Why I Quit Ultralight Backpacking

In this video I discuss ultralight backpacking, ultralight gear, and lightweight gear and why I decided not to care as much about any of the weight any longer when I backpack.
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[@DanBecker]

For those of you that tried to click on the Outdoor Vitals link in the description earlier and were sent to a casino site… Not sure why that was but I fixed the link and it’s working now! Thanks for taking a gamble LOL.. get it? Gamble?… Casino?? Never mind… 😂😂😂

[@MrRourk]

Take away the rifle and pistol and Johnny Reb's pack is 17 to 20lbs. Union Officers soon gave up on enforcing Union Troops keep their 90lb packs. Instead of the lighter horse collar employed by the Reb's. During Vietnam War Soldiers would ditch the big Alice Pack for a H Strap, but pack, poncho carrier, and lots of pouches. This Ultralight war is not a new thing. :)

[@ghostrider4840]

Please do a video on sleeping bags. I'm new to this backpacking, but would prefer a bag over a quilt. Thanks.

[@gearbeerandnature3778]

Comedy...you did it. And I liked it

[@oscarstenberg2745]

Why are all these videos so focused on sleeping pads? I haven't used one since I was like 10 years old and I camp multiple times every month for the past years. Are you guys setting your tents up on asfalt or what???

[@ninjabeatz905]

I tailor my gear based on the climate/terrain no one setup it's the same.

[@Frissdas1207]

Honestly the easiest thing i did to help with my backpacking/camping weight was drop 40 pounds of fat.

[@nicksam5518]

ugh...this is my future. (ugh)

[@BlueBoyBackpacking]

Well done Frissdas - thats the best thing you could do, I also dropped about 55 lbs and my hiking is infinitely better. Ryan if you would like to know how I dropped 55 lbs, I outline how I did it in Tip 1 of my 5 Top Tips to lighten your load video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX-boGpng62Dbs0

[@BlueBoyBackpacking]

@ryan rogers Glad to share - I wish you well in your own journey. Good things. Blue Boy

[@jaycreature3893]

I took off over 100# it really helped... I often wonder if I would hike with 130# on my pack ( which was on my body) and just how tough that would be... now I can walk at 5mph and I still pack heavy but I'm a giant so I think its all relative

[@BlueBoyBackpacking]

@@jaycreature3893 Thanks Jay. Well done brother

[@Zmaninfantry]

100% agree on the chair. People will tell you your dumb for having it then 10-15 miles later I have to tell those same people to get out of my chair every time i get up to do something.

[@phoenixv.1044]

dead af!

[@ernststravoblofeld]

KZbin backpacking is about buying stuff.

[@stevenvitali7404]

Your exactly right

[@sempergumby3929]

@Freerider It is sad and pathetic, true. I've done about 300 miles SoBo and seen dozens of miserable, unprepared NoBos on the PCT so far. The flimsy POS shoes are the worst imo. A good pair of traditional hiking boots are barely broken in with miles that would wear out the current popular "trail runner" and half way wear out pair #2. Also, the idea of going through snow with those reminds me of all the 4x4s with street slick racing tires sliding off the winter roads around Lake Tahoe. Snow tires for snow. Hiking footwear (not flimsy ninja slippers) for mountains. It's a no-brainer. On the positive side, lots of people are waking up and regrowing brain cells. The newbee fad will never dominate in the outdoors - the reality of nature/weather, etc. will always favor the prepared over the "entitled" The real bad thing is gullible wannabees getting hurt for their ignorance and wanting to be part of the stupid club. Tip for them is simple: New gear is ok if it compliments old ways. When a "newism" seeks to replace a tried and true way of hiking the woods, etc., then beware - that path leads to no good.

[@kennethstarr5545]

Ming Mongo buying affiliated linked stuff

[@jshepard152]

Truth

[@stoffmiester]

It’s become a ‘who can get the lightest’ fest, and the likes of Zpacks have cashed in on it. It wouldn’t surprise me if some of the KZbin hikers(not this guy here) had their hands in some of the ultralight businesses.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Just use what you have and hit the trail. I use stuff I purchase decades ago mixed with modern lighter stuff. All good.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

I use the same stove, trekking poles, sleeping pad and bag from 14 years ago.

[@DecadentDashes]

This is so refreshing to hear. I car camped a lot as a kid and day hiked often in college but I'm just getting into overnight backpacking. I'm of the buy once, cry once school and when researching equipment I constantly felt like I was being funneled into the ultralight category and I found myself stressing so much over base weight before even spending a night outdoors. Watching your videos really helped me step back and take a hard look at what kind of hiking I would be doing and what I would want with me to enjoy my time out there. Thank you!

[@willspanish]

DecadentDashes get into the woods first and have fun, the weight won’t bother you in your memories cause that’s what you are making, also don’t take unnecessary gear and most importantly have fun :)

[@richardrust9190]

IMO, Thru hiking has turned an escape from the rat race (hiking, enjoying nature relaxation) into another rat race . Let's see how many miles we can hike and how fast we can get this done so we can brag about it when we get back home.

[@sempergumby3929]

Bingo! Spot on. I'm on the PCT now and just pulled off trail after 15 days from my last resupply. I've probably seen and done more in my 300 miles so far than most ultralights experience in 2600+ miles. I'm going SoBo flip flop and totally Hiking my own hike. In the majority of UL hikers I've seen going NoBo (a minority of total hikers thankfully) they (the ULs) tend to epitomize the antithesis / complete opposite of "Hike your own hike" I can easily write a chapter on how they degrade the quality of everything good the PCT represents, but the top issue may be "entitlement mentality" mixed with profound insecurity. The PCT is a grand privilege of the rarest type: a privilege for anyone and everyone, not just an "Exclusive" thing for the pampered "elite" There are some people now who are trying to ruin the PCT, thinking of themselves as part of some exclusive fraternity. Thankfully, people are waking up and some are learning that the old ways like "be prepared" are still the best ways.

[@jeskg720]

Word. Nowadays I walk as short as possible instead. And rest in nature. Setting up camp for 2 nights.

[@sempergumby3929]

@@jeskg720 and Word is getting out. Heck, even Ferris Beuller knew that to enjoy life, you gotta slow down and take it in.

[@johnhess351]

Sounds like you need different friends.

[@sempergumby3929]

Richard your growing # of 👍👍 is as I would expect with the majority of hikers who either already knew the importance of savoring the experience or are learning it as they go. Rat race is the correct analogy for the "miles more than anything" approach which misses out on so much exept for the heavy doses of severe weather without sufficient gear. It goes without stating that most hikers these days are not like the traditional American Boyscout, but most hikers have some boyscout traits and at least several strong ones: Friendly, kind and often courteous. The new breed of UL hiker as I have encountered them on trail is an extreme opposite of the traditional boyscout traits, and it's no wonder because the entitlement mentality is completety opposite of traits like helpful, courteous, reverent. The biggest contrast of all is those simple two words we associate with boyscouts: Be Prepared.

