What did I SACRIFICE to go ULTRALIGHT backpacking?

Ultralight backpacking is all about finding the balance between hiking as far as possible with as little weight as necessary. I managed to get my base weight below the golden 10 lb line and go for a 24 KM overnight loop.
I learned a few things and thought I would share.
00:00 - Those LYING Backpackers!
00:34 - Ultralight is LIFESTYLE lol!
01:51 - Weigh in
03:21 - Backpack and hydration
05:12 - I feel Good - but I'm worried about bugs
07:21 - Camp Time!
10:35 - Hanging BEAR bags SUCKS
12:04 - Ultralight nap time?
12:50 - Toaks Siphon Alcohol stove
15:15 - Power, Insulation, and Ditty - Oh My
18:13 - Money can make me even lighter!
19:27 - I think I get it now...

[@kaspersergej]

My UL approach: Buy the expensive stuff that weighs less but then bring everything - table, chair and stuff 😅

[@BACKPACKERish]

That is a 100% valid approach!! Expensive, but valid and fun!

[@therestorationshop]

For real, watching this makes me feel so much better about spending all that money!

[@HikeCalifornia]

That last speech really says it. I would much rather be out on trail longer than comfortable in camp -- for me, that's just a place I have to stop so that I can recover for tomorrow's hike -- but some other people are going to feel differently, and I love that for them. UL vs. Traditional is really just about prioritizing what you want and need to hike YOUR hike!

[@BACKPACKERish]

#truth - when I first started and heard people saying that I thought it was sort of cliche…but now after having hiked with a bunch of different people and experience levels and goals and habits…it really is a thing.

[@rootsandpeaks]

This is a really great video! Thanks for making it and sharing it with us. I appreciated seeing, in realtime the stuff you sacrificed. It was a unique way of sharing how ultralight will affect comfort at the campsite.

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks man! I know you know how hard it is to come up with these ideas, so that means a lot! Thank you.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Great video, in terms of chips, put a pin hole with a needle in the bag and you can squeeze all the air out of it albeit slowly. Great job!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks, and that’s brilliant! It’s a way better idea than what I was gonna do, which was just pack it in yet another ziplock…

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@BACKPACKERish I’m glad I could help. See I in the Pct taught me a lot of things like that lol

[@hope2someday691]

This was a great idea. I suppose you could put a piece of tape over the pin hole to keep it from re-inflating. Might also make a little less smelly. I’ll this pin hole trick, thank.

[@holmes5517]

Or the crisps getting uncrisp​@@hope2someday691

[@PrybarCommando]

I only do ultra light, so I can carry more frivolities for camp at night- chair, whiskey. Sometimes a book.

[@BACKPACKERish]

Backpacking truly is better with whisky and a chair…

[@TheBlindGardener]

Nice video with some nice points!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thank you! I quite enjoy making the ones where I get to have new experiences and share them. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@VinceFowler]

Nathan! Brilliant job pal and great experiment. I was wondering how you’d do - just fine, it appears. I enjoyed the whole video. I’m down to 17.7 lbs base weight. Life’s good. Too many toys that I’m not willing to leave behind. 😂 That’s a great spot you hiked into as well. 😉 Keep up the great and interesting work!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks Vinnie, the toys are half the fun! It’s the sort of experiment I’m glad I did solo…would have sucked to record my self pretending to be bored while I watched you prep wood and cook me stakes! lol.

[@VinceFowler]

@@BACKPACKERish hey, I will cook you steak anytime you like. Nothing better than wagyu tender tips on a pringle. 😉

[@davidgaines8607]

This seemed more like a "do without" trip than a ultralight trip.

[@BACKPACKERish]

It felt like that too.

[@Lousysuperior]

My needs tend to change drastically depending on who I’m with and where I’m going. But generally I wouldn’t consider myself ultralight. I think my base weight is 12 or 13lbs. I like to spend more on gear that is lighter, and leave behind what I don’t end up using anyway. For me this means leaving a chair behind most trips, but brining a half thermarest z-lite for cooking and lounging. I prefer cutting a pad in half as a sit pad so I can sit cross legged. And it’s still lighter than a chair. The other reality is that I camp with my wife and dog. So our tent is the msr hubba hubba 3. It’s not the lightest tent in the market, but the weight to space ratio is amazing. For 3 it’s not bad at all. Also I don’t pack my tent into a bag. If it’s wet I’ll use a towel to get it as dry as I can and then I’ll pack it loose in my bag. The inner tent can usually go in my bag liner to stay dry.

