If you're looking for an even cheaper gear set, I just posted a video covering a slightly heavier setup at half the cost of this one! You can find it at th-cam.com/video/V-N-GJjywLA/w-d-xo.html
Too late . . . my tent alone was over 700.00 after tax. I never put my spork in an airtight bag. Put it in something breathable to stop bacteria growth on hot days. If it's COLD it does not matter as much. I like the orange thin nylon bag mine came with. I love my NU-20 headlamp. My medical kit is basically a few antiseptic wipes, a few band-aids and some super glue and some Leukotape or Elasticon tape
Sorry to be so off topic but does someone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the password. I love any assistance you can give me
@Rowan Cade i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
I carry a electric heater and blanket along with a Coleman stove. I carry a marine battery with a converter for electricity. It all works great. I pull a wagon behind me on the AT to carry all my gear.
Haha well I had to help a guy carry his cast iron skillet once he was on the trail with a migraine laying down ...I'm not kidding we were in the mountains in California !
Exactly! I'm watching these you tube videos trying to figure out who they are for. I've never met people who drop thousands on their kit. I always figured it was for the super long through hikers, but even the few I've met don't drop that kind of money.
@@scottster8858 my favorite was some youtube dude talking about his tons of UL gear. I assumed he was some mege-mile thru-hiker. Turns out he just did weekend backpack trips! Probably not that many miles either. Just; why?
I have to correct you here sir. Yes they recommend the expensive stuff but they have a reason to do so. Those expensive brands are very small companies who use expensive material to craft their stuff. Their products are of a very high quality which will last for a long time what you, as a person who will use them everyday on your hike, will appreciate very much. If you do long distance hiking on basis, your gear determines the comfort tremendously. All in all, the expensive gear is completely worth it if you are a keen long-distance hiker.
Save weight: Tarp > Tent Ziploc > stuff sack or 'kit bag' Garbage disposal bag to line pack > pack cover, clothing stuff sacks, etc. Evazote pad > air mattress (your frame/back pad, too) Warm jacket + light sleeping bag > top cover with lots of fill weight Well-fitted pack > frame Slightly-undersized pack stuffed completely > frame Leave stuff out of bags, especially a tarp. It serves as a mortar or fill all around everything to make the pack rigid. No need for a frame.
I just got back from a 6 day solo around the AT in NC and have to thank you for two great suggestions. First, the bandanna with the cookset was key. It kept everything bundled together in my pack and I appreciated having a clean space whether it was off the ground or inside a shelter. Second, the sleeping pad was amazing for the price. I almost didn't believe it would stand up but found it very durable. Thanks for the great suggestions and keep up the awesome content.
I'm glad to hear that those things worked out well for you! Thanks for coming back here to share your feedback! Out of curiosity, what was your temperature range at night? I still haven't had a chance to use the pad in colder weather.
For the footprint, just buy heavy duty window film they sell in the winter to insulate your homes windows with. It’s the exact same stuff, it costs roughly $9-10 dollars (for the thick stuff), you’ll get more footprints for the money, and you can customize it to any number of tent shapes. If you don’t like it, use it to insulate your windows and save some cash on heating expenses.
My family and I have been casually hiking for 15 years and we just recently decided we were going to take it to the next level. Your video has been a life saver and a money saver for us. I love how you time stamped your video as well as easy to follow linqs. I've watched this segment so many times and found you have very good content. My family and I are doing the Trans Catalina Trail to begin and we hope to do a couple trips into Shasta before summer. Thanks again!
One of the best equipment presentation I’ve ever seen! Obviously an experienced backpacker. Your explanations and reasons you give are spot in. Thanks.
This is a very well thought out, well presented list of affordable lightweight gear. Of course you could spend more and go even lighter, but this makes lightweight backpacking much more accessible to a lot more people. Definitely worth a watch.
Wow! This video has seen a lot of attention recently, so I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone that has viewed, liked, and commented on this video. I'm a full-time student of mechanical and aerospace engineering, so I stay pretty busy, but I will try to respond to as many comments as possible. Thanks for your support, and happy trails!
Hey! Great video. I appreciate the time stamps and links! You really know how to save a person time, money & weight haha. I was wondering if you would humor the idea of doing a backpacking food video. Since you've been backpacking for 8 or so years I would love to see what your favorite trail meals are, if you DIY them etc. Keep up the great work!
This is what people need! Thank you, especially for us new guys looks for gear, but also the new reviewers looking for a good role model! Killing it bro!
I don't understand the fascination with ounces, but then, no one is asking me to. You do you. It's always fun watching passionate people share there "thing," though. Thanks for sharing.
Love this topic. I’ve watched a TON of videos about thru-hiking including how to’s, gear reviews, and tons of other topics but this is FIRST I’ve seen about affordable ultra light gear. Great topic and love the links! Thank you and great job!
Right! Most ultralight setups you have to be a silicone valley guru to afford. I can barely afford a day off let alone gear. I will splurge for quality big 3 items though.
The only thing I think is worth noting, your first aid kit is to deep into the pack. Have those available and easy to see or find. It might not be you looking for it when it's needed.
Those emergency ponchos are brilliant. Took the kids camping one day and it started to rain so we all broke out the emergency ponchos and put them on over our packs. Nothing got wet.
As a 77 year old 125 pound woman, weight is important for the basics. At under 10 # I would be able to add enough food and maybe a few other things that will bring the weight up to the 25-30 # I can comfortably carry for a several day trip or emergency event. Even the cost of all the items are worth it if they work and if they are easily packed, stored and carried. Thank you, I've been watching videos for weeks trying to find a backpack video that suits my needs. I've found it. Off to Amazon and Wal Mart I go.
Thanks for the vid, always appreciate thoughts on gear. As for the Six Moon Designs tent I can say I tried this item on the Appalachian Trail (using a trekking pole as the tent pole) and found it very difficult to get a good pitch. The main problem I found was that unless the guy lines were very taut and at a near perfect angle the tent would otherwise sag throughout the course of the night to within inches of my face, even worse if it rained or condensation was high. I ended up ditching this item for a tent with better structure and was ultimately more comfortable. While I'm sure others have had no problems with this tent, this has been my experience.
Just want to say I watched this video when I was first getting into backpacking last year and I still use some of this gear! The med kit, the filter, the pot and the stove!
Hey man great video, it was very informative and realistic. I like how at the end you mention that it’s all about enjoying the out doors, this is true and it seems like a lot of people think they need to gear up like a thru-hiker when they’re backpacking in and camping. The more knowledge you have about gear and the outdoors, the less you need. Anyways great video man.
Thanks for a super useful video. If camping I would tend to use my bicycle to take the weight, but even then keeping it down is important. I hike hills regularly here in Scotland but never take a tent with me. The camping mat pad is a thing I always carry on the outside front of my backpack: I have it tethered by a cord long enough to let me sit beside my rucksack, and importantly I have never to chase it across the side of a mountain! :) The short burner I have has tripod legs and a hose attachment to connect it to the gas though, as I am always wary of the poor stability of one screwed in direct onto the gas, then a pot teetering on top. I am glad you made the point about bringing rubbish back home: many people seem to think it's ok to leave burnt out cans in a fireplace or to 'hide' them with other stuff in the environment. That's certainly not my idea of leaving the place as you find it. I've subscribed so see more excellent videos like this one.
if all of us just leave our trash behind, there would be no nature as we know it. more important point than the weight of ones gear and so easily dismissed even if it should be obvious. respect to you sir and @geartest
I totally agree re taking our rubbish back out with us, I also use a zip lock bag. My maxim is to leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but photographs. (Apart from the biodegradable content of the catholes of course. ;-) )
I was trying to figure out a way to do that because I love using my foam pad but hate having to chase it down on occasion So maybe I'll try and fashion a tether
I found the sparker didn't work after a short time. I went to the BSR stove that Darwin on the Trail recommended - even lighter than the orange box stove.