[@SteveEfromStevesSidecarPlace]

Spot on. Weight obsession also gets stupidly expensive for less and less gain. Be comfortable, enjoy.

[@1Deejay7]

Buy my product! 50% off you act now. Made of a new age material that stretches and weighs next to nothing, holds 20L and comes with not one but two handles! Also known as a safeway plastic bag but so much more because my logo is on it now. Gnarly.

[@athelierblackloch8839]

I remember once hiking in Finland's Lapland, bumped into ultralight backpacker's camp in the middle of a heavy rain. He was inside his "tent", which covered his upper torso and his legs were outside in the rain. I was carrying my full LK35 and wearing a heavy rain jacket and felt comfortable hiking in the rain. But damn, that soaked, shivering guy peeking out of his "shelter".... What a miserable sight.

[@coleharris8045]

I friggin love my LK35! What a great pack, honestly. I've always been more in favor of trading a bit of extra weight for comfort and durability

[@aaronfuentes5919]

"tent" in parenthesises,lol.

[@murphy7801]

I mean heavier gear tends to offer better rain protection and warmth. So I think it's unlikely to fantasise the opposite if you've ever been to Finland. Not that should make you pack heavier than it needs to be. Just harsh cold weather lends to heavier duty gear.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

So he had one miserable night in the rain. He’s probably crushing twice your mileage every day and, therefore, finished the hike faster than you and gets to see more of the world than you.

[@korpikuume]

@@SophisticatedDogCat Sure, let's imagine that if it gives you comfort 👌🏻😁

[@ghpatriot]

From what I’ve seen on the trail, most folks could benefit more from making themselves lighter than worrying about ounces in their pack.

[@deeprollingriver5820]

Kevin Ryan Right on! After hiking in Big Bend National Park, I realized the best way to lighten my load would be to lose the 20 lbs of extra fat I’ve been carrying on my hips!

[@k1dicarus]

Same in the road bike community. Spending hundreds and thousands of dollars to get same quality but a few grams lighter, so the bike weights 2 kg less. Everyone can drop 2 kg of body fat easily. They do it only because they so the pros doing it. Pros who have super low body fat levels and compete in races. They will have an actual benefit from the light parts. Joe Blow with his 10kg bear gut, most likely not.

[@w8stral]

Save weight from pack? lose body weight. Judging by video, he has plenty to lose like most of us. Cheap to do as well. =0

[@w8stral]

@@TRUUTAH60559 The Hell? No, YOU are wrong. Take a grill, steak and charcoal and tease your neighbors eating their freeze dried super salty MSG crap. Weight is only an issue if you wish to cover a LONG distance or a VERY large elevation difference. Even then... I have done both mountaineering, long distance hiking in my time. In fact, PCT class of 2018. Long Weekend hiking? Take comfort, just not to the extreme. You are not going far and your body is NOT in shape for long miles anyways. You will just injure yourself. If you are in VERY good shape, once again, the weight will not matter much.

[@TheHypernaught]

Army bergen with surplus camping kit is perfect. If soldiers can tab/yomp/ruck for miles whilst carrying ammunition and weapons then campers could easily carry the camping kit, out hiking, minus the weapons and ammo.

[@magnetpull7587]

upvote for metric units

[@bottling.hobo.]

In the USA, the only thing in outdoor sports that's metric, is: 7.62, .308, .357, 9, 5.56, etc.

[@citylimitsmackdown1991]

@@bottling.hobo. ..... .308 and .357 isn’t metric😂

[@user-ec8vi8yr3o]

@@citylimitsmackdown1991 hahahahahah truuu

[@suspicioustumbleweed4760]

I can’t go ultralight because I need to take a handgun, a bong, batteries, extra water, extra snacks, a larger towel, a warmer sleeping bag...

[@bearanoia673]

😁

[@nathansharp3193]

I once had a water bottle bong for my bicycle. I made it out of a hollow quick-release axle and bearing cups 😎 I've been waiting to see a one-hitter setup that goes in a steerer tube. Haven't seen it yet. If I had a machine-shop I'd be rich now that weed is legal in most popular mountainbike states.

[@joelmora2826]

And a bottle of jameson

[@BAlvn-yr6ej]

papers are lighter than a bong...do you really have to take monster rips in the backcountry? lmao

[@BAlvn-yr6ej]

and tabs of acid are even lighter still.....

[@mrkqltr]

I need a cane to walk I still carry over 40 pounds I’m in my 60s and I remember in the military are used to carry over 100 pounds I feel like I’m ultralight backpacking

[@rangerdoc1029]

God I wish. I got a knee that's bone on bone thanks to those 100# army excursions.

[@Its_shiki_time4876]

@ArwenMeow thats a normal weight

[@tsch9212]

@@Its_shiki_time4876 It's a good healthy weight. What ever people consider normal these days is beyond reasoning......

[@Its_shiki_time4876]

@@tsch9212 in terms of requirements for service, I'm 140 and considered good enough. Although I do understand what you mean.

[@sempergumby3929]

@ArwenMeow I started USMC Bootcamp at 135 lbs soaking wet. I also graduated as platoon honorman but that was just a start. The short version is this: I grew, developed. In about 2 years (18 to 20 yrs old) I gained two inches in height and about 25 to 30 lbs of muscle. I spent most of my active duty years at a lean 170 to 175 lbs. Fast forward about 20 years - old, chronicly injured and not in any great shape, I tackled the PCTs (2019) as a distance hiker carrying a typical kit weight of about 65 lbs, max weight est. of 80 lbs and rare minimum of 55 lbs. BTW my body weight over my 1st 500 miles wrnt from about 160 to about 150 lbs. I did have an adjustment stage in 2018 as a section hiker with a pack in excess of 90 lbs. (A bit much) The OIF vintage gear I used could have handled 250 lbs+ (empty pack alone was at least 5 lbs heavier that a trail hiker needs). A reasonable rule has been well established for max or sustained loads. A healthy man can pack one third of lean body weight sustained and half of such body weight for shorter lengths (days instead of weeks). For women, it's different: one quarter and and one third respectively. Biology doesn't care about "equality" BS. With that in mind, a smart outdoorsman has good justification to scrutinize "males" who packout like females. These are not the kind who increase their own personal safety or those around them.

[@Sean-yd4mi]

My problem is the name brand pride. Like you aren’t a “true” backpacker unless you have archteryx, North Face, Patagonia, MSR, etc. Nothing wrong with budget gear!