[@Lousysuperior]

pro tip, if it’s warm and rainy I’ll just wear my bedrock sandals. They are just as comfortable in my opinion and they dry a lot faster. You can pair them with socks in the evening and morning. If you prefer trail runners you can use xero sandals or UL sandals as camp shoes.

[@BACKPACKERish]

12-13 is still pretty light!! Sounds you”re “ultralight at heart” 😄

[@christimartin8512]

The Nitecore carbon 10,000 milliamp battery is half the thickness and weight of my Anker power bank, of the same amperage: 6.4 oz., compared to 12.3 for the Anker.

[@BACKPACKERish]

I actually planned on ordering one while I was on the hike back lol!

[@markduffy5945]

Check out the Klarus powerbank. I think it is a better product, Albeit 3 or 4 grams heavier

[@BACKPACKERish]

@@markduffy5945 nice! Thanks!

[@hope2someday691]

I tried to buy a Nitecore Carbon around October but there was a recall. There was no stock available. Haven’t checked lately…

[@LastDays2024]

The Nitecore carbon 10,000 milliamp battery is what i have and its been going strong since Oct 18, 2019 I can go a year or more and it still at 99%.. Been on many of hikes and drop many times and still works!

[@ulperformance4087]

Regarding your saw. After frustration with unsharpened saw teeth, dealing with a few eight ounce saw handles, I took a previously bought saw blade and a section of plastic vacuum tubing, cut the tubing to size, heat reshaped it into an oval cross section in my vise and hands and tapered one end.. Then I put the saw blade in, marked the hole locations, drilled the two holes, added bolts and wing nuts. Then I glued two pieces of webbing for belt loops for horizontal mounting on my belt. The previous weight of the saw - 9.8 ounces. The current weight is 4.15 ounces. I previously made a similar solution with a 1" dia alluminum tube, ovai shaped it by vising and hammering it, drilled lightening holes in it, added Wilson wrap and glued two webbing loops for mounting on my belt. The solution was tougher, but still too heavy for my perception of what I wanted and so it is now remade in plastic and lighter.

[@BACKPACKERish]

That’s amazing! I’m always amazed at how creative people solve really specific problems, nice work!

[@ULperformance]

Failed to mention the obvious. The blade sits inside the handle.

[@BACKPACKERish]

@@ULperformance lol! I just assumed.

[@LastDays2024]

I have to admit this was hard to watch, Going lightweight has its place when needed, I Will never unpack stuff that i need to stay alive Or leave out the stuff i need while hiking. Really Glad you made this video, I got some Great Info from it, thanks. Need Vs Wants. I have a camp saw that weights ‎5.3 ounces yes i will carry it to make life better. I been working on lowering weight and Very happy with my big 3 is now 11 pounds, that includes my 2.5 oz pillow size16" x 12" an air mat of 26 inches wide with 4 inch tall. Not being able to sleep is worse then carrying 1 or 2 more pounds or being cold and sick at night. Truth be told, be a happy camper and Pack what your able to carry.. By the way, I Turn 61 this year old and not slowing down.. Never stop Moving! Take Care and Happy Trails!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I totally agree: any sacrifice that means you won't sleep well is not worth it!

[@McBlamin]

I’ll be 61 this year myself. Retired last Nov., trying to catch up on all the hiking/camping I missed. I’m struggling to keep total pack weight including consumables to 30 Lbs. Not having much luck if trip is more than a couple nights and I have to pack a bear canister.

[@LastDays2024]

@@McBlamin What is your pack and tent and sleeping set up weight? I got the big 3 to 10 pounds, That is not ultralight at lease it not 15 or 20 pounds, I think my problem was my winter coat and winter clothing that put me past 30 pounds. I am going to make a video of my gear load out with all that I be hiking in.. Let me know if i can help out with getting some weight off your back, I no pro at this, I have to learn to stop packing my fears. Happy Trails. ttyl

[@McBlamin]

@@LastDays2024 My big 3 is 8.9 Lbs. I'll be on the lookout for your new vid!