@@kibashisiyoto6771 I had the black "Icetek" branded version of the stove - might have been a slight difference in manufacturing? I tried the BRS stove and maybe I just got a dud, but it was SCARY trying to use that thing... it had super inconsistent flame control. I guess that's why it's always good to test out your stuff ahead of time!
Nice list! Most folks recommend the regular Sawyer over the mini, as it has better performance for just an ounce penalty. Also, after having used a headlamp similar to the one you list, I think a lamp with a red lamp is crucial. The NU25 has it, and might be the better option.
Long ago I started camping out the trunk/back of the truck. But with all the drunks and generators at camp grounds and state forests, I think it's time for trail camping. I would however need a mule. Two or four legged. It takes a lot of liquor, tobacco, and blood pressure meds to keep my happy these days. For cold weather camping, try Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. The picnic area is open for camping in winter. Waking up to -10-20 below with waves crashing the shore only a few feet away is actually pretty damn awesome. There is a "warming house" with a real toilet and wood stove. All the x-country skiers and campers keep the fire going in the evening. Meet lovely people, cook a meal, read a book. Super time.
I bought that same stove years and years ago for a little over a dollar, I thought I's just buy it to see if it would even work. Its still going strong today! I wish I had bought more of them while they were so cheap :)
I purchased this stove a year ago forgot I even got it, just started using it compared to some way more expensive ones! this was soooo good I keep it in my pack all the time when going out for a afternoon mini hikes with my son he likes noodles (£4 from Ali exp)
Great video! Just so you know, the Gerber Dime has tweezers as well! They're tucked into a little slot on the side of the handle. It's a great little tool.
16:14 good tip with the bandana, i often find myself in the situation where i want to place my equipment and dont know where :D ... i dont always take a small packable table with me x)
back in the day my pack weight was between 65-85 lbs. gear was heavy. i was also young and an athlete so it didnt matter. Now my weight is around 30 lbs with a helinox chair and a couple bushcraft tools.
Unfortunately my kit was 70 lbs, and now is in the mid sixties. Don't know how to do it cheaply, but I need to cut another 10 lbs. I will do another video soon when I show what I carry and what I have been doing to try and lighten it.
Great stuff! In case someone hasn't mentioned. Six moons now has a more budget friendly option to the Trekker. The Skyscape Scout, same layout as the Trekker but it's 34 oz and only $145.00. Some sites have it listed at 40oz, but the tag that comes with the tent states it's 34oz.
Your exact setup pops up under "Customers who viewed this item also viewed" section of amazon when you look at the trekker tent! You've inadvertently started a movement it seems!
We didn't get a TV until 1962 and it small, black and white, received two channels and finished at about 11pm. Now I have about 2 million channels but I can never find anything to watch.
I have been using a bandana on my cook kit for years. Mostly to keep stuff together and clean with. Never once thought of using it to set items I don't want dirt on. Brilliant! Thanks. Also love the light and the Dime. I use pliers all the time but the multitool I have is heavy. Thanks for the video.
While I understand and can appreciate people's trying to get their packs as light as possible, as with my bike it seems a silly goal until I lose these 15-20 extra pounds of flesh I'm lugging about. Until then, I view the extra pack weight as strength training.
Exactly, why spend a ton just to shave a bit of weight when you could spend a lot less, bare the burden and reap the strength benefits. One can always take breaks more frequently also.
@@swirlingabyss Yesssirrrr, been doing that for 3 months now training for my thru-hike on the AT in March. I put two 20 pound weights in the bag, and by the time March comes I will be able to carry 15-20lbs no problem.
I appreciate taking the time to share this info with folks. I am relatively new to backpacking and I'm getting ready to do an overnight backpacking trip through Sisters Wilderness tomorrow 09/05/20 and needed a refresher on what I should take with me. Thank you again, happy trails
@@MrApple187 go with what you can afford. You can upgrade bits and bobs later. The best advice is pack what you think you'll need, and take the time to truly reflect when you come back what worked for you and what didn't. How it could be improved and where you might want to channel some extra cash later down the line. But the first things you should definitely consider are decent shoes and good socks. Your everyday cotton will wreck you out there. Past that, your environment/weather conditions will determine what is important. Above all, stay safe and have fun
@@MrApple187 if you don't know what something does don't get it. Seems obvious but if you see gear guides 90% of it is advertising posing as reviews. Splurge on the big 3 and then your odds and ends will fall into place. Also I love wearing oversized sweaters but for hiking closer cuts are needed for layering. I'm a big fan of cycling gear for that reason.
This video is awesome. Clear and concise but still informative on why. I love that the video has time stamps and links to the gear posted. Just subscribed and I'm gonna check out the rest of the vids!
Wow your video is off the hook. Great and very informative. The backpack looks a little cheap and the overall cost I thought was pricey. But none the less, your presentation was excellent. thank you for taking the time to do it.
Great tips and gear choices. You definitely have a well planned system that works for you. I like the bandanna idea replacing your cook kit stuff sack and doubling as a ground cover to keep cooking utensils clean. I cut a poly mailer to make an ultralight cooking "tablecloth". The material is VERY tough and waterproof. The gray side always goes down and the white side faces up.
I like how you have camp gear on the hooks hanging and not like normal stuff.. you know .. coats? Hats? Umbrellas hahaha True devoted backpacker! Good stuff! Thanks man!
For me dropping weight has everything to do with getting older. My old pack from the 90s weighed 9 lbs. my new pack 2.1, I reduced the weight of everything I carry, 45 lbs. packs are a thing of the past.
15ft telescoping pool pole is a great treking pole. Drill a couple extra holes in in and it's excellent to camp with. Just extend it out and you can use it for all sorts of stuff.
Haha I have the same stove. I believe the original manufacturer of that stove is “itekcity”. It’s a great little stove! Awesome set up. Unfortunately for me, up in the Canadian Rockies I need some warmer gear. You’ve got some awesome production here man! Cheers!
Don't buy a cheap ground pad if it's cold where you're going. The floor of the tent is very thin and the pad is the only thing insulating you when you lay down (altough sleeping bags help) but if you use a Quilt like me the ground pad is super important. 3 Most important things to spend the most on, Tent, Sleeping bag/Quilt, Ground pad
The Gerber Dime has now replaced my leatherman wave most of the time even for work. It took me a while to find the tweezers hidden in one side next to the bottle opener but after a year I still haven't lost them! The box opener is handy for work as well. Great litte tool and I have just bought the Dime 'Travel' as a present for a brother who flies a lot, it doesn't have a blade so should be fine when he pops to the Isle of Man.
This was excellent! My daughter loves camping and I think she is ready to move to backpacking next summer. I have been looking at building out her gear list and trying to save money while doing it for her. Thanks!