[@davidpepin6443]

Amen, I have "trial" bought some gear at Walmart before I would commit to the big dollar stuff. You know what, a lot of it is still in my pack. The only thing I'd say never ever too is the backpacks and tents from there.

[@namenotfound8747]

A true backpacker doesn't buy those 4 brands, usually folks that are new to it and go and watch youtube videos buy those. True back packers as you state would look at brands like Montbell, zpacks, froggtoggs, BRS, Exped, MLD, and Thermarest. True back packers carry expensive gear with down right cheap gear and aren't looking to make fashion statement while doing it.

[@plutoplatters]

I like the $500 dollar PATAGONIA Spork syndrome !! so true... north face right behind them

[@YTkenntkeinenDatenschutz]

@Name Not Found: Really? Arc’teryx and Patagonia make high quality Gear used by thousands of Backpackers and Thru-Hikers. And Therm-a-Rest is the same Company as MSR, they are Cascade Designs Brands.

[@nonameman9291]

Agreed!

[@TK8286]

You said a lot of things I have thought while watching You Tube videos. You have balance.....a rare quality in today’s absolute society!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks J! Appreciate the encouragement!

[@willpotter8343]

Thanks for the video. I live in scotland where the weather can be extremely adverse. Using the lightweight kit encouraged in countless lightweight backpacking videos might result in a person becoming a casualty if they were to encounter the unexpected. All in favour of minimising weight, but not at the cost of safety. I also enjoy some modest camping comfort. I’ve earned it after experiencing true discomfort after spending many years in the Army.

[@IanFrankhamWells]

There's a definite lack of people putting out info that's suited to hiking in the UK. It's wet here, it's damp, multi day trips with down insulation can be an issue if you're not In a decent shelter (for example).

[@graemehindshaw4221]

Yup, I've lightened up recently but with caution because British wet is bloody horrible!

[@stlchuckhd]

Thanks Dan for the informative content. The main reason I watch your channel is to pull ideas from you that apply to me camping with my street Harleys. Comfort, weight, and functionality are important for camping on long haul tours. Thanks again and keep up the great information! 🇺🇸

[@jimpark5591]

You nailed it, brother! I do it the same way. At 52, comfort and good sleep mean a lot more than they did at 20. Hiking in a light pack just to have a shit trip just isn't worth it. I always say, bring what you want, and train for what you want to bring!

[@philippepassavanti2300]

I totally agree with you. For me backpacking has to be comfortable and pleasant, not a torture. Everyone has his own vision on what's backpacking. I really like your vision and how you talk about it.

[@nickbyrd1027]

Be careful, Dan! You're sounding real logical and sensible about this whole hiking/camping thing ;) Great video! I love your pragmatic approach to this, it's missing from a lot of others.

[@CalloftheWildOfficial]

haha, well said!

[@oldunion]

Hey man, glad to see this revelation. I started BPing and general camping on my own in the 90's. Back then there wasnt social media, youtube, reddit, peer pressure like there is now. You tried items you found at outdoor shops and learned what worked though campfire suggestion and trial and error. First of all your prime purpose was having fun in the outdoors. Seems like you are using the advanced materials and concepts of our time to focus back on enjoying being outdoors.

[@echo6echo419]

Great video! Agreed 100% on this topic. Carry what you can carry for the distance and your desired comfort level no matter what anyone else says.

[@iguanaamphibioustruck7352]

For years I had a 45 pound pack on a Universal tall frame. It included a Tahiti K79 inflatable kayak and a down quilt. Also was a 4 ounce rip-stop nylon tarp. With my fly rod, some jerky, pepperoni, dried onion foil, and 6 packs of top ramon, instant oatmeal and rice, beans, krusteze, canned milk, raisins, boullion and honey. Sometimes we used instant eggs with Dak canned bacon. There was usually three of us so we had on hatchet, one camera, one first aid kit, one propane burner, one aluminum grill and a two quart metal pot with lid. We typically hiked in and floated out on rivers. We planned 4 days but were good for 6. The inflatable kayak is a great bed but you need a tarp over it or you will end up in a puddle about 4 in the morning. We all had a plastic jug of snake bite medicine and instant coffee and tang. A metal cup hanging on the side of your pack is handy for drinking the spring water or heating tea on the campfire. Iguana

[@kalprao]

Right on . if you do the math on Ultralight gear vs regular gear, it only comes up to 10 pounds of weight saving from your backpack with ultralight . it just doesn't make sense to spend that much money on gear for 10 pounds

[@chushiwang4017]

Totally agree with your point. the real matter for every individual is to identify their true needs before making any purchase order.

[@SnoGoat]

This is what everyone needs to watch if they are getting into backpacking! Good work my man! Keep it up!

[@thuthiehiker]

Loved this. I have one of those seats.😬 I totally agree. If you are not comfortable then the fun level goes down. Thanks for confirming my thoughts.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Susie! I appreciate you watching!

[@normarinker3245]

Such good points, as always. I know a lot of folks may smirk at this...but it never even occured to me to weigh my gear/pack until I started to seriously consider a thru hike. And i learned a lot that way 😆 I've missed a few videos...very cool that UGQ sent you a quilt!! Thanks for another well done, well thought out video. Your channel just keeps getting better!

[@fernwogteveril6935]

It's a cliche but, hike your hike. Sometimes you want to conquer a new place and do a lot of hiking. Sometimes you want to have a great camp experience and only do a couple miles somewhere near home. Spend big on the core items and it will keep your base weight low enough to bring whatever you want. A few extra grams, oz, lbs don't mean as much if you're a weekend warrior like most of us. Bring what's good for you and your plan.

[@bobbyharper8710]

Here's what I see going on. Hiking has become a gym workout followed by socializing at shelters and campsites. The lightweight fast and furious hiking style is aggressively pushed by sales teams on social media.

[@t0mdeakin]

Hard to disagree. Lots of people are pushing the expensive pieces, the Patagonia R1 for mid layers (despite being poor at it). Ultralight is a marketing dream. At a certain point buy sustainable gear you can enjoy using without uncomfortable trips. This is meant to be a hobby after all.

[@hpvspeedmachine4183]

@@t0mdeakin same for bikepacking

[@celestinij]

I disagree. I’ve hiked over 3000 miles. I think it has more to do with just losing the magic to monotony. Depends what kind of trip you are going on, but it’s important to know your gear and if you are doing SERIOUS miles less weight is more fun. Weight = Pain = Less Fun

[@sempergumby3929]

@@celestinij whenever a hiker makes miles the first/top issue when discussing hiking, it's a dead give-away. Such people are the most boring, nauseating people on trail. And guess what? That ship is sailing, hikers en masse are discovering how stupid it is to ruin a great opportunity of a long distance hike by prioritizing miles per day. Of course there are many children out there who think that the trail is some claim to fame, but it really makes about as much sense as bragging how fast you ate your pizza at the party. The grown ups are those who are astute enough to savor the experience - every bite.

