Comfort vs Minimalism in Backpacking
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- This year I've tried out a bunch of new backpacking gear! Hiking gear that leans much more towards comfort rather than purely minimalism or super ultralight. What have my thoughts been? As someone who for 8 or so years has been thru hiking with an extremely minimal kit, this was an interesting change.
I think a lot of what I found boils down to what kind of a hike you personally want. Super minimalism or super ultralight gear is great! But it requires way more effort to be safe and comfortable with. Do you want to hike 5 miles further when you're already tired, just to find a campsite that will be safe for your ultralight shelter? Most wouldn't. Are you willing to hike, simply to be warm as you don't have any gear that is warm enough to take breaks in the cold in? Most want that extra layer.
So hey, carry what you want, and carry what will suit your trip the best! Everybodies desires and styles of backpacking are different. Do what is comfortable to you, and feels safe to you. You could always send things home later, if you find you have too much.
Check out this article about the 6lb base weight pack that I used on my Pacific Crest Trail thru hike, where I include a toooon of suggestions on more comfort gear, compared to my minimal kit.
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Or just check out the gear that I've been using this year!
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Dude, the way you've always talked about gear is so nice. You aren't dogmatic and demean people for what they use. Thanks for showing respect to us. I'll probably never go as UL as you, but you've given lots of tips I actually use.
Thank you for watching! I hope I presented the topic well. It's something I thought a ton about for the last 1,000 or so miles while using this 'heavier' but more 'comfortable' gear
👍🐿👍
good stuff as always man!
Great perspective! I love my tarp!! Tents nice too.. depending situation.. but my go to is my tarp!!
Great presentation. Very nuanced. Personally as someone who hikes between 15-25 miles I like a little luxury. When I started with my son in the scouts I was carrying 50-60 lbs. Now I’m down to 35 with food and water and I’m pretty happy and not too sore at the end of the day and I have luxury like a tent and pad and chair. I’m good with where I am. Not too heavy not too light. Comfortable
That’s right around where I am and I’m pretty happy with it too! I’m new so I’m wondering how I’ll change in the future, lighter and longer hiking doesn’t seem to be in my future. I can only go about 10 miles before me feet hurt so bad I can’t continue!
50-60 lbs is crazy. Before I embraced minimalism I did a trip to Guatemala. I had a pack just because I was moving constantly. the pack was 23 kg. And it is one of the best packs for heavy loads, an Osprey Atmos. Oh man, that trip taught me a lot. Now I travel with a 40 liter duffelpack, which is just 500 g. And with the laptop, charger, etc. Never above 10 kg, not even in winter. I have been abroad for 6 months in a row, living in two different continents, with just the content of that bag. I didn't need anything else. I am pretty sure I can do any hike with a base weight < 6 kg and still be very comfortable. 50-60 lbs is insane. 15-25 miles can be done in a day with a 10 liter bag by the way.
Great video. In the wise words of Bruce Lee “Be like Water” Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone, you become stagnant. Try new things and use what you learn when you need them depending on the situation. Why limit yourself and your equipment to fit into a mold that you think you should fit in. When you’re water you fit in all molds.
Well said. /bow
Great video! Some of your best advice so far. I definitely prefer a balanced approach. I don't mind a 10lb or even 12lb base weight if it opens up more opportunities on the trail. And I'm old so...comfort in camp is becoming more important.
i feel this, i use to run a super minimal setup bordering on unsafe some times, but added a inflatable pillow a few years ago. never expected a dedicated pillow to make as much difference as it did. i was even ready to change up my closed cell foam pad for a fluffy pad but the pillow just changed added so much comfort i didnt need to, i may very well get something even softer later but sometimes just a lil more comfort makes a big difference.
Love this channel and your videos.
Love your videos!
I get all my gear used, because I’m on a budget. I’m also a dad, so I am probably never going to be as minimalist. Also, from my standpoint the difference between a sub 10 lb base weight(which I’ve done) and a 20 on base weight is not much different feeling while hiking, but what a difference 10 lbs makes in comfort and convenience in camp.
