Appreciated this breakdown. Whether you go ultralight or not, nothing wrong with budget items if they work for you. Use plenty of them myself, while often staying under 10 lb baseweight. Have to admit, you legit got me with the joke items towards end of video. If no one else enjoyed that humor, know at least one viewers did.
Haha, I think you're the first one to comment on the joke items. Glad you enjoyed it! Under 10 lb base weight is pretty impressive. I'm slowly but surely working mine down as I replace older, heavier items. Thanks for watching!
@@outdooradventurefilms1436 I remember 10 years ago thinking the same. I looked at ultralight people as if they were loons. But over the years I acquired lighter gear to avoid a knee issue and the under 10 lb baseweight occured pretty naturally.
Thanks, Zack! I've definitely learned a lot from others along the way. I also hope that my gear reviews show people don't have to buy all the most expensive gear on the market. I have one or two expensive items, lots of budget items and a few hand-me-downs. I hope you are doing well. I'm enjoying all your videos too!
I see you hiked it for 25 days. Did you take zeroes? Roughly how many miles a day did you average? Did you resupply south of Muir Ranch? Thanks -- enjoyed the video.
Sorry for the late reply. Yes, it's been over four years ago now, but I believe it was 23 days. I took one zero day at VVR. There was also a day I hiked about 30 miles, but did not cover any ground on the trail, so it that sense it was like a zero. That was the day I hiked my cousin off the trail via Bubbs Creek Trail. I did not resupply south of MTR. Therefore, I had a very full and heavy bear canister. I also had a couple days meals outside of my bear canister, knowing that I would have bear boxes at my first two camps. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I hope it was helpful.
@ Your reply is very helpful! You are the first to confirm to me that it is possible to hike the second SOBO half without resupply, and also you’ve confirmed what I was thinking: what if I temporarily had some days outside the canister (say, in an ursack)? This is a big deal to me, because if I know that I have to hike off trail at a certain point in the second half and then stay at that motel everyone stays at, then I have a set schedule - I must make it to the motel at a certain time - and that would affect my mindset for the entire trip. If I don’t have a fixed schedule, then I can hike at whatever pace feels comfortable whenever (so long as I’m not so slow as to run out of supplies). That, for me, would make for a more enjoyable trip. (And, wow, 30 miles in a day with a pack is impressive!)
1. How the hell did you fit 12 days into a BV500? I'm assuming you open carried 2 days worth of food, at the very least, and used bear-boxes prior (I can't remember from your vid if you mentioned that at all)?. Or, were you just in a calorie deficit for a few days? You seem physically fit, and I know your days were shorter than I intend, but...? Did you have target calories per day, or just went with it? Lose a bit of weight? 2. Soap and Deodorant. My buddy, who has deployed overseas 3x, brings some Dr. Bronner's soap for washing, just in a tiny dropper because it's concentrated, and when we're able, and always 200ft from water, camp wash. He claims it's a morale boost. After doing it on our last Colorado 90ish, I kind of agree. I've never used it, or anything like it, on trail for the last 15 something years. There's nothing like going to bed clean, or feeling a little modern-human, though. Keeps you in touch with home, while you're out getting in touch with nature. I feel this had a significant boost on my perspective out in nature, which I didn't even need but welcomed, because it in turn gave me a boost on my perspective back home. I both know that I don't need it at all, and that I can take it without much weight penalty should I choose to. This was one of those great philosophical conversations that came about on the trail, and I absolutely appreciate it. 3. I commented on your other video a few days back, appreciative of the concise information you put into your JMT trek -- as it has directly assisted me in my planning for mine later this year. I love the, "Every-Man's," style of approach to backpacking = being on a budget, or rather, choosing budget-gear, hand-me-downs, or not feeling the need to go full top-end. This is helpful for new backpackers, but is a healthy perspective on not feeling forced to keep up with the joneses. I have a lot of top-end gear, and/or cottage custom items, that I've accrued over time simply because backpacking is a passion, and I do it monthly. I tell anyone who asks me that none of it is necessary. I'll regularly ruck steak and potatoes out, with a chair, a hatchet, and a libation, just to remind me of what it was like when my grandfather took me out so many years ago. I'll carve sticks, and listen to the wind. It's all about getting out there -- not having the fanciest of items -- respecting/enjoying nature. 