[@celestinij]

Semper Gumby I agree that miles is not the top issue. That said; humans have limits. If you want to finish the AT and you only have 5 months off, less weight will allow you to savor that experience. Otherwise, you will be busting ass to finish if your pack weight isn’t low enough. This prevents you from “enjoying every bite”. I hike ultra light because I love spending time with strange and different people. By making the miles easy I free up time and effort to focus on my interactions. I beat my friends to town , spend a day hanging with strangers, double zero, and then hang with my tramily. I understand there is a UL “type”, but a lot of UL hikers don’t fit it and they use it as a tool instead of being used by the idea itself. Just encouraging open-mindedness in a thread that is dumping on me and my peeps. It’s the same as Facebook. For some people it’s an addictive crutch that distracts them from living. For me it’s a way to keep in touch with a hundred people I love but don’t have the time to call on a regular basis. Ps: I hike with 10ish pounds of gear, but I bring a pound of pot and I’ve been known to hike out a rotisserie chicken. UL isn’t a competition. it’s about being as light as you can be and still be comfortable. If you die in a winter storm, obviously you’ve failed. If you can’t sleep or stomach your diet, you failed. Take the UL concept with a little common sense.

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

Good video with good advice. I did a 5 day hike in the Grand Canyon with a buddy and we talked about luxury gear we wouldn't want to give up. The chair is one of them. It just makes enjoying the spot so much more enjoyable. I agree with you, it's about balance. A little bit extra weight for the things you consider important is worth it. For me it is the chair, for others it may be the phone, camera, sleeping pad or whatever.

[@jwoginrich]

I JUST handed in a piece to my editor about not caring about ultra light. LOVE THIS

[@DanBecker]

Wow thanks! Who do you edit for? Just curious!

[@OldPackMule]

Great video! Absolutely agree. I use the Klymit wide for the times I have to go to ground. I choose a 12’ tarp for a hammock because I like the extra protection. There’s good weight and bad weight and that differs from person to person.

[@sk8erdawg25]

Something I've never understood about ultralight backpackers is why they don't sit at camp in the morning till they poop. Worried so much about an ounce but they just ate a ramen bomb the night before turd probably weighs a pound. You ain't UL till you poop ppl.

[@mcgufbd]

Thank you for this. My 12 year old is getting into camping with Trail Life and I don't know what he really needs and doesn't. Thank you for the help.

[@DanBecker]

That’s awesome Bradley! Trips with your kids are memories that will last forever!

[@KrokemOutdoors]

Dan is the only man that can make a video like this and not rustle the UL community's feathers. I'm a huge fan of comfort over ultra light, Kudos Dan Becker, you did it again 🍻

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Edward! Next… I’m flying to Out east so I can take editing classes from you LOL!

[@Ztowne13]

Very high quality video... and I love the speed at which you present things. Shot and quick to the point with no rambling. Love it!

[@johndallas3327]

I am an ultralight backpacker. I soak my food, count every ounce, etc. But, doing it does not make me better person or even a better backpacker. It is simply what I do so I can climb the mountains I want to climb with the physical limits I have and enjoy doing so. If I go canoeing much of my gear is different because the canoe can carry more wight. It is about finding a good balance between weight and comfort. Along with what you can afford. It is good to know about some of the ultralight techniques or options but use the equipment that works best for you.

[@wildoutdoorhdyh3517]

agreeeeeeeeee

[@samuelluria4744]

Forgive my ignorance, but what do you mean "soak your food"?

[@samuelluria4744]

@overgrow00 - Thank you!

[@Romin.777]

I couldn't go without something hot in my belly at night.

[@samuelluria4744]

@@Romin.777 - Don't plan on being around long, after the Zombie Apocalypse, do ya?😜😜

[@scottpiner2149]

Great video! Most of us are not thru-hikers. I do try to be mindful of weights but a little extra on the weekend adventure is just fine.

[@john_kelley]

I too am a NEMO Tensor user. Love mine. It’s so comfortable, and it doesn’t have as much of that crunchy thermarest sound when you move around. Another great video, Dan!

[@DanBecker]

Can’t wait for you to get your channel up and running to its fullest potential!

[@john_kelley]

@@DanBecker Your's and Jeremiah's input has been golden. New stuff goes up a week from next Tuesday! Thanks so much!

[@stoutoutandaboutwithanorwe300]

I travel with 197 Porters, so the weight has never bothered me. The only problem I have is when they don’t heat my water, in the cast iron bathtub, to it’s proper temperature. 😉

[@fredstrehlow511]

Or bring you your coffee in the morning

[@cameroneverhart6443]

Wow, I feel like this video was made for me. I love going backpacking and many times have to do it alone because none of my friends do it, and this leads me to "over pack" everything which increases weight. But, sometimes the weight is pointless if it doesn't work or complete the intended function. Thank you sir.

[@philbertoneriver5923]

Weekend backpacker here too. Pro Tip: Carry 8 to 10 beers in cans instead of bottles to save weight. Pack it out.

[@aaronhoyes1781]

I fit a twelve pack of 16oz Coors light cans in the bottom pouch of my Kelty trekker! Always worth it!

[@alfialho7722]

Thanks again Dan. I’ll give you a little back story. I’m 51 years old. I currently weigh 270 (6’1 tall). Over the past 15 months I’ve dropped 80 pounds and shooting for a hundred. My only exercise has been walking and I’ve been eating healthier. A buddy of mine introduced me to backpacking verbally a few months ago. Since then I’ve been gearing up thanks to you and some of your constituents. I tried to consider weight as much as could for my budget. After purchasing everything I thought I needed I weighed in at an impressive 56lbs. 2 Nalgene bottles included. I knew I was heavy, but I figured I was used to packing that weight around anyway and I ( stubborn Portagee ) wanted to take all my goods with me and try em out. Well I got that opportunity a couple of weeks ago. I live in N.Cal near the Trinity Alps. We embarked on a two night trip to Tangle Blue Lake. We had a late start on Friday. We hit the trailhead at 5:40 pm. Made a rookie navigational error and ended up climbing a lung busting trail for about a half mile before we realized our mistake. I should add that we’re hitting patchy snow. Elevation was 4400 at start with 5800 at lake. We ended up stopping for the night short of the lake due to snow,light,and just not knowing how much farther to get there. Plus admittedly I was pretty wiped out. As it turned out we couldn’t make the lake due to snow, but managed to have a great time anyway! So I learned a lot, both from that experience and your video as well. I’ve managed to knock 15 lbs out, so that should help some. I was warned to be conscious of your weight and now I get it. Packing that weight around on your body is one thing and packing it on your back is an entirely different case! I scouted a little section of the PCT today in Castle Craggs State Park. We’re going to hit it on June 8 for the weekend. Can’t wait! Keep em coming! 👍🏼

[@DanBecker]

Wow Albert! I bet the elevation at 5800 feet was starting to affect you as well. I think that’s awesome that you started hiking recently and are so concerned about health! I love hearing stories like that so thank you for sharing and I appreciate the encouragement!

