I've seen seems like millions of these, Yours are hands down the best yet. To the point, well edited, no bullshit chatter; ah, I mean, let's see over here and the best feature is you don't waste time trying out a stand-up routine. For the last one Thank You Thank you. I texted my son, turns out he was watching you at the same time. Keep up the quality.
I definitely agree with you about the bullshit chatter. A lot of other channels go into corny jokes or brag about the items while Darwin talks plainly on what he did and why. Really enjoy watch these videos.
That side pocket I think would be a great place to stow your rain gear. Opening your pack when it's raining to get your rain gear out isn't a good strategy for keeping contents dry.
I've been thinking about getting into backpacking and your videos have been RIDICULOUSLY useful in getting a better sense of gear, backpacks, and mentality for going on a thru hike. Thanks for doing such detailed videos!
I am enjoying your videos. Great for ideas. I just bought my last hunting pack. Stone glacier 6200. And am looking for ways to load it more efficient then I have in the past. Keep up the good info videos
You've mentioned a couple times that you only carry 2 liters of water on you. If that works, more power to you. In my experience in the Arizona desert, I go through 3 liters a day just drinking, which is often followed by dry camping. Again, more power to you, just seems crazy to me.
I thought I was going to have a problem with my inflatable pad in the desert too but did not get a single puncture until I reached Northern Californa and Oregon where I got 4 punctures over that stretch even though I was careful.
I usually do 10 to 20 day hikes in Norway, rather cold and rainy in summer, and my setup is so much different from yours :) It is really funny how the regional experiences influence you you set up and evolve this over time :) If you're interested I can tell you what I pack and how after about 10 years of hiking eyxperience in that climate :)
Watch out for your bear can rubbing the cuben...I met several on jmt/pct who got holes from can rubbing. They ended up packing clothes and quilt in compactor bag and putting can in also so cloths protect pack.
I'd love to see how you divide up your gear to share your pack weight with your wife. You mentioned that she carries the tent footprint but that's it. Do you each carry your own toiletries, food, emergency kit, quilt, sleeping pad, etc? I've always carried our daughter so my husband has always carried the bulk of the gear. Now that our daughter is hiking more I finally got a real pack (not one that also carries a child). Now we have to figure out how to divide up the gear into these two packs.
Great idea on the zlite for the the desert, definitely going to have to copy that idea. I'm still contemplating on the umbrella but I may have to choose one. Hopefully we meet up on the PCT man, I can't wait. Definitely looking forward to more of your videos on your PCT gear. Onward to Canada! Stoked we could all collaborate. Andy
I really like your videos, they are informative and straight forward. I was just wonderring why you don't use a compression bag for your clothes? It really is a game changer when it comes to using space. Oh, and I would also like to recommend you the Klättermusen Arvaker 60l pack. Thanks!
I also live in New Mexico. But I'm wondering how you manage to get along on only two liters of water. We don't have an abundance of creeks here. So do you rely on always being near one, or rely on pre-laid water drops along the route?
If I'm hiking in the Desert I always carry a bit extra. I have a couple Platypus 1 liter soft bags that I carry from time to time depending on where I'm hiking. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin
Retro or Retrogrouch Backpacking" ...I read this in a add on the internet...talking about Backpackers that primarily used vintage backpacking gear...now is this a real thing...is there a new fad called Retrogrouch Backpacking? I know Vintage backpacking gear is becoming more in Vogue. . .then it was... Some call this ("Retro" (Grouch) Backpacking)...for short. Retrogrouch -noun 1. One who is skeptical of technological developments until their usefulness and reliability have been proven. 2. One who insists on minimalist equipment that may be user-serviced, and has proven its usefulness in the past. . . 3. He is such a retro Grouch he still uses a camera that takes film. . .
do you have a strategy for injuries or something !? whatever I'm not a fan of stupid light hiking....personally I leave my bulky TENT in the home and grab the hammock when I want going super lightweight. Overall thank you for sharing your exp.
Looks like both your set ups weight about the same. The main difference to me is your packs. How did the Atoms carry (comfort wise) compared to the ZPack? Also, do you think you could have gone without hip belt on the ZPack?
I'm thinking about getting a Zpack Arc Blast. I'm torn though.... I really like the idea of the arc'd frame to give you good airflow, but I'm concerned about putting all the weight waaaay out back causing more leverage pulling you backward. I would think it should be closer to your back rather than farther away. What are your thoughts on that?
Thanks for the videos man, love the idea of stuffing your tent into the pot really great. I'm conflicted I either want to do that or this year I've been thinking about just stuffing the tent in the pack after my sleeping bag to save some extra ounces. Thanks again!