4. You should look into a Tenkara rod, to "slim" down your setup, but also to give you a challenge. My grandpa loved this style of fishing. 5. I couldn't quite tell, but your baggy full of meds/vitamins: you should separate the meds, at the very least, from one another (if you don't already, that is). Put different meds into smaller baggies. This is because some people are allergic to various medicines (Ibuprofen, for example), and you don't want to cross-contaminate. I know this is your kit, designed for you, but a big part of the trail is giving to other members of the trail. We're a huge community of like minded individuals. Sometimes you share a Snickers, and it's the best thing that ever happens that day to the person you share it to. Sometimes you share some Duct-Tape, and sometimes just some water. Sometimes you need directions, and sometimes you just share a story. I used those tiny ziploc for this, but it was taught to me years ago by a Venezuelan with this very allergy. Paying it forward! 6. Appreciate the video!
Hi there. Thanks for watching! 1. Haha, yes, it was quite tricky carrying all that food. I know that I carried the first day of food and toiletries in my pack, outside of the bear can. I think I may have done the same with my second day of food. I honestly can't remember now after 7 months. I used the bear boxes at Rock Creek for food and toiletries and then the bear box at Crabtree Meadow for toiletries. I did not need to use any bear boxes after that. Just a little tip, if you use bear boxes, because all your food won't fit in your canister, I would suggest trying to fit it in your cook pot or something. I found mouse droppings in some of the bear boxes. I also did go a little lighter on the food this time. I usually end up stuffing myself to finish my food, so I did smaller portions. None of the bulky backpacker meals. Just ziplock baggies of couscous, powdered potatoes, powdered soups, tuna packets for dinners, oatmeal and peanut butter for breakfast and then my snacks/lunch. I did not plan calories per day. I just went off of past experience for how much food I typically eat per day. I was at a calorie deficit though, because I lost 18 pounds on this trip. I never felt weak or overly hungry though. 2. I have heard good things about Dr. Bronner's soap. I think I will definitely try that out in the future. I agree, it was a great morale boost to go to bed clean. I've done it without, but I think I'll bring soap again next time. 3. I agree, I do what it takes to just get out there, and not too much more when it comes to gear. My Big Agnes tent is the most expensive piece of gear I have and it's about half the price of a lot of these ultra light tents out there now. However, I am planning to pick up an Inreach (probably mini) before my next hike. After hiking with others who had issues on hikes, I've learned how valuable and possibly life-saving this type of equipment can be. As far as other gear, I figure as each piece wears out, I'll upgrade a little bit on some of those items when I replace them. That's awesome to hear you haul out steak and potatoes, etc. You're giving me ideas for my shorter hikes. 4. I will look into the Tenkara rod. I've never tried one. 5. Good idea on the meds. I think I had some of them mixed together. I didn't think about others possibly having allergies. I'll definitely separate next time. 6. Thank you very much! I've been camping and backpacking for years, but I'm new to trying out this whole video thing:). Glad you enjoyed it. And thank you very much for the comments and tips!
Hi James. I had two resupplies. I made the long haul from Horseshoe Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch in 12 days. So yes, I had a 12 day food carry on that stretch, which was a challenge. I had the first two days outside of my bear canister and used the bear box at Rock Creek. My second resupply was at Reds Meadow. So I had about a week's worth of food for those next two stretches (MTR to Reds and Reds to Happy Isles). Thanks for watching, James!