[@trailheart1863]

😊 👍It’s So awesome that your doing things for health ! You may not see it but your new habits WILL be inspirational to others.

[@TheMarcopix]

Outstanding!! Keep it up. We used to love hiking the Sierras when I lived out there. Yosemite is a great time too. Kings Canyon...the list goes on. CA is fantastic for hiking. As you drop more weight your shape will likely change so don't forget to readjust your pack to fit the new slim, trim you.

[@KingsandBeavs]

The trinity alps are America’s best kept secret your lucky to have gone there for your first trip!

[@alfialho7722]

Matthee Baxter I know I’m spoiled. They’re literally 40 miles from my house.

[@1averageamerican]

I also use a Ridgerunner but I did get CF spreader bars and a Cuban rain fly. Save some weight where I can but still be comfortable. And yes, I always bring a chair. This is a topic more people should be talking about. Thanks.

[@roberttosa2560]

Great video and great tips for me ... a weekend backpacker with chronic pain and some disabilities. Thanks!

[@richardhenry1969]

I started backpacking in the 80s then joined the army in the 90s what I learned is I would rather carry a bit of weight and be comfortable. I always thought ultra light backpacking was a fad. It’s easier to get used to weight then be miserable at night. I also like hiking to a camp and staying a few days then hike back. I don’t get a race to complete something just because. But to each there own. You gotta do what makes you happy don’t worry about what others think.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Hike light and freeze at night.

[@stevefaculakiii9720]

Great vid - represents 90% of backpackers.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dan the Man, thank you for sharing another fine video. I really enjoyed it. I agree with you, in the back country it's all about comfort. A good night's sleep translates to more energy the next day, more energy to do all the fun things. Be safe, take care and have fun. 🤗

[@DanBecker]

Thanks as always, Ronald!

[@Biggun762]

I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to weight when backpacking. I just use the same stuff I used when i was in the infantry. Its all pretty light to me because its the same basic packing list minus ammo / night vision / communication equipment

[@rosalineoh7382]

Hey Dan, all your reasons make perfect sense. But in my situation I have to go ultralight... because I shouldn't backpack any other way. I'm 25yo (and hence fully grown) and weigh about 48 kg or 105lbs. I've been pretty stable & comfortable at this weight for the past 8 years. To prevent long-term joint damage, I have to carry max 20% of my body weight o(without food and water), which means I have no choice but to carry less than 10kg. Sometimes, it's not ego or gear fetish but just body diversity. I'm always jealous when bigger hikers like you can get away with cheaper gear ;) Each to her own and wish you sunshine on your trails!

[@murphy7801]

Yeah makes sense. Because maximum weight suppose carry is 30% of body weight. Now if have joint pain on top dropping that to 20% makes sense. As 188cm 105kg person I can happily carry 20kg and have done 30kgs. But most people would struggle with that.

[@morgantrias3103]

Huh, never hear anyone talk about this. I'm a similar weight, and there are no guides I've seen on how much I should limit myself to carrying.

[@gordonmurdoch3811]

Well said sir, everything in moderation. I feel that some people get so obsessed with UL that they forget that they are out to enjoy themselves, a few 'luxury' items can make a big difference.

[@SultanofSpey]

I feel a lot of this nonsense began with the birth of terms like “luxury item”. When I hear someone say that or proclaim that something is indeed a luxury item, I usually tune out.

[@JSMADW5]

I spent the last 5 nights on the 25” wide Nemo Tensor insulated pad on a kayak camping trip. I totally agree with your review. It provides incredible quality of sleep!!! Couldn’t be happier

[@ajdayton101]

-My wife and I are new to hiking. Just now gathering gear. Your vids have been such a big help. Our intention is overnight hikes maybe two to three day max. We work and don't have that much time. The AT and C and O canal trails are right in our back yard. We can't wait to get started.

[@bande0219]

Husband/wife team here as well. Been doing it a long time. Perfect chance to put the craziness of the world behind you and just have fun together!

[@randallkelton6878]

I have found if you want your pack to feel lighter, become stronger.

[@karenflores4987]

@Jee Vang why so agressive?

[@randallkelton6878]

Well what was typical for me: end of the first day, climbing hard all day and the campsite is stil 2 miles away! Man it may as well be on the moon. Maybe drinking beer on the couch while i shop for a lighter stove was not all the preparation for this trip i needed? The point is he is right in this video. An ounce here and there is no big deal. If you dont do something to get in some kind of shape you are going to suffer:)

[@johnganshow5536]

Like riding a mountain bike. All the serious guys wanted the bike to be 5 or 10 pounds lighter, carbon frome, etc...I thought screw that, I will spend thousands less on an aluminum frame bike, and lose 10 to 20 pounds off myself, making myself stronger, lighter and healthier....

[@bmphil3400]

@@johnganshow5536 yeah and I went 29" hard tail.... lower the tire pressure a little and PASS my friends with full suspension on the uphills.....a 29" hard tail with low pressure climbs like a mountain goat.

[@johnganshow5536]

@@bmphil3400 If I still rode Sedona or Dead horse Ranch, I probably would have kept 1 of my full suspensions. But where I live and ride now, more like gravel roads, Hard tail is perfect. If I need more suspension, I stand on the pedals and use my knees. It works much better for me...

[@damarissanchez9040]

What a fantastic video. Thank you for being honest and a realist.

[@richardkeenan3079]

Love it, totally agree! The point is to have fun and enjoy the outdoors with the luxury's we love and desire to that make the outdoors a great experience for us!

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Great info Dan! Gear is highly personal and is nice to have many variations to personalize a setup for the type of trip you are going on.

[@rustyeyeby]

й

[@wanderingjim7402]

Amen brother, I teach a bike packing 101 class every year and everyone always looks shocked when I talk about luxury items. I don't leave home without my thermarest chair. Even though I own a lighter pad I take my thermarest because it works with my chair. Also as a birder I usually have binoculars.