[@LastDays2024]

@@McBlamin Thanks! your good with the big 3! Wait till you see the of the gear of mine Modified.. I see if i can make it today! Have a happy Camper Day! Bolts from the sky hits my gear... its aAlive!

[@CollinLG]

What campground is this that is decommissioned? Thanks! Glad you're getting out there!!! Thanks for the video!!

[@BACKPACKERish]

Hey Collin! There are actually a couple of them down in bluerock. Not somewhere I started exploring until this year, but I think I’ll do a video on this route and site soon.

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

I think bug spray, sunscreen, and bear spray can be considered consumable. Maybe not eat and talk at the same time.

[@BACKPACKERish]

Haha! Fair enough on the eating thing. I didn’t even think about it. I think I was so focused on hitting the 10lb thing I didn’t think as critically as I could have about of those were consumables or not. Good call.

[@McBlamin]

Was wondering if the weight of a bear vault is considered part of base weight? If so, I believe getting base weight to 10 Lbs or less to be near impossible.

[@BACKPACKERish]

I included food storage in my base weight, just because it doesn’t change. Getting under 10 is really tough where there are active bears. I couldn’t do it and had to make an exception for my bear spray. I think as long as your critical in your decision making, and get lighter without risking safety, you’re doing as well as anyone🤷‍♂️

[@shawnr6117]

I recently got my first ul pack but I don't think I'd remove the belt even if I could.

[@BACKPACKERish]

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it. For the overnight trip it was ok, but I don’t think I’ll leave it off moving forward.

[@in2mtns]

What scale did you use to measure?

[@BACKPACKERish]

It was just a cheap $15 luggage scale off Amazon.

[@JoeEndres-qu5rh]

Nice video on going UL.

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks! I wasn’t even sure I could get my base weight down to the 10lb for the video, so it was fun to experiment with even before the filming and hiking portion.

[@LastDays2024]

@@BACKPACKERish That is a lot of cash, eek, i have been replacing slowly over time with what cash will allow.. Noble effort, Enjoy the less weight.

[@PackRaftTheWorld]

This video perfectly shows how UL has jumped the shark. When you attach a number to UL then you start to leave things behind that make your trip more enjoyable - which was supposedly the reason for going UL……

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks! I wasn’t really 100% sure what to expect from the experience, but I will admit that I think being that much lighter really did increase my speed and the impact on my body. I can see the draw for those that are looking to cross a country instead of my recreational style lol.

[@markduffy5945]

I think a fixed number also makes it unfair for larger people. If you are 6'2 and 100kg, your items need to be bigger and therefore heavier than someone at 5'6 and 60kg.

[@holmes5517]

The UL needs to be based as a % of the person's weight/physique. 4-5kg is nothing for an 80kg construction worker but not exactly a feather for 43kg retiree me. The former also needs double or more of anything I need, be it space, sizing, consumables etc.

[@BACKPACKERish]

@@holmes5517 ooooooh! I like that idea! What is the range for %? Mine would have been just over 5% I think.

[@natesummers3280]

I like your hat! Do you have a link for it?

[@BACKPACKERish]

It’s a great one…but discontinued. If you can find one in stock somewhere it’s probably the last one. Outdoor research vantage air cap.

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

So close to 1,000!

[@BACKPACKERish]

lol! I know right?!

[@markduffy5945]

I think you were too strict in some cases. Sun screen and bug repellent are consumables could be left off base weight.

[@BACKPACKERish]

I never even thought that through! You’re absolutely correct. I’m just glad I didn’t really suffer from leaving them behind.

[@TheNotsmith]

Nice video. You just give me more reason to not go ultralight 😅

[@BACKPACKERish]

lol! Thanks.

[@playnationtoday]

Why 2 stoves?

[@BACKPACKERish]

I knew I messed this up! lol. I only brought the alcohol stove with me and left the brs and canister set up in the car…and then completely forgot to talk about it when I pulled it out to record 🙄.

[@biwaks]

good

[@BACKPACKERish]

Than you!