I have an Atmos 65 AG, and was wondering if your non-AG kinda blocked your head from tilting back too far? If it did, did you just kinda of live with it, or was there something you were able to do to help it.
I have the same tiny Gerber tiny "skeleton frame". What do you use it for?!!? I don't even know where I got mine or when. I've had it for years and NEVER used it. I love it - but I don't have any reason to. LOL
Referring to the Osrey Atmos packing You did not give hand sanitizer a specific mention, so I assume its tucked away with the crappolux along with whatever you use to dig out a cat hole?
I am looking for New England winter hiking video. I have back pain issues so I am switching from my REI Traverse 48 to Osprey Atmos AG 50. REI Traverse is similar to the Osprey Stratos. After watching your video I think I should get the AG 65. I was disappointed the Osprey Atmos has fewer pockets than my REI Traverse. New England weather changes frequently through the day so I typically pack my food on bottom for rapid layer changes. Need to be able to rapidly change for snow, sleet, freezing rain, wind. AG 50 does not have rain cover, no side pockets, no top internal mesh pocket, and missing several other convenient pockets. When clothes get wet from snow or rain need to keep items separate to avoid hypothermia. I look forward to more of your helpful videos.
a little off topic - i recently found your videos and have watched quite a few - do you have a video about your camera gear and set up? One of your reviews you mentioned the Gopro and Canon camera but was interested about the set up - mounts, chargers, etc.
hey! would you be able to share what size of dry bags you used for your clothing? I see a number offered on zpack site and was hoping to use one similar size to yours'. thanks!
just one piece of advice after working search and rescue is that anything you dont want to loose (knife), I wouldnt recommend you keep it on the outside. otherwise solid stuff
Hello Darwin good vid, you pack your pack about the same as i do. So it looks familiar. My question is. The osprey is a very comfi backpack but is has more weight, your zpack is much lighter but i think you give away a lot of comfort specially wen you are on max water and food. Is that differance in weight wurth the less comfort. ? ( i have a osprey Aether and i realy love that pack, it is heavy but if it has less then 14kilograms in it i would not even feel it and i really like that ) But i also see ups of your new pack 1 compartment waterproof. etc Freddy ( will do the PCT in 2019 )
They are the Vivo Barefoot Ultras. Love those things. I have used the hell out of them & they are still hanging in there like champs. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin
Thanks so much buddy. I have my own Channel as well so if you ever do more collaboration videos with other TH-camrs like this one, I'd love to link up to help support my fellow backpackers.
Darwin, I really like the zpack, yet I've heard rumors about the stays poking out the top of the pack, are you experiencing or seeing this? Great information and best of luck on the PCT. Cast Iron Kid
When packing a bear canister...maximize space and put all food inside(except for snacks and maybe the day’s lunch), then place in pack. Shouldn’t take that much more space (although it isn’t compressible). Happy Hiking!!
Awesome info! I'm green as a leaf on the whole hiking thing but not on the camping. I'm literally going to take my first hiking steps at the end of August 2017. Out of all the TH-cam channels on this subject I get the most informative tips from yours, Thanks for the help. At some point I will eventually clock some serious miles, so my 2 questions are, why pack vs stuff? 2nd question: will a 50L pack be adequate for a short muti-day hike?
I've heard the Arc packs can be squeaky. Do you find that to be the case? How's the padding on the shoulder straps? I just ditched a ULA Catalyst and am looking to downsize... that thing always made my shoulders very sore.
Hello Darwin I have a quick question I'm starting the AT in middle of april of 2020 and was wondering if you recommend the Osprey Atmos 65 or the Osprey Exos 58? Thank you for all that you do on the channel and congratulations on all the hikes.
Haha, I originally checked out your channel because I thought your videos would be about idiots on the trail. Like the Darwin Awards but backpacking stories. Instead I have been learning a lot from you, and totally forgot my initial click until you busted out your stickers!!! Just thought I'd share that with you for shits and giggles. Thanks so much for your videos! I'm about to hit up Half Dome for my first backpacking trip. Totally excited, and it's been a blessing to have found your channel. Thank you so much!!! ✌
What kind of camp shoes are those Darwin? They look more compressible than regular crocs. What I'm using now are very flat but they have absolutely no ankle support at all (forget what they are called). Almost like being barefoot. I live in the ATL area so I backpack a lot in the Smokies and the AT from Springer to Damascus. Let me know when you have time about those camp shoes and thanks in advance. Love your channel!
