Great points Derek. I used to be really into ultralight. But I haven’t been ultralight really since my AFT trip in April of 2021. But when you add my camera gear I still really wasn’t ultralight. I’ve been adding a few things back into my kit mainly for comfort and to make things easier. But I still choose ultralight gear and try to stay as light as I can but I have no need to be under 10lbs. Honestly, my base weight is around 11-12 pounds and I haven’t noticed a difference as far as how far or fast I can hike. I’m sure I would if it got heavier than that. I’m like you about being in between as far as a trail. I take one depending on the trip. And with a hammock I always have a place to sit but sometimes I like to sit by the fire in comfort. Trail runners for the win! The coffee you had on our trip smelled amazing! I like coffee but I’m not an aficionado AND I’m lazy so that’s why I go with instant. I used to be one of those guys many years ago that tried to carry all the water, about 6 liters. You are right. Backpacking isn’t complicated. Sometimes other backpackers make it out like it is so complicated but it really isn’t. It isn’t easy and there is a lot to learn but it is more of a journey and you are always learning and adjusting. Awesome video!
Hey Dan, all great points. It's interesting to hear that you tried to carry all your water at one point. I'm by no means advanced but it's still hard to think of questions complete beginners would have, to try and make some simple helpful videos. I joined a begginer backpacking group and it has been pretty interesting to see what questions are asked.
Derek, my husband and I just finished the BFT, and we brought along our Helinox chairs. So glad we did. Wish we would have brought our AeroPress coffee maker! Nothing like taking boujee items on a backpacking trip if it makes the hike more enjoyable.
Exactly, especially since I really do enjoy spending time at camp these days. It's worth it to bring a few luxuries. On a tough hike having a luxury or two at camp can make a big difference in morale and mood.
Derek I appreciate how your personality has begun to shine through more in your videos. You don't come across as pompous, instead you seem real and even let some very relatable F Bombs drop. Your sense of humor adds to the quality of your content I agree with a lot of the misconceptions you stated. I have a good friend who started the AT a few months ago, i advised him to try trail runners but he was determined to take boots as many before him, however, hes now in trail runners and not looking back 😅. As far as a knife Instarted with a mini Swiss, but have since switched to something more middle of the road. It's capable of bush crafting but also not K-Bar combative as if I am in the walking dead universe trouncing through the woods. The growing process is the most fun part albeit expensive as you learn to upgrade gear. I maintain a base weight under 10Lbs in the warmer months but in winter there is no such thing as ultralight. It's more about the experience for me than anything else. I don't go out there for comfort, instead to be separated from most of my comforts to be closest to nature and to unleash the inner Spartan. Suffering brings strength. Overall I've grown to love your content and as a fellow PA hiker I hope to see you on trail.
Thanks for watching the videos, I'm glad you enjoy them. UA-cam is definitely a learning and growing experience. I started leaving that stuff in because that's how I talk and I decided to just try and be myself as much as possible. If it turns some people off that's OK, it'll even out in the end. I don't know many people that don't cuss semi frequently 🤣🤣. The thing I want to get across to people is that you can backpack and hike anyway that makes you happy. From car - camping up to FKT ultra Jason Wish type stuff and everything in between.
As always love the videos and content. If I had to mention one thing I’d like more is for you to make more videos. You’re a down to earth dude that is clearly having fun. I know people have lives and get caught up with work. Keep em coming Derek!
My thought has always been just use what you got and go from there. You'll add and take away as time goes by and circumstances dictate. Great thoughts and share! Bruce and Otis
Yep, just get started is the most important thing. You will figure things out from there. It's good to get a little experience under your belt to see what your preferences are. Thanks for checking out the channel.
No problem. I'm glad the videos are getting out there and helping people. There's a lot of things to consider when your newer so it's nice to have things put in different perspective.
Oh …. so I’m not the only one who annihilates the Ziploc closure on Mountain House packages? That’s good to know. Love my Helinox chair. I even carry 4 tennis balls so the damn thing doesn’t sink in the ground under my 230 pound frame. I will admit that sometimes I have to roll out of the thing and drag myself up off the ground.