J A don’t have to spend a fortune at all... and you have a tent when backpacking so not really homeless if you think about it. Compare to other sports. Snowboarding, biking, kiteboarding, off-road , snowmachining, fishing all can cost way more so in the realm of outdoor sports I’d say it’s the cheapest option for a hobby. I bet you phone costs more than the gear needed to go backpacking. I guess you can just forgo hobbies and sit and watch tv but even cable for 6 months costs more than the gear needed to efficiently backpack comfortably. But to each their own.
Iv been homeless and by the grace of God I'm not any more. And I now enjoy UL hiking/camping/hunting, let me tell you, there is no comparison between the two. I hope the coment was in jest, if it wasn't. Try being homeless for a month, no cell, no money, nothing. Just walk out your house with what u have on your back and discover a new perspective. By the end of the first week of shelters and begging for money you'll maybe see that your coment has zero bearing. Sorry for preaching its a touchy thing for me even 20 plus years since I went though that.
@@outdoorsythings2573 It sounds like you have every right to comment on this topic and it's probably a good thing you do, otherwise, people don't have a clue on what it would have been like to of walked in your shoes back then. By the sounds of it, you are doing much better now mate and im happy for you if it is much better. You ain't preaching brother, your giving people a better first-hand perspective, I've heard that comment connected to hiking and camping so many times and it pisses me off every time I see it as I've had some hard times in the past, but it sounds like you had it even harder. I just hope you have CHOSEN (As it is a choice) to make you a stronger and wiser person today, and not a down and out defeated person from those times, by the sounds of what you said, I believe you are stronger and wiser and keep passing on your wisdom brother! God Bless. Cheers, Col.
I'm glad that I saw this. I'm dialing in my 2020 PCT adventure and have found that I want some lighter gear. I'm interested in the head lamp, tent and quilt. I was going to get the BA Tiger wall 2 (2lb savings), Black Diamond revolt (so not to carry batteries) and the Enlightened equipment Enigma 20 (approx 1.5 lb savings). 3.5 lb savings. The items that you presented are something to think about. I tried REI Flash pad until it leaked, therma rest x-lite, noisy and uncomfortable. I went with the Nemo insulated tensor regular which is up to standards. Don't like flat stuff.
I only use the most expensive gear recommended to me by backpacking magazine that overcharge companies for full page gloss ads. That’s what makes the expensive gear better. Lol
This is a good list. I think you could save a few $ - like ~$150 by going to a lanshan 1 / pro or 2 / pro if you are with someone. They are cheaper than your choice, lighter and very good. Also, for the bag, the aegismax is about $100 and fine down to 45, you can also use it as a quilt because it has a dedicated foot box. Also, you can save $30, but add 1.5 oz going to the SS Ozark trails cup from walmart, still fits the cooking stiff inside. So, you could be down around $500 or less for the exact same weight if you want. Good thing is that now there are a lot of choices out there for most all of the items that you need to hike, whether that is for a few days, or a longer through hike.
I also keep my cook set wrapped up in a bandana, very useful. Snow Peak Trek 900. My first backpacking trip right after I got out of the Army, I think my pack was a little over 48 pounds!
A great alternative tent would be the 3F UL Gear Lanshan (1 or 2). I have the 2 - a true 2 person double-wall tent that weighs 1kg, uses trekking ploes and the inner and outer can be set up independently of each other - great in the rain! It is as sturdy as anything else in this list and at under $100 USD delivered it's hard to balk at the very slight weight increase. :) Great video - looking forward to more!
I love how light you can seem to be able to go when hiking in the U.S. I've just finished a near 200 mile hike in the U.K. I thought about taking my light waterproof jacket, glad I didn't, days 2-3 were pretty much non-stop rain with a decent wind to it and day 4 only slightly better. I had an internal dry bag and used a rain fly and very happy I did. We have issues with the jet stream normally over the north of Scotland and if it drops further south it gets unsettled over most of the country.
Did you camp? I’m planning the Pennine Way in spring but I’m hoping for something I can fit in before then. I’d like to camp but it’s a bit of a pain on the PW although there’s such a strong tradition of wild camping that I’m less bothered but I was wondering how feasible C2C is in a tent to keep the cost down
@@pygmygiant Yes I camped and pretty easy I'd say for C2C. I did it in 10 days, nine nights camping with six wild and three at sites. The three I took at sites were more out of 'It'd be a bit of a pain not to' situation. They were Patterdale (side farm) money wasted if you can carry on to Angle tarn, rain and wind all day for me so cut it short but 9 or 10 pound there with no flat pitch is annoying. Then pub at Shap £7 with shower, better than Patterdale. Last non wild was at Reeth, woman there was more than helpful and all you'd expect from a well run campsite, £9 i think. If you are up for it though, wildcamping is the way. Hoping to do the Pennine Way myself but not too sure when. Sorry I re-read and realised you might want just campsites, that's very easy on C2C but I was going out of my way to avoid, in the main. Have a good trip!
i have also suffered from slipping pillow. just saw a forum with someone suggesting pulling a spare tshirt / fleece over the end of sleeping pad, and putting the pillow inside that to prevent slipping. going to try on my next trip, but the living room floor test says its a winner
Gerber Dime is great to have. I too have used the scissors and pliers more than the blade. Toaks pot, that orange stuff sack is surprisingly heavy. The cotton bandana takes too long to dry. I would get a cheap microfiber packtowel from Amazon.
Hello my friend. I just came across this video and subbed to you immediately. Love that you give your actual reasons for your choices. Not everything is top of the line and doesn't all cost an arm and a leg. Not sure if you are aware but the Dime actually has a designated tweezer. It is very inconspicuous(at the end under the handle scale). I had one as my daily carry for almost a year before I realized it was there. Great video!
This video has been so helpful! I car camp currently but this really inspired me and gave great examples on how I can make the transition to backpacking on a budget! Thank you!
Good video, gave me some thoughts. For years I never concerned myself with weight, always been a big guy, getting older now and more weight hurts now. So the way of the ultralight weeny I will go.
This video doesn't have enough views/thumbs up, excellent, some other people post a few items that are light and cheap, but you have the whole set, and under 9 lb/650 dlls. Nice job!
Amen! My current CPAP kit with battery (good for 2 nights sleep)...weighs a hefty 5lbs. Scanning the internet, I found what appears to be a 3lbs option; Somnetics Transcend miniCPAP. But before dropping money on it, I sure wish I could first get some real-world feedback from an experienced CPAP-using Thru-hiker , if not a nearly-60 year old dayhiker moving up to Section Hiking like myself.
I love my SMD tent, the only problem is condensation when it’s cold and you camp near a lake but I think most tents have the same issue. It’s affordable and it weights only 860g.