Ultra light guy with a 65liters.... kind of funny.Food on top is bad, you do not need to resupply "fast", but you need good weight distribution... heaving things go middle near your spine, nothing heavy on top cause it will take inertia when walking/climbing.
Love the videos. I've been binging on them all afternoon. Also, you look familiar. When would you have been on the Presidential Traverse on the AT? I met someone who looks like you at the Madison Hut around the end of July 2015. Anyway, thanks for the vids. I'm definitely going to look into that Cuben Fiber pack.
What was the total weight of your AT bag? I'm digging that set up. Also, it may be beneficial to try the sleep pad on the PCT bag vertically on the side. Not sure how much brush you're gonna be busting while you're carrying that particular pad but if it's anything significant, it looks like you might snag on some brush during your walk. You've got some good content, really down to earth and no bullshit about it. Keep it up!
Very good video, I like the idea of storing things side-by-side in the main compartment. I also like that you didn't put much at all in the side pockets. I'm trying that now - until now, I've always stored large items in there which fit 'perfectly' into the pockets but which made the main compartment unmanageably thin. I think I'm gonna have more success using those big side pockets for small things, while stuffing the larger (and often last to be used) items at the bottom of my main compartment. Thanks Darwin, as always! Oh, by the way, I was curious about you using such a big bag (Atmos 65), but I figured that you needed extra space with the filming gear and such. But in the end it seems you just have the discipline not to fill up the whole thing to capacity - kudos on that :)
Kinda surprised you used the top flap on the Atmos on your journey towards ultra-lightness. At 172 grams or 6 ounces removal of it and use of the purpose designed sub-flap is a quick way to drop 172 grams or 6 ounces.
Wonderful video. Very helpful. I have lived in the North Cascades all of my 55 years and have done Section K many times as well as Section J. I would encourage you to make it all the way to the border. Many folks get to the Bridge of the Gods and call that good, but as good as the High Sierras and the Oregon Cascades are (and they are really good) I have to say the North Cascades are profound in their beauty (yeah, I know I'm a little prejudice). Be aware that up here it can snow heavily any time of the year, even in the heat of the summer. I envy your coming adventure. It is going to be so good. Be well.
Thanks man! I just got the Atmos 65 and was struggling with the weight distribution and my lower back feeling tight and sore on my test hauls. Had not thought of splitting my tent parts up. That seems to be much better. Good luck on the PCT.
What is that electronics bag? Was curious what it was, or if it's just something generic. I bought a "zip wallet" from Flowfold that comes in today, I think... just for my keys and cards, but I was wondering of an easy way to carry phone charger cable, etc.
The mesh outside pocket is definitely the ideal place for camp shoes. Great idea storing the pack cover inside one of the camp shoes - if my pack cover weren't built into its own special pocket on the base of my pack, I'd definitely pinch that idea. Will bear it in mind if I change packs. "Shit tickets" - love it! I call it "bum fodder" ("bum" being Brit/Kiwi/Aussie slang for backside, rather than a term for an indigent person). Definitely agree with having the main food bag near the top where you can load it quickly and adjust the cinch if need be. My food is one of the last things to go into the pack, anyway, because I like to keep my gear in my pack when not in use and don't want to have to unpack it just to put my food in. Great idea keeping things side by side rather than stacked, I'm going to have to experiment with my load and see how practical that will be with my pack and gear - have to re-jig my load now I've got a hammock anyway, so now would be a good time. I carry my "quick access" stuff - rain coat, trail food, power packs, cables, "bum fodder", camera etc - in a 9-litre bag with lots of convenient compartments on my chest where I can get to it without having to take off my pack. It acts as balance bag to offset the weight behind me and doubles as a day bag if I'm just going for a day hike. I couldn't go back to having a single compartment pack. I rely on the bottom compartment of my pack for sleeping bag, mat and pillow, the various pockets in the top flap for other ready-access things, side pockets for cooking gear etc. If I could design and build my own pack, I'd add more pockets and compartments to suit my gear and access needs.
I'm just now watching your videos and I'm super excited to find out you're doing the PCT next year as I'm planning my thru hike of it as well! I haven't decided when I'm leaving. Sometime between march 15 to April 15. Probably closer to the April date. It'll be my first long thru hike! Hope to see you guys on the trail!!!
Funny you call the lower compartment a "sleeping bag compartment". I've tried to figure out the most convenient way to pack my backbag and it's the lower compartment I'm struggling with. I kind a think I should pack there the things I need during the day when on the move. So it would mean rain clothes, food and cooking etc. Also a warm jacket for the breaks is essential up here outside summer time. Never have I thought I could pack a sleeping bag there. I always pack it inside the upper compartment or under the lid if I have my larger winter sleeping bag with me. Then again, I hate that that thing blocks the entrance to the upper compartment. I guess there's no right or wrong here, but what do you think?