[@hargieboo]

I was backpacking before you were born, kid. Back in my day, I didn't worry about weight, because I was young and strong. My boots alone weighed two pounds apiece. We didn't have any of these lightweight hiking shoes. A 60-65 pound pack was no big deal. I never have slept in a hammock. I always had a cheap tent that had mosquito netting to keep out the bugs. Now, at 67 years old, I feel the weight of a heavy pack. I can't do it with all that weight anymore. I never carried any kind of chair. Now, I am more interested in improving my bushcraft skills so I can build a few things in the woods so I don't have to take so much crap with me. I bring a piece of nylon material that I can turn into a chair with 3 poles. Anyway, I'm just an old fart now, and hope I can do some more backpacking before I die. I'm starting to do more car camping, and adding luxuries, such as solar panels and an electric freezer to freeze the deer, elk and pigs I shoot. I'm planning to go elk hunting a couple times before the end of the year. Anyway, just an old timer hoping to be healthy enough to do what I love a few more times before the end.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

I really enjoyed your post sir. Get out there! Be positive.

[@rickchollett]

I never worry about the weight. I simply take what I think I'll need.

[@azclaimjumper]

Objective #! of any hike is/should be, to return to the trailhead under your own power. Everything else is infinitesimally inconsequential.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Appreciate your honesty man! I've been through similar over the years with my gear but i'm also primarily a weekend camping and backpacker with lots of day hikes in between. My uncle was in the military and got me into gear at a young age. Im 39 yrs old now and have tried and owned soo many packs and pieces of gear over the years its laughable lol but these days i have my gear dialed in how i like it! Its not all ultralight and its not all heavy. My gear is a mixture of military surplus, ems, walmart, ebay and so on lol.. Camelbak trizip is my day/overnight and edc pack! Love it! It has mystery ranch companies designed futura harness and it snugs the human body better than any pack ive owned or tried period. I'm a tent guy 100%. One man tents are my go to. My favorite tent weighs a bit more than most people carry! But its good for 4 seasons and its the most durable,waterproof and easiest tent setup i have ever owned. The ORC-ICS one man tent in ACU camo. ICS (Improved Combat Shelter). 5lbs but packs fairly small and i Love it!! Recommend it to anyone! Laugh all you want it will outlast most one man tents on the market and its 100% waterproof!! Thermarest military prolite 3 sleeping pad coyote brown/foliage. Awesome sleeping pad in my opinion! 1 lb. 8 oz and i put it in a 2 in 1 thermarest stuff sack/pillow. Sleeping bag mountainhardwear lamina z-flame 22 degree bag 2lb. 8 oz. warm and comfortable. Recently switched to the USMC 3 season sleep system sleeping bag regular size. Coyote brown, center zip 2lbs. Stove msr pocket rocket 2 mini stove kit. Works great! Used to use my jetboil zip but i can do more with the rocket like cook trout in a pan and such. Sea to summit and sealline stuff sacks,towels and so on!! Use what lasts and works for you!! Even if it takes years to get your gear dialed in to what you like!! Stay safe and hike on! Subscibed!

[@brettfoster6786]

I carry great food and warm and soft sleeping gear . and kona coffee . and them small bottles of whiskey . good times .

[@stephanieniesen1804]

I love UGQ! I think their stuff is great; it's so well made and they're wonderful to deal with! Glad you gave them a shout out.

[@mikeemmit22]

Awesome video!! Everyone who is starting out should watch this video. I agree 100%!! Keep up the great videos! No one cares what you carry. I try to never compare my pack with others! Yes I love my chair! Comfort is the number one thing to focus on when out on the trail.

[@MQuinn-eb3zz]

I've been backpacking off and on for over 30 years. The number one reason I never got into ultralight backpacking is that I love using military surplus gear. Military gear (I am former military) tends to be heavy but exceptionally rugged (also called soldier proof). Its use of webbing (whether ALICE or MOLLE) allows for excellent distribution and organization.

[@joshcook9134]

I would love to see a comparison of the gear I used to carry in the 90's! There were no such things as "ultralight" - easily 40-50lbs in summer - winter was worse lol

[@sosvaleggiodenis]

Mate, this is the most honest video I’ve seen..I do really backpack the very same way and I met a lot of people doing this and we always agree that backpacking is a very personal experience and everyone does it is a different way. I also got obsessed at the very beginning reviewing thousands of videos and websites 🤣 Thanks for sharing 👍

[@BlueBoyBackpacking]

Great to see you outside with a different visual backdrop Dan. Much more refreshing and engaging to watch - and it matches the good content and message. Well done. Keep varying it up to avoid viewer fatigue. Blue Boy

[@DanBecker]

Thanks a ton! I try to get outside and film as often as I can. Sometimes my schedule or the weather doesn’t allow it.

[@BlueBoyBackpacking]

@@DanBecker Ok cool. But it makes a difference to viewer interest to keep things fresh and new, and you do that by changing the look, angles, colours, even style to keep viewers coming back. Keep it up and do what you can of course. Blue Boy

[@PatJ61]

Sometimes I think those who worship at the altar of ultralight do so because they want to bring 5 pounds of camera equipment. This is another great video that is so reasonable, Dan!

[@DanBecker]

There’s definitely truth to that! I’ll admit, I’ve actually thought of that myself! LOL! But instead… I just bring all the stuff I talked about plus my 3 pound camera LOL!

[@sempergumby3929]

@@TRUUTAH60559 learn to read idiot. SOMETIMES does not mean "I think in EVERY case" The principle of the comment holds true with those who only use a common smartphone. The "hey look what I can do bc I'm entitled" IS a common trend with UL hikers. Individuals like Chris McCandless are rare indeed. He realized one day that he lived the entitlement life and then rejected it. Even at that, he had holes in his bushcraft. I don't expect many others to see the light of reality like he did in that regard, but there are plenty who have never seen themselves as entitled who can see the contrast.

[@sempergumby3929]

Semper Gumby is the antithesis of the weekend warrior. My LPCs take me from the LOD to the OBJ, from the AA to the LZ and all over the AOR. And unlike the UL boys, I use manskills, not money to overcome obstacles in the bush.

[@simonh6371]

@@sempergumby3929 LPCs lol haven't heard that for donkey's years...I thought that was just a Brit army expression

[@Jeffrey1978]

3:35 - I am with you Dan. In my opinion it doesn't matter either if you are a through hiker, carrying a little bit more weight that equals sustained and better sleep everyday is a no brainer! What one person likes may not work the same for someone else. It is a great resource to be able to see what other people use to hike with and to be able to learn from other people that hike with less gear but in the end everyone needs to just hike their own hike and learn what works best for them. Sleep and hygiene are two things, imo, that a lot of people overlook out in the wilderness.

[@Tom_Bee_]

My first book about camping I will never forget, because right in the introduction it pointed out the necessity of balancing the two golden contradictory rules of the outdoors. 1, travel light 2, any idiot can be uncomfortable (or worse)

[@brucematys8597]

Great video Dan, I agree with you as to am a weekender. I carry a little extra so I can enjoy my camping experience, that's why I go outdoors. Cheers!