I'd like to see a video on the skill of finding a comfortable sleep area using a thin foam pad. Particularly in areas that the average hiker wouldn't think it's possible to do.
same
Lol it's not comfortable are you insane
Ultralight skills videos (site selection, meal prep, menu choices, packing techniques) would be a welcome addition. Skill is more important than gear in many situations.
in ultralight hiking, knowledge replaces weight.
Hey Jupiter,
I never really do this (especially on my account with my real name), but wanted to reach out and say hi.
Don't know if you'll remember me, but I was the Korean dude who, last year, when you were catching up to me just before the private zoo before Big Bear, tried to get out of the way onto some rocks, only for the sand to crumble and me to fall flat on my face. I was so flabbergasted that I used my real name and not the new trail name I got like a day or two before.
I just really wanted to thank you for your kind words/attitude that day, as well as the nice message you sent my tram, it really meant a lot. Also was nice to see you re-saw my tramily up near... Government Camp, if I remember correctly?
Just wanted to let you know that I ended up (almost) finishing. I had to turn around about 10 miles from the border due to the fire closure and had to flip around a ton to grab the closures that reopened behind me, but I'll count it :)
I don't know if I can say that your words made all the difference, but I can definitely say that they made the difference that week, and sometimes that's all you really need, you know?
I haven't really been watching any hiking videos, especially from 2023, since I'm still... getting over it? But I clicked on this one out of curiosity (especially because I'm going on a section of the CT with friends in a few days and wanted some inspiration). And I'm really glad I did, and glad to see you're still doing well.
Thanks again for your kindness,
Ask Jeeves (Tim).
P.S. Seeing Jo made me smile. She was so kind to me at the beginning, despite kicking me and my tramily's ass in mileage every day, haha. I really haven't been keeping up with the trail gossip/news, but I hope you and her are both well.
Jo says hello! She remembers seeing you in a few places around the first 200 miles or so. Was great to meet you! That section just before big bear is rough, and I don't remember the falling but definitely remember the encounter as you were very friendly, as was your tramily. I probably should have stopped to camp with them but something always tells me to go a bit further.
It's not about the steps but the lessons and enjoyment along the way. You hiked the PCT. Some fires got in the way, but you did it. A great trail family and I'm sure a lot of amazing memories to hold for the rest of your life.
Hope to see you again out there somewhere
Brilliant video. This was philosophy 101 for backpackers. Backpackers are on several journeys at the same time. The first is simply point A to point B on a map. The second is the journey between the journeys of dialing in gear. Then there is the journey between your ears. Why do you hike? What's the purpose? What do you want out of backpacking. Too much time is spent on the first two journeys. I think you spend a lot of time on the 3rd series of questions and would encourage others to do the same.
As always, a balanced and intelligent explanation of your trail (and, may I add, life) choices. Definitely inspiring, not for copying (couldn't get away with your 'fakir' gear) but emulation.
Jupiter: "I think a 9lb baseweight is still pretty great"
Me, with my 15lb baseweight: "Well, shit"
😂 I'm scared to weigh my gear. I haven't been backpacking in a few years, but I think I'd be quite jealous of your 15lb base weight.
I think your gear arc is similar to mine and many others. Once you have gone almost as light as possible you realize you can still hit the pace and distance you want with a bit more weight and comfort. Makes the trail that much more enjoyable.
Really enjoyed this, Jupiter! Nice work.
Above all else, "if it's working for you then keep on doing it". Our experience, needs, and preferences change over time and so will the gear and hiking we choose to use/do. But without trying something and doing the experiment we'll never really know how it works for us. ☮❤🤝
My biggest concern with you Jupiter is you should carry a few Strike Anywhere matches sealed in a straw. I'm always concerned that some day you're going to have issues with your lighter and freeze to death--and it's not worth dying over a quarter of an ounce.
Love this, and another factor I don’t think you’ve mentioned is local restrictions. Personally, I only ever go backpacking in my local state parks where dispersed camping isn’t allowed, which is the main reason I’ve never tried out a closed cell foam sleeping pad. Since I only ever have a few nights at a time to get out there, I’d rather carry my inflatable pad and spend more time in the woods than drive an extra few hours just to hike in a place where I’m allowed to sleep on softer ground. Part of a decision like that is respecting your local trail organizations.
Great point I had not considered too deeply!