No single wall tent is condensation proof. And none ever will be. Best is to pay attention to how few point works and learn to deal with it with a towel to wipe down leave doors open as much as possible at night and stop breathing cause that is one of the reason for condensation as well as body heat. Lol vapor liners were a big thing years ago but nobody seems to use those anymore probably because they are clammy. Pitch your smd tent higher to allow air flow also helps. More places for vapor to escape the better. The only time the storm door should be closed it during a storm. If it’s cold get a warmer sleeping bag rather than shutting the tent up and not allowing air flow. Air flow is the only way to mitigate it and even then depending on humidity and temperature you can still get condensation. Valley floors have more humidity at night than higher up a hill or mountain also. But open areas be under trees also makes a difference. Trees can catch some of that dew but then in morning being in shade will also make more condensation so it’s all a catch 22 and not an exact science. Try a few ideas I put up there and see if any of that helps. Dew point is the enemy lol.
yeah single wall tents are awful for condensation, that is one place I will not compromise on with a tent its double walled or nothing. Now if i wanted to cut weight i would either pack my 2 man and have a buddy carry half the poles and the rain fly or just take my military goretex bivy. That thing has no issues with condensation and is perfectly fine even in heavy rain plus its great for other situations when camping. I have used it to keep my sleeping bag dry when tent camping in snow, and to add a bit of extra warmth when its really cold out. I mean sure tents provide more privacy and protection from bugs but its trade offs. The most miserable night i have ever spent backpacking was in a single walled tent when it got down into the 30s. The condensation was so bad it soaked through my sleeping bag,to be fair part of the issue was with the design of that tent not having enough ventilation
The sawyer mini takes way too long to filter water. Take a look at the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle which is an awesome filter that also filters out dirt and it takes little time to fill up the water bottles. My backup water filter is the SteriPen Ultra but you will need a battery pack to keep it charged.
New sub..I'm an older hiker with fake hips. Looking for lighter gear. I hope everyone knows to tweak it to their needs... (comment section about what you "forgot" is crazy here). Depending on when and where you hike, some people will need warmer clothes...duh, and I need about 2lbs for meds. Great video.
@@GearTestTV I'm 62, and just getting back into hiking after 20 years. The job I just retired from hindered me from doing much of anything. So I am 30 lbs overweight, and totally out of shape, so starting lightweight and doing some 2-3 day hikes is my goal. Don't have anything fake, (yet) but my job did give me a bad back and shoulder. Maybe you can do a video on (if your alone) how to travel to a trail, where to park your car for security, especially if it is a month long trip, or rent one for the trip, how to get back to your car if you end up 100-1000 miles away. AND, as a side question, if you manage to get to a town to resupply, is it polite to bath before going to a store? I have watched a lot of videos on stopping somewhere to buy food or whatever, but no one seems to feel the need to clean up first. So many things have changed for me,, especially gear. My pack empty weighed almost as much as your base weight.
Nothing artificial yet (but I can feel it coming!) but I need to reduce pack weight even for my bicycle panniers. My Scottish hikes are only day ones but even then I feel my rucksack is just a tad too heavy. I even pack a survival Bivvy (which I reviewed in a storm on my channel) but leave out depending how safe the trip is going to be, and time of year.
I did the sawyer filter for several hikes, couldn’t get past the slow flow rate. I switched to the Katadyn BeFree with 1L pouch. It cost double the money, but I can eliminate one smartwater bottle, keep the same capacity, get a WAY better flow rate, and lose a few oz in the process. I’ll have to see how it holds up, but so far it’s been a much better choice.
Ach, I’m still priced out of owning a quilt 😩 One trick I picked up somewhere on TH-cam is hooking a tshirt over your sleeping pad and then putting your pillow inside there so that it doesn’t slide off your pad whilst you’re trying to sleep. Life changing how much more comfortable camping is!
You need to check out the zen bivy light bed. It's a quilt that attaches to the hooded sheet which in turn, fits around a pad, the hood also keeps their pillow from sliding.
If you're looking for an even cheaper gear set, I just posted a video covering a slightly heavier setup at half the cost of this one! You can find it at th-cam.com/video/V-N-GJjywLA/w-d-xo.html
Too late . . . my tent alone was over 700.00 after tax. I never put my spork in an airtight bag. Put it in something breathable to stop bacteria growth on hot days. If it's COLD it does not matter as much. I like the orange thin nylon bag mine came with. I love my NU-20 headlamp. My medical kit is basically a few antiseptic wipes, a few band-aids and some super glue and some Leukotape or Elasticon tape
How is one tigers 35+5 backpack
Sorry to be so off topic but does someone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account??
I stupidly forgot the password. I love any assistance you can give me
@Jack Maxwell Instablaster :)
@Rowan Cade i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out now.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
I prefer all my gear cast iron, including the backpack.
Very smart. Start strong. Get stronger. Finish strongest.
I carry a electric heater and blanket along with a Coleman stove. I carry a marine battery with a converter for electricity. It all works great. I pull a wagon behind me on the AT to carry all my gear.
Haha well I had to help a guy carry his cast iron skillet once he was on the trail with a migraine laying down ...I'm not kidding we were in the mountains in California !
I wear a full suit of iron armor because it is waterproof
@@bear8903 nahhhh stainless is much better coz it dunt rust up
Every youtuber nowadays recommends the expensive big brands. Everyone can do that. It’s way harder to find reliable but affordable ones. Good job.
Exactly! I'm watching these you tube videos trying to figure out who they are for. I've never met people who drop thousands on their kit. I always figured it was for the super long through hikers, but even the few I've met don't drop that kind of money.
probably bc they already have a brand deal or they want a brand deal
Challenge for someone cheap walmart backpack haul.
@@scottster8858 my favorite was some youtube dude talking about his tons of UL gear. I assumed he was some mege-mile thru-hiker. Turns out he just did weekend backpack trips! Probably not that many miles either. Just; why?
I have to correct you here sir. Yes they recommend the expensive stuff but they have a reason to do so. Those expensive brands are very small companies who use expensive material to craft their stuff. Their products are of a very high quality which will last for a long time what you, as a person who will use them everyday on your hike, will appreciate very much. If you do long distance hiking on basis, your gear determines the comfort tremendously. All in all, the expensive gear is completely worth it if you are a keen long-distance hiker.
Save weight:
Tarp > Tent
Ziploc > stuff sack or 'kit bag'
Garbage disposal bag to line pack > pack cover, clothing stuff sacks, etc.
Evazote pad > air mattress (your frame/back pad, too)
Warm jacket + light sleeping bag > top cover with lots of fill weight
Well-fitted pack > frame
Slightly-undersized pack stuffed completely > frame
Leave stuff out of bags, especially a tarp. It serves as a mortar or fill all around everything to make the pack rigid. No need for a frame.
This really cures my urge for most advanced/lightest brandname gears. Thx a million.
hell yeah! this is truly a costsaver vid.
Thank you for not shouting, dood. Excellent channel. Teton also makes a great 50L pack. I hiked it all over Japan like a lunatic for years.
I just got back from a 6 day solo around the AT in NC and have to thank you for two great suggestions. First, the bandanna with the cookset was key. It kept everything bundled together in my pack and I appreciated having a clean space whether it was off the ground or inside a shelter. Second, the sleeping pad was amazing for the price. I almost didn't believe it would stand up but found it very durable. Thanks for the great suggestions and keep up the awesome content.
I'm glad to hear that those things worked out well for you! Thanks for coming back here to share your feedback! Out of curiosity, what was your temperature range at night? I still haven't had a chance to use the pad in colder weather.
Fast foreward 8 months and toilet paper is the most expensive item.
lol
@@lifesabeach5405 On EBay from all of the Richard Crainiums that maxed their credit cards stocking up of it, bloody ridiculous isn't it?!?!
One word
Bidet
@@brandonfoley7519 isnt that the guy running for president?
we're not going for less than three layers!