[@joehikes5855]

No more miles than you hiked, could have brought everything including the kitchen sink and it wouldn't have mattered. The whole idea of ultralight is on a thru-hike, on trail from before daylight till dark. When you finally get to camp you're going to be ready to eat and go to bed. No need for a fire unless your life depends on it. Those camp shoes you had are worthless because they don't protect your toes. Ever tripped over a tent peg, no fun with flip flops on.

[@BACKPACKERish]

Hahah! I have! And I had the bloody toe to show for it… I didn’t really miss the camp shoes 🤔. I totally see that ultralight fits the thru hike world for sure!

[@Immortal-_-0n]

😊well,you go ultralight and before sleep do listen to Buddha's words,Buddhawajana, meditation in the meanwhile.So that you can dream flying.But stay worm is a must.

[@BACKPACKERish]

I should learn to start some meditation practices when I have that sort of time at camp. That’s a good idea.

[@Immortal-_-0n]

@@BACKPACKERish breathing time no trails it's worth every second.

[@matthewkenny2344]

Usually "ultralighters" don't skimp on bringing water bottles (typically 2x1L water bottles and as much as a 2L croc or similar bottle). 🤔Little sus about what you chose to include if that's what your relying on to meet that 10lb metric.

[@BACKPACKERish]

Fair enough! I think if I didn’t already know the trail and water situation I wouldnt have thinned out my capacity. I’m curious, what are the things you are concerned about bin the decisions? I love the feedback.

[@matthewkenny2344]

@BACKPACKERish I mean the primary means of dropping weight is just checking "do I REALLY need this?". Looking at steps for a given trip: starting with only bringing clothes and layers that are needed, airing on the side of caution for insulating layers for safety margin. This gets easier with experience. If you're doing a summer backpacking trip in banff/Kootenay areas, knowing a pair of wind pants are plenty for keeping bugs from biting you in camp and forgoing unnecessary long jons can save 4oz alone. Ofcourse if the trip calls for a great deal of focus on camp experience vs hiking experience, you're inherently going to be carrying more. The narrative of UL backpacking being super $$$ is a fallacy, you can get a very safe and light big 4 with just a borah 2P tarp and bivy, take advantage of a gossamer gear sale, MEC serratus or even some 3FUL packs, then going for an appropriate rated quilt or sleeping bag (whatever is best for that quality sleep). Applying a questioning attitude to every item in your pack will help shed oz by oz until you've lost a few lbs. I realize this might've not been the coherent, but the most useful resource I've found is "Lighten up" by Don ladigin. You don't need to spend money to "go ultralight", it's more of a mindset and often times people use it to give more space or weight capacity for those luxury items that are worth the extra space/weight. At the end of the day, it's about what makes YOUR experience the best it can be FOR YOU, because who cares what some nerds (my being one) on the internet think. Happy hiking my dude! Take care!

[@BACKPACKERish]

@@matthewkenny2344 thanks Matt! I appreciate the response, and I just ordered that book. Always down to hear different perspectives and find new resources!

[@Geordiewildcamper]

The oldest debate in backpacking. Firstly you have a great tent but you don't need the inner tent, especially in winter. I just use the footprint or groundsheet. A comfortable pillow is a must have, I put mine on top of my empty backpack. Gas is lighter to take than spirit because you need more sport than gas which is heavier. I have the X boil spirit system which is available from Europe, it's great but slow and I have to carry a lot of bio ethanol. The debate carries on 😊

[@BACKPACKERish]

It was actually my first night in that little lanshan, and I really enjoyed it! I’m not sure my mind will let me travel that inner for the pillow tho…😬. Thanks for the comment, and I’ll have to check out that stove!

[@TomsWhip]

Good video! Yeah i think the *idea* of ultralight is a good one, and shedding unnecessary weight where it makes sense. But attaching a specific number to your loadout is nonsensical imo, because each hike is different, and we are all different, and ultimately it comes down to enjoyment, which is subjective. Cheers

[@BACKPACKERish]

I totally agree, and thanks! Hopefully I got across that it’s really up to everyone to figure out their own thing.

[@babar69110]

nice video; take of your health ! your hands are shaking

[@BACKPACKERish]

Thanks, and thanks. Prolonged stress does that to me too, although you’re right it could be more. I have a blood panel req. on my bookshelf that I should probably go get done…appreciate you looking out and the reminder!