A taste of the forbidden fruit. Next season it’ll be a zenbivy and a chair!
Neat to get your perspective. Being way less experienced I definitely carry “comfort” gear (tent, inflatable pad, bear can lol) exactly for the flexibility. Over a few years I’ve enjoyed deciding and learning to do with less. I’m definitely a “never chair-er” but giving up that inflatable pad might not ever be a thing. And sometimes I still struggle with the wall-free emotional discomfort of the tarp, but working on it. No 6lb goal or anything but interested in trying the different experiences.
Thanks for the great video! I really appreciate your perspective.
Yeah boyyyyyy
I wonder what the conversation would be like if 2023 Comfortable Jupiter walked up in the "When Two Ultralight Backpackers Meet" video from 4 years ago. 🤔
"I bet he has a GF"
loved this, thanks for the insight, Jupiter ✨
It’s kinda funny that you’re comparing a 6 lb “minimal” base weight to a 9 lb “luxury” base weight when for a lot people 9 lbs is still super minimal
I agree, baby steps from the extreme minimalism guy. Though just a couple pounds difference and still minimal I hope it's at least an interesting thing to consider.
Mostly this is spawned from wanting to show that you can do it all sorts of many different ways, and they're all great for all sorts of fun neat reasons.
Having a 5lb base weight is cool on my back but takes a lot of work to do safely. 20lbs won't feel as nice for my back but I'm gunna be so stoked to get to camp every single day.
Anyway all love for no matter how anyone does it. Just thoughts
@@JupiterHikes for sure, the message of the vid isn’t lost because of your numbers. It’s also just a testament to modern gear that folks can be super comfortable with a sub 10lb base weight these days.
Good video. Well put.
As for myself, I have been moving more and more to the minimalist side. I finally got my base weight down to right at 10 lbs (9.98, to be exact)...and I am proud of that. Not one shred of dyneema...or a goose down anything. But, I do use an inflatable sleeping pad.
As well, I carry most of the things I used to carry - just no longer the items I don't really need. I use a tarp for shelter, also, but I don't feel exposed with it. Not at all. A 25 litre pack to hold it all, but a conventional nylon one.
As such, I am enjoying the heck out of being able to set off with less than 20 lbs (total) on my back. I can't see going back....but never say never. Perhaps that will change. I am 62, after all. Maybe when I am 80...super luxury will become important.
Great video ❤❤
Do you draw the line at a Helinox chair?! Too luxurious. Great points here. No everyone can cope with
1/8 “ mat or develop moss / pine needle mattress making skills overnight. Well done for the GET . TA in NZ next perhaps? With some luxuries n friends?
I spend a lot of hours creating my first real gearlist and this question about comfort was a huge point, I really feel like I don't need that much comfort but at the same time, the lack of experience makes me want to play it safe and go with a more forgiving setup. I thinks it's something hard to balance and at some point, I'll have to try it out and see what works for me and accept that I may make mistakes at first! Thanks for the video, as always, very inspiring
Hey man. Just some advice from someone who got into backpacking about a year ago. When I started, I wanted to get a good setup from the beginning so that I wouldn't have to change stuff out later on (boy, was I wrong). I spent a lot of time researching and came up with what I thought was the perfect shopping list for a balance between comfort and weight. I got myself a nice budget light weight chair, a tiny pump, an ultra light cutting board, a collapsable cup, a light weight double wall free standing tent and way too many ultra light dry bags. But even light things add up and now a year later, I find myself either not using these items or wanting to change them out for something simpler.
Comfort costs. Minimalism on the other hand is practically free. Therefore, I'd suggest you do the opposite of what I did. Start in a safe environment where you know you can bail out at any minute and then go as minimal as you can. If you don't know whether you are going to need it, don't take it*. Your first night might suck, but it will give you a better understanding of where you actually need to add more weight in order to gain a little more comfort, and more importantly, where you are completely fine with what you got.
I wasn't watching JupiterHikes at the time, but considering that you are, your current gear list is likely way more minimalist than mine ever was. Still, I think the lesson applies. Hope it helps.
*within reason of course. Don't leave your phone and rely on the stars for navigation, or leave the bear spray and rely on your martial arts. You know what I mean.