I have a question about your patches on the osprey. Are they sewed or glued on? I have a couple of patches I wanna put on my pack but worried sewing them on will wreck my pack. Thanks.
Any concerns about hiking the PCT with a non-freestanding tent? I grew up in Maine hiking bits of the AT, my girlfriend grew up in San Diego and did a lot of camping in dessert areas, we live in Los Angeles now. She had a good laugh at my tent that couldn't stand up on its own, the ground is usually too hard for stakes, so you end up tying to rocks.
you could use the side pockets easily: what about your rain jacket oder food bag or ass pad?! btw. i like the way of your side by side packing :) + If it's raining, where do you put your tent?
I watched another video where you decide to ditch camp shoes. I’ve never heard of them at all before watching your videos. Are they popular amongst long, long, long distance trail hikers. What’s the camp shoe all about? Why are they a thing?
First time I saw this video, I noticed the 'No AMC' patch! Hell yeah! AWESOME! Hate the AMC ever since my thru hike in '08. Killer video also....thanks man! Jackaroo GA>ME '08
lol.... I was wandering when other Hiker Trash would notice the patch! They def don't have a good rep with Thru-Hikers. Had some really rough experiences with them in 2016 in the Whites..... Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin
Hello. I have never hiked here so I have no first hand knowledge of this, but your comments made me look it up and I found this. It may or may not be helpful but I thought I'd share just in case. www.outdoors.org/articles/uncategorized/thru-hiker-to-thru-hiker-the-hows-and-whys-of-new-hampshires-white-mountains/
I've seen seems like millions of these, Yours are hands down the best yet. To the point, well edited, no bullshit chatter; ah, I mean, let's see over here and the best feature is you don't waste time trying out a stand-up routine. For the last one Thank You Thank you. I texted my son, turns out he was watching you at the same time. Keep up the quality.
Thanks Charlie Man! I try to be as honest & to the point as possible. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Darwin onthetrail thanks for the info!
Great good excellent production values and I do agree with every thing you said. Darwin = GREAT QUALITY.
I definitely agree with you about the bullshit chatter. A lot of other channels go into corny jokes or brag about the items while Darwin talks plainly on what he did and why. Really enjoy watch these videos.
That side pocket I think would be a great place to stow your rain gear. Opening your pack when it's raining to get your rain gear out isn't a good strategy for keeping contents dry.
Shit tickets. Omg I have never heard that one before. Just laughed my ass off.
Shit tickets! I love it! Great breakdown dude. Glad you are super happy with your Zpacks Blast. I love my Haul--still the best damn pack I ever had.
Dude, just watched this after watching all your later videos, love the evolution!
So much genius from this guy. Rainfly in shoes, stuff in snow shovel pocket
I've been thinking about getting into backpacking and your videos have been RIDICULOUSLY useful in getting a better sense of gear, backpacks, and mentality for going on a thru hike. Thanks for doing such detailed videos!
shit tickets, ha!
I am enjoying your videos. Great for ideas. I just bought my last hunting pack. Stone glacier 6200. And am looking for ways to load it more efficient then I have in the past. Keep up the good info videos
I would've paid for this information
You've mentioned a couple times that you only carry 2 liters of water on you. If that works, more power to you. In my experience in the Arizona desert, I go through 3 liters a day just drinking, which is often followed by dry camping. Again, more power to you, just seems crazy to me.
I thought I was going to have a problem with my inflatable pad in the desert too but did not get a single puncture until I reached Northern Californa and Oregon where I got 4 punctures over that stretch even though I was careful.
I usually do 10 to 20 day hikes in Norway, rather cold and rainy in summer, and my setup is so much different from yours :) It is really funny how the regional experiences influence you you set up and evolve this over time :) If you're interested I can tell you what I pack and how after about 10 years of hiking eyxperience in that climate :)
matyourin Would be super interesting to read! As a newbie Swedish hiker :P
Watch out for your bear can rubbing the cuben...I met several on jmt/pct who got holes from can rubbing. They ended up packing clothes and quilt in compactor bag and putting can in also so cloths protect pack.