[@geektarded]

After spending 4 years road marching in the army with the old alice packs, LBE’s, shelter halves, army sleeping bag, everything else feels “lightweight” in comparison.

[@justrusty]

I went overboard on trying to to go too light on the sleeping pad - I bought some 6 ounce pads that were sort of honey-combed shaped - the idea was the air pockets were supposed to provide insulation. It actually was comfortable as long as I laid on my back. Unfortunately (as far as my using the pad), I sleep on my side, stomach, back, all sorts of positions. So I realized I had gone too far - and added back a heavier pad AND a pillow, for the same reason you gave: better sleep (you're stronger during the day if you sleep better at night.)

[@donmatulevich9411]

A lot of good points in there Dan. Really it comes down to what works for you. I’ll have to look into that pad for when I go tent camping with the kids

[@Narx9]

This is why you're my favorite trekker/camper youtube guy, because I am a weekend bushcrafter, and comfort and quality matter more than weight.

[@MultiGunner65]

"The sleep I need to hike the next day" That statement is exactly why I will never bitch about the weight of my Ridgerunner/Tarp/UQ/TQ.

[@1averageamerican]

I agree. Thats what I use and its the most comfortable you can sleep on the trail imo.

[@leleprtk]

My tent is comfortable, cozy, and it never soaked through!!!!!! And yes, it weighs 5.7lbs.... so what???? As long as you’re comfortable and enjoying your hike that’s ALL that matters! We desperately need to stop comparing ourselves to other hikers, it’s a disease in the community

[@NoloPrime]

I think some folks are referring to a couple KZbinrs I follow when they are talking about the ultralight fixation some have. To be fair they all understand weight vs comfortability. Most who talk about Ultralight are trying to finish fast. Even the UL folks have "Luxuries" but they are 2 different games Basic Thru Hiking and Ultralight Hiking.

[@andygarza3057]

I'm not a through hiker, nor am I a section hiker. Leaving on a three-week AT hike tomorrow but that is a special treat. Point is, this video makes mucho sense in general and specifically for me. Thanks!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks, Andy!

[@colinscoines144]

Dan, we'll done for being honest. It's all about enjoying yourself. Your point about only going for weekends also resonates with me. Plenty of good equipment out there that ain't the lightest. Keep Camping!

[@chriseidam7319]

Good video on a good topic, Dan. I am definitely lightening my gear this year, but I agree it can go too far. Two years ago I upgraded to a pretty light Big Agnes pad and bag combo. But I blew it (pun intended) on the width, chasing low weight. I got a 20" pad. With my BA bag that has a sleeve for the pad, I find my arms fall off the sides of the bag, which tightens the bag over my chest, making it hard to breath and impossible to be comfortable. I simply cannot sleep. So now I am getting a 25" pad and my tiny wife can have the 20" BA combo. A couple of things about UL packers is I see they carry inadequate first aid kits, no knife, and only one light (a headlamp). Injuries happen, stuff needs to be cut, and lights break or die. So I carry a reasonable first aid kid, the excellent Light My Fire knife/ferro rod combo, and a Luci light to go with my 360 lumen, $3 LED headlamp. Likewise, I bought a Sawyer Mini because there were rave reviews at the time, highlighting its low weight. But the flow is awful. It takes me about 20 minutes to squeeze two liters through it. So I replaced it with the Sawyer Squeeze, nevermind the greater bulk and weight. Who wants to struggle with a filter for 20 minutes to start or end their day's hike? And I plan to get a 2L CNOC dirty water bag for ease, functionality and covenience, despite the extra weight. I seriously considered a Zpacks Duplex to replace my heavy-but-nice Nemo Losi 3. But as light as it is, I kept hearing about people having single wall tents rain on them in muggy, torential rain storms, even the well-designed Duplex. The Tarp Tent Double Rainbow 2 was on my list, and it does have a semi inner roof accessory to catch drips. But I ultimately got the 3F UL Lanshan 2 and its winter inner. It's light. It's two-walled. It's versatile. And it's affordable, so I spent the extra money I saved on the Zpacks Arc Haul pack instead. Besides all that, I use heavy-ish merino wool for sleepware, because it is soooooo much more comfortable and warmer than synthetics, and I bring a book to read at night or when I take a zero on a day of heavy rain. After spending a full day in a pup tent on the Pemi Loop during a monsoon rain day, I went crazy from boredom. Never again. Lastly, yes, I own several cannister stoves, including the titanium BRS. But my go-to stove kit is the supreme Trail Designs Ti-Tri Caldera stove system. Shielded Isbit and alcohol configurations - check. But it is the gassifying wood stove configuration that it features that does it for me. Trust me, you can sit around one of these all day under a tarp drawing warmth from it in crummy, cold weather while only needing to fuel it with small sticks, twigs and pine cones. You cannot do that with a cannister stove. It takes up a little more space, because I chose one for a larger titanium pot, but it is worth it. I will never run out of fuel. And because I also winter camp, it has the potential to be a lifesaver in a hypothermic crisis.

[@DanBecker]

Hi Chris! You sound a lot like me! That’s a lot of gear you’ve got to choose from :-) I love having options and also handing it out to people that hike with me. Thanks for sharing!

[@chriseidam7319]

@@DanBecker You are welcome. Thanks for the excellent video series.

[@mountainwilliam2979]

Comfy conquers all, just think about early thru hikers with frame backs fully stacked, wearing Danner original hiking boots.

[@triumfant2]

Thanks this was a great video It’s nice to know you don’t have to be ultralight to go for a hike. I like the comments from people on this topic.

[@sempergumby3929]

It is kinda sad that such a no-brainer could be temporarily be turned upside down and backwards through trendy marketing and a few A-holes claiming to be topic experts. America's scenic trails are for EVERYONE, not just a select few. Most people on the PCT figure the basic truth out although some have just invested too much in UL to admit it. Lesser weight (not UL) has opened opportunity to some who wouldn't otherwise be fit enough (various reasons), but many such cases really call for some getting fit efforts, which btw can be done with day hikes, short overnighters, etc. in preparation for distance hiking. UL should never be seen as an alternative to potential fitness. At best, some lighter items help to compensate for chronic limitations.

[@cascadeventurer4422]

You are my kind of hiker sir! Consider me subscribed. Like you, I have too many obligations in life to dedicate week or month long excursions. Keep up the good work.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Yeah man. I incorporate as many UL concepts as I can or make sense to me. The other remaining amount is filled with functional gear (weight with in reason of course) but yeah function for me is king right now.

[@petealder9389]

That's why I bike pack with an electric bike and trailer. Comfortable nights with all the gear I need.