Appreciated this breakdown. Whether you go ultralight or not, nothing wrong with budget items if they work for you. Use plenty of them myself, while often staying under 10 lb baseweight. Have to admit, you legit got me with the joke items towards end of video. If no one else enjoyed that humor, know at least one viewers did.
Haha, I think you're the first one to comment on the joke items. Glad you enjoyed it! Under 10 lb base weight is pretty impressive. I'm slowly but surely working mine down as I replace older, heavier items. Thanks for watching!
@@outdooradventurefilms1436 I remember 10 years ago thinking the same. I looked at ultralight people as if they were loons. But over the years I acquired lighter gear to avoid a knee issue and the under 10 lb baseweight occured pretty naturally.
Nice Scott! Enjoying these videos. This is helpful stuff. I like how you try out different gear and find the little extra comforts.
Thanks, Zack! I've definitely learned a lot from others along the way. I also hope that my gear reviews show people don't have to buy all the most expensive gear on the market. I have one or two expensive items, lots of budget items and a few hand-me-downs. I hope you are doing well. I'm enjoying all your videos too!
Incredible you were able to stuff all that into the bear canister. It really helped watching your video.,
I see you hiked it for 25 days. Did you take zeroes? Roughly how many miles a day did you average? Did you resupply south of Muir Ranch? Thanks -- enjoyed the video.
Sorry for the late reply. Yes, it's been over four years ago now, but I believe it was 23 days. I took one zero day at VVR. There was also a day I hiked about 30 miles, but did not cover any ground on the trail, so it that sense it was like a zero. That was the day I hiked my cousin off the trail via Bubbs Creek Trail. I did not resupply south of MTR. Therefore, I had a very full and heavy bear canister. I also had a couple days meals outside of my bear canister, knowing that I would have bear boxes at my first two camps. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I hope it was helpful.
@ Your reply is very helpful! You are the first to confirm to me that it is possible to hike the second SOBO half without resupply, and also you’ve confirmed what I was thinking: what if I temporarily had some days outside the canister (say, in an ursack)? This is a big deal to me, because if I know that I have to hike off trail at a certain point in the second half and then stay at that motel everyone stays at, then I have a set schedule - I must make it to the motel at a certain time - and that would affect my mindset for the entire trip. If I don’t have a fixed schedule, then I can hike at whatever pace feels comfortable whenever (so long as I’m not so slow as to run out of supplies). That, for me, would make for a more enjoyable trip.
(And, wow, 30 miles in a day with a pack is impressive!)
1. How the hell did you fit 12 days into a BV500? I'm assuming you open carried 2 days worth of food, at the very least, and used bear-boxes prior (I can't remember from your vid if you mentioned that at all)?. Or, were you just in a calorie deficit for a few days? You seem physically fit, and I know your days were shorter than I intend, but...? Did you have target calories per day, or just went with it? Lose a bit of weight?
2. Soap and Deodorant. My buddy, who has deployed overseas 3x, brings some Dr. Bronner's soap for washing, just in a tiny dropper because it's concentrated, and when we're able, and always 200ft from water, camp wash. He claims it's a morale boost. After doing it on our last Colorado 90ish, I kind of agree. I've never used it, or anything like it, on trail for the last 15 something years. There's nothing like going to bed clean, or feeling a little modern-human, though. Keeps you in touch with home, while you're out getting in touch with nature. I feel this had a significant boost on my perspective out in nature, which I didn't even need but welcomed, because it in turn gave me a boost on my perspective back home. I both know that I don't need it at all, and that I can take it without much weight penalty should I choose to. This was one of those great philosophical conversations that came about on the trail, and I absolutely appreciate it.
3. I commented on your other video a few days back, appreciative of the concise information you put into your JMT trek -- as it has directly assisted me in my planning for mine later this year. I love the, "Every-Man's," style of approach to backpacking = being on a budget, or rather, choosing budget-gear, hand-me-downs, or not feeling the need to go full top-end. This is helpful for new backpackers, but is a healthy perspective on not feeling forced to keep up with the joneses. I have a lot of top-end gear, and/or cottage custom items, that I've accrued over time simply because backpacking is a passion, and I do it monthly. I tell anyone who asks me that none of it is necessary. I'll regularly ruck steak and potatoes out, with a chair, a hatchet, and a libation, just to remind me of what it was like when my grandfather took me out so many years ago. I'll carve sticks, and listen to the wind. It's all about getting out there -- not having the fanciest of items -- respecting/enjoying nature.
4. You should look into a Tenkara rod, to "slim" down your setup, but also to give you a challenge. My grandpa loved this style of fishing.
5. I couldn't quite tell, but your baggy full of meds/vitamins: you should separate the meds, at the very least, from one another (if you don't already, that is). Put different meds into smaller baggies. This is because some people are allergic to various medicines (Ibuprofen, for example), and you don't want to cross-contaminate. I know this is your kit, designed for you, but a big part of the trail is giving to other members of the trail. We're a huge community of like minded individuals. Sometimes you share a Snickers, and it's the best thing that ever happens that day to the person you share it to. Sometimes you share some Duct-Tape, and sometimes just some water. Sometimes you need directions, and sometimes you just share a story. I used those tiny ziploc for this, but it was taught to me years ago by a Venezuelan with this very allergy. Paying it forward!
6. Appreciate the video!
Hi there. Thanks for watching!
1. Haha, yes, it was quite tricky carrying all that food. I know that I carried the first day of food and toiletries in my pack, outside of the bear can. I think I may have done the same with my second day of food. I honestly can't remember now after 7 months. I used the bear boxes at Rock Creek for food and toiletries and then the bear box at Crabtree Meadow for toiletries. I did not need to use any bear boxes after that. Just a little tip, if you use bear boxes, because all your food won't fit in your canister, I would suggest trying to fit it in your cook pot or something. I found mouse droppings in some of the bear boxes. I also did go a little lighter on the food this time. I usually end up stuffing myself to finish my food, so I did smaller portions. None of the bulky backpacker meals. Just ziplock baggies of couscous, powdered potatoes, powdered soups, tuna packets for dinners, oatmeal and peanut butter for breakfast and then my snacks/lunch. I did not plan calories per day. I just went off of past experience for how much food I typically eat per day. I was at a calorie deficit though, because I lost 18 pounds on this trip. I never felt weak or overly hungry though.
2. I have heard good things about Dr. Bronner's soap. I think I will definitely try that out in the future. I agree, it was a great morale boost to go to bed clean. I've done it without, but I think I'll bring soap again next time.
3. I agree, I do what it takes to just get out there, and not too much more when it comes to gear. My Big Agnes tent is the most expensive piece of gear I have and it's about half the price of a lot of these ultra light tents out there now. However, I am planning to pick up an Inreach (probably mini) before my next hike. After hiking with others who had issues on hikes, I've learned how valuable and possibly life-saving this type of equipment can be. As far as other gear, I figure as each piece wears out, I'll upgrade a little bit on some of those items when I replace them. That's awesome to hear you haul out steak and potatoes, etc. You're giving me ideas for my shorter hikes.
4. I will look into the Tenkara rod. I've never tried one.
5. Good idea on the meds. I think I had some of them mixed together. I didn't think about others possibly having allergies. I'll definitely separate next time.
6. Thank you very much! I've been camping and backpacking for years, but I'm new to trying out this whole video thing:). Glad you enjoyed it. And thank you very much for the comments and tips!
How many resupplies did you have?
Hi James. I had two resupplies. I made the long haul from Horseshoe Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch in 12 days. So yes, I had a 12 day food carry on that stretch, which was a challenge. I had the first two days outside of my bear canister and used the bear box at Rock Creek. My second resupply was at Reds Meadow. So I had about a week's worth of food for those next two stretches (MTR to Reds and Reds to Happy Isles). Thanks for watching, James!