I try to keep my pack in the 15-20 pound range before food/water. In the summer it's easy to go UL, but when it gets cold and/or rainy, that's a different matter.

[@LMay64]

Incredible to hear people rationalize taking heavier loads, dispute comfort with UL or speak to UL Gear being too fragile. My first DCF tent is now almost 12 years old and I took it out for a few nights earlier this summer. My UL packs, all under 2 lbs, have been just as durable and more comfortable than many of the more commonly used and highly rated packs my friends are using. On most trips, my UL system is as comfortable if not more so than others I am with. As I packed for snow, ice and thunderstorms in the Wind River Range just this month, I packed a garmin, microspikes, a dcf Tarptent Rainbow Li, a 10 degree zen bivy UL sleep system, pillow, an insulated pad with R 8+ rating, an extra 8'x10' dcf tarp for additional coverage in storms, rain gear, merino base layer, a puffy and another jacket as well as a chair that I never used. With 5 days of food, water and fuel, my entire pack weight was still under 21lbs. That is about as heavy as I've ever gotten. Usually, I'm well under 17lbs full load out without all of the extra gear. I understand some folks are just fine carrying a crap ton of gear, but it's so much nicer to go lighter AND it is truly nicer on your body and stamina.

[@asmith7876]

That's good to hear about the durability, I always read how fragile DCF is, zero abrasion resistance so I never dropped any money on it.

[@LMay64]

@@asmith7876 I live in the Rockies and have used my DCF tents for years on rocky and rough terrain as well as on many beaches and on multiple trips through the Grand Canyon. My ground sheets are usually polycro or another piece of dcf that fits under the tent. I even have two dcf tarps that are great for use alone or with my hammock. The only time I'd be nervous taking out a dcf tent would be above treeline with heavy huge hail. It handle smaller hail storms without damage.

[@asmith7876]

@@LMay64 Great! You just cost me like $600! 🤣🤣🤣 As I get older I tend to pack less, more titanium, I suspect DCF is my future somewhere. Thanks!

[@inakilrg]

Another way is to build from a Trail running vest. It’s a different philosophy but an interesting way to build confidence. Vibby and tarp can go a long way

[@erinclerico3170]

I work at packing light as an older backpacker (started at 54, now 63) because I have to pack in a CPap and battery.

[@ActualSurvivalist]

Absolutely batshit crazy that this channel is popular and has over 250 subscribers. You're the redditor of youtube, and that's not a compliment.

[@TT79-]

Too expensive. My two cents for whoever wants to know. I spent over a month deciding on a backpack. After sending back 3 I finally settled on an osprey ag 65. The brand none of the youtubers like. Well it's the most comfortable pack I've ever tried and I'm just smart about what I place inside it. The pack isn't 20 pounds alone. It's 5. And ultralight are 2. I'll take my osprey over any ultralight any day. But for me it's about comfort.

[@jimmyd1299]

Fantastic perspective

[@fortesfortunajuvat6782]

I'm not a hiker, I'm a bicycle touring fanatic. Finding light gear to use is just as important for me but (as you mentioned) pricing can be a problem. Although I have several options when camping (ground or hammock, for example) there aren't too many items within my price range that are considered "ultralight". Still, the hunt for them is actually kind of fun. Thanks for the video.

[@nedanother9382]

not cheap but bikes thrive with an 8 x 10 tarp. Highly recommend the 400.00 one from Hyper Light Mountain gear. No other tarp is even close to better...I'm at like 11 to 12 ozs with all the guy lines and there are endless tie outs. Really works well with a Bike. For bugs the NANO thing from I forget works awesome. And best F that 400.00 price tag. Send them an email, let em know its your dream tarp and ask them if they could swing a 15% coupon. The answer was immediately yes heres your code. Good company with superior gear.

[@digvt]

everyone should try backpacking with full size cast iron cookware at least once, think of all the food you could cook while on trail

[@chrismoore600]

With bad knees and a knee replacement soon this is the year I'm going ultralight. I think ultralight is not a new concept. In the 70s the gear was heavy but we had less of it. So less gear but lighter is a win win for me.

[@kasai1575]

Where was this trip filmed? I usually recognize your locations, but this one is new to me.