Yep, I've been warned by a few hikers that that can happen! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Darwin onthetrail what is pct lol
@@suhjested5955 pacific crest trail
I'd love to see how you divide up your gear to share your pack weight with your wife. You mentioned that she carries the tent footprint but that's it. Do you each carry your own toiletries, food, emergency kit, quilt, sleeping pad, etc? I've always carried our daughter so my husband has always carried the bulk of the gear. Now that our daughter is hiking more I finally got a real pack (not one that also carries a child). Now we have to figure out how to divide up the gear into these two packs.
Yep We just split the tent & Share 1 Stove. Everything else we have it separate gear. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Great idea on the zlite for the the desert, definitely going to have to copy that idea. I'm still contemplating on the umbrella but I may have to choose one. Hopefully we meet up on the PCT man, I can't wait. Definitely looking forward to more of your videos on your PCT gear. Onward to Canada! Stoked we could all collaborate.
Andy
Which down quilt will you be bringing?
EE Revelation 20. Love that damn thing!
Hike On,
Darwin
what type of camp shoes do you use i need some lightweight ones for my son, whose going on philmont in two months
I really like your videos, they are informative and straight forward. I was just wonderring why you don't use a compression bag for your clothes? It really is a game changer when it comes to using space. Oh, and I would also like to recommend you the Klättermusen Arvaker 60l pack. Thanks!
Do you recommend taking an umbrella on the AT now that you’ve seen it’s versatility?
Of all the thousands of “how to pack your backpack” videos, your the only one that showed how it looks “INSIDE” your backpack. Great video. Thank you
I also live in New Mexico. But I'm wondering how you manage to get along on only two liters of water. We don't have an abundance of creeks here. So do you rely on always being near one, or rely on pre-laid water drops along the route?
If I'm hiking in the Desert I always carry a bit extra. I have a couple Platypus 1 liter soft bags that I carry from time to time depending on where I'm hiking. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Darwin onthetrail o
Dont keep your toilet paper with your eating utensils
lol... Good Advice! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Especially if it's used
Recycled toilet paper - yet another way to save money
***_blank stare_ ***
What the...
Good informative video!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks much & Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Thank you for the video. I learn a lot. I have a question though: mosquitos love me. How do I protect my legs and face while trekking?
I've hiked sections of the PCT in Washington. I'm so excited for you to enjoy the PNW. This was a very helpful video. Thanks for making it your stuff.
Great to step back in time and see what was going on in 2017
Which pocket do you keep the hashish in lol
@kirwi kirwinson his name is Darwin I doubt he carries a Bible
darwin ain't got no goddam buy-bull
@kirwi kirwinson maybe he keeps it in his bible
Darwin - Have you changed your placement of the tent in the Arc Blast now that you have the Duplex?
great videos man. where do you keep your gas for your stove?
Is that a new Arc Blast? After the update? Or the older, lighter version?
What did you ever use the knife for on the trail?
Retro or Retrogrouch Backpacking" ...I read this in a add on the internet...talking about Backpackers that primarily used vintage backpacking gear...now is this a real thing...is there a new fad called Retrogrouch Backpacking? I know Vintage backpacking gear is becoming more in Vogue. . .then it was...
Some call this ("Retro" (Grouch) Backpacking)...for short.
Retrogrouch
-noun
1. One who is skeptical of technological developments until their usefulness and reliability have been proven.
2. One who insists on minimalist equipment that may be user-serviced, and has proven its usefulness in the past. . .
3. He is such a retro Grouch he still uses a camera that takes film. . .
Hey Darwin! Thanks for the video. That's a ton of great information about how to pack a backpack. Thanks for posting !
Thanks Dovah Hiker, I try...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
do you have a strategy for injuries or something !? whatever I'm not a fan of stupid light hiking....personally I leave my bulky TENT in the home and grab the hammock when I want going super lightweight. Overall thank you for sharing your exp.
Thanks Darwin, I'm heading out tomorrow and this video really helped.
Looks like both your set ups weight about the same. The main difference to me is your packs. How did the Atoms carry (comfort wise) compared to the ZPack? Also, do you think you could have gone without hip belt on the ZPack?
I'm thinking about getting a Zpack Arc Blast. I'm torn though.... I really like the idea of the arc'd frame to give you good airflow, but I'm concerned about putting all the weight waaaay out back causing more leverage pulling you backward. I would think it should be closer to your back rather than farther away. What are your thoughts on that?
Thanks for the videos man, love the idea of stuffing your tent into the pot really great. I'm conflicted I either want to do that or this year I've been thinking about just stuffing the tent in the pack after my sleeping bag to save some extra ounces. Thanks again!
Sounds like a solid Idea! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Cool! This was filmed in my state. 😊 Curious where you went in NM.
