Backpacking Tips to Reduce Weight - Avoid These 3 Backpacking Mistakes

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 88

  • @MyLifeOutdoors
    @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +120

    Volume Too Loud? I apologize. This was a mistake I didn't catch till after I published. I take pride in my video quality, and if I could go back and fix it I would. TH-cam doesn't allow any changes once a video is published. Believe me I am kicking myself for not catching it before. How ironic that I would make a mistake on a video about mistakes. Thank you for understanding and for watching.

  • @Oldsparkey
    @Oldsparkey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    It took me a while ( Years ) but I finally found away to go lighter. My base weight is 7.36 pounds. I did it by the three piles train of thought. Getting back from a trip. Make three piles of your gear. After all you need to clean , dry and repack most of it so sort it out.
    1. Items used all the time.
    2. Items used now and then.
    3. Items never or rarely used but carried.
    Discard pile #3 for the next trip. Returning from the next trip do the three piles again till there is never a pile #3. Then ( over time ) I replaced anything I could with lighter gear which was most of it.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      7.36 pounds is impressive!

    • @scottkundla
      @scottkundla 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Does your pack base weight exclude water and food?

    • @Chefrabbitfoot
      @Chefrabbitfoot ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@scottkundla base weight doesn't include anything consumable (food/water/fuel/toilet paper)

    • @maxsparks5183
      @maxsparks5183 ปีที่แล้ว

      I assume you probably “never use” your emergency gear so I assume you do keep that “never use” gear?

    • @roberttrinies7698
      @roberttrinies7698 ปีที่แล้ว

      I bought some fake "Hollywood " bricks ,this reduced my base weight considerably! 👍

  • @DoseofDirt
    @DoseofDirt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Packing my fears is definitely my biggest problem! I literally took two stoves for a while a few summers ago because I was afraid of one failing. 🤦‍♂️ Can't believe I carried that extra weight around. Love the video! The star wars reference was the icing on the cake!

    • @rockytopwrangler2069
      @rockytopwrangler2069 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      .. but what if your primary stove fails ,, do you just cold soak or turn around and go home ?? .. a back up stove can be only a few ounces or be a twig stove like a Firebox Nano as long as you are in a timbered area .. how important is this trek to stay out ?? ..

  • @ciscoB2183
    @ciscoB2183 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was just talking to a friend about that same exact subject. If you’re a weekend warrior you definitely pack your fears. Great video!

  • @BackcountryPilgrim
    @BackcountryPilgrim 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Knowledge vs. Practice - great point! My biggest issue is bringing "what if" gear (fear packing).

  • @dogdadoutdoors
    @dogdadoutdoors ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Definitely, the 'What if' causes me to carry a lot extra, but the biggest one of all is poor diet. A few years ago I lost 45lb and it felt like I was walking around on bionic legs afterward. Put a lot back on during lockdown and in the process of shifting again.

  • @ordinarypeople801
    @ordinarypeople801 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like this channel. Not trying to make the videos longer than they need to be! Great job, man! Cheers!!

  • @KyleGraham19
    @KyleGraham19 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I think a good thought to go along with the fears packing is, “Knowing where I’m headed, if I don’t have this what could happen?” Long nails or a hangnail on trail is something I can live with for a few nights. Having to make a legal fire for cooking because my stove failed, I can handle that. Redundancy can be good but we can take it too far.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I agree. I tend to overpack and be over prepared. I just need to find a happy medium.

  • @KathysOutdoorAdventures
    @KathysOutdoorAdventures 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thi is something I worry about being a new overnighter. I hike all the time and have my pack dialed in. The thought of not "having" something scares me. Great video. Just found your channel and looking forward to seeing more :)

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching! I know how you feel. I take so many things just because I might need them

    • @multigabby2
      @multigabby2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MyLifeOutdoors hi my way of thinking is this, it's best to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. enjoyed your vid .cheers.

  • @kerrymower1321
    @kerrymower1321 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great lessons. I’m 66 now. I got through college as a wild land fire fighter, then spent 40 years as a wildlife biologist. My life has spent in the backcountry, and nothing is as irksome to me as a snagged nail, a hangnail, or a broken nail. I never leave home without nail clippers in my pocket. I laugh to think something so important to me can be just ancillary to someone else!

  • @Love2Wander
    @Love2Wander 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My pack alone is 6 lbs osprey aether 70l should look into a lighter pack. Good info stay safe on your adventures

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I’m in the same boat. My favorite pack is my Arcteryx and it’s 5lbs. But it carries weight like a dream.

    • @Love2Wander
      @Love2Wander 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here I carry a little more weight in my pack the tent for both my wife and I. 35/40 lbs so I choose the osprey. But I do have osprey kestrel 38.

