Lighten your pack fast (simple methods)

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  • Опубліковано 28 лис 2024
  • There are a lot of different ways you can reduce the amount of weight in your backpack. In this video I'll share some methods I use that have worked really well for me and many others without having to invest in all new ultralight gear. Although that really helps too!
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    Water filter www.amazon.com...
    Dirty water bag www.amazon.com...
    Thermarest z seat www.amazon.com...
    Titanium spork www.amazon.com...
    Nitecore headlamp www.amazon.com...
    Dude wipes www.amazon.com...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 73

  • @KENFEDOR22
    @KENFEDOR22 3 роки тому +15

    Nice video! I took the time to actually weigh everything I normally pack - it's amazing to compare items by weight (my sleeping pad weighs as much as my chair). Take the time to weigh your gear and you might look at it differently. Extra knives, extra cordage, etc all add up to unnecessary mass quickly!

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +2

      You’re absolutely right! The “better” I get the less I tend to take with👍 Hope it helps! Thanks for watching 🤙

    • @JuicyFruityify
      @JuicyFruityify 3 роки тому

      Yeah, me too. I used the kitchen scale and bathroom scale on all my gear and put the data into a spreadsheet. My gear, 20 years ago was the best on the market at the time now, compared to contemporary gear, it's big and heavy. I also have a drone, with the batteries, controller ....adds up. So I was able to model the weight on the spreadsheet and eliminate tons of unnecessary stuff. Even the plastic container that holds the tiny cook burner was like 30g...it's gone. My nested titanium cook pots... (Started using freeze-dried food so only need one pot...don't need tiny wash liquid or sponge anymore either -70g) the titanium lid alone was 50g it's gone too. It's all not necessary. This experiment really opened my eyes.

    • @KENFEDOR22
      @KENFEDOR22 3 роки тому +2

      @@JuicyFruityify uh oh, spreadsheet! As my kids would say, "nerd alert Dad!". The engineer in me can't help but (over) analyze the challenge. I'm experimenting now with a pure silicon "sandwich" bag by ZipTop ($12 for 2 I believe). Hopefully, no more cleaning out pots as these can be pulled inside out for easier cleaning and infinite reuse. Viola, one less cook pot, just need one to boil water.
      I still can't depart though with my chair - damn thing weighs 2 lbs!

    • @JuicyFruityify
      @JuicyFruityify 3 роки тому

      @@KENFEDOR22 The chair right! Didn't take a chair on last hike...sitting on the ground just doesn't do it for me. Thinking about the Helinox zero but it's too low to the ground. Someone took the Helinox One (which is higher and the same weight!) And put the Zero fabric on it.... But ...that's a ridiculously expensive thing to do...so the chair what to do issue remains.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +1

      The helinox chair zero is one pound if your looking for an upgrade. Unfortunately it runs around $100.

  • @jimbojones6169
    @jimbojones6169 3 роки тому +6

    White underwear is easier to put on!
    Remember… yellow to the front, brown to the back!

  • @priyankachandi1129
    @priyankachandi1129 2 роки тому +5

    Great video, I wish I watched this years ago! I’m still learning how to pack lighter. Swapping a water bottle/bladder for one of the Smart Water bottles is a good shout. Sending this video to some friends who still carry the kitchen sink and living room with them 😂

  • @mtadams2009
    @mtadams2009 2 роки тому +2

    I started weighing some of my food I carry. I eat mostly a keto diet so I tend to carry a lot of nuts, cheese , jerky etc.
    I weighed it going out and what I had left when I get back home. I then adjusted how much I take on my trips. At this point I am pretty dialed in. I usually carry one single serving dehydrated Mac and cheese or smashed potatoes as a back up. These are very light. The truth is I have backpacked for decades and never run out of food. I now try to return with almost no food. Just one backup dehydrated single serving meal. It works for me. Again very good advice.

  • @erict5878
    @erict5878 3 роки тому +2

    I am a fan of the Mountainhouse type meals However, what I do is, My first meal will be the bag for the rest of my meals. I repack the rest of the meals in zip;ocks( saves space of the meal bags) and use the first bag to rehydrate the remainder of meals. ( one bag several meals) this way you can pack smaller going in country AND you don't have all that extra trash to carry out ( all the mountainhouse bags). I do the same with Swiss miss ( not a coffee guy) I dump all the swiss miss in one ziplock and spoon it out as needed. Those individual packets are foil lined so don't burn. Thus more trash to carry out. By putting your coffee/ hot choc needs in one bag, you save weight going in AND out of the back country. This REALLY comes in handy when all your food needs to go in a bear can! This really works for me...try it..you will see what I mean

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому

      Great way to save weight and space. It all adds up. I’ve been dehydrating my own meals and repackaging just about everything. Thanks for sharing 👍