For the footprint, just buy heavy duty window film they sell in the winter to insulate your homes windows with.
It’s the exact same stuff, it costs roughly $9-10 dollars (for the thick stuff), you’ll get more footprints for the money, and you can customize it to any number of tent shapes.
If you don’t like it, use it to insulate your windows and save some cash on heating expenses.
I make reusable inserts with this plastic, save 25% percent on heating bill
Which admittedly a made up number but you can feel the difference
My family and I have been casually hiking for 15 years and we just recently decided we were going to take it to the next level. Your video has been a life saver and a money saver for us. I love how you time stamped your video as well as easy to follow linqs. I've watched this segment so many times and found you have very good content. My family and I are doing the Trans Catalina Trail to begin and we hope to do a couple trips into Shasta before summer. Thanks again!
GearTest: "There are some things, like toilet paper, that I'm gonna hope you already have on hand"
.
2020: "Hold my beer"
One of the best equipment presentation I’ve ever seen! Obviously an experienced backpacker. Your explanations and reasons you give are spot in. Thanks.
This is a very well thought out, well presented list of affordable lightweight gear. Of course you could spend more and go even lighter, but this makes lightweight backpacking much more accessible to a lot more people. Definitely worth a watch.
Wow! This video has seen a lot of attention recently, so I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone that has viewed, liked, and commented on this video. I'm a full-time student of mechanical and aerospace engineering, so I stay pretty busy, but I will try to respond to as many comments as possible. Thanks for your support, and happy trails!
Awesome video!!! Hope you do more!! Definitely a new subscriber now and 2 thumbs way up!
@@dannyshadle875me 2 :>
It was a good damm video
Hey! Great video. I appreciate the time stamps and links! You really know how to save a person time, money & weight haha.
I was wondering if you would humor the idea of doing a backpacking food video. Since you've been backpacking for 8 or so years I would love to see what your favorite trail meals are, if you DIY them etc.
Keep up the great work!
Great video. This helped a lot!
This is what people need! Thank you, especially for us new guys looks for gear, but also the new reviewers looking for a good role model! Killing it bro!
Nice to see the links to each item. Thank you for taking the extra time. That's what we like to see.
I don't understand the fascination with ounces, but then, no one is asking me to. You do you. It's always fun watching passionate people share there "thing," though. Thanks for sharing.
The closed cell foam pad also makes a great fan to help get your campfire going.
Thanks for the idea
You’re addressing a problem that many women and older people have, I’m one of each..that is weight. Thank you very much.
Love this topic. I’ve watched a TON of videos about thru-hiking including how to’s, gear reviews, and tons of other topics but this is FIRST I’ve seen about affordable ultra light gear. Great topic and love the links! Thank you and great job!
Right! Most ultralight setups you have to be a silicone valley guru to afford. I can barely afford a day off let alone gear. I will splurge for quality big 3 items though.
Actually, this is not affordable for a lot of people. But for those sticking to beaten trails, would look pretty good.
The only thing I think is worth noting, your first aid kit is to deep into the pack. Have those available and easy to see or find. It might not be you looking for it when it's needed.
Those emergency ponchos are brilliant. Took the kids camping one day and it started to rain so we all broke out the emergency ponchos and put them on over our packs. Nothing got wet.
As a 77 year old 125 pound woman, weight is important for the basics. At under 10 # I would be able to add enough food and maybe a few other things that will bring the weight up to the 25-30 # I can comfortably carry for a several day trip or emergency event. Even the cost of all the items are worth it if they work and if they are easily packed, stored and carried. Thank you, I've been watching videos for weeks trying to find a backpack video that suits my needs. I've found it. Off to Amazon and Wal Mart I go.
LOL seeing the television took me back to my childhood when we were the remote control, the antenna adjuster etc. It was good being a kid in the 60s.
And the theme music took me back to Stockcharts!
Darn rich kids and their fancy television sets... I had a homemade radio kit.
Lol me too, back to the 60s!
I agree it was great in the 60s I miss walter Cronkite the girls wearing halter tops and hitchiking
I just bought the Cirque 1600 and I have to say I'm not disappointed at all this video was a great find cheers.
Thanks for the vid, always appreciate thoughts on gear. As for the Six Moon Designs tent I can say I tried this item on the Appalachian Trail (using a trekking pole as the tent pole) and found it very difficult to get a good pitch. The main problem I found was that unless the guy lines were very taut and at a near perfect angle the tent would otherwise sag throughout the course of the night to within inches of my face, even worse if it rained or condensation was high. I ended up ditching this item for a tent with better structure and was ultimately more comfortable. While I'm sure others have had no problems with this tent, this has been my experience.
Just want to say I watched this video when I was first getting into backpacking last year and I still use some of this gear! The med kit, the filter, the pot and the stove!
Hey man great video, it was very informative and realistic. I like how at the end you mention that it’s all about enjoying the out doors, this is true and it seems like a lot of people think they need to gear up like a thru-hiker when they’re backpacking in and camping. The more knowledge you have about gear and the outdoors, the less you need. Anyways great video man.
I love that little orange stove. I used mine for 10 plus years and never had an issue. So happy to see you have had a similar experience.
Thanks for a super useful video. If camping I would tend to use my bicycle to take the weight, but even then keeping it down is important. I hike hills regularly here in Scotland but never take a tent with me. The camping mat pad is a thing I always carry on the outside front of my backpack: I have it tethered by a cord long enough to let me sit beside my rucksack, and importantly I have never to chase it across the side of a mountain! :) The short burner I have has tripod legs and a hose attachment to connect it to the gas though, as I am always wary of the poor stability of one screwed in direct onto the gas, then a pot teetering on top. I am glad you made the point about bringing rubbish back home: many people seem to think it's ok to leave burnt out cans in a fireplace or to 'hide' them with other stuff in the environment. That's certainly not my idea of leaving the place as you find it. I've subscribed so see more excellent videos like this one.
if all of us just leave our trash behind, there would be no nature as we know it. more important point than the weight of ones gear and so easily dismissed even if it should be obvious. respect to you sir and @geartest
@@rekyyli91 So true!
I totally agree re taking our rubbish back out with us, I also use a zip lock bag.
My maxim is to leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but photographs. (Apart from the biodegradable content of the catholes of course. ;-) )
I was trying to figure out a way to do that because I love using my foam pad but hate having to chase it down on occasion
So maybe I'll try and fashion a tether
That same stove survived 2300 miles of the PCT with me this year! Definitely an unexpected budget item win!
@Jack Obrein During drought years when fire restrictions are in place, a hobo stove isn't legal.
I found the sparker didn't work after a short time. I went to the BSR stove that Darwin on the Trail recommended - even lighter than the orange box stove.
@@kibashisiyoto6771 I had the black "Icetek" branded version of the stove - might have been a slight difference in manufacturing? I tried the BRS stove and maybe I just got a dud, but it was SCARY trying to use that thing... it had super inconsistent flame control. I guess that's why it's always good to test out your stuff ahead of time!
Nice list! Most folks recommend the regular Sawyer over the mini, as it has better performance for just an ounce penalty. Also, after having used a headlamp similar to the one you list, I think a lamp with a red lamp is crucial. The NU25 has it, and might be the better option.