I have an Atmos 65 AG, and was wondering if your non-AG kinda blocked your head from tilting back too far? If it did, did you just kinda of live with it, or was there something you were able to do to help it.
Never had a problem with it. At least if I did, I haven't noticed it...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
I have the same tiny Gerber tiny "skeleton frame". What do you use it for?!!?
I don't even know where I got mine or when. I've had it for years and NEVER used it.
I love it - but I don't have any reason to. LOL
Is there anything in there that isn’t ‘quick to get to’?
People tell me the tent should be on top since you set that up first...esp if it's wet
Referring to the Osrey Atmos packing You did not give hand sanitizer a specific mention, so I assume its tucked away with the crappolux along with whatever you use to dig out a cat hole?
What about your poop shovel? Also I’d keep your spork in a separate compartment from your “shit tickets” bag.
I am looking for New England winter hiking video. I have back pain issues so I am switching from my REI Traverse 48 to Osprey Atmos AG 50. REI Traverse is similar to the Osprey Stratos. After watching your video I think I should get the AG 65. I was disappointed the Osprey Atmos has fewer pockets than my REI Traverse. New England weather changes frequently through the day so I typically pack my food on bottom for rapid layer changes. Need to be able to rapidly change for snow, sleet, freezing rain, wind. AG 50 does not have rain cover, no side pockets, no top internal mesh pocket, and missing several other convenient pockets. When clothes get wet from snow or rain need to keep items separate to avoid hypothermia. I look forward to more of your helpful videos.
a little off topic - i recently found your videos and have watched quite a few - do you have a video about your camera gear and set up? One of your reviews you mentioned the Gopro and Canon camera but was interested about the set up - mounts, chargers, etc.
What's your favorite camp shoes? Do you recommend bringing them on a hike like the JMT?
What should i do if i can't fit my tent in my backpack? should i buy a new tent, should i buy a new backpack, or just stuff it in somehow?
@darwin onthetrail what size dry bags do you use for food and clothes?
I would also like to know as I have the same pack as you do (Osprey Atmos 65).
it seems like an 8L dry bag. I could be wrong.
hey! would you be able to share what size of dry bags you used for your clothing? I see a number offered on zpack site and was hoping to use one similar size to yours'. thanks!
Didnt know you were in the New Mexico area. Im currently living in Clovis NM. understand what you mean with the goatheads.
I'm currently in ABQ!. Hate those damn things.... Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Have you ever tried out the Ursack Kevlar bear bag. I have seen Joe Robinett and The guy from My Self Reliance use it instead of a bear canister.
What are your thoughts on other packs in the Arc line? Is there a fundamental difference in your opinion between the Arc Blast and say the Arc Scout?
just one piece of advice after working search and rescue is that anything you dont want to loose (knife), I wouldnt recommend you keep it on the outside. otherwise solid stuff
Shit tickets haha 😂 that's awesome, love your vedios man!
Hello Darwin good vid, you pack your pack about the same as i do. So it looks familiar.
My question is. The osprey is a very comfi backpack but is has more weight, your zpack is much lighter but i think you give away a lot of comfort specially wen you are on max water and food. Is that differance in weight wurth the less comfort. ?
( i have a osprey Aether and i realy love that pack, it is heavy but if it has less then 14kilograms in it i would not even feel it and i really like that ) But i also see ups of your new pack 1 compartment waterproof. etc Freddy ( will do the PCT in 2019 )
Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the PCT videos. What size zpacks backpack do you have?
It's a 60L Arc Blast. Can't wait to make some PCT videos to share with you guys & gals! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Just wondering why hikers don't carry more water bottles on their shoulder straps. Seems to reduce the weight by half?
What camp shoes are those? I've been looking for something just like those. Mostly because I refuse to get Crocks haha
They are the Vivo Barefoot Ultras. Love those things. I have used the hell out of them & they are still hanging in there like champs. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Thanks so much buddy. I have my own Channel as well so if you ever do more collaboration videos with other TH-camrs like this one, I'd love to link up to help support my fellow backpackers.
Do they get slippery on rocks when wet?
Man, that pack sucks! You are carrying so much extra weight. This setup is baaad!
Darwin, I really like the zpack, yet I've heard rumors about the stays poking out the top of the pack, are you experiencing or seeing this? Great information and best of luck on the PCT. Cast Iron Kid
Agree w Charlie. Well done Darwin. Thanks very much.
Hi Darwin,
Does your Arc Blast packing setup change when your gear gets wet, or do you still repack the same way with wet gear? Thanks!
how much does your 2015 AT bag weigh without food and water ?