  • @theprophetez1357
    @theprophetez1357 3 роки тому +3

    I already did a couple videos on lightening my INCH bag kit. It was formerly 70 lbs. Slowly but surely I have been reducing weight and volume. I have a new pack coming any day now. That will be my camping bag so hopefully I will put some of my excesses into the new bag.
    After the bag arrives I will attempt another video and hopefully I can get my INCH bag down to 60 lbs. Less would be even better, but this bag is designed for long term survival.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +4

      This is geared more towards backpacking and hiking long miles than long term survival. But good luck on reducing your pack weight either way🤙

  • @fayleya3865
    @fayleya3865 3 роки тому +3

    Thanks, some good suggestions. The idea that you can’t avoid stinking puts a lot of women I know off the idea of overnight backpacking, and it’s just not true - if it matters to you it can be done quite easily . A wool T-shirt (inhibits stinky bacteria growth) and a homemade deodorant in a tiny ziplock is all it takes (1:1:1 coconut oil, arrowroot powder, bicarb + a drop of essential oil)

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +1

      This is about trying to save weight. Not bring extra stuff. If you hike hard for multiple days you’re gonna smell. Anti microbial shirt or not.
      But you do you 👍 thanks for watching!

    • @fayleya3865
      @fayleya3865 3 роки тому +4

      @@BackcountryTreks my homemade deodorant is less than 4 grams for a week’s worth (0.14oz). Plus a sliver of soap instead of the disposable wipes, and you are stink free for less weight.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +2

      Sounds legit. Thanks for sharing!

  • @davids9549
    @davids9549 3 роки тому +2

    Much sensible advice there. My two pennorth:
    Be honest - when did you ever need the tines on a 'spork'? Use a spoon, it doesn't leak.
    But the elephant in the room: electricals. Most people under the age of 50 take far too much.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +1

      I could certainly get away with a long handled spoon for most meals. The spork works well for sausage peppers and onions though. Which I’ll bring precut and ready to fry up on occasion. I bring my iPhone 11 to film with and a 10,000 mA battery bank. That lives in my hip pockets most of the time👍

    • @leftycut1
      @leftycut1 3 роки тому +1

      A spork works great for ramen noodles and the like.. I don't backpack without it.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому

      Agreed!

  • @Jonsoh811
    @Jonsoh811 3 роки тому +3

    My whole problem with these kind of tips in general is that people assume there are spaced refill options. My trips tend to be from water point to water point. Meaning I have a single water resupply option every 24 to 48 hour section. No options to buy new or extra food, so everything needs to be with you.
    So if you’re using a dirty water bag, you might as wel use a waterbladder. Never put it on your backside, put it on top of your bag. Easy refill, better flow and easier drinking. You want it warm for a shower? Put it on the outside.
    Same for the medkit, if the nearest shop or doctor is 2 or more days of travel away, yes take the medkit. I’ve needed it multiple times.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +2

      My dirty water bag stores on the outside of my pack. I don’t keep or store water in it typically. I just use it to filter. Definitely not the same as using a bladder as your main hydration source. But like I said, do whatever makes you comfortable 👍 thanks for commenting and watching!

  • @donb6070
    @donb6070 2 роки тому

    Instead of carrying the huge sheath knife to attack the beasts of your imagination, take a small folding pocket knife (sharpen it prior to leaving home) to open meal packages and cut cording. Also, paper towels can be dried and used if they get wet in the rain, toilet paper simply falls apart. I agree about carrying a small closed cell foam pad rather than carrying a chair, and the pad can be placed on rocky ground to protect the bottom of your pack during rest breaks.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  2 роки тому

      It’s a joke. Maby not a good one. Thanks for watching 🍻

  • @LuisiTaekwondo
    @LuisiTaekwondo 2 роки тому +1

    Think about single usage packages and plastic if you really love nature. There are so many alternatives! Please keep that in mind

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  2 роки тому

      Any plastic always gets thrown in the trash. Pack it in, pack it out!

    • @chili1593
      @chili1593 2 роки тому +2

      @@BackcountryTreks the utensils clean up nicely in a dishwasher. It’s about the planet not the money but appreciate your leave no trace reinforcement!

  • @mileswinslow7553
    @mileswinslow7553 Рік тому

    Thanks! This is good. I always just bring a disposable spoon from the gas station. I need to get better. I was just backpacking in The Badlands National Park. An unforgiving environment. The first thing that I put iin my pack was a gallon of water. I filled my Camelback. By the time I got back to my car, I was down to my last sips of water 💧.

  • @jayholly2800
    @jayholly2800 3 роки тому +1

    Nailed me with the peanut butter

  • @crystalstevenson2855
    @crystalstevenson2855 3 роки тому +2

    I'm ditching my rope for my upcoming big trip. Thanks for the info

  • @dorsalfishing
    @dorsalfishing 2 роки тому +4

    Oh man, anyone that's bold enough to only bring one pair of underwear has never sharted in the back country. That extra 2oz is always worth it.

