This Is WHY Your Pack Is So Heavy! Build A Proper Layering System!

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Too many layers in your backpack can take up too much space and really weigh down your pack! Being mindful of the layering system you create will help you stay dry, safe, and warm in the backcountry for your backpacking trips.
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[@RAMtrails]

quit going after my base layer, active layer, passive layer, sleep layer, fleece, puffy, wind breaker, rain shell, and ten pairs of socks. They're all essential, even in the summer in 100°

[@LostAgainwithJim]

Very similar to my layering system. I do carry one pair of socks just for sleeping. Haha. It’s worth the weight to get out of the crusty socks every night.

[@BackpackerDiaries]

Your video is a good reminder here Devin. This past weekend I left the puffy jacket at home figuring that the base layer combo would be sufficient if it got cold over night. Turns out I didn't need the base layer pieces either. I like how a quality light rain jacket (and pants) can serve to also guard against wind and bugs

[@debbilermond1553]

I believe most of us tend to pack too much. Some people go so far as to even pack the kitchen sink! 😂 I know because I have one from Sea to Summit, LOL! Even I am re-evaluating what I actually need to take on any backpacking trip. As I get older, I really don't want to carry so much weight. You hit the nail on the head by utilizing gear for multi-purpose instead of just one item for every need. Thanks for reminding us! Happy hiking.

[@LaughingOutLaud1]

I personally pack for 4 season europe bike trips in my experience for 3 years ; one polar fleece with windproof protection on shoulders and hoodie, one feather packable jacket and one thick goretex; merino base layers (that also works as sleeping clothing) and that's it. No problems so far nor in warm or snowy weather. As an extra waterproof gloves and socks, and trekking convertible pants that are waterproof too but very breathable too (merino base layer underneath if needed). Very lightweight and viable. Hope it helps.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Garage grown Gear is awesome. I order there on a regular basis, also because their shipping costs to the Netherlands are very reasonable as well.

[@AnOldGuy164]

I have found that 2 light base layers and a rain suit are sufficient to hike, sit around camp. and sleep in - no need for a sleeping bag all in 30 degree weather. I usually overheat in one light base layer on top and shorts on bottom when the temps are in thee high 30's. And I only hike at 2 mph. 2 light base layers and a rain suit keeps me toasty in a tent at 30 degrees.

[@whereisthemessiah]

30f or 30C?

[@arnoldestrada8583]

Awesome video. I took an outfit for each day when I started backpacking 😂 looking fresh in the woods.

[@panhandlejake6200]

As others have commented, I quickly learned that I had a lot of weight in my clothing and so I obsessed over a lighter weight layering system. I now have something similar to what was reviewed here. One option that I went for is a hoodie with a full zipper - it may not be quite as warm as your option but the zipper allows me to better control core temperature when I elect to wear it while hiking.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

People pack their fears … we’ve all done it and as Chicago say it’s “A hard habit to break “ 😂

[@lesstraveledpath]

I have some issues with that phrase "...don't pack your fears..." It began with reasonable intentions - "don't pack your fears" began as a philosophy that it is generally not necessary to pack for a possible "worse case" scenario. And that is true. And packing lists from the 70's and 80's certainly represented a "Be ready for ANYTHING" mentality. My issue is that, as practiced today, "...don't pack your fears..." is being used to justify packing to be slightly miserable even in a "best case" scenario - making backpacking Type 2 fun, even in the best of circumstances. Anyone who dares to pack for "reasonable case scenarios" is shamed, at least a little. "HYOH" is reflexive, but comes across as dismissive of anyone who would like backpacking to be Type 1 fun. This may just be being triggered...but I do think that the art of packing for the realistic scenario is becoming a lost art.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

@@lesstraveledpath … I know what you mean but I certainly didn’t want it to be dismissive ….. when starting out backpacking I’ve done it heck we’ve all done it …. The Bowie knife , the hand axe, the multiple forms of fire starting , the multiple flashlights plus head flashlights , excessive amounts of food , excessive amounts of clothing, cans of beer heck some people even carry a gun out on the trail, you know to shoot a bear if they see it!!… all this adds up to a lot more weight on your shoulders and soles of your feet… the pain of which really detracts from the experience. After the first couple of times of doing this slowly things get whittled down by folk and I think the point of this video is circumvent that learning curve. In my opinion preparation is key… checking what the weather is going to be before you set out is paramount to tailoring the kit to your needs, checking that batteries and fuel cans are in good working order etc etc Of course the unexpected can and does happen but if your kit is all in good condition there’s very little that cannot be overcome. ATB Dave Mc

[@Kevinschart]

@@everyoneknowsadave3580 Videos like this helped me dial in my pack really quickly. My first camping trip was in freezing temps. I had no sleeping pad and I fell in a stream. We were car camping, so needless to say I didn't make it very long in the tent. Me and a couple guys jumped in the car and kept the engine running all night. I still pack my fears (I will always be dry and warm), but I do so reasonably.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

@@Kevinschart … that’s a great story Kevin thanks for sharing … there’s a few times i should have given up on camping and got back in the car for either the heater or AC … but oh no i just kept on going and had a miserable night 😂😂 but that’s all part of the learning process eh !?!? 🤷🏼‍♂️ atb Dave Mc

[@nflolo2388]

Really good info Thanks

[@drytool]

Really good one!

