Winter wild camp backpack weight - what I take and why is my camping gear so heavy?

[@sidestickflyer]

Hi James. Great video! I have an Osprey Aether 70 AG which I well and truly fill to capacity during the winter months as I refuse to be ‘uncomfortable’ and would rather travel ‘heavy’ at 18kg (no filming equipment) rather than suffer the cold! I did lots of that in my younger years! 😂 ATVB Sidestickflyer

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Evening! I say if you're willing and able to carry it, then it has to be worth it if it means that you get more enjoyment out of the adventure. I'm glad someone is finally on my side! 😂 Thanks for the comment 🤗 James.

[@michaelhanly8575]

Very interesting video, subbed. I started wild camping spring this year, see how far I get into winter with gear i have so seeing yours very helpful. I take couple plastic bags put on over fresh dry socks and then into wet boots if want walk around camp at night saves bit weight 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Michael, and welcome to my channel! It's always good to hear of someone taking up wild camping. I'm sure you learnt a lot through spring and summer. Those lessons will help you when it comes to the colder weather stuff. Bags on the feet are effective, cheap and light 👌 Temperatures are falling now, so it might be time for you to treat yourself to a few warmer upgrades!

[@ANDIwPHOTO]

Such an insightful video! ⛺ Your breakdown of winter wild camping backpack weight and gear selection is incredibly helpful for fellow adventurers. It's fascinating to see the thought process behind each item you pack and the reasons for your gear's weight. Winter camping definitely requires more robust equipment to stay safe and comfortable in colder conditions. Thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on this important aspect of outdoor exploration. Can't wait to see more of your adventures and learn from your experiences. Keep inspiring!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Andi. If only all the thought resulted in a nice light pack for me to swing onto my back! 😅 I did manage to lighten this pack by 5 kg for my latest camp...but then I decided to take a 5 kg tent with me!

[@jackscott2840]

First video I’ve seen of yours, great video. Looking forward to going through previous ones! Thank you.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Cheers Jack! There are a few vids in the catalogue for you to check out now 😁 James.

[@YONDERMOUNTAINADVENTURES]

I was absolutely dying for you to pack the Kartcher jet washer !!! 🤣🤣🤣 it's incredible isn't it when we take the time to actually look at what we take..... really interesting mate thoroughly enjoyed that mate.i also take too much. Top class brother..... ATB Simon

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hahaha I did wonder about putting something stupid in my pack for the thumbnail. The pressure washer would've been a great shout 🤣 Yeah this one was interesting for me too, seeing how it all stacks up. I can barely remember what a summer pack weighs! Really looking forward to your camper vids 😎 James.

[@billyinwaves]

That was incredibly helpful, thanks.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Billy. I think the lesson is: don't become a KZbinr! 😄

[@vanmore5124]

I've been training using a 38kg rucksack for my goal of at least 41kg's. I plan on having a basecamp with a canvas hot tent and my pack alone weighs about 7kg's without water- it's the Karrimor Predator 80-130 with yoke, side bags and 3l water bladder. Most walks will be less than 10 miles on relatively easy terrain with elevations of no more than 600m a day. The tent; a Nortent Gamme 6 PC- which I still do not own- will be packed separately on top of my rucksack so I can take it off and carry them separately over dangerous terrain. Not what most people would choose but I'm very excited about a lovely view from a large open door in a warm tent sat at my table on a comfy chair.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Wow, 38 kg! 600 metres is still a significant amount of climbing with that weight, but I guess all it means is that you'll be walking a bit more slowly than someone who is carrying half that weight. You will burn a lot of calories (and build a lot of muscle!) with that setup, but like you say - you will have a really luxurious experience once you reach your destination!!

[@vanmore5124]

Yeah, it is quite slow on the uphills and the longer the hike the worse the pain in the shoulders gets. Rocky and especially steep ground dramatically increases injury risk so every trip will have to take all that into account. It's a lot of gear not to make it back with!@@joinmeoutdoors

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Good point about the safety. Any off-balance moments of strong winds are made that bit more challenging and unsteady the more weight and volume you're carrying on your back. Just keep making sure you always make it home! 🙏🏻

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

Nice one James (thanks for the nod👍🏻). Everyone carries what they want to. The other thing about weight carried is wear and tear on the joints. It doesn’t normally show up in younger people but it is happening so what you do when younger will affect you down the road. I’m 67 so I wanted to reduce my pack weight as much as possible. Fortunately I’m able to afford lighter equipment. You do like your creature comforts James. 😁My army mates all carry 30-35 kg, but they are super human! My best weight savers, are Atom pack 500gm, where weather permits, Altra lone peak 7 trail runners allied with Sealskinz sock-they save me over a kilo compared to my heavy boots. Soto Windmaster stove much lighter and more compact than say jetboil or similar. In winter I use Trangia micro gel stove. I never carry more than a litre of water but use BeFree filter. Food wise I take a sandwich (or mugshot) and a couple of snack bars. I now use Snugpak poncho which is as light as a light wind shell (no rain pants).