Everything is accessible "real quick" apparently
Sooo, how many changes between this post and today (a few weeks out from the hike)???
New Mexico? Where? I was in Valencia county for a long time. Had a friend there that looked a lot like you.
When packing a bear canister...maximize space and put all food inside(except for snacks and maybe the day’s lunch), then place in pack. Shouldn’t take that much more space (although it isn’t compressible). Happy Hiking!!
Awesome info! I'm green as a leaf on the whole hiking thing but not on the camping. I'm literally going to take my first hiking steps at the end of August 2017. Out of all the TH-cam channels on this subject I get the most informative tips from yours, Thanks for the help. At some point I will eventually clock some serious miles, so my 2 questions are, why pack vs stuff? 2nd question: will a 50L pack be adequate for a short muti-day hike?
Hi Darwin, Your videos are great! This is my favorite and has helped me the most.Max
What size zpack dry sack did you use for your sleeping bag?
What kind of waterproof bags do you have? Sea to summit?
I've heard the Arc packs can be squeaky. Do you find that to be the case? How's the padding on the shoulder straps? I just ditched a ULA Catalyst and am looking to downsize... that thing always made my shoulders very sore.
Hello Darwin I have a quick question I'm starting the AT in middle of april of 2020 and was wondering if you recommend the Osprey Atmos 65 or the Osprey Exos 58? Thank you for all that you do on the channel and congratulations on all the hikes.
Haha, I originally checked out your channel because I thought your videos would be about idiots on the trail. Like the Darwin Awards but backpacking stories. Instead I have been learning a lot from you, and totally forgot my initial click until you busted out your stickers!!! Just thought I'd share that with you for shits and giggles. Thanks so much for your videos! I'm about to hit up Half Dome for my first backpacking trip. Totally excited, and it's been a blessing to have found your channel. Thank you so much!!! ✌
didn't realize you were a NM native, that is where I am too - love your information videos, and great tips and tricks!!!
What kind of camp shoes are those Darwin? They look more compressible than regular crocs. What I'm using now are very flat but they have absolutely no ankle support at all (forget what they are called). Almost like being barefoot. I live in the ATL area so I backpack a lot in the Smokies and the AT from Springer to Damascus. Let me know when you have time about those camp shoes and thanks in advance. Love your channel!
Ultra light guy with a 65liters.... kind of funny.Food on top is bad, you do not need to resupply "fast", but you need good weight distribution... heaving things go middle near your spine, nothing heavy on top cause it will take inertia when walking/climbing.
Love the videos. I've been binging on them all afternoon. Also, you look familiar. When would you have been on the Presidential Traverse on the AT? I met someone who looks like you at the Madison Hut around the end of July 2015. Anyway, thanks for the vids. I'm definitely going to look into that Cuben Fiber pack.
What was the total weight of your AT bag? I'm digging that set up. Also, it may be beneficial to try the sleep pad on the PCT bag vertically on the side. Not sure how much brush you're gonna be busting while you're carrying that particular pad but if it's anything significant, it looks like you might snag on some brush during your walk.
You've got some good content, really down to earth and no bullshit about it. Keep it up!
I’m watching this in 2020 and this information doesn’t get old
Very good video, I like the idea of storing things side-by-side in the main compartment. I also like that you didn't put much at all in the side pockets. I'm trying that now - until now, I've always stored large items in there which fit 'perfectly' into the pockets but which made the main compartment unmanageably thin. I think I'm gonna have more success using those big side pockets for small things, while stuffing the larger (and often last to be used) items at the bottom of my main compartment.
Thanks Darwin, as always!
Oh, by the way, I was curious about you using such a big bag (Atmos 65), but I figured that you needed extra space with the filming gear and such. But in the end it seems you just have the discipline not to fill up the whole thing to capacity - kudos on that :)
Darwin, have you ever tried a mystery ranch backpack? I'd like to know what you think about them.
Would like to know how much clothes you carry and how heavy this packs are.
Kinda surprised you used the top flap on the Atmos on your journey towards ultra-lightness. At 172 grams or 6 ounces removal of it and use of the purpose designed sub-flap is a quick way to drop 172 grams or 6 ounces.
Wonderful video. Very helpful. I have lived in the North Cascades all of my 55 years and have done Section K many times as well as Section J. I would encourage you to make it all the way to the border. Many folks get to the Bridge of the Gods and call that good, but as good as the High Sierras and the Oregon Cascades are (and they are really good) I have to say the North Cascades are profound in their beauty (yeah, I know I'm a little prejudice). Be aware that up here it can snow heavily any time of the year, even in the heat of the summer. I envy your coming adventure. It is going to be so good. Be well.