What a great video. Now I don't use a thin pad like you do but I bought the NeoAir but I've never used it. I use the original Thermarest pad that came out in the 90's. It may be a bit heavier but just as compact. It has never failed. I am not a thru hiker. I don't own a vehicle and I don't fly across the country to get to a trail. Everything I do is local.. I think all of this is travelling light. I bike to my preferred location simply to reduce the weight of traffic, another way to reduce your load. My whole purpose is to get into the silence and I don't have to fly across the country to get it. I live in a wilderness area and all I need to do is to get away from the proximity of town to get away from the poison of traffic. By the way I just recently looked up your video on a hundred ways to travel ultralight. I have to say it's the best video I have seen on that topic. You don't just mimic what other people are doing but you find your own solutions. That is an important teaching that a lot of people fail to pick up on. There is a reason why you are the best. I get annoyed with the constant imitation of the popular UA-camrs. You are way beyond that because you show people to think for themselves. Sorry about the length of this.
Good stuff
I think you presented this perfectly. I've been backpacking since the early seventies, and I have always tried to stay fairly light. However, I am the guy who loves walking, and hates camping. So I've learned over the years to minimize load, and maximize comfort. Thank you for another great video.
I appreciate your time.
👍🐿👍
Another great vid, Jup! I could really relate to you and agree with your perspectives. I've done a fair amount of SUL trips (even including sub 4lb BPW at times), but most of my hikes for the past 12 years or so have been between 7-9lbs BPW. And for the past 5 years or so it's hovered at 8lbs the majority of the time. Yet just a few weeks ago I had a great SUL trip, sleeping on some thin foam. So you really can have the best of both worlds.
When are you going to hike in Scandinavia, dude? :)
But keep up the great work man. You have one of the best hiking channels on UA-cam and I'm always excited when I see an upload from you. Peace!
you are the OG cesar thank you greatly for all the early inspiration and sharing!! I don't so much plan beyond a year ahead so not sure on scandinavia plans but im definitely into it and would like to!
Thank you for such a measured and clear video! Hope to hear more! Cheers!
Listening to your nice video, I am reminded of where Ray Jardine ended up in his book “Trail Life”. Ray Jardine is perhaps the originator of backpacking minimalism, in addition to being the inventor of the first “Friends”, the ultimate mountaineering climbing anchor. In “Trail LIfe” he said you should pick the hiking gear pick that works for you, remembering that the gear is not an end in itself but a tool to access and enjoy the wilderness. Again, nice video.
I alway enjoy the way you present stuff. Your honesty is welcome in this dog-eat-dog world.
It’s nice to have choices good for you. 😊
First time viewer here. Good video! I enjoyed your considerate approach.
I've never been an UL backpacker and likely never will, since I love the comfortable camp experience so much. I like to hike around 10 miles a day, take my time, and spend a lot of time enjoying camp. If I wanted to put in more miles, cover the distance and hike 20-30 miles a day I could see lightening my pack a lot. But I liked what you said about you enjoying the minimalist experience and how you feel it brings you closer to nature. That's great!!
Edit: It's funny that your "heavy" gear is the kind Im considering to lighten my load, haha!
Interesting video. Although I have sampled being fairly ultralight in the past, I found that the ability to be more flexible outweighed the lighter pack. You kept using the term luxury, and while yes, the tent, sleeping pad and stove are in some degree "luxury", IMHO the best term is flexibility - and you did allude to that. Good topic, I enjoy your content and the fact that you always seem to have a smile on your face despite the predicament.
Great video Jupiter. You're such a cool laid back dude. As I get a little older I find myself using more comfort items. Just turned 59 and bought my first air mattress, lol. Every once in a while I will " cowboy camp" under the stars. I will keep throwing that pack on until I can't do it anymore 😂. Thanks again for your videos
Nice one, Jupiter. There's a time and place for it all.
Hi what’s the lowest temps you would camp on that thin pad with a 20deg quilt thx?
I'm a bit older, so having a bit of comfort is a physical requirement to be happy on trail. With careful gear selection I can still take all the comforts (even a chair!) and still be under 12lbs and it is nice to have the flexibility. Thanks for sharing your perspective, very interesting!