  • @greekveteran2715
    @greekveteran2715 3 роки тому +3

    If you want your teeth, get rid of that toothpaste, or any other toothpastes, you find in supermarkets. When it comes to your teeth, og natural, (salt or soda) There are toothpastes, that are 100% natural. All those toothpastes, that you have to avoid, will make your teet fall, way way earlier, than they would have. If you had never used them, you might have kept your teeth, to your deep old age.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому

      I’m learning more all the time about harmful ingredients on the market. Thanks for commenting.

  • @brianwofford3831
    @brianwofford3831 Рік тому

    Thanks for the video.
    I thought it was good.
    This topic is something I am working on as I get into my late sixties.

  • @chrisedwards3198
    @chrisedwards3198 3 роки тому +2

    Great video mate, i love hearing others tips on gear etc.

  • @marksanborn78
    @marksanborn78 2 роки тому

    hey dude, curious on what base layers you like to wear? like the brand or company?

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  2 роки тому +1

      I wear Patagonia capilene air and smart wool. I like the Patagonia better for hiking and the smart wool better for camp.

  • @Eris-sp6yt
    @Eris-sp6yt Рік тому

    Hi Joe, usually what is the weight of your backpack for a spring/summer 3 day trip? Thanks!

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  Рік тому +1

      Depending on how much water I need to carry somewhere between 20-25lbs.

  • @christopherstringer9952
    @christopherstringer9952 4 роки тому +1

    great video Joe

  • @TainoXtreme
    @TainoXtreme 3 роки тому +2

    Very good video. I liked it so much I just subscribed to your channel and gave you a like. I pretty much do things very similar to you. I feel the same way about those camel bladder bottles to put in side of your backpack. I never do that. What is your favorite shelter system? Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому

      Thank you very much for the kind words. My shelter of choice is a Dutchware chameleon hammock. I have a video on my channel showing my big three items.( Pack, shelter, and sleep system)

  • @markmitchell9391
    @markmitchell9391 4 роки тому +1

    great video, straight to the point. subbed!

  • @iain3668
    @iain3668 3 роки тому +2

    I have just cut my towel into quarters
    Went from 200g to 50
    You don't need a big towel

  • @norfolkyeti
    @norfolkyeti 3 роки тому

    Straight up good advice, thanks for the video👍

  • @vincentwashburn3382
    @vincentwashburn3382 3 роки тому +2

    Great vid.New sub!

  • @woodchip2782
    @woodchip2782 3 роки тому +1

    Instead of a toothpaste tube I bring tooth paste pills. I’m also a new convert to a portable micro bidet instead of t.p.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому

      Never heard of toothpaste pills. I have seen those bidets. Do they work well? Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @saminterrante
    @saminterrante 4 роки тому +3

    Clean all your dude and dudette parts. Dude wipes.

  • @JuicyFruityify
    @JuicyFruityify 3 роки тому +1

    ....if you are that much of a .... cheapskate! Almost spat up my lunch! LMFAO.

  • @somehappenings246
    @somehappenings246 3 роки тому +1

    Bidet and pee cloth, so no more toilet paper, no more packing out nasty stuff

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  3 роки тому +1

      Haven’t taken that plunge yet. But I hear ya!😬

  • @Grizzly907LA
    @Grizzly907LA Рік тому

    It sounds like you're trimming at the edges. I would carry an IFAK along with an ouch boo-boo kit. I would also carry no less than a Mora knife, Bacho Laplander, with me along with a fire kit. A Nalgene bottle compared to a Smart water bottle, is not that much extra weight. I am not a fan of water bladders unless I am traveling through an area where water is scarce. That extra stuff is there in case things to go wrong. It's like auto insurance. It's a burden and costs, but you'll be happy when you need it.

    • @BackcountryTreks
      @BackcountryTreks  Рік тому

      I’ve been doing this a long time now and have dialed my gear way back and have had a much more enjoyable experience as a result. This depends on time of year duration and location of course. Thanks for watching 🍻

    • @Grizzly907LA
      @Grizzly907LA Рік тому

      @@BackcountryTreks I get that. My comment was more directed at "when things go terribly wrong," than everyday backpacking and hiking. I agree in general about lightening the load. I just spent a good chunk of money for me, to get a 3 lb cold weather sleeping bag. I have a USGI sleep system, its great but too small for me, and it weighs 10 lbs. I also have a Russian sleeping bag. Great bag, plenty roomy, but ways to much to go on an extended hike. I also got a lighter pack, than my military surplus stuff, and will be selling off some of that gear as well. I'm looking to go to a hammock system for backpacking and hiking. Some people take the whole weight too IMHO.