Long ago I started camping out the trunk/back of the truck. But with all the drunks and generators at camp grounds and state forests, I think it's time for trail camping. I would however need a mule. Two or four legged. It takes a lot of liquor, tobacco, and blood pressure meds to keep my happy these days. For cold weather camping, try Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. The picnic area is open for camping in winter. Waking up to -10-20 below with waves crashing the shore only a few feet away is actually pretty damn awesome. There is a "warming house" with a real toilet and wood stove. All the x-country skiers and campers keep the fire going in the evening. Meet lovely people, cook a meal, read a book. Super time.
I bought that same stove years and years ago for a little over a dollar, I thought I's just buy it to see if it would even work. Its still going strong today! I wish I had bought more of them while they were so cheap :)
I purchased this stove a year ago forgot I even got it, just started using it compared to some way more expensive ones! this was soooo good I keep it in my pack all the time when going out for a afternoon mini hikes with my son he likes noodles (£4 from Ali exp)
I am new at this, in setting up a backpack, But I am learning, I enjoy your video on how to set up on a budget. thank you for sharing.
Great video! Just so you know, the Gerber Dime has tweezers as well! They're tucked into a little slot on the side of the handle. It's a great little tool.
16:14 good tip with the bandana, i often find myself in the situation where i want to place my equipment and dont know where :D ... i dont always take a small packable table with me x)
back in the day my pack weight was between 65-85 lbs. gear was heavy. i was also young and an athlete so it didnt matter. Now my weight is around 30 lbs with a helinox chair and a couple bushcraft tools.
Unfortunately my kit was 70 lbs, and now is in the mid sixties. Don't know how to do it cheaply, but I need to cut another 10 lbs.
I will do another video soon when I show what I carry and what I have been doing to try and lighten it.
Great stuff! In case someone hasn't mentioned. Six moons now has a more budget friendly option to the Trekker. The Skyscape Scout, same layout as the Trekker but it's 34 oz and only $145.00. Some sites have it listed at 40oz, but the tag that comes with the tent states it's 34oz.
Your exact setup pops up under "Customers who viewed this item also viewed" section of amazon when you look at the trekker tent! You've inadvertently started a movement it seems!
That is actually pretty cool.
We didn't get a TV until 1962 and it small, black and white, received two channels and finished at about 11pm. Now I have about 2 million channels but I can never find anything to watch.
I have been using a bandana on my cook kit for years. Mostly to keep stuff together and clean with. Never once thought of using it to set items I don't want dirt on. Brilliant! Thanks. Also love the light and the Dime. I use pliers all the time but the multitool I have is heavy. Thanks for the video.
While I understand and can appreciate people's trying to get their packs as light as possible, as with my bike it seems a silly goal until I lose these 15-20 extra pounds of flesh I'm lugging about. Until then, I view the extra pack weight as strength training.
Exactly, why spend a ton just to shave a bit of weight when you could spend a lot less, bare the burden and reap the strength benefits.
One can always take breaks more frequently also.
@@swirlingabyss
Yesssirrrr, been doing that for 3 months now training for my thru-hike on the AT in March. I put two 20 pound weights in the bag, and by the time March comes I will be able to carry 15-20lbs no problem.
gyffes gyffes I second this!
I've done those ruck marches in the marines and everyone fucking hates them. We all end up with permanent medical injuries from them.
Hi!
You have a good point there.
That being said it is much easier to buy lighter gear than lose the spare tire around my waist. :D
I appreciate taking the time to share this info with folks. I am relatively new to backpacking and I'm getting ready to do an overnight backpacking trip through Sisters Wilderness tomorrow 09/05/20 and needed a refresher on what I should take with me. Thank you again, happy trails
Not bad. As the miles & years add up, you'll find that "The more you know, the less you need." Subscribed.
What would you recommend for a beginner looking to start with like 10 to 20 mile trips but still doing my research for packing a bag
@@MrApple187 Leukotape for blisters. Darn Tough socks.
@@MrApple187 go with what you can afford. You can upgrade bits and bobs later. The best advice is pack what you think you'll need, and take the time to truly reflect when you come back what worked for you and what didn't. How it could be improved and where you might want to channel some extra cash later down the line.
But the first things you should definitely consider are decent shoes and good socks. Your everyday cotton will wreck you out there.
Past that, your environment/weather conditions will determine what is important. Above all, stay safe and have fun
@@MrApple187 if you don't know what something does don't get it. Seems obvious but if you see gear guides 90% of it is advertising posing as reviews. Splurge on the big 3 and then your odds and ends will fall into place. Also I love wearing oversized sweaters but for hiking closer cuts are needed for layering. I'm a big fan of cycling gear for that reason.
@@victorunger thanks
This video is awesome. Clear and concise but still informative on why. I love that the video has time stamps and links to the gear posted. Just subscribed and I'm gonna check out the rest of the vids!
Wow your video is off the hook. Great and very informative. The backpack looks a little cheap and the overall cost I thought was pricey. But none the less, your presentation was excellent. thank you for taking the time to do it.
Great tips and gear choices. You definitely have a well planned system that works for you. I like the bandanna idea replacing your cook kit stuff sack and doubling as a ground cover to keep cooking utensils clean. I cut a poly mailer to make an ultralight cooking "tablecloth". The material is VERY tough and waterproof. The gray side always goes down and the white side faces up.
I like how you have camp gear on the hooks hanging and not like normal stuff.. you know .. coats? Hats? Umbrellas hahaha
True devoted backpacker! Good stuff! Thanks man!
Priorities!
Mechanical and aerospace-- NASA needs people like you right now! And, you have a new sub.
Thanks for subscribing! I have been keeping my eye on the NASA careers page for when I graduate, so we'll see.
Super helpful information...thanks!
That small super cheap stove is BRS, Chinese brand. I've been using their multifuel stive BRS -8 for 10 yrs on the road, and is still working well.
For me dropping weight has everything to do with getting older. My old pack from the 90s weighed 9 lbs. my new pack 2.1, I reduced the weight of everything I carry, 45 lbs. packs are a thing of the past.
The difference between backpacking and being homeless is the view, Nature vs. Urban. Observe the nature, so much inspiration.
I like Backpacking and love light weight Bicycle Touring, they are both a lot of fun....
I’ll second that
15ft telescoping pool pole is a great treking pole. Drill a couple extra holes in in and it's excellent to camp with. Just extend it out and you can use it for all sorts of stuff.
Thank you a million times. Your vedeo is a perfect text book both for a beginner and for a experienced one. Great video , I'm sure. from South Korea.
That little gerber dime is so amazing! Brought it on an AT section hike last summer and it was awesome!
Haha I have the same stove. I believe the original manufacturer of that stove is “itekcity”. It’s a great little stove!
Awesome set up. Unfortunately for me, up in the Canadian Rockies I need some warmer gear.
You’ve got some awesome production here man! Cheers!
Don't buy a cheap ground pad if it's cold where you're going. The floor of the tent is very thin and the pad is the only thing insulating you when you lay down (altough sleeping bags help) but if you use a Quilt like me the ground pad is super important. 3 Most important things to spend the most on, Tent, Sleeping bag/Quilt, Ground pad
Very educational for someone like me who’s just starting to get into backpacking
I’ve always done car camping but wanna try backpacking too
The Gerber Dime has now replaced my leatherman wave most of the time even for work. It took me a while to find the tweezers hidden in one side next to the bottle opener but after a year I still haven't lost them! The box opener is handy for work as well. Great litte tool and I have just bought the Dime 'Travel' as a present for a brother who flies a lot, it doesn't have a blade so should be fine when he pops to the Isle of Man.