Great points Derek. I used to be really into ultralight. But I haven’t been ultralight really since my AFT trip in April of 2021. But when you add my camera gear I still really wasn’t ultralight. I’ve been adding a few things back into my kit mainly for comfort and to make things easier. But I still choose ultralight gear and try to stay as light as I can but I have no need to be under 10lbs. Honestly, my base weight is around 11-12 pounds and I haven’t noticed a difference as far as how far or fast I can hike. I’m sure I would if it got heavier than that. I’m like you about being in between as far as a trail. I take one depending on the trip. And with a hammock I always have a place to sit but sometimes I like to sit by the fire in comfort. Trail runners for the win! The coffee you had on our trip smelled amazing! I like coffee but I’m not an aficionado AND I’m lazy so that’s why I go with instant. I used to be one of those guys many years ago that tried to carry all the water, about 6 liters. You are right. Backpacking isn’t complicated. Sometimes other backpackers make it out like it is so complicated but it really isn’t. It isn’t easy and there is a lot to learn but it is more of a journey and you are always learning and adjusting. Awesome video!
Hey Dan, all great points. It's interesting to hear that you tried to carry all your water at one point. I'm by no means advanced but it's still hard to think of questions complete beginners would have, to try and make some simple helpful videos. I joined a begginer backpacking group and it has been pretty interesting to see what questions are asked.
Derek, my husband and I just finished the BFT, and we brought along our Helinox chairs. So glad we did. Wish we would have brought our AeroPress coffee maker! Nothing like taking boujee items on a backpacking trip if it makes the hike more enjoyable.
Exactly, especially since I really do enjoy spending time at camp these days. It's worth it to bring a few luxuries. On a tough hike having a luxury or two at camp can make a big difference in morale and mood.
Derek I appreciate how your personality has begun to shine through more in your videos. You don't come across as pompous, instead you seem real and even let some very relatable F Bombs drop.
Your sense of humor adds to the quality of your content
I agree with a lot of the misconceptions you stated. I have a good friend who started the AT a few months ago, i advised him to try trail runners but he was determined to take boots as many before him, however, hes now in trail runners and not looking back 😅.
As far as a knife Instarted with a mini Swiss, but have since switched to something more middle of the road. It's capable of bush crafting but also not K-Bar combative as if I am in the walking dead universe trouncing through the woods.
The growing process is the most fun part albeit expensive as you learn to upgrade gear.
I maintain a base weight under 10Lbs in the warmer months but in winter there is no such thing as ultralight. It's more about the experience for me than anything else. I don't go out there for comfort, instead to be separated from most of my comforts to be closest to nature and to unleash the inner Spartan. Suffering brings strength.
Overall I've grown to love your content and as a fellow PA hiker I hope to see you on trail.
Thanks for watching the videos, I'm glad you enjoy them. UA-cam is definitely a learning and growing experience. I started leaving that stuff in because that's how I talk and I decided to just try and be myself as much as possible. If it turns some people off that's OK, it'll even out in the end. I don't know many people that don't cuss semi frequently 🤣🤣.
The thing I want to get across to people is that you can backpack and hike anyway that makes you happy. From car - camping up to FKT ultra Jason Wish type stuff and everything in between.
As always love the videos and content. If I had to mention one thing I’d like more is for you to make more videos. You’re a down to earth dude that is clearly having fun. I know people have lives and get caught up with work. Keep em coming Derek!
My thought has always been just use what you got and go from there. You'll add and take away as time goes by and circumstances dictate. Great thoughts and share! Bruce and Otis
Yep, just get started is the most important thing. You will figure things out from there. It's good to get a little experience under your belt to see what your preferences are. Thanks for checking out the channel.
LOVED this video and your explanation for backpacking gear. Thank You!
No problem. I'm glad the videos are getting out there and helping people. There's a lot of things to consider when your newer so it's nice to have things put in different perspective.
Oh …. so I’m not the only one who annihilates the Ziploc closure on Mountain House packages? That’s good to know. Love my Helinox chair. I even carry 4 tennis balls so the damn thing doesn’t sink in the ground under my 230 pound frame. I will admit that sometimes I have to roll out of the thing and drag myself up off the ground.
They do sit really low to the ground hahaha