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Can we please not overlook the fact that I might be superhuman also? 🤣 Your Windmaster saves you about 200 grams I think, compared to my Windburner (once you factor in a small gas canister, lightweight cook pot, and maybe even a pot stand and lighter). I was expecting there to be a bigger difference actually, so I don't feel too bad about that! Your food load sounds light it must be over 0.5 kg lighter than mine too. You're basically saving weight absolutely everywhere relative to me, and you make a good point about joints/tendons. I don't mind pushing my muscles and lungs, but less wear would be a good thing to target. Thanks Pete.

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

@@joinmeoutdoorsKnowing where you were educated, of course you are superhuman 🤣. Ps my Ponco weighs 300 grams so saves the weight of a pair of rain pants and goes over my pack so saves the weight of a pack cover and dry bags. Atb

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Does this mean that you are a superhuman by education as well, Pete? Poncho is a masterstroke!

[@ipedros7]

On the camp boots, one option is to get some down boots, bit less weight. Also adding a pair or bread bags into the kit allows you, to put your wet boots back on and keep the camp socks dry. All, options to add to what you already said.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Pedro. I was very tempted to buy down boots, but decided to go for synthetic insulation instead because I know I will walk around on damp grass and get the boots slightly wet. Someone else suggested bags for my feet too - maybe not warm like insulated boots, but a good way to keep them dry! Thanks 👍 James.

[@ipedros7]

@@joinmeoutdoors In camp, the bags would go over thick camp wool socks, or over the down booties. lol, much happier with warm feet. Incidentally, its the same strategy, if you just got goretex boots drenched, but obviously for rst of a walk. Once changed to dry socks, using the bags before putting the still wet boots on, will keep the new dry socks drier.

[@allieandmaria]

I'd suggest empty bread bags, or dog poo bags (unused!) to keep your feet dry during camp, should you need to P... or Q...

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks for clarifying that the poo bags should be unused! 😂 I'm sure those would be fairly successful lightweight ways to keep your feet dry for a brief trip out of the tent 👍 Thanks!

[@milliex6609]

This was a really interesting and eye opening video, thank you so much for sharing it with us =) Was really good to know roughly what a shelter system or a sleep system will be in weight etc. I realize that I probably must scale down a little bit on all the stuff I want to bring with me. =)

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Millie. It opened my eyes a bit too, as I had never weighed everything out individually like this before. Good luck with stripping some weight out! James.

[@Johnnygee10]

How it going James, All your winter kit apart from the tent (Soulo with footprint in a dry bag 2763g ) is heavier than mine. Two examples, Gas brewkit 415g, Hydration kit, 2ltr platypus 40g and 600ml smart water bottle 25g for drinking on the go. Just add 1.8 to 2.5 ltrs of water depending on the time of year. I can see lots of ways you can save weight but this comment would be way to long 😂 ATB😉

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Johnny. Thanks for chiming in. These comments are giving me lots of food for thought! What's your total winter pack weight then, with the Soulo, footprint, 2.5 litres of water and food for one night and one morning? Mine is 18 kg with my filming kit removed, so I'd be interested to see how much lighter yours is 👍 This is all highly educational for me as it sounds as though I'm carrying the heaviest gear in the country so far 😂

[@Johnnygee10]

@@joinmeoutdoors My last overnight camp, Total pack weight was 11.9 kg (yes I weigh my pack every trip) in the winter I only 1.8ltrs of water increasing to 2.5ltrs in the summer or 600ml water bottle and sawyer micro filter 😉. Food is either real turmat 👌or summit to eat 👍I sometimes take porridge but more often these days I just have a cuppa in the morning 😉

[@joinmeoutdoors]

So that's 7 kg for your rucksack, food, clothes, sleep mat, sleeping bag and anything else you take. I could almost match that if temps were no lower than 0°C I reckon, and if I was only no more than about 3 miles in the morning. Water and filming kit are my biggest nemeses I think.