The bandana on the cook kit is a good tip!
Yes. You can as he says wipe out your cook pot with the bandana and then wrap the cook pot in the bandana! Wash the bandana when you get home
This was excellent! My daughter loves camping and I think she is ready to move to backpacking next summer. I have been looking at building out her gear list and trying to save money while doing it for her. Thanks!
Backpacking is were you spend a fortune to live like a homeless person.
J A don’t have to spend a fortune at all... and you have a tent when backpacking so not really homeless if you think about it. Compare to other sports. Snowboarding, biking, kiteboarding, off-road , snowmachining, fishing all can cost way more so in the realm of outdoor sports I’d say it’s the cheapest option for a hobby. I bet you phone costs more than the gear needed to go backpacking. I guess you can just forgo hobbies and sit and watch tv but even cable for 6 months costs more than the gear needed to efficiently backpack comfortably. But to each their own.
...in comfort
what? homeless people aint out frolicking in the woods bruh. theyre in the city getting litty.
Iv been homeless and by the grace of God I'm not any more. And I now enjoy UL hiking/camping/hunting, let me tell you, there is no comparison between the two. I hope the coment was in jest, if it wasn't. Try being homeless for a month, no cell, no money, nothing. Just walk out your house with what u have on your back and discover a new perspective. By the end of the first week of shelters and begging for money you'll maybe see that your coment has zero bearing. Sorry for preaching its a touchy thing for me even 20 plus years since I went though that.
@@outdoorsythings2573 It sounds like you have every right to comment on this topic and it's probably a good thing you do, otherwise, people don't have a clue on what it would have been like to of walked in your shoes back then. By the sounds of it, you are doing much better now mate and im happy for you if it is much better. You ain't preaching brother, your giving people a better first-hand perspective, I've heard that comment connected to hiking and camping so many times and it pisses me off every time I see it as I've had some hard times in the past, but it sounds like you had it even harder. I just hope you have CHOSEN (As it is a choice) to make you a stronger and wiser person today, and not a down and out defeated person from those times, by the sounds of what you said, I believe you are stronger and wiser and keep passing on your wisdom brother!
God Bless.
Cheers,
Col.
Great budget gear ideas. When you broke out my 6 year old orange case rocket stove I'm a fan. Keep up the good advice
The Gerber Dime actually has tweezers on it.
Chris Z. , I had mine for a year before I realized it had tweezers. Hahahaha!
Hi, nice video, my only recommendation is to put the bandana inside the put, under the gas can, to prevent rust ring
I'm glad that I saw this. I'm dialing in my 2020 PCT adventure and have found that I want some lighter gear. I'm interested in the head lamp, tent and quilt. I was going to get the BA Tiger wall 2 (2lb savings), Black Diamond revolt (so not to carry batteries) and the Enlightened equipment Enigma 20 (approx 1.5 lb savings). 3.5 lb savings. The items that you presented are something to think about. I tried REI Flash pad until it leaked, therma rest x-lite, noisy and uncomfortable. I went with the Nemo insulated tensor regular which is up to standards. Don't like flat stuff.
Enjoy your PCT trip! Let me know how the Tensor holds up. I may switch to an insulated pad during the winter.
Haven’t even watched the video yet but pretty sure ima straight order every single thing on this list. Thanks for saving me a buncha time researching
I only use the most expensive gear recommended to me by backpacking magazine that overcharge companies for full page gloss ads. That’s what makes the expensive gear better. Lol
Honestly one of my favorite videos on TH-cam
I remember the early 70s when I thought I was doing well with only 35 lbs on my back.
This is a good list. I think you could save a few $ - like ~$150 by going to a lanshan 1 / pro or 2 / pro if you are with someone. They are cheaper than your choice, lighter and very good. Also, for the bag, the aegismax is about $100 and fine down to 45, you can also use it as a quilt because it has a dedicated foot box. Also, you can save $30, but add 1.5 oz going to the SS Ozark trails cup from walmart, still fits the cooking stiff inside. So, you could be down around $500 or less for the exact same weight if you want. Good thing is that now there are a lot of choices out there for most all of the items that you need to hike, whether that is for a few days, or a longer through hike.
Great value and some impressive products. Thanks for all of the research that you did and presenting in a clear and understandable manner.
I also keep my cook set wrapped up in a bandana, very useful. Snow Peak Trek 900. My first backpacking trip right after I got out of the Army, I think my pack was a little over 48 pounds!
A great alternative tent would be the 3F UL Gear Lanshan (1 or 2). I have the 2 - a true 2 person double-wall tent that weighs 1kg, uses trekking ploes and the inner and outer can be set up independently of each other - great in the rain! It is as sturdy as anything else in this list and at under $100 USD delivered it's hard to balk at the very slight weight increase. :)
Great video - looking forward to more!
Are they related to Mier? I was looking at 3F UL stuff on Amazon and when I searched 3F UL by brand I kept seeing a Mier Lanshan tent.
@@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595yes it’s the same brand if you haven’t already found that out
I love how light you can seem to be able to go when hiking in the U.S. I've just finished a near 200 mile hike in the U.K. I thought about taking my light waterproof jacket, glad I didn't, days 2-3 were pretty much non-stop rain with a decent wind to it and day 4 only slightly better. I had an internal dry bag and used a rain fly and very happy I did. We have issues with the jet stream normally over the north of Scotland and if it drops further south it gets unsettled over most of the country.
Sounds familiar! Where did you walk?
@@orangew3988 Coast to Coast (Wainwrights)
Did you camp? I’m planning the Pennine Way in spring but I’m hoping for something I can fit in before then. I’d like to camp but it’s a bit of a pain on the PW although there’s such a strong tradition of wild camping that I’m less bothered but I was wondering how feasible C2C is in a tent to keep the cost down
@@pygmygiant Yes I camped and pretty easy I'd say for C2C. I did it in 10 days, nine nights camping with six wild and three at sites. The three I took at sites were more out of 'It'd be a bit of a pain not to' situation. They were Patterdale (side farm) money wasted if you can carry on to Angle tarn, rain and wind all day for me so cut it short but 9 or 10 pound there with no flat pitch is annoying. Then pub at Shap £7 with shower, better than Patterdale. Last non wild was at Reeth, woman there was more than helpful and all you'd expect from a well run campsite, £9 i think. If you are up for it though, wildcamping is the way. Hoping to do the Pennine Way myself but not too sure when.
Sorry I re-read and realised you might want just campsites, that's very easy on C2C but I was going out of my way to avoid, in the main. Have a good trip!
Great research and nice presentation. Affordable UL gear is a great topic.
i have also suffered from slipping pillow. just saw a forum with someone suggesting pulling a spare tshirt / fleece over the end of sleeping pad, and putting the pillow inside that to prevent slipping. going to try on my next trip, but the living room floor test says its a winner
Good tip! I swapped out to the S2S Aeros pillow earlier this year, and I haven't had as many issues with it moving around.
Nice set up. It looks like this is best for a 2 day/1night adventure in the South given the bare bones nature of your kit. Still, nice value.