[@juskojj]

another part other than how much stuff weighs that plays a big role in backpacking and many other aspects of life are how fit and how mobile are you? you don't need to be a marathon runner but if you get winded walking up stairs, can't touch your toes ect... your asking for trouble

[@xylord0]

I follow the "ultraheavy" principle when packing my bag. makes for a better workout ^^

[@dcaudwell]

So does hiking 35-40miles per day with an ultralight pack!

[@xylord0]

@@dcaudwell rucking and long-distance hiking both have distinct advantages and benefits, imo you want to dip your toes into both to have a well rounded conditioning and strength development. If that's what you're going for anyway, there's no "wrong" way to hike as long as you're out there.

[@sqd8r]

I did the ultra light thing when I didn't have the money for proper gear. I'm good.

[@MrGrumpman]

Thanks for posting. Food for thought

[@RenoSydney]

What hydration system is being used to adapt the Smart(?) water bottle to a drink tube? I've tried a couple brands that thread onto Smart Water bottles but been disappointed since they both have different leakage problems. One brand has consistent threading issues, and the other has a bad air gasket which can easily pop out and get lost. With a little unfortunate luck of Murphy's Law, both can result in losing an entire bottle of water at a really inopportune time.

[@kevinmcguire6774]

For me, the weather is the deciding factor on what my weight will be!

[@riaayo5321]

I think if the point is building confidence then you could pseudo "ultra light" simply by laying out what you do own, figuring the weight of ultra-light expensive versions, and then getting below a false 10lbs in terms of the potential weight of lighter alternatives while still using what you already have. That way you can engage in the game of cutting down bloat even if you can't afford to buy lighter gear. Sure you don't get the total benefit of less weight, but you';e probably saving some weight just going through those motions. And if you're comfortable with that small amount of gear then you're more likely to start replacing things as you go with lighter stuff to save weight and actually hit 10lbs.

[@fire7side]

l'm old and I stay active and don't overdo it. You could overdo it with an ultralight pack or a semi-light pack. I mostly go on overnights, and my distances aren't all that long. I get out there and enjoy myself and part of it is staying in my budget. Using less expensive gear is part of it. Dehydrate my own food. Go on hikes near where I live.

[@frstesiste7670]

IMO ultralight isn't a specific weight base weight. My base weight varies a lot from summer to winter. Also, for summer ultra light is mostly an attitude and doesn't have to cost much. You need a tarp, some rope, a closed cell foam pad, a sleeping bag (which is the one item that will cost to get it really light) and a backpack. Basically any 30-40 l daypack will do if you're truly ultralight. Everything else is basically optional, but you might need a fleece or a rain jacket depending on the weather. Certainly agree that it's something most people should try, it's interesting to see how much you can leave at home and still be fine.

[@nedanother9382]

I'm getting a semi even hearing about this. I love the challenge of getting it "right" whatever that is....in your case 1 cup, not two. Get rid of that silicone. I'm about 2 hours from heading to the sierra right now....only my first trip this year. can't wait but the hardest part is leaving home...no matter how light. It's actually painful for me. Doing north lake / southlake loop out of Bishop or a version of it. I am ultra light (23lbs all in w water food whiskey and bear can) and I want for nothing. I have everything I need I believe. We'll see how it goes...this ones straight off the couch (or finishing an art project but no hiking in months). Pray for me. Maybe I'll see someone out there. Peace all.

[@stitch3163]

Since I left my Jackery at home, my backpack trips have been less burdensome. Seriously, though, I won’t cold soak ever again.

[@TheNoobHiker]

YES! I definitely enjoyed this video!

[@margotkeulen1086]

There is something between ultra light & ultra heavy! ( Army pack with a max load of 120 pounds)

[@johncarr2629]

A great reason is to find out just how much you don’t need.

[@comey14]

Do you have any tips on how to stay warm when you’re not in motion? I’m preparing for winter in Minnesota and want to be able to sit outside (:

[@neonsamurai1348]

I am pretty much counter ultralight, my tent is an 7 pound hilleberg that is a nigh indestructible all season tent all weather tent. My primary backpack is an exterior framed pack that weighs 5 pounds empty (and is very comfortable carrying 50-100 pounds of food and gear). My sleep system is a full sleeping bag or possibly a zen bivy light bed if they ever bring back the full length bottom. I sometimes carry a hammock with my tent for those times when finding a spot to pitch my tent can be a pain in the deep forest. I also carry a full trangia 27 for my cook system, and a backup wood stove. I however tend to camp out in the bush off trail for a few weeks at a time. UL backpacks are horrible for carrying more than 20-40 pounds, UL tents can be too fragile up in the mountains, and If I want to save some weight, I can work on dropping a few pounds off myself.