[@Johnnygee10]

@@joinmeoutdoors🧐 Quick tip on the water front! Have a spare bottle of water in the car take a good drink before setting off and leave the rest for your return. 👍😉

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Haha I do that already actually, but a sip at the car doesn't keep me going for the 24+ hours that I'm normally out for 🧐 Maybe time to put my drone to use and air drop water to myself from the car 🤣

[@tjbrison]

Great video....my tent weighs err....4kg and my rucksack 2kg...so that's 6 kg before anything else! I often walk where there is no filterable water...so that's another 2kg of water minimum....now we're at 8kg. Zamberlan walking boots in winter...another 1.2kg. I could save some weight on a new rucksack - but only about 800g - I don't like super light, as having tried it - they give me backache. I could save a good 2kg off the tent weight by changing to something more modern. I have also found that not packing everything in dry bags - where it isn't necessary - and replacing with small dustbin liners/zip lock bags does save a surprising amout of weight. I am blessed by not having to carry film equipment - but my camera kit does weigh in at another 1.5kg when I take it. My cook kit is very light as I use a small gas burner or meths stove - which is even lighter but not as convienient as gas. (Never been a fan of jetboil systems - they just seem overly heavy). I'm also old....so inflate my sleep pad using my lungs - which is definately inconvienient, but doesn't require a Flextail or similar 🙂 I tend to take the absolute minimum of electronics - so only a phone and a battery bank - nothing else. If I need to know windspeed and temperature, I stick my head out of the tent, swear and pull it back in again 🙂 My new favourite pocket knife weighs 42g - and if I removed the belt clip it would weigh even less - so I have definately saved some weight there! I seem to share you're views on most things - saving weight is all very well, but never compromise on comfort - or whats the point?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you for that entertaining little run down of your kit! It's staggering how quickly the kilos mount up before you've even packed anything meaningful isn't it? Personally, I find the workout of carrying weight on my back quite a rewarding part of the outing, though less weight would be easier on the feet and joints, there's no doubt. The extra cardio effort is fine by me, but friction and wear on the body is a different matter. Chopping 2 kg of water out makes a significant difference when water is available around you, but if you're uncertain whether or not there will be water...it's not a great gamble to take, hey? Comfort and safety first, lightweight second 👍

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Very interesting. Will weight my winter camping gear too 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I would recommend that you DON'T weigh your kit. It might give you a bad surprise and you will start looking at new, lighter gear online 😂😭

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

@@joinmeoutdoors He he. Probably right there 👍

[@adge_ventures4915]

Hey James! Love videos like this as tbh I'm very nosey and very interested 😊🤣 Two observations which I know you'll know.......pack and sleeping bag are two biggies. I use an atompacks mo50 which I've removed the frame from and that weighs around 800g and the sleeping bag i use in winter is 1kg. Those alone would get you between 2.5 and 3kg. Also the sheer amount of clothing. For a one nighter you just don't need it........ emphasis on NEED. A want is completely different and that's very subjective. Ultimately though if someone is happy to carry it then there's no right not wrong. For reference I carry around 12kg and that's carry about two litres of water and my crux X2 storm ( 2.9kg). I don't feel I scrimp on comfort 😊 The vlogging is a big one but that's a love of yours and is a necessary evil. It also allows people like me to watch and enjoy 😊 I'll fire over my pack list at some point on Instagram for you to nosey at🙂 Adge.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Evening Adge! Thanks for these comments. Firstly...the pack. I have a cheap old little rucksack that I sometimes use if I'm doing a 10+ mile walk and want to take snacks and layers. It's frameless, and always reminds me how beneficial a frame is for air flow and cooling. In the summer, a frameless pack makes me hot and sweaty, and in the winter that sweating is almost worse because it makes you cold when you stop. As for the lighter sleeping bag and clothing...I'm not so sure I can lose all that much weight. I have a lighter down bag (1200 g) but I have to ditch that anywhere below 5 degrees. The Rab Ascent 900 isn't excessively heavy for the warmth it gives, but even then I sometimes need to lay my down jacket over me in the night to keep the temps up...so if I step down to a lighter bag, I don't think I'd be sleeping or recovering much. I do sleep cold. What sort of comfort/limit rating does your 1 kg sleeping bag have? Don't get me wrong, I'd far rather carry 12 kg rather than 21, but even without filming gear and gas lantern I'd still be carrying over 17 kg. I'm basically a donkey at this point!! Do send your pack list over though, that'd be interesting to pick through. Cheers. James.

[@Happyhiker58]

Really enjoyed this video as I'm thinking about weight at the moment. I carry around 15kg total, winter gear. Which is a bit too heavy for me. I use around 3L of water for an overnight wild camp, it really annoys me having to carry it but not being able to find a water source and having to miss out on all my coffees would annoy me more 🙃. I like to cover 10 miles a day but that is a real struggle with my winter pack. It was good to see your weights to compare to mine 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm often carrying about 3 litres too. It is a really significant weight to he lugging around isn't it? My preference is to cover 8+ miles per day too, but those miles take much more of a toll with 15+ kg on your back. Adding elevation into the equation really ramps up the effort when carrying weight too. Perhaps we both need to rely on collecting water a bit more. I hear you about wanting to KNOW that you'll have access to it though!

[@Happyhiker58]

When I'm going the Welsh Mountains there's water in abundance but I've found in the Peak District its hit and miss. If i know there's a guaranteed source then i only carry 500 ml. Its such a pain🙈

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Yep, same here!

[@rodoutdoors]

Lately I've been trying to figure out a fastpacking loadout so reaching borderline ultralight. It doesn't really matter as long as you're comfortable and safe. I just hit 50 so been wanting to lighten the load and try fastpacking and bivy & tarp camping. I usually stick a link to my lighterpack for each trip video. Gives me a good reference to my gear progression.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That sounds like a fun challenge - particularly in summer when you can really strip the weight back. It's amazing what you can get away with when environmental conditions allow you to go ultralight!

[@rodoutdoors]

@outdoors Should be fun way see how much I can endure 😅 There's definitely ways to shave off here and there but sometimes it's just not worth the effort and have fun hah. Over the years I swapped to a cottage company quilt, titanium cookware, nylofume pack liner, SmartWater bottles.. Sometimes I like to go light when doing more miles. Or carry the whole kitchen with me and just chill. But little things here and there still help.

[@thomasskinner240]

I went for my first wildcamp this weekend up on pen y fan and my pack was around 17kg with all the food and drink I took. Far more than necessary I now know so I thunk with a water filter and less food I could get it down to around 13kg which would be lovely. I'll definitely be getting some of those montane boots though they look brilliant

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Pen Y Fan is a bold first camp - particularly when it was quite frosty up there! 😮 Did you see the helicopter rescue on Corn Du? I think that was Saturday night. Sounds like you have a better feel for what kit you need now, and you'll continue to learn and refine it for the next few camps I'm sure. Insulated boots are great in winter!

[@thomasskinner240]

@@joinmeoutdoors yes! Two mountain rescue guys came up and spoke to the two guys camping near me saying there was a missing girl. Then 20 minutes later the helicopter was flying through the valley scanning the ground. It then landed on the flat just below corn du while I'm assuming they loaded her up then flew off. Very impressed stuff. Luckily no wind for them to deal with and a very bright full moon. But it definitely was cold. A great camp though.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

What a dramatic first camp! The MRTs really are heroes.

[@thomasskinner240]

@@joinmeoutdoors I've just read that the helicopter was for a guy who slipped coming down corn du and had broken his ankle. Yeah very eventfull. Also as I walked down pen y fan and up cribyn yesterday morning I saw a perfect pitch about half way up and thought "oh bugger that's better than mine!" And now I've just seen your cribyn video on the same spot haha. I'll have to go back for that one I think.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@thomasskinner240 Yeah that was the report I read yesterday. Not a good place to break your ankle 😣 Haha yep you spotted a good little pitch there - no doubt a popular one in summer!

[@Jay-333]

Very interesting video..your kit is very similar to my own..i think you could change the wet food to dehydrated food,however it does require more water! Sort of catch 22. But if a wild water source is available then there's a weight saving straight away. Look forward to the next adventure 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Yeah I'm always keen to switch to dehydrated food when I KNOW there will be water along the way, and of course I can carry less water on those trips as well. Before you know it that's a 3 kg weight saving! Thanks, James.

[@Joedickens1569]

If I was going for an equivalent 'full comfort' winter camp I'd be around 15kg in a 58L pack. The difference seems to be that I don't take any of the filming/ weather kit, take fewer clothes and have a lot of items that are all a bit lighter (e.g. stove, first aid kit, sleeping bag). Most of the time I'm around 8-10kg, and less in summer. I do like 'blending in' with a smaller bag, as am often around areas where wild camping is not the done thing.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

You make a really good point there, about looking less like a camper if you've got a small/light pack on. That's one thing I don't like about the foam mat - having it strapped on the outside is a loud signal that I'm camping. Thanks for the comment. James.

[@steelynick]

Nice, it's always good to see what other hikers take, even just to get some ideas. How do you find the Rab Insulated trousers? did you consider alternatives with zipped legs for ease of use? I used that same pack for ages, and had a similar weight but after a gruelling hike around Pen Y fan circular with a little detour (back to car for water - 12 miles) I was broken. I invested in a 50 litre Atom Pack, switched a lot more kit to lightweight options and now my winter set up is around 12-14kg depending on how much water i'm taking. It was worth the investment money wise, such a difference.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Nick. I am a massive fan of the Rab Argon down trousers. I've actually been warm in my sleeping bag in subzero tents, for the first time ever! I didn't see any zip-leg trousers while looking, I don't think, but haven't had any trouble with getting the Rab trousers on. 14 kg is a great winter pack weight. The Atom Packs do look really good but the prices blow my mind a bit! Like you say though, these things are investments 👌 James.

[@Ash12530]

I have 3 different backpacks that I use depending upon the season we are in.. My summer (35L) pack will usually weigh in at around 7.5>8.5kg. My Spring/Autumn pack (50L) will normally come in at around 11>12kg. Then my Winter (70L) pack will usually be in the region of 13.5>14.5kg. All of those pack weights include food and at least 1.7L of water! If my Winter pack goes above 15kg I have to take something out, as I simply refuse to carry more than that amount of weight on my back!! I don’t know how you carry all that weight to be honest, I’d be annoyed after walking just 300 yards with that weight on my back…😂

[@joinmeoutdoors]

It's comments like these that make me think I need to have a proper sit down and think through what I can chop out or change. We're worlds apart aren't we?! There's a bit of a life parallel to be drawn here as well, I think. I've you keep piling more on, bit by bit, then you can end up carrying the whole world on your shoulders without even realising! 🤯 Thanks for sharing your weights 👍 James.

[@roberthunter5398]

Thanks for the interesting video. I don't do what you do . But I do go cycle touring a lot. The geat list translates over tho. I always find myself trying to perfect how it all goes into my panniers. I would love to try what you do with the filming. Often think about a simple go pro set up but the editing scares me off. I'm a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to tech😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Robert. I'm glad you found it interesting, and hiking/cycle touring/bikepacking are all much of a muchness really. If you're going to be doing lots of climbing, you want to work really hard on keeping weight down, whereas if it's a flat route, you don't mind carrying a bit more. It will certainly be advantageous to you to keep your pack volumes nice and low though, so I bet your packing perfection helps there! I know what you mean about the editing. There are lots of tutorials all over KZbin to get you started though, and up until this latest video, I have been using free software (Davinci Resolve - now uprgraded to Davinci Resolve "Studio"). You can start very simple and then learn one or two new tricks each time you put a video together. Don't write yourself off just yet :) James.

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

That’s a lot of weight and gear mate, I thought I was bad with 17kg. Where are you based if you don’t mind me asking as you seem to camp all over the place?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I was about 16-18 kg in winter too, before I decided to video my trips! I think we adapt and manage the weight though. Did this video make you think of ways you could/will lighten your pack? I'm based in Somerset, how about yourself?

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

@@joinmeoutdoors I was 17kg on my last winter camp and upload on kinderscout, it was good but the bag was at bursting point and I knew I had carried the weight, so have been looking at ways to reduce weight along with changing some gear to cope with the cold I had a miserable nights that night that I’m keen to avoid again 🥶 I’m based in Upton upon Severn Worcestershire so not a million miles away, if your ever up for a trip let me know alway good to get out and meet new people

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@Craigsoutdooradventures That's the thing isn't it? Our kit list evolves over the years, and over the different seasons. It's all about finding that trade-off between weight and comfort. Ah Worcestershire is nice, and not far from the beauty that is Wales! Thanks for the offer and for sharing your thoughts about all this. James.

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

@@joinmeoutdoors 100% my kit seems to evolve after every trip,I learn and make changes, I think the only things I have from my 1st wild camp to today is the jet boil and sawyer min

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Great insights!!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Stig! 🙏🏻

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

@@joinmeoutdoors 👍

[@pascalcuoq9265]

😀 Hello, I love your videos (which perhaps I should have said earlier, having been watching for months). However, I have a little request… Like some people, maybe because you are all English speakers or maybe because you are still users of Imperial units in most contexts, you abbreviate SI units that start with the “milli” prefix to “mil”. You do this yourself in this video for the 500 millilitres of your bottle. I know it may sound stupid but this can be annoying to some. Not only every single SI units can be paired with the “milli” prefix (you could be talking about the number of millimeters the straps on your backpack are wide or the number of milligrams of sodium you make sure to add to your water for proper hydratation), but also the set of Imperial units include a unit called “mil”, for measuring e.g. thickness of tarps (one thousandth of an inch). (Somehow everyone abbreviates kilogram to kilo though, this one is much more bearable to my ears, showing how subjective the whole remark is.)

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Pascal. Thanks for the comment. As an engineer, I am keen to be clear in my communication of units! I think abbreviating any "thousandth" unit to "mil" requires context. As you say, if I am discussing a width or a thickness, then "mil" will only ever be an abbreviation of "millimetre". If I'm discussing the volume of water I'm carrying, "mil" will only ever be an abbreviation of "millilitres". When it comes to the abbreviation of imperial measurements (your example was thousandths of an inch), the abbreviation would be "thou", not "mil". I probably mention "thou" about once every 5 years, so hopefully I won't confuse you with that term for at least two more years 😁 I put quite a bit of effort into flashing up unit conversions on the screen for temperatures and weights, so hopefully that helps some of the international viewers. When it comes to my use of the word "mil", hopefully the context will always make it clear which units I am abbreviating. I am an engineer, and we use the term "mil" on a daily basis, so please forgive me for using it in my videos without thinking! 😊 James.

[@pascalcuoq9265]

*scratches head, types, types* Oh, I see… So FYI, what you call “thou” is also called “mil” in North America: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousandth_of_an_inch I have seen “mil” used in the context of tarps, and I had never seen “thou” until now.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Oh I see. I don't think I've heard Americans use "mils" like that! It would be so helpful if we could all just use metric 😬

[@nickchurchman6815]

Ah man - you have started a great conversation about what is necessary 😂- and of course we all love to compare sizes 🤔 But who would do the filming with all that weight it entails😅

[@joinmeoutdoors]

You're not wrong, Nick - these comments are all making me question what is necessary too! 😅 The filming kit really does add a lot of weight, doesn't it? Maybe I'll just upload a photo and scribble a caption instead of all the filming and editing, and save myself 3.5 kg 🤣

[@iamchriswhelan]

Thats one heavy back pack man. Ive never really weighed mine coz i aint really that bothered. For me i don't think its about striping items out, its more about upgrading them to lighter weight ones like your sleeping bag. Buying a higher FP one will being the weight down and same goes for the down jacket yiu take also. Theres many more items you could do this with. Id defo not be carrying all that water especially in winter and sure you can find a little stream on OS maps when your hiking or even once you've pitched the tent. ATB Chris

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Chris. I think the water is something I could change my ways with to drop some weight. I would have said that the Rab Ascent 900 was a fairly okay weight for the warmth. It's 1530 g, 650 FP down and has a sleep limit rating of -18°C. I have a cooler bag but it only works down to +5°C for me. I've had a quick look around and to lose at least 300 grams from my sleeping bag without losing warmth, I'd be spending something like £700+, and wouldn't have as much room inside the bag. I'm up for investing in camping kit, but yikes 😬 For that money I'd rather just keep my strength up and carry my Rab bag! I'm sure there are lighter (and warmer) down jackets out there, like you say. I'll take a look around, but I bet those prices will terrify me as well 😅 Thanks for watching and sharing your ideas with me buddy ✌️ James.

[@suewheeler5795]

If you are able to carry the weight and it makes life more comfortable then why not? I carry an awful lot of kit (even for a day hike) but if everything goes pear shaped then I know I'm going to be good,

[@joinmeoutdoors]

After reading all these comments and messages, I'm actually quite torn now! 😂 I would LOVE to have somewhere below 18 kg on my back, but to lose 2 kg from my sleeping bag and rucksack would cost about £1,500! Definitely not spending that much because, as you say, I am capable of carrying the weight, and I don't want to spend the night shivering instead of sleeping. Been there, done that, and evolved my kit to prevent it. You make a good point about not running everything so close to the wire that you could be in danger if things don't go EXACTLY to plan.

[@suewheeler5795]

I sit about 16kg all in for an overnighter and would love to lose some weight but I don't do cold or hungry ! 😁 Plus as I'm a solo camper I need to be prepared for it going pear shaped@@joinmeoutdoors

[@joinmeoutdoors]

16 kg doesn't seem so terrible to me, but we do seem to be at the heavier end of the scale of keen campers! I've been having a casual browse online to see how and where I might be able to save weight. Found a sleeping bag that's 200 grams lighter than mine, possibly ever so slightly warmer, and "only" £300. I'm not going to spend £300 to save 200 grams at this point in time though. Maybe if it was 2 kg, but I'd rather lug it and keep the cash!

[@krimke881]

For a week long proper mountain hike, I find 15kg is what you end up with no matter what. Winters will be heavier always. I can't believe how you would survive with less.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks for chipping in. I'm glad to hear SOMEONE else out there carries more than 10 kg 😄

[@id_not_found]

На мой взгляд, вес твоего снаряжённого рюкзака близок к идеальному. Сам последний раз ходил в поход осенью и мой рюкзак весил 23 кг. А когда я впервые пошёл в пеший поход, то рюкзак весил больше 34 кг и чуть не убил меня. Тот поход не удался и больше 17 км я пройти не смог.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

17 km with 34 kg is very impressive! I feel sad for your feet! You have reduced the weight of your equipment by a big amount 👍

[@id_not_found]

@@joinmeoutdoors То был первый раз, много лишнего взял. Чем больше боишься, тем больше берёшь. 🙂

[@ALLWEATHERRIDERM]

Wow, my base weight is 8kg, 12kg with food water and beer! I certainly don’t have the comfort you do.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm going to start blocking comments like this soon 😂 I need to find this camping gear shop where everything is made of helium!! 😆 What temperatures are you camping in with a 12 kg total pack weight, out of interest?

[@ALLWEATHERRIDERM]

@@joinmeoutdoors been down to -6 minimum,

[@CragScrambler]

To be honest who cares about the weight as long as you can carry it comfortably. Were not all 8 stone weaklings that can barely manage 10Kg before their back snaps. 😂 I think my average winter weight is around 17Kg that's with astrophotography gear, no drone. Summer gear is around 10kg no astro gear. I only carry 1 litre water and get rest at source and those weights are usually for at least 3 days minimum.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Yeah this is it. Everyone is capable of carrying different weights, though I can't deny I'd love to carry less! 17 kg sounds really good for multiple days in winter 👌 Lightweight summer stuff can't come soon enough - feels like you're heading out with a kid's rucksack on! 😅😁

[@BTurner.]

A bit heavier than me, I average 17kg and that includes my luxuries such as wine, nuts and Pringles. 😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Haha you officially win the prize for the fanciest camping luxuries! Love it 😄

[@id_not_found]

Еды мало берёшь. Это на одну ночь? Я с собой осенью брал и картошку и хлеб и яблоки, а они весят много. Грибы для супа и жарки собирал в лесу, воду брал из озера. Это в юго-восточной Финляндии. Ты здесь никогда не был?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

The food I packed in this video is for one night, one morning, and some snacks while I'm walking. If I am heading out for more than about 22 hours then I would need to take more food. Your food sounds very healthy and natural. I have never been to Finland. Is it good for camping? Forests and lakes definitely sound good!

[@id_not_found]

@@joinmeoutdoors Ok, I see. My food is heavy, but for sure cheaper than branded sublimates. And more natural.

[@id_not_found]

@@joinmeoutdoors Yes, there are lot of places to camp. National parks and Lapland are very popular among finnish campers. British people are also crazy about Lapland, thousands of tourists come every year, if I heard right. I live in south-east near Russia. Lakes and forests, yeah. And a lot of mosquitos.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

You must have some beautiful scenery to walk in, and yes, Lapland is very popular with Brits. I think Santa Claus is responsible for most of that tourism! I think I would rather be bitten by mosquitos than by bears, but either animal has the ability to spoil a nice camping trip...

[@Gunni1972]

Long story short: Because you can. I mean, You take with you, what you know works for you. If you were training to become a Nepalese Sherpa. you would double, or triple that weight. Because somebody ELSE needs it.😉

[@joinmeoutdoors]

This is exactly the approach I've been taking. I do find it interesting that I seem to carry so much more than the majority of people are willing to carry, and that I need so much more gear to keep me warm than most other people! If I couldn't carry it, I wouldn't go camping, and if I didn't go camping, I suppose I wouldn't need to carry it. Maybe I should keep ramping the weight up until I can move to Nepal! Those guys really are built from something else 😲

[@seanstacey3223]

Great video James, very surprising how the weight quickly adds up! I find it hard to strip it down, when you go through it there's very little you feel you can do without. In my view if a little extra weight means the difference between a comfortable camp or not then so be it! There's no point if you're not going to enjoy it in my view. You're filming kit certainly doesn't help but don't you dare strip that out!! 😂 Looking forward to your next video mate 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm going through that very same process myself at the moment Sean! The gas lantern is about the only thing I'd be willing to remove, so that almost brings me down to an even 21 kg 😂 I agree though - I want these outings to be enjoyable and relaxing, rather than aiming to see if I can survive the night being cold and unable to sleep! I'll keep lugging the film kit...for now 😂 Thanks, James.

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Jesus over 21kg! Thats alot of gear and heavy, but as long as you happy with it so whatever heh For one day or 2 is ok also. Any longer trip, no way haha

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Tell me about it! 😂 It was interesting to weigh all my filming gear at last. My pack used to be around 18 kg in winter before I started KZbin I think. I carry additional gear now but that extra gear is lighter than the gear it replaced. It's basically filming kit that pushes my weight into silly territory now!

[@gregoryoutdoors]

@@joinmeoutdoors And I was complaining when im over 13kg haha 15kg is my limit I think.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@gregoryoutdoors 13 would be a dream!! It's good to pull out all the stops when it's a long and/or big altitude walk, but it's nice to spoil yourself a bit when there isn't so much climbing to be done isn't it? Bring back the summer camps and sub-12 kg packs!

[@gregoryoutdoors]

@@joinmeoutdoors Im trying to go 7-8kg base weight for long distance this year in Scotland. But yeah its different when you go for one day camp, you want stuff to relax and be more cozy etc. p.s. I used to have thid Atmos 65 but now gott Gregory Focal 58L its 1.3kg and even more comfy the Exos! Atb

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That sounds like a good challenge, and yes, for a one night escape it's much easier to pack for comfort. I hear a lot about the Gregory packs and Atom packs. People seem to get on witn them really well 👍

[@craig3401]

21kg is way 2 heavy ok disregard the drone and filming gear that's what non KZbinrs carry.my winter none snow crazy wind weight is 11.5kg.theres a lot of things you could swap out and save a lot of weight also drop pack size,but all the drone and filming gear means you need bigger pack so that's over a kilo of extra pack.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I was expecting/hoping this video would highlight lots of items to me that I could strip out to save weight. Like you say, filming gear weighs a lot and means I need a bigger rucksack, but I genuinely struggle to see where I could strip a further 5 kg out to hit your 11.5 kg, as my sleep system is light for the (necessary) warm it gives me, and I wear all the clothes that I take. It feels like witchcraft to me that people can pack so light in winter 😂 But this is why I wanted to make the video because it's so interesting to hear what everyone else is doing! 😀

[@craig3401]

@@joinmeoutdoors here's my kit list for what I took for below freezing light winds. Exos 48 Hilleberg niak Thermarest xtherm Sea to summit large pillow Mountain equipment helium600 Evazote mat Windmaster+toaks pot with full gas and pot stand and lighter. Helly hansin lifa Marino base layer +spare socks. Rab neutrino down jacket Nature hike down bottoms. Headlamp flextail pump Skywatch mini radio 1 power bank. Be free filter+seeker water bag. Microspikes Waterproofs First aid kit Trekker chair Summit to eat main meal+dessert+breakfast.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks for typing all this up. I've used my Exos 48 in winter a few times but suspect I've been overloading it by a fair margin, and find myself a bit short of space. Your Helium 600 bag is limit rated to -11 degrees vs my Rab Ascent 900's limit rating of -18 degrees. I just don't think I could keep warm enough and get restful sleep in your bag over winter. The Niak is the same weight as the Southern Cross 1 too, so our kit all seems really comparable until it comes to the sleeping bag, rucksack, additional clothing and water. Very similar pack contents indeed! James.

[@craig3401]

@@joinmeoutdoors yea pretty similar I've been in -10 in the helium and was toasty but yes everyone is different but do we ever see -18 when camping -6 to -8 is probably as cold as it gets in England Scotland could be different.but the amount of gear can force you to take a heavier bag.also don't put your sleeping bag in a stuff sack and then put it inside another stuff sack that saves so much room.its about trying to save on each item then that adds up to kilos.dont get me wrong when it's bad weather and snow my weight goes up because I carry extra gear and use the atmos.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@craig3401 I think that really highlights the difference between how we all feel the cold. That's really interesting. I mentioned the Limit rating of our sleeping bags just to highlight how much warmer the Rab 900 is than the Helium 600...and yet it's only just been warm enough for me on a few of the colder nights. I grew up in the north of England, and we regularly saw below -15 in the winter. -18 degrees C is the coldest winter I can remember back home, but you're right - we rarely see below -5 C in most parts. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍 James.