[@adamstewart7465]

No sales tax at garage grown gear or outdoor vitals. I have ordered from them both a few times. OV makes a lot of great gear. Membership is worth it.

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

Saying to oneself, "Just in case..." That's the culprit. Easy to do, the mountains can go extreme on temp ranges depending on altitude and season.

[@InOurElement]

GGG is great, and great video, thanks!

[@jasonmillwood2893]

Great video

[@drivingmissmolly]

I went on a rafting trip down the rogue and it rained two of the four days we were on the river. I had a frogtogg rain jacket and I used the pants from a frogtogg rain suit. If the pants hadn’t split in the crotch from being too small, they would have done a great job. They DID a great job of keeping all water out and keeping the windchill at bay until they split. The jacket wet out occasionally but thanks to my layers and the coat blocking the wind, I wasn’t very cold. I switched to a pair of old rain pants my aunt had and they soaked up water immediately but they kept out all wind chill so it wasn’t bad. Even if you’re rain gear doesn’t keep out rain, make sure it keeps out wind and you’ll be fine 90% of the time.

[@panhandlejake6200]

I have actually worn my rain coat far more times to stay warm in windy conditions than when raining.

[@susangraham157]

Froggtogg pants split even when oversized. Duct tape patch worked geat.

[@woodchip2782]

You forgot to put your rain gear on top!😂

[@jonsanford2515]

A good bit of advice I once read was, (other than sleep clothes and one spare pair of socks), you should be able to wear all of your clothes at one time in the worst weather you could encounter. If you have more than that, it’s too much. Obviously this is for standard 3 season backpacking trips. Deep winter, or water trips will require extra gear.

[@brianbassett4379]

And a perfect reason not to be one of the walking dead. I prefer to stay clean, dry, and warm regardless of the weather.

[@pikaoutdoors7414]

Love GGG 👍

[@alexandersnider734]

Heckin love GGG. They always send me cute little toothbrushes :D

[@Tomtomoutdoors]

Lol I’ve been puting a layering system for winter camping

[@stuartsteele9984]

Well stated. A while ago a fellow told me that he knew of a group of hikers each wear seven layers during their hikes. Can you imagine taking off and putting on based on initial departure, increased energy heat gain, taking off a layer or two and as the day warms up or cools down again taking the time to stop and add or remove one or more layers. For me, Four layers is the max. First a base layer of polypropylene zip turtle neck long sleeved or Marino wool if extremely cold. Second layer gets switched with my third layer based on clear or rainy weather. For cool/cold clear weather I'll wear my DIY heat reflective, breathable,, wind resistant and waterproofed 3.54 ounce anorak with my Alpaca sweater over it. If rain is in the forecast I'll wear my Alpaca sweater as the second layer and my anorak for the third layer. The fourth layer is my down or synthetic insulated, hooded jacket, normally stored on my pack unless necessary. I also wear my DIY heat reflective leg gaiters during cold weather. During cold and rain or snow, I'll wear my DIY heat reflective, breathable,, wind resistant and waterproofed over-pants, mittens and DIY anorak for my outer layer. My over pants and anorak have a combined weight of 6.15 ounces. All my DIY heat reflective clothing packs down four to five times less than synthetic and natural fiber clothing.

[@markoruotsalainen5480]

If it's cold it's cold , but only when camping

[@32srt32]

puffy jackets with hoods, are they pointless if you are layering with a jacket with a hood or a sweatshirt with a hood?

[@NordenzurZukunft]

I've been meaning to ask you what size your Nuclei hoody is. I'm 5'9" and I figured we were similar size. I love the Apex Torrid jacket, but the sizing of Arc'teryx you just can't beat.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I love the room for layering with the Torrid, which is a medium for me. The Nuclei is also a medium.

[@denisestarr2314]

I've hicked,camped, backpacked my whole life. Yes I carried to many of the wrong clothes. I didn't know . I wore blue jeans . Cotton shirts . Heavy brown duck jackets . I just wasn't tought . I spent 6 years in alaska, wearing the wrong cothes. Lol . Gear has changed in 50 years.

[@Walker82kg]

Do you wear a shirt under the hoodie

[@CicadaAppreciationSociety]

I'm still trying to find the kind of mid layer I'm wanting for below freezing weather. I have an EE Torrid Apex, and for base layer an REI 1/4 zip synthetic. Most of the mid layers I have are too thick - I have a Patagonia Better Sweater fleece, Columbia zip up fleece, and Helikon Tek tactical fleece hoodie. All are too think. Thinking of a Patagonia R1 or some kinds of thin grid fleece. Open to suggestions.

[@BackcountryExposure]

1000% suggest the Alpha Cruiser you see me wearing in this video.

[@steveh5169]

Fayettechill Livingston fleece hoodie. Similar to a Melly but you can actually buy it. It's around $100. Made in the USA.

[@camerenabila4407]

The Kuiu Peloton 97 is a great mid layer! Anything made from Alpha Direct is also a great option.

[@czr323]

@@camerenabila4407 One more vote for the Peloton here.

[@Kevinschart]

decathlon has some inexpensive lightweight fleece options. Give those a try to see what you like, then you can upgrade from there.

[@natehoover5266]

I have a normal layering system...maybe I should upgrade with lighter clothes but they are pretty light. I guess I need to do a Lighter Pack and let people pick it apart.

[@karniskavva]

Would be nice if you could link or name that sun hoodie :)

[@BackcountryExposure]

Link added to the description. For the Altitude Hoodie.

[@karniskavva]

@@BackcountryExposure thanks !

[@CascadeBackcountry]

My layer system is pretty dialed in BUT I can't stop myself from bringing a rain jacket even if I'm 100% sure it won't rain. I could save 7 oz!

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’ve been a little more adventurous in that realm the past year. My last desert trip I didn’t carry a rain jacket.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

@@BackcountryExposure and you didn't die! Haha I'm trying it tomorrow 🤞

[@lesstraveledpath]

My hard shell is for both rain AND wind. Living in Texas, rain is possible. But a 30 mph wind is almost guaranteed. Sometimes that convection is oven temps, sometimes it is freezer temps...but it is always worth stepping out of the wind.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

@@lesstraveledpath definitely nice to shield yourself from the wind! I live in the PNW.. rain is for sure more of an issue here haha

[@memathews]

Yep, another PNW resident. ALWAYS rain gear, everything underneath changes to meet conditions. And subbed for the homie👍

[@Bearcat870]

Your such a little dude . I’m stout and need 3xL . It’s not easy finding a name brand layer that fits. At least you get to where all the cool stuff

[@kriswibbenhorstermeister9885]

You’re telling me. I’m 6’9” and 300lbs. Try finding a tent long enough, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, clothes, etc etc

[@libertycoffeehouse3944]

Convertible Hiking pants kill two birds with one stone. They dry quick if they get wet. I do not bring rain pants. Upper body base shirt, fleece, puffy jacket, rain/wind layer. Lower body hiking pants. Sleep in fleece cuddle duds if cold. Two pair underwear. Also everyone likes darn tough socks but my feet sweat with those socks. Synthetic seems better for wicking. Also I stay away from expensive Guchi gear except for hiking pants which I like REI or Columbia.

[@TasHikingAdventures]

Love seing tourists with down jackets on in the rain lol bloody noobs esp down here

[@kevinharding1181]

Definitely 2 pair of socks - if you're hiking in the cold & wet and you soak one pair out it's going to be very tough to dry them, so two pairs and rotate daily (could even have a third pair for sleep but I also use down booties, at ca. 35 - 50g a pair it's a no-brainer). The other issue for me is the waterproof layer. I have numerous jackets and Marmot rain trousers in the kit drawer. However wearing a waterproof layer to hike in, when there's a cold wind but it's not raining, is far far from optimal - you'll sweat out (and get cold) in no time (and there is no such thing as a 'breathable' waterproof layer when hiking, maybe if sitting around but that won't work when building up a sweat, even the huge pit-zips on the Arcteryx Rush I use won't save me from becoming soaked from my own perspiration condensing on the inside). So now I have one windproof layer (e.g. Patagonia Houdini 110g for XXL or even one from Decathlon, 119g, if on a budget) and one waterproof layer (choose you own for this however for Iceland I've gone for the totally unbreathable, incredibly ugly and unfashionable, but totally waterproof, Frogg Toggs UL suit - no bushwacking so rip-proof isn't an issue). Those two items, compared to my Arcteryx Rush Rain Jacket (555g) + Marmot rain trousers (261g), cost a lot lot less, and weigh far less (110g + 363g) whilst offering far greater flexibility.

[@WilliamKapes]

It looks like you were prepping for the strip poker championships and you weren’t all that confident in your card playing.

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Hahaha ahahahaha nailed it

[@BackcountryExposure]

What’s a flush?

[@JamesHunter55]

Hard to watch, very spazmatic

[@BackcountryExposure]

Spasmatic?! That’s an odd word choice…

[@slowhike]

Since Garage Grow Gear began to promote "Queerness" I no longer support any UTUBERs that spencer GGG.

[@BackcountryExposure]

You’re welcome to see yourself out. While you’re at it, look back at yourself and find a way to invite inclusion, love and respect back into your life.

[@AR9ify]

In video ad is an automatic thumbs down 👎