Alan, good info, but might want to stick with just one camera, rather than going for the more professional two-camera approach, which currently has you looking left and right and often off-camera, distracting from what your saying. Cheers.
This clamshell bag looks interesting. I have one that is rather rectangular (treadlite gear) but yours lokks better suited to fit the pack. Personally, I prefer my 1st aid kit to be where I can reach it easily. This excludes storing it in an extra dty bag. I've been in situations in which I was only able to use one hand to get to my 1st aid kit.
Robert Lucke, then a smaller First Aid Kit in the hibelt pocket might fo the trick. But wow, solo and so injured you could use one hand sounds like a dicey situation. -a
Thanks for the video and explanation. There are many different ways to pack a bag depending on your loadout, physiology and a bunch of other factors. I pack mine in the order in which I will need items when I get to camp or on the trail. In my case, food bag and cook kit at the bottom, as I have my trail food for the day on the outside and won't be cooking until i set up camp. MattShafter has a similar packing style. Thanks for tips, very thorough.
You are the first person I've seen putting their shelter on the bottom. What do you do if you arrive at camp in a torrential rain? you have to empty your pack to take your shelter out.
Good question Marco. A couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. And finally, if it's a very low probability of rain, why would you want your tent in the top of the pack taking up premium accessible space on the top of your pack? From an efficiency point, if you aren't going to take it out until the end of the day, bottom of the pack is the best place to be. Best, -alan
I obsess a little about how my pack is packed, too, and this is helpful. But it's important to remember alternative methods/philosophies, like the one Alex Maier uses in the series "Figure it Out on the Hayduke Trail." Basically, he just crams everything into his pack every morning, not even bothering to fold up his tent or use any stuff sacks. The backpack is the stuff sack! And he did finish the Hayduke--not an easy feat--using that method.
Yeah Tim, hike you own hike. We prefer a higher level of organization which we feel is more efficient during the day, eventually saving you time. Warmest, -alan
Thanks for shy, Alan. I’m alarmed, I must say. I have never seen anyone pack or advocate putting tent in first. (Most would be sol when showing up to camp when raining) Food at the very top? I have always heard and been taught heaviest items at middle of back? Thanks for sharing, all around good information. Be well during these times!
Good question Mark. A couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. As to food in the top, that is a preference thing... but truly the higher it is the easier it is to stand and walk upright in in a relaxed mode. And you will not that the food is not at the very top of my pack. Best, -alan
Depends on the climate you are in. Out west where rain is infrequent, shelter in the bottom is better. But in Scotland, or the Pacific NW then you'd likely want at least a tarp readily available, in this case the rear pocket of the pack is idea. Best, -alan
Two questions: 1, What is the water bottle holder on your pack shoulder strap?; 2, Whst is the shoulder strap pack or pocket on the other side? Specific make and model of both. Great video! Thanks!
@@adventure_alan_co Thanks Alan, and thanks for the great videos. I'm just starting out (began winter hiking - spikes to trail crampons to snowshoes - early December) so the tips and advice I get from TH-cam videos is *gold*. Your video on heat management and layering is super. Most winter hiking beginners, understandably, over dress. Typical scenario: hike up to a peak, sweat out on the way up, freeze butt off atop breezy summit while trying to eat lunch and enjoy view.
But from an efficiency point, isn’t that what the external front pocket is for? You mention that half-way through the video. And while all your gear may be in waterproof bags, you potentially still have them on wet dirt/mud which then you could transfer into the shelter. For most it’s probably more efficient to have the tent on-top. But we each do what works for us.
KB not sure what pocket you are talking about "half-way through the video." And yes, the tent is on the inside for typical drier Western US climate. In Patagonia we'd have the tent near the top, or better yet a pyramid tent style shelter that is in the bucket pocket on the back of the pack ready for immediate deployment. Also nice to put the entire wet pyramid there when packing up in the morning. Best, -alan
Thank you for sharing this informative video. This is a great service. I try to keep my water close. What water bottle sleeve are you using on your pack?
Thomas, they are Mountain Laurel Designs Bottle pockets. They can be attached to most packs. mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/shoulder-strap-pouches/ Best, -alan
I love how you toss the compression sacks for your sleeping pad and tent, Im going to start doing that, and in fact Im going to split the two person tent with my girlfriend. she can carry the stakes and tent and ill carry the cover and poles. or something like that.