  • @freddonelson5505
    @freddonelson5505 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These are great pieces of advice and are definitely "fresh"!! Ya got a new sub with this one. Nice job!!😎😎

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That’s what I was hoping to do. Thanks for the sub!

  • @john_kelley
    @john_kelley 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video and content, man! Really enjoyed this. Packing your fears is always a big mistake for newbies and some veterans as well.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. The worst is I always clip my nails before a trip anyway. I pack the clippers “just in case” I forget to.

  • @charliemcdowell5231
    @charliemcdowell5231 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I almost have the opposite problem as you. I can’t stick to the same load out because I like experimenting with gear TOO much. Sometimes I bring my lightweight stuff, sometimes military surplus. Sometimes I bring my white gas stove and stuff for real cooking, other times my canister stove lol

  • @Kevinschart
    @Kevinschart ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes! Rock music while discussing pack weight! Party on!

  • @countrygirl63baker64
    @countrygirl63baker64 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's true, one packs their fears! I go by the rule of pack and unpack your pack at least 10 times before you go. It helps with weeding out those hidden ounces! Mine is food, so I have to really watch the snacks!

  • @johneason6540
    @johneason6540 ปีที่แล้ว

    I hike stoveless, so great savings in weight and packed food, thus smaller bag, equals less weight. Also my last trip out I took my 10f quilt, practally sleep on top of it. My 30fvbag would have been fine. Yes for me over packing clothes items, just in case I need them, not bc of being dirty, but not checking weather for the trail good enough. Your thoughts of if you didn't use it, dont take it next time. All good thoughts. Packing right now for a 15 day trip to Alaska ❤

  • @MyLifeOutdoors
    @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What mistakes have you made that make your pack too heavy?

  • @petermcilroy5742
    @petermcilroy5742 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just found your channel - love it!

  • @SouthernHike
    @SouthernHike 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    These are all excellent. And to the point. Great video!

  • @alexbrock2076
    @alexbrock2076 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey man. Your videos are great! I watch a ton of other backpacking channels on TH-cam and I’m a big fan of yours among a few others. Hope people start catching on and you start getting more likes/views. Keep it up!

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for stopping by just to say that. I appreciate it. Comments like this keep me motivated to make more videos. Thanks.

  • @jodigreanead7315
    @jodigreanead7315 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos are great! Learning not to pack my fears. You’ll hit 10k before long 😎

  • @eric55406
    @eric55406 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'd be curious to see a video about your favorite foods for backpacking (and also about other popular food items that other people also backpacking).

  • @ianwatson194
    @ianwatson194 ปีที่แล้ว

    I experimented with sleeping out in just a bivi bag and sleeping bag instead of a tent this last week. Works in dry summer weather but wouldn't fancy it during long winter nights 😁🌞🏕🤣

  • @mileswinslow7553
    @mileswinslow7553 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ahhh.... This is so perfect. Every one little light item adds up to be one heavy item. I've gotten better. My phone can double as my eReader. When it's summer I can use my two person Eno hammock as my sleeping bag. When I backpacked the mountains, maybe I should just bring a box of flies, for fly-fishing, instead of the full on vest (maybe). I always have tape for repairs. Do I need it? Not yet. I was just backpacking in The Badlands National Park, an unforgiving environment. I did need that gallon of water 💧, so I didn't bring a filter. During this trip, I need to think like NASA, every bolt 🔩 and nut weighs something...

  • @bushcraftwild4581
    @bushcraftwild4581 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video 👏👏👏

  • @luisgcasiquet
    @luisgcasiquet 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video

  • @AccidentalHiker1
    @AccidentalHiker1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always carry my little camp light. I have a headlamp but I really like my lamp.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’m like that with some of my gear too. If you want it, and don’t mind the weight there is no reason not to take it

  • @michaelmcphee2930
    @michaelmcphee2930 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I ditched my cooking set up entirely. I take coffee flavoured protein shakes and extra instant coffee and my homemade jerky for sustenance. My food weighs 300g pe day. My hikes are usually 10 days. I still bring back about 500g of food.

  • @vhubbell8481
    @vhubbell8481 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I liked the concept of don’t pack your fears with you.
    The music in this video was loud and distracting. Perhaps softer volume would have been better. I was quite interested in this topic but had a hard time hearing the great advice which you shared. I watched your water filter video and i really want to thank you for posting that! Im putting together a new pack and now i have some new idea for different equipment- ironically trying new gear showed up in this video. Thanks!

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I appreciate that. The volume level was a mistake I didn’t catch till after I published. YT won’t let you change it after you hit publish. Believe me I’m kicking myself for not catching the mistake. I’m glad you liked the filter video. Thanks for watching

  • @RalphReagan
    @RalphReagan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ran out of water in Southern Arizona. I always carry lots of water.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      For sure! That’s not the way to drop pack weight.

  • @markheming3507
    @markheming3507 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    First trip ever carried 80+ lbs with no knowledge & decided that would NEVER happen again……
    I now UL w/ a 7lb 11oz base weight and have never looked back. Since that trip I’ve never carried more than 26lbs w/ food & water even in the winter and never will….. practice, weigh everything, make list and notes of what you’ve carried and actually used before and after EVERY trip

  • @davidriley1034
    @davidriley1034 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I slowly refine my gear. Sometimes it is because I am able to upgrade. Other times I get to thinking I don't get enough benefit from this to carry it. I carried an umbrella for 1200 miles. Rarely used it and when I did it annoyed me. It is gone. I even question if I get enough benefit from my stove. Sometimes I take it. Sometimes I cold soak. I also like to find lightweight alternatives to my gear, ie tiny scissors instead of a knife. I find it good to try new ideas.

    • @americancommunist1776
      @americancommunist1776 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cold soaking is crazy bro how tf you gonna eat a cold meal that’s metal as hell

  • @williampennjr.4448
    @williampennjr.4448 ปีที่แล้ว

    weight distribution is important too. Try strapping some of your gear to your waist, in your jacket and pants pockets and shoulder straps, instead of putting everything in your backpack.

  • @josephallen2672
    @josephallen2672 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If I may, the music at the end of the video was a little overpowering compared to the voice track. It made it difficult to hear what you were saying.
    But(!) these are all great reminders to be diligent in our efforts to be the best backpacker we can.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I apologize. The volume at the end was a mistake I didn’t catch till after I published. YT won’t let you change anything after you publish. Believe me I’m kicking myself for not catching it before. I take pride in my video quality. Thank you for watching.

  • @melissabillmire8641
    @melissabillmire8641 ปีที่แล้ว

    I still like the idea of weighing your camping and hiking gear. Before you even think about hitting the trail.
    I actually have two different types of weight scales, one is the kind that only weighs in ounces.
    So that I can weigh each and every item separately. That doesn't over extent the weight capacity of the smaller scale.
    Then I have another type of weight scale that is used to weigh somewhat small shipping packages and boxes.
    I use that scale to weigh my heavier items. Like my sleeping bag and pad, tent, cooking supplies, food, clothes, first aid kit, and electronics.
    Once I have everything in my backpack. I can even use that same scale to weigh the backpack and it's contents that are inside of it.
    I just put a small plastic cutting board on top of it. And then dial in the weight of the cutting board back to "0" Zero.
    Place my backpack on it being careful that it doesn't fall off.
    And that will give me a good reference point of the approximate weight.
    Of everything that is in my backpack, and then I can start removing the items. I don't think are necessary and or important.
    And if I absolutely have to have something that I don't really want to carry around with me.
    I can always bounce it forward to my next destination.
    And then decide if it was worth the cost of shipping. For the items I may or may not have needed.
    Happy Trails everyone!!! 🚶⛺🌌

  • @msilverhammer
    @msilverhammer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have pretty much ditched all freeze dried foods.
    Most are super high in carbohydrates, and they leave you feeling bloated and listless, after your insulin levels spike, then crash!
    They also take up too much space, and add too much weight and bulk in my pack.
    I've started using a complete meal replacement from Hlth Code instead.
    Very lightweight powder, I just add two scoops into the available shaker bottle, and mix with 8 ounces or so of water.
    Shake for a minute or less, and you have a complete nutritious meal.
    Hlth Code is available in chocolate or vanilla, tastes great and contains tons of healthy long, medium, and short chain fats, vitamins, minerals, and high quality whey protein, and collagen protein, plus lots of fiber.
    Only a few net grams of carbohydrates, to keep your body running on the long lasting energy provided by healthy fats instead.
    A full bag provides 15 meals, or more, so I just bring enough for the length of my trip, and I supplement with other high fat, low carbohydrate foods like Macadamia nuts, Pecans, Avocado, Bacon Jerky, and Sausage for variety.
    If you want freeze dried foods, you should consider Next Mile Meals, as they are low in carbohydrates, and high in fats.
    I sometimes use Omeals (when fresh water is scarce), which work like an MRE, and dont require treated fresh water to activate the built in heater.
    The heater can be activated by any liquid like sea water, brackish water, untreated/unfiltered fresh water, juice, soda, or even urine.
    The food is hermetically sealed, so the liquid never comes in contact with the food.
    Check out former Olympic Decathlete, Dr. Sten Ekberg, and Dr. Ben Bikman, the creator of Hlth Code, for a free education on nutrition via TH-cam.
    I also follow Dr. Eric Berg, Dr. Paul Saladino, Dr. Ted Naiman, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Elizabeth Boham, and Investigative health and science author Gary Taubes.
    Hlth Code which I also use at home, provides the perfect solution to my weight, bulk, packing, and nutrition issues all in one.
    Hope this helps...
    Good luck.

  • @danvaarmeyer6817
    @danvaarmeyer6817 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always pack a portable Bluetooth speaker and keep the volume up way too loud. Just kidding!
    I’m a ‘just in case’er. I usually try to argue that the feeling of someone needing something they forgot and me saying, “here you go, I’ve got two of those” is worth it, but it happens less than I’d like to admit.

  • @stevewright2241
    @stevewright2241 ปีที่แล้ว

    I hear all the time on TH-cam that the sleeping bag rating is the “survival rating”. And content creators make it sound like that if you sleep in a bag at that temperature rating you will barely survive and you should feel lucky that you made it through the night. Truth is that if you’re a little cold at the temperature rating of the bag put a fleece on and pull the hood closed around your face then you should be good. If you want to save a pound of weight, push your sleeping bag down to its temperature rating. You can even take it below that rating if you want to but you will be sleeping in your down clothes.

  • @zmuzzy101
    @zmuzzy101 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Warmer bag means good to lower temperature

  • @Merlmabase
    @Merlmabase 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh man who's selling the ti nail clippers?

  • @bundyfam
    @bundyfam 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    One time I made the mistake of carrying a full pack into the woods when I could have left it all on the shelf in the garage and sat back down. I definitely had egg on my face for that one.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Egg on your face can attract bears. That’s two mistakes. Bears love egg face hikers

    • @bundyfam
      @bundyfam 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      🤣 good tip! Eggs face hikers and honey head kids, be ware.

  • @Corcioch
    @Corcioch 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just found your channel, some great content....the music however is overbearing. In the last minute of that video it was louder than you.
    It's a pity because your topics, discussion, info and ideas are great. They'd easily stand alone without the overbearing background music.
    But of course it's your content. Feel free to tell me to take a hike...😀

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you. The music volume in this video was a mistake I didn’t catch till after I published. Believe me Iv been kicking myself.

  • @lisasdayoff503
    @lisasdayoff503 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always switch it up so I can go lite. I only weigh 115 so I really need to go lite.

  • @rloft
    @rloft 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Not saying you are wrong. But i believe 90% would be better off exercising once a week, and stop worrying about 1-4 lbs extra for trips up to a week.

  • @OutHereOnTheFlats
    @OutHereOnTheFlats 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    my flaw is "what if" - but they are typically ridiculous hypotheticals.

  • @caverain
    @caverain 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I watch a lot of your videos, this was a good one just like the others. But the music at the last part of your video was to loud. It was loud enough it made it hard to hear what you were saying.

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I apologize. This was a mistake that I didn’t catch till after I uploaded. Once it’s uploaded YT won’t let you fix it without taking it down and starting over (I know because I’ve tried everything.) Thanks for watching

  • @stummj99
    @stummj99 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not battling trying to hear the words over that loud music!

  • @robertpoturalski2625
    @robertpoturalski2625 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sound is too loud

    • @MyLifeOutdoors
      @MyLifeOutdoors  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for letting me know. It was a mistake a didn’t catch till it was published.

  • @aleswell9257
    @aleswell9257 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I will carry nail clippers till I die!

  • @rockytopwrangler2069
    @rockytopwrangler2069 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    .. I get annoyed by the comment of "packing your fears" ,,I think that is a ridiculous comment .. it's not about a "fear" ,, it's being prepared ... Pack your needs ,, essentials ,,then extra wants ....after a few treks you will adjust what works for you ... don't weight it after you dial in your system ,, it's YOUR loadout ,, IT IS WHAT IT IS ... As time and experience increase ,, replacing an item by lighter weight same item is common but loadout will be the same ... sometimes , redundancy is a good thing ... time of year and conditions will dictate ..

  • @МаксимЕремин-я6т
    @МаксимЕремин-я6т ปีที่แล้ว

    Why yt gives me Korean captions on this video?

  • @XA1985
    @XA1985 ปีที่แล้ว

    Carry a Garmin at least, only a fool will go out into the woods without gps

  • @rockytopwrangler2069
    @rockytopwrangler2069 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    .. Lose the three bricks ... you'll be fine ...

  • @youareIndenial981
    @youareIndenial981 ปีที่แล้ว

    Guilty guilty guilty

  • @denisoleary5302
    @denisoleary5302 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whats with the music? Had to turn you off!

  • @qasimayub3068
    @qasimayub3068 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Video is too specific. Not very helpful

  • @funckyjunky
    @funckyjunky 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Haha, so true about tape 🤣