[@Athreehourtour]

I like the content of this video... and the honesty of it

[@zachdurrett1357]

I really enjoyed your take on the topic. I’ll probably never will be a lightweight hiker & I too am perfectly alright with that! I’m just happy to get into the woods...doesn’t happen as often as I’d prefer.

[@scotthill6807]

When I got out for a long weekend or just a over-nighter I want to have fun! It's not fun if you can't be comfortable and sleep well. I've never understood why people suffer though a outing to ounces.

[@jasonsample9788]

Once again well done Dan! Your and my philosophy matches 100%! I keep weight in mind but it's not the most important focus to me. Keep up the good work!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Jason! I appreciate the encouragement and thanks for watching!

[@barryfullick7981]

@@DanBecker Thank you Dan for bringing a voice of sanity to the subject. As many have said before, " Any fool can be uncomfortable" However thoughtful choices of gear can combine a fair level of comfort and still leave enough space in your target weight for adequate nutrition water and warmth. Undoubtedly there are folk who can enjoy their trail days with Spartan disregard for the hair shirt discomfort that lies ahead in their less than suitable sleep system and inadequate shelter. Not for me. I will happily tolerate a just shy of 10 pounds base weight, and a little more if it's going to be cold. Broken sleep and hours passed counting down to daylight and the dismal prospect of repeating the process all over againare pretty much guaranteed to ruin my day before it begins. For me the daily mileage is not, in the general scheme of things my priority. Fitness for purpose based on what I can comfortably carry is my watchword. For some gram shaving is the placebo that drives them faster and lighter. It floats their boat and makes them happy, good for them, it takes all sorts, and the massive reductions in weight combined with simultaneous rises in quality of material and utility, have made excellent kit accessible at prices affordable to most. Uber- light gear designers and manufacturers do a great service to the wider outdoor community in that, although not everyone is a recipe, everyone gets the benefit of their ideas and techniques via the trickle-down effect. If you are not using their kit or their ideas this year, you will be, next year, or soon thereafter. So although not rabidly enthusiastic about all of it, I'm glad they are there, doing what they do. Glad too, and grateful to the ultra runners, and extreme trekkers and explorers and çlimbersfor taking fast and light to the greater ranges, pushing to the limits of their endurance and techniques, for the invaluable feedback they pass on to the innovators among the gear manufacturers. To them we owe just as big a debt of gratitude as the thoughtful people back in the design team who translate ideas into some of the things that make our sport so enjoyable. Happy trekking everyone, stay safe and warm. Xavier Bacon

[@barryfullick7981]

For some reason my tab wrote recipe, perhaps deciple is not in it's lexicon.

[@luizarroyo988]

Great video! I totally agree as someone who is a “reasonably lightweight backpacker” but certainly not an ultralight backpacker. It’s all about compromises between comfort and weight. Weight can’t be the end all/be all. For me it’s my camera equipment. I enjoy taking a certain amount camera gear with me on my hikes. It prevents me from ever going fully ultralight, but the gear enhances my experience out there so much that I would never consider going without it!

[@RodrigoForrequi]

It's really nice to see you trilling this path. It's not easy to be ultralight in my country, and most of your thougths here are my way to go here. Thanks for sharing amazing content. I really want a video about backpacking with kids.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Rodrigo! Try this video.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXXPi3-DichlpNU

[@CDAFishboy]

If all you can carry is 15 lbs, you should get in shape. When I arrive at camp, I do not have to worry about a tent failing in a storm, have a camp chair to eat dinner and watch the sunset. I Dayhike with 15 lbs and do not notice the weight.

[@benschuster9792]

It's not really about being in shape. I carry a 6lbs base weight not because I can't carry any more, but because it allows me to do 30-40 miles a day. I like covering large distances and UL lets you do that

[@mrifflard]

Served 4 years in the Infantry..whatever I have is UltraLight LOL, good common sense video. Many of us are not Thru-Hikers. The only real investment I made in light gear was the sleeping bag.

[@darthkek1953]

Infantry are finding a lot of problems with injuries to spine and knees due to pack weight, and these guys (as you know) are much fitter, stronger, younger than most of the population.

[@darthkek1953]

@Lycurgus those guys are the fittest, most motivated guys in the world and they end up with masses of spinal (etc.) injuries. As for you point, it might be okay to lug 20lb along a nice flat surface, but you put 30lb on your back and start hiking my mountains where you're thousands of feet up and the trail is half the width of your foot, angled down, and muddy, NOW you want the least possible weight. But the point is why would you want 30lb on your back, for recreational hiking, if 10lb will do the exact same job? You know you can ways put 30lbs of rocks in your sack if you want!

[@rsmith2658]

I’m just starting to get into back packing, have done stationary camps before and hike anywhere between 2-12 miles every week, but when it came to backpacking gear I had no idea where to begin. Thank you for posting a reasonable gear review!! Not over packed, yet comfortable for a 2-3 day trip. Liked and subscribed! I plan to start sectioning the AT this fall, once I have a few more short trips under my belt and feel confident.

[@johnnyappleseed6960]

Amen!....Preach it, brother.

[@craigbetts1586]

good video Dan you need to balance UL over what's comfortable, I do mostly day and some over nite hiking so a couple extra pounds for comfort is better but I can see if your going to be doing like the AP trail going UL

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

UltraRIGHT versus ultralight bro. 😉

[@trailheart1863]

Ultra “Right” vs ultralight.... sooo true. 😂👍love it.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

@@trailheart1863 👍

[@ryanotte6737]

I was using the term "ultra-smart" to describe a hybrid philosophy that borrows some of the good ideas from ultra-light, but this term is way better. ^_^

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

@@ryanotte6737 I'm an idea thief and I don't discriminate. 😆 I'm a woodcrafter by trade, but will steal from every genre. It's literally what woodcraft is; Learning from the Native American and combining that with European Woodsmen methods to make one a master of his own trail. 👍

[@sempergumby3929]

Outa the park grand slam! So envious I wish I had thought of it myself. As a side thought there are the new app hikers (nearly synonamous with UL) v. traditional "be prepared" outdoor folks. The newbees are tourists in the woods while the traditional tend to be more travelers. So here's the contrast: Travelers use maps, Tourists (ULs) use apps.

[@jtvloggin]

Subbed. I love Darwin, especially watching the thru hike vids. I got my pack weight low and feeling good about it.. but I’m not going to be able to do more than 2-3 days. Glad to see someone producing content for those with jobs/family

[@DanBecker]

Thanks so much!!

[@jeffcmo1957]

Dan you had me when said carry weight to sleep better. Im 6’5 and i learned early on sleeping bags/pads and tents don’t fit. 2 person depends on the person. Always have to carry more weight just have it fit. The right tool for the job.