What's missing? People thru-hike with less.
I used to carry the same poncho, until the time the wind ripped it in half in the middle of a storm in the UP.
Gerber Dime is great to have. I too have used the scissors and pliers more than the blade.
Toaks pot, that orange stuff sack is surprisingly heavy. The cotton bandana takes too long to dry. I would get a cheap microfiber packtowel from Amazon.
you've been thru it, unlike many other replyers
Linen for towels is best imo
Hello my friend. I just came across this video and subbed to you immediately. Love that you give your actual reasons for your choices. Not everything is top of the line and doesn't all cost an arm and a leg. Not sure if you are aware but the Dime actually has a designated tweezer. It is very inconspicuous(at the end under the handle scale). I had one as my daily carry for almost a year before I realized it was there. Great video!
Wow! I never noticed that before. Thanks for the heads up! They're definitely hidden.
@@GearTestTV They are pretty good tweezers too!
this video really gives me hope that I can go camping/hiking with my 35L pack for a whole weekend with light, not ultralight, gear.
StBimbam you totally can. Have fun and enjoy!
This video has been so helpful! I car camp currently but this really inspired me and gave great examples on how I can make the transition to backpacking on a budget! Thank you!
Good video, gave me some thoughts. For years I never concerned myself with weight, always been a big guy, getting older now and more weight hurts now. So the way of the ultralight weeny I will go.
your production is very well done. thanks for the effort put into compiling and sharing. good info
This video doesn't have enough views/thumbs up, excellent, some other people post a few items that are light and cheap, but you have the whole set, and under 9 lb/650 dlls. Nice job!
Thanks!
I would love to see an episode on Cpap equipment for backpacking.
Amen! My current CPAP kit with battery (good for 2 nights sleep)...weighs a hefty 5lbs. Scanning the internet, I found what appears to be a 3lbs option; Somnetics Transcend miniCPAP. But before dropping money on it, I sure wish I could first get some real-world feedback from an experienced CPAP-using Thru-hiker , if not a nearly-60 year old dayhiker moving up to Section Hiking like myself.
I love my SMD tent, the only problem is condensation when it’s cold and you camp near a lake but I think most tents have the same issue. It’s affordable and it weights only 860g.
No single wall tent is condensation proof. And none ever will be. Best is to pay attention to how few point works and learn to deal with it with a towel to wipe down leave doors open as much as possible at night and stop breathing cause that is one of the reason for condensation as well as body heat. Lol vapor liners were a big thing years ago but nobody seems to use those anymore probably because they are clammy. Pitch your smd tent higher to allow air flow also helps. More places for vapor to escape the better. The only time the storm door should be closed it during a storm. If it’s cold get a warmer sleeping bag rather than shutting the tent up and not allowing air flow. Air flow is the only way to mitigate it and even then depending on humidity and temperature you can still get condensation. Valley floors have more humidity at night than higher up a hill or mountain also. But open areas be under trees also makes a difference. Trees can catch some of that dew but then in morning being in shade will also make more condensation so it’s all a catch 22 and not an exact science. Try a few ideas I put up there and see if any of that helps. Dew point is the enemy lol.
Put a 12 hr beeswax candle in the tent! Really helps with condensation if you can stand the light
@@jacobhorton9832 an open flame in a 1 person tent while sleeping? What could go wrong?
Sounds like a farmers insurance commercial
yeah single wall tents are awful for condensation, that is one place I will not compromise on with a tent its double walled or nothing. Now if i wanted to cut weight i would either pack my 2 man and have a buddy carry half the poles and the rain fly or just take my military goretex bivy. That thing has no issues with condensation and is perfectly fine even in heavy rain plus its great for other situations when camping. I have used it to keep my sleeping bag dry when tent camping in snow, and to add a bit of extra warmth when its really cold out. I mean sure tents provide more privacy and protection from bugs but its trade offs. The most miserable night i have ever spent backpacking was in a single walled tent when it got down into the 30s. The condensation was so bad it soaked through my sleeping bag,to be fair part of the issue was with the design of that tent not having enough ventilation
I'm aiming for lightweight (around 6.8kg) but I'll use this advice to eventually approach ultralight.
Lots of great info and gear suggestions. You just got a new subscriber and a thumbs up. Keep up the good work.
That's a nice pack but could really do with a lot more molle options to expand and strap stuff to it.
Great video! For an lighter stove alternative, the BRS-3000T is only 25g and can be found on amazon for $16-18 (doesn't have it's own starter though).
BRS FTW!
BRS stove is awesome. Had mine for years.
Thanks! I will look into it. What type of starter are you using?
I just carry a bic lighter.
The sawyer mini takes way too long to filter water. Take a look at the Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle which is an awesome filter that also filters out dirt and it takes little time to fill up the water bottles. My backup water filter is the SteriPen Ultra but you will need a battery pack to keep it charged.
New sub..I'm an older hiker with fake hips. Looking for lighter gear. I hope everyone knows to tweak it to their needs... (comment section about what you "forgot" is crazy here). Depending on when and where you hike, some people will need warmer clothes...duh, and I need about 2lbs for meds. Great video.
Thanks for subscribing! It's true. There is no one correct setup for every person in every region.
@@GearTestTV I'm 62, and just getting back into hiking after 20 years. The job I just retired from hindered me from doing much of anything. So I am 30 lbs overweight, and totally out of shape, so starting lightweight and doing some 2-3 day hikes is my goal. Don't have anything fake, (yet) but my job did give me a bad back and shoulder.
Maybe you can do a video on (if your alone) how to travel to a trail, where to park your car for security, especially if it is a month long trip, or rent one for the trip, how to get back to your car if you end up 100-1000 miles away.
AND, as a side question, if you manage to get to a town to resupply, is it polite to bath before going to a store? I have watched a lot of videos on stopping somewhere to buy food or whatever, but no one seems to feel the need to clean up first.
So many things have changed for me,, especially gear. My pack empty weighed almost as much as your base weight.
Nothing artificial yet (but I can feel it coming!) but I need to reduce pack weight even for my bicycle panniers. My Scottish hikes are only day ones but even then I feel my rucksack is just a tad too heavy. I even pack a survival Bivvy (which I reviewed in a storm on my channel) but leave out depending how safe the trip is going to be, and time of year.
I did the sawyer filter for several hikes, couldn’t get past the slow flow rate. I switched to the Katadyn BeFree with 1L pouch. It cost double the money, but I can eliminate one smartwater bottle, keep the same capacity, get a WAY better flow rate, and lose a few oz in the process.
I’ll have to see how it holds up, but so far it’s been a much better choice.
Still like the BeFree? Thinking about switching that out for my 22 CT thru hike
"I don't like carrying a pack cover because of the extra weight"
says the man carrying kleenex lmao
Ach, I’m still priced out of owning a quilt 😩 One trick I picked up somewhere on TH-cam is hooking a tshirt over your sleeping pad and then putting your pillow inside there so that it doesn’t slide off your pad whilst you’re trying to sleep. Life changing how much more comfortable camping is!
You need to check out the zen bivy light bed. It's a quilt that attaches to the hooded sheet which in turn, fits around a pad, the hood also keeps their pillow from sliding.
How much room is left in the pack? I love the look but im a big guy. I gotta eat. I need room. For at least 3 or 4 mountain houses and some snacks