Well said, in the end it's all about what works for the individual while there is no one true perfect way for all!
the reason you arent as comfy on the thermarest is the horizontal baffles that cause pressure in the low back. look for something with dimpled baffles like the rei helix.
@Sendadm-2meviamyprofile spam!
You are a scammer?
Well said and go with what suits you. I'd say I pack light and some comments on trail back this up. No way I'm ultralight though. It's summer here in England but in three weeks or so I'll be 400 miles north in Scotland doing the Cape Wrath trail. I've been in Scotland in early August when it could be late autumn (fall). It's too unpredictable to be confident in minimalist kit, personally, so I plump for that added comfort and safety of extra weight. With 4-5 days food i'm around 9kg, nearly 20 Ibs and happy with that.
I appreciate your videos as well as your perspective. Thanks for sharing and happy trails 🥾
Love this video. It touches on some very important things. There is one thing, however, age. Yes age. When I was 13 or whatever. I used to take a blanket to walk (hike) to the river. San Luis Rey River in the '70s. I slept so comfortably. Several years later when I was in the Navy in the middle east doing some kinda special ops type of things. I didn't want to climb into my rack with that 2 inch mattress pad to rest knowing that at any time I could be woken up. I slept lying down by a vent, no pad at all, my pillow was my shirt. I was so comfortable and happy that I could rest for a little while. Years went by. I was at mile 112.5 of the pct. My REI flash mattress pad leaked, it was 24f, I would freeze every time that the pad would leak out. It was so uncomfortable. My pillow, a blow up pillow that I will never use, kept my head up and my body was sore and it was freezing. I ended up having to go to the doc and physical therapy because by now in my '50s I had spinal stenosis. Damn. A few years later, after agua dulce, my nemo pad got a leak. It was not cold but the lack of support made my body hurt a lot. I made it to the fire station by Green Valley, Casa De Luna was not longer there. My body was hurting. I made it to hiker town, paid $100.00 to be taken to a REI in Burbank to get another pad. No an 1/18 inch gossamer wasn't going to do the trick. I needed to comfort. Got another air mattress. As far as shelters, I think that it depends more on the environment, Sierra, summer vs winter. You would not like a tarp in sub zero temps. Lets be real. I think your viewers will get a good glimpse of your wants and needs. Does it help them in their endeavors? I don't know. Happy hiking, -Tin man-
definitely agree, that main difference is options and experience - very minimal mats, tarp... demends more consideration and knowledge - for most people a tent is the better choice - i go back and forward depending on the trip, with others, tent, for less mile trips... for solo trips, love a tarp and very minimal setup as i am walking all day - and it just gives you a deeper understanding of both hiking, gear, yourself and nature to explore what different gear and approches does to your experience
What about the sandals for hiking?
Outstanding perspective on the subject. 🤓
I hiked 1000 miles of PCT with a basically unlimited budget for gear. I started with ultra comfort with the lightest weight I could find. I was at 9lbs base. I slowly realized things I didn’t need and brought it down to 6 lbs. I realized I don’t need an inflatable for comfort as I was actually more comfortable on the ground with the thin light pad and an extra section of thicker foam for my hips. I like the exped blue foam with the large ridges. Inflatables are mainly for warmth for me. Also the lighter and minimal you go it tends to get cheaper. So the expense becomes less and the stress of losing or destroying my fancy gear becomes less. Thus, I enjoy my trip more and get dirty and rough with my gear just becomes part of being out in nature and being one with it. I find I’m more comfortable laying anywhere and not caring if I’m dirty. Next I’m trying a tyvek bivy and no ground sheet to further simplify my kit. It seems like my system is constantly evolving but so far the cheap minimal approach is the most rewarding.
Awesome Juniper! Big thumbs up 😎👍
I wish ZPacks would collab with you. You being a Floridian and all like they are lol. And really liking UL gear.
I think with your perspective, experience, input and ideas and their gear making ability that would be rad !
ZPacks !!! Collab with Jupiter !!!! You guys could do a really crazy UL and then a normal UL lol.
I love your perspective and content Jupiter ❤ rock on buddy....
Such a thoughtful video. Thank you for sharing this perspective.