Thanks man! I just got the Atmos 65 and was struggling with the weight distribution and my lower back feeling tight and sore on my test hauls. Had not thought of splitting my tent parts up. That seems to be much better. Good luck on the PCT.
What is that electronics bag? Was curious what it was, or if it's just something generic. I bought a "zip wallet" from Flowfold that comes in today, I think... just for my keys and cards, but I was wondering of an easy way to carry phone charger cable, etc.
what is the strap you use to attach ThermaRest foam pad?
The mesh outside pocket is definitely the ideal place for camp shoes. Great idea storing the pack cover inside one of the camp shoes - if my pack cover weren't built into its own special pocket on the base of my pack, I'd definitely pinch that idea. Will bear it in mind if I change packs.
"Shit tickets" - love it! I call it "bum fodder" ("bum" being Brit/Kiwi/Aussie slang for backside, rather than a term for an indigent person).
Definitely agree with having the main food bag near the top where you can load it quickly and adjust the cinch if need be. My food is one of the last things to go into the pack, anyway, because I like to keep my gear in my pack when not in use and don't want to have to unpack it just to put my food in.
Great idea keeping things side by side rather than stacked, I'm going to have to experiment with my load and see how practical that will be with my pack and gear - have to re-jig my load now I've got a hammock anyway, so now would be a good time.
I carry my "quick access" stuff - rain coat, trail food, power packs, cables, "bum fodder", camera etc - in a 9-litre bag with lots of convenient compartments on my chest where I can get to it without having to take off my pack. It acts as balance bag to offset the weight behind me and doubles as a day bag if I'm just going for a day hike.
I couldn't go back to having a single compartment pack. I rely on the bottom compartment of my pack for sleeping bag, mat and pillow, the various pockets in the top flap for other ready-access things, side pockets for cooking gear etc. If I could design and build my own pack, I'd add more pockets and compartments to suit my gear and access needs.
I'm just now watching your videos and I'm super excited to find out you're doing the PCT next year as I'm planning my thru hike of it as well! I haven't decided when I'm leaving. Sometime between march 15 to April 15. Probably closer to the April date. It'll be my first long thru hike! Hope to see you guys on the trail!!!
Funny you call the lower compartment a "sleeping bag compartment". I've tried to figure out the most convenient way to pack my backbag and it's the lower compartment I'm struggling with.
I kind a think I should pack there the things I need during the day when on the move. So it would mean rain clothes, food and cooking etc. Also a warm jacket for the breaks is essential up here outside summer time.
Never have I thought I could pack a sleeping bag there. I always pack it inside the upper compartment or under the lid if I have my larger winter sleeping bag with me. Then again, I hate that that thing blocks the entrance to the upper compartment.
I guess there's no right or wrong here, but what do you think?
Do you take extra clothes while backpacking?
I have a question about your patches on the osprey. Are they sewed or glued on? I have a couple of patches I wanna put on my pack but worried sewing them on will wreck my pack. Thanks.
Any concerns about hiking the PCT with a non-freestanding tent? I grew up in Maine hiking bits of the AT, my girlfriend grew up in San Diego and did a lot of camping in dessert areas, we live in Los Angeles now. She had a good laugh at my tent that couldn't stand up on its own, the ground is usually too hard for stakes, so you end up tying to rocks.
This may have been asked before, but what was the bag you used for your digital gear. looked like a green bag with a zipper
you could use the side pockets easily: what about your rain jacket oder food bag or ass pad?!
btw. i like the way of your side by side packing :) + If it's raining, where do you put your tent?
Nice job bro.
Thank you good sir!
Hike On,
Darwin
I watched another video where you decide to ditch camp shoes. I’ve never heard of them at all before watching your videos. Are they popular amongst long, long, long distance trail hikers. What’s the camp shoe all about? Why are they a thing?
First time I saw this video, I noticed the 'No AMC' patch! Hell yeah! AWESOME! Hate the AMC ever since my thru hike in '08. Killer video also....thanks man!
Jackaroo GA>ME '08
lol.... I was wandering when other Hiker Trash would notice the patch! They def don't have a good rep with Thru-Hikers. Had some really rough experiences with them in 2016 in the Whites..... Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Hello. I have never hiked here so I have no first hand knowledge of this, but your comments made me look it up and I found this. It may or may not be helpful but I thought I'd share just in case. www.outdoors.org/articles/uncategorized/thru-hiker-to-thru-hiker-the-hows-and-whys-of-new-hampshires-white-mountains/