[@WoodswomanWrites]

This post highlights that whether or not to go ultralight really depends on the kind of trip you're doing. Ultralight packs aren't designed to carry the heavy loads associated with multi-week trips. In that scenario where you're deep in the backcountry, I can see why you bring back-up gear. For that kind of hefty load, I think the best packs out there are made by Mystery Ranch.

[@CasGRos]

I do the same but do not bring the wood stove. But maby fore next time now when you menchen it

[@jschuk865]

Sounds like my Jansport D2 backpack. Comfortable even when carrying way too much weight. Plus it'll stand upright on its own using the hip belt frame.

[@mytreesloth]

We tend to pack our fears, like the humans we are! 🙃

[@dominicvandenburg3460]

Garage grown gear are not the only company that specialises in ultra light - ultralight outdoor gear does and valley and peak

[@WasatchWill]

I've wondered if it's really fair to count your backpack as part of your base-weight. By that, I mean you could make an argument that it too is a wearable item and you are literally wearing it when you're hiking the trail. The bigger point is that there are many packs between 3 to 5 lbs in weight that will make an 8 to 10 lb load of gear plus a week's worth of food far more comfortable to carry than most ~1.5 lb frameless packs will. I have found that ultralight frameless and near frameless packs will pull and tug on your neck and shoulders with a week's worth of food loaded up in them and by the end of the day, you're neck and shoulders will still likely ache horrifically even though your legs and feet may thank your for having to carry an overall lesser load through the course of the day. Of course as you get closer to the end of the week, that food weight and resulting strain on your upper torso will decrease significantly too. I guess it's another pick your poison scenario in the case of using an ultralight pack for the sake of achieving the traditional definition of "ultralight" vs a pack with a more rigid frame system that can more effectively transfer much more of the load off your neck, shoulders, and back and down to your hips and legs. Some such packs can make a 10 lb load + food and water feel like 5 lbs while the same load in a frameless pack can feel more like you carried 35+ lbs by the end of a day.

[@asmith7876]

I couldn't agree more, these 1 pound packs with no hip belt??? My Gregory weighs maybe 6 pounds empty but will comfortably carry 40 or more pounds. I'm not a through-hiker, I like my comfort items!

[@mikeb5664]

The only thing that drives the cost is the non-stop marketing to sell the non-stop products designed to take my money.

[@northeast6414]

Enjoying your channel 👍 I’m sure you’ve been asked this before so sorry, but wondering where you got the hat?

[@sarahb514]

I'm looking at just getting into hiking and would like to explore UL gear. Its all expensive when starting almost from scratch. Which UL gear would you start with?

[@chili1593]

If you’re near an REI go there and look around. Buying online means you can’t get fitted or physically look at stuff. REI branded backpack and quilts are light highly rated inexpensive and they have all the tents and shoes and stoves everyone else does. You’ll save a bundle especially if you shop their sales. And they have a great return policy, used and rental gear, and an outlet.

[@scottmcmullen6782]

I would begin with a light weight tarp (and ground sheet) for shelter. Hang it up with some parachute cord. Much lighter than most tents and inexpensive.

[@alexstoermer]

As I’m dying in an ultralight tent that just got shredded by 40mph winds and driving snow at 2am I’ll think “yeah, I’m ultralight!”

[@janefreeman995]

It's the only option for me. Extra comfort gear is bidge too far for me, a 65 yr old small female. I just hiked with a marine and a fit man in younger than me. They both struggled with heavier packweight. In other words, for me the discomfort of extra weight would make a trip absolutely unenjoyable. It's different for guys with broad shoulders.

[@johneason6540]

At 73yo, I ultralight hike because of my age. I can still hike the Grand Canyon r2r2r overnight. If it wasn't for my light weight it would be much harder

[@Fynn-Victus]

Over a 4yr period I intentionally used the same gear but eliminated 1 item in succession without excluding any single item. By doing this I have learned so many more skills that effect multiple aspects of my life : I.e. : I learned the more you know the less you need as knowledge is free and weightless 😂 🎉 ❤ much love. Great vid I wish I'd seen earlier in life lol