Life is all about balance
@Sendadm-2meviamyprofile ok...
Please, as you get older and less an age where you're prime of age, then, the balance shifts, believe me!
Whenever you carry to much, it sux. The same can be said for ultra lite ultra lite!
As you said, it depends on your focus and what type of hiker are you?
I love light and more manageable.
My knees are shot, I'm over weight by 20 kgs and 60 years young.😂
It's the same thing in our everyday lives..We have to find a balance between comfort and freedom..We could have a corporate job, with little freedom, but lots of comfort that a corporate salary provides..We can live cheaply in a van, have lots of freedom, but sacrifice comfort...It's the same with gear, a balance between comfort and freedom of movement..While I'm a true minimalist in my everyday life, I prefer to take my time in nature and really absorb it, and I'm not interested in hiking thirty miles a day, or being crazy light, I'll take the creature comforts on trail every time, like hot meals, coffee, tent, sleeping pad...
It's funny how when I was a kid/teenager (back in the late 70's and 80's), I was sleeping in tents that were leaking in rainy days, directly on the floor with rectangular shape sleeping bags. I was cooking in a camp fire. Everything was super heavy to carry. Etc.
Nothing was comfortable and yet I was so happy. Some of my best memories.
Now I sleep way better when I camp and it's quite light to carry. Everything's so convenient. I have great memories too.
Bottom line, comfort probably is overrated, but as one ages, one learns to appreciate it 😅
I can't say I want to try the 1/8" sleeping pad but maybe I will try sleeping under a tarp someday. Thing is, where I live it's cold in winter, and buggy in summer. So probably only going to try the tarp in places where it makes sense to me. But that's exactly what Jupiter is saying, do what works for you. Interesting to see the super ultralight perspective even if I only got to lightweight.
On the sleeping pad, preferences are as personal as beds. I can NOT sleep on just a 1/8 pad with my back and muscle issues. YMMV depending on loads of factors. If we are talking about going 8lb to 10lb to go from a 1/8 foam pad and tarp to an air pad and tent, I'll take the extra 2lb. 8lb or 10lb, I do not notice that difference on my back.
Always a balancing act eh? I’ve pared back a tad from my 65lb pack in the 70’s. Comparatively I’m now ultra light…😂😂😂
as i passed age 50 i found myself preferring a more comfortable set up, and now i bought a Nemo moon-lite chair I don't know why i sat on logs and rocks for 20+ years.......suck it Kyle
There is the saying: "Go simple but not simpler than that."
At some point the UL debate becomes a joke. Saving a few kilos obviously makes a difference but obsessing about those last 200 grams one could potentially save is just nuts. Pareto principle for life.
It's so funny how you're showing what most people in the UK would call superlight and calling it luxury ^_^ There's a degree to which our climate makes something like a NeoAir, for example, sort of the lightest thing you can consider.
After my osprey 65L died this year I swapped it for a palante desert. I’m curious to see how the limited space and padding changes my trips. Thanks for posting.
Jupiter, you didn't say how much the added weight and bulk impacted your hike. Add 3# to your usual 6# (pad, tent)... did 9# make much of a difference?
The important part of product design is efficiency desired, and the ability to achieve that. The goal of sleeping pads is best quality of sleeping …. Every night. We put out a lot of effort when backpacking. Weight goals is not the same goal as better rest and recovery.
Yes, there is a trade off. Good sleep is not a luxury. Ask any researcher working on longevity, health, recovery.
As a guy who rucks around 40lbs (approx 20kg) worth of base weight plus consumables, I regularly find myself more energised at the end of a lengthy section than the ultralighters who didn't get a wink of sleep under their tarps and are having a real shit time with their cold-soaked meals...
More experience, more knowledge, more understanding, more decisions based on the three. It's growing up. :>)
i envy the fact that u can put the trail time in 2 connect with the trail enviroment 2 b able 2 distinguish site planning/manegment !!
there r a great many long trail folk who cant do it bcuz they put themselves into that position .. i dont or havent. not that im against ur principle thinking.
ccuz , as i sed, i envy THAT part. i pack 4 me n my dog so things such as the med kit ,is based on that. not totally unigue but not common. i love 2 cook on trail if poss. so my mess kit reflects that but i can + or - parts there. i know nada about REAL tarping, nada 0, zilch. but know my gear was costly n the thot of sand blowing into several hundreds of bucks of quality sleeping gear is no joy. and as u know the S.W has plenty of sand 2 offer. yeah a 20 mph wind or a dust devil anuck in the camp is when a zip flap tent is heaven 😊. minimal is practice n growth. i'd have 2 give it a serious go 2 b able 2 speak of it but i have trust in u n ur words. thanks !!!! atb tracy
There is the uberlight that would reduce the weight and bulk and still be a little warmer .... Women also most often have more curves, making the thinlight pad way more challenging. Also, i think i would have lost my mind in oregon and washington on the pct bc of the mozzies. I even thru up my altaplex just to eat lunch. I really dislike scary brain lesion thoughts of using deet. :D
Excellent video!😊
Once you try an inflatable mat, you'll not want to go back to the foam mat. A comfortable sleep is way more important than saving a couple hundred grams IMO.
Thanks for this fair review!
😏 He’s still got it *cue Indiana Jones clip: “You chose (dramatic pause) wisely”
I’ve never been a fan of tents and I don’t use mine often, It just doesn’t feel secure enough. Obvious limits of where I can go sometimes. I built a trailer with all the comforts of home in a small package that goes behind my hummer.
How did you find the extra weight J, annoying or not to bad ? I mean hiking with the air mattress and tent etc, as opposed to 1/8th mat and tarp
That 1/8 inch pad closer to the ground is more comfortable than a 20 inch wide pad that my shoulders don't fit.
You know, man. Hair loss is okay. It looks good on you in fact. I know I'm hard on you in your comments section sometimes and I wasn't very nice when we met a time or two, but you should own it. Not a lot of dudes can pull off the bald ultra minimal haircut and I honestly think it looks pretty stoic on you.
What blue fleece are youwearing in this vid? Looks comfy!
Thanks for a thoughtful analysis of why we hike. So many miss the idea that what we do today is set in stone and remains unchangeable; not so; as the analogy; "different strokes for different for different folks", can be extended to "different strokes for different folks, at different times". Nature adapts as different needs arise; why can't we?
By far the best backpacking channel on YT. If you pushed out more content on consistent days, changed up editing a bit (including thumbnails/titles), I bet you'd experience a lot of growth. Probably not what you want to do or you likely would've at this point, but mostly just trying to say your channel's a hidden gem.
it's a balance of comfort on trail and in camp. for somethings depending on the person you have to compromise trail vs camp comfort. ie if you can't sleep on a 1/8" pad you have to compromise at the heavier pad for a better night sleep.
Great insight. Also your body will become accustomed and adjust to lying on a less cushioned mat over time, it may seem like a really bad idea initially but if you practice it enough it can be more than adequate.
I’m not going to read all comments so maybe this is redundant. If you get a chance try a Nemo air mattress. For me they’re more comfortable than Thermarest pads. Keep up with the great content!
you calling an altraplex and a xlite "luxury" and "not ultralight" really cracks me up xDDD
👍
I appreciate your perspective, thanks
I always bring a camp chair. That should tell you where I am on the spectrum.
i am prepping to go backpack alone for a bit and i am finding it hard to find the balance between heavy ass pack and sleeping well lol such a hazzle
You're so right! These are the lessons which many days of backpacking can tell, and you have expressed them so well! Greetings from Germany
I think it's all about compromise and how much you are Prepared to take that. For me personally, I take the middle ground lightweight but with a decent amount of comfort, flexibility and safety. I'm happy to lessen my daily mileage and carry a little more...but not too much! Compromise!!
A tent is a safety and security aspect for me. An illusion for sure. The mosquitoes here in Ontario are ridiculous 😂
I prefer the heavier domed tent too, cause it's possible to setup without any lanyard where it's not possible.
Some of the modern tents and sleeping bags are so light at this point, that it's not too far from UL gear. Only thing is they take a bit more space
That’s the revelation! Choose the gear you need for what you are doing.
You forgot the camp chair. Next level comfort right there. Lol😂
Considering how young and fit you are i think its moronic to not indulge in some comfort items and additional weight when you are out on trail.