Good idea. And just in case you haven't watched it yet, Adventure Alan has a video where he and his wife talk about how to pack for a 2-person trip with splitting the load and deciding who will carry what.
You mention a compact camera - but what abt when you carry a bigger camera (e.g. Sony 6300+SEL18-135)? where do you put it when it's raining and how do you protect it from the elements?
Robert, see our BEST CAMERA FOR HIKING OR BACKPACKING 2020 www.adventurealan.com/serious-lightweight-backpacking-cameras/ But in short, a Peak Designs Capture Clip and a shower cap when raining. Hope this helps, -alan
Tent at the backpack's bottom looks very strange for me. At the end of the day, when you need to set up your tent - you need to unpack whole your pack and place all your stuff somewhere. And when it rains - all your stuff will be placed out of backpack and became wet while you setting up your tent.
Good question Vitaliy. A couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co Thanks, Alan. I have another one question. I read in your blog, that you carry your camera on peak design clip. But on setup, shown in this video, both backpack's shoulder straps are occupied by pouches for water bottle and smartphone. Do you change you camera-carry strategy ?
Hey Alan, On HMG Bags, what is your preference now the Junction, Southwest, or Windrider? Curious to see which one is your first choice. As the difference is much in the outside back pocket material and the weight is 1-3 oz difference.
Maybe he’s changed his opinion, but he is showing the Junction in this video. I love that configuration because the side pockets are made of solid material while the center pocket on the back is open netting to let items dry out. That would definitely be my recommendation too!
Matthew, if on good trail without too much scrambling or bushwhacking then the Junction is a great choice. OTOH, if you are going to bash the pack around, e.g. in the canyons of Southern Utah or climbing in Patagonia then the Southwest would be my pack of choice.
you unload the whole pack outside to get to the tent then load it all back inside the tent....? Sounds like multiple nightmare scenarios are possible....
actually that's the beauty of the 3400. it's only 2 oz more than the 2400 but far more flexible for larger loads. use it all the time when guiding to grab gear from a struggling client. or have used it for climbing and/or international travel when you either have climbing gear or a ton of food to hump. best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co I just got my 3400 Junction and love the flexibility as well. I could probably switch to a smaller pack, but the HMG 3400 Junction IMHO is the one pack to rule them all. Very versatile.
Wafting Transient, as a point of reference in addition to the video... I purchased a large and it fits my 20F quilt as well as long johns and socks for sleeping in. I could almost fit a light weight, long sleeve T-shirt for sleeping but I was worried it would split the pod seam or zipper. yeah, a set of sleeping clothes is extra weight, but I like to sleep in clean clothing.
One thing I disagree with putting the tent in the bottom is a bad idea ( get to camp it pouring down rain ) now u have to pull everything out to get to you’re tent now all you’re gear is wet. I use a mountain Laurel Designs Duomid I keep the inner at the bottom above my quilt and beside my pad but keep the tarp at the top of my pack. Also when I use a bear canister I do that different as well I keep the food inside and carry the empty canister on top of the pack under the v strap then when I’m at camp after I cook I put it all in the canister
Mischief, a couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents like the Duomid really shine as they can live in the bucket pocket in the back. Second, I don't like to take the food out of my bear canister as I don't want the food scent on everything in the pack. If you put your food in a aLOKSAK scent blocking bag that would work tho. Also, with the canister above the V strap I would be concerned about two things. 1) It not being secure enough and falling off and 2) and clearance under low objects like branches, . Best, -alan
Joe, I really like the nappy side against my face. And I like the fact that only an ounce and does double duty as a stuff sack for my down jacket. Best, -alan
Here's our video on how to pack your pack which will also answer your Q about packing your air pad in a pack to prevent leaks: th-cam.com/video/SGtSWbo_sfo/w-d-xo.html. Best, -alan
Alan, dude. You gotta pick a camera to look at. You look like a tweaker looking back and forth. Kinda distracting from content. So either decide to look at 1 cam for 90 sec and then switch, or only look at one camera the whole time, but still switch to other cam but have you still looking at first for a diff perspective. Cheers, Ps. Tent at very bottom...? Hmm what if its pouring rain and you need to setup tent quickly. Then everything else gets wet when you take it out to get to tent...
jjeep, a couple of things. First, it's an efficiency thing. If the probability of rain is low why would you want the least used item in the top of your pack mucking up the works and taking up premium accessible storage space (ditto for putting it in exterior pockets)? That sacrificing a lot of efficiency during the day for a what if situation that is not going to happen. Second, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. But, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. Best, -alan
Wafting, depends on the size of your sleeping bag and how much you are comfortable compressing your down. For me I don't like to to super-compress it. I don'[t like compressing my down of the reasons for going to the 3400 pack vs. the 2400. As to stuff sack size, I use a medium for something like a +30 quilt. And a like large for our 2--person quilt, or a very warm winter quilt. But again too many preferences and variables for a definitive answer. Best, -alan
![[กูเพิ่งซื้อมึงปิดหนี] 20 นาที ผมรีวิวเกมที่แย่ที่สุดในโลก CONCORD](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XhC-3q3Ii7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Alan, good info, but might want to stick with just one camera, rather than going for the more professional two-camera approach, which currently has you looking left and right and often off-camera, distracting from what your saying. Cheers.
Fair enough!
I think it's maybe an editing problem? Presumably both cameras were running the whole time.
I've read/watched many articles/videos on packing a pack, I didn't think I had anything more to learn, but lo and behold, I did! Great video!
Our pleasure. Thanks for the kind words Christofer. Warmest, -alan
This clamshell bag looks interesting. I have one that is rather rectangular (treadlite gear) but yours lokks better suited to fit the pack.
Personally, I prefer my 1st aid kit to be where I can reach it easily. This excludes storing it in an extra dty bag. I've been in situations in which I was only able to use one hand to get to my 1st aid kit.
Robert Lucke, then a smaller First Aid Kit in the hibelt pocket might fo the trick. But wow, solo and so injured you could use one hand sounds like a dicey situation. -a
Thanks for the video and explanation. There are many different ways to pack a bag depending on your loadout, physiology and a bunch of other factors. I pack mine in the order in which I will need items when I get to camp or on the trail. In my case, food bag and cook kit at the bottom, as I have my trail food for the day on the outside and won't be cooking until i set up camp. MattShafter has a similar packing style. Thanks for tips, very thorough.
Thanks for the kinds words Ricardo. Wamest, -alan
You are the first person I've seen putting their shelter on the bottom. What do you do if you arrive at camp in a torrential rain? you have to empty your pack to take your shelter out.
Good question Marco. A couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. And finally, if it's a very low probability of rain, why would you want your tent in the top of the pack taking up premium accessible space on the top of your pack? From an efficiency point, if you aren't going to take it out until the end of the day, bottom of the pack is the best place to be. Best, -alan
Super helpful video and comments! Love you videos and articles. Keep up the great work! ☮️
Dope video! Motivation for my videos. Subscribed!
Awesome! Thank you!
I obsess a little about how my pack is packed, too, and this is helpful. But it's important to remember alternative methods/philosophies, like the one Alex Maier uses in the series "Figure it Out on the Hayduke Trail." Basically, he just crams everything into his pack every morning, not even bothering to fold up his tent or use any stuff sacks. The backpack is the stuff sack! And he did finish the Hayduke--not an easy feat--using that method.
Yeah Tim, hike you own hike. We prefer a higher level of organization which we feel is more efficient during the day, eventually saving you time. Warmest, -alan
I keep my dedicated sleeping clothes with my sleeping bag. Cuts down on size of clothes bag and never use them until I stop at end of the day.
That works! Best, -a
Thank you for making such an effort to make a really informative vid. Great job, sir!
My pleasure! Warmest, -alan
Thanks for shy, Alan.
I’m alarmed, I must say. I have never seen anyone pack or advocate putting tent in first. (Most would be sol when showing up to camp when raining)
Food at the very top? I have always heard and been taught heaviest items at middle of back?
Thanks for sharing, all around good information.
Be well during these times!
Good question Mark. A couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. As to food in the top, that is a preference thing... but truly the higher it is the easier it is to stand and walk upright in in a relaxed mode. And you will not that the food is not at the very top of my pack. Best, -alan
Adventure Alan Good points. Thanks.
Good question and a good answer! Thanks Mark and AA!
For efficiency, why wouldn’t you pack your shelter on top. As it is you’d take everything out to get to your tent. But have nowhere to put it.
Depends on the climate you are in. Out west where rain is infrequent, shelter in the bottom is better. But in Scotland, or the Pacific NW then you'd likely want at least a tarp readily available, in this case the rear pocket of the pack is idea. Best, -alan
Two questions: 1, What is the water bottle holder on your pack shoulder strap?; 2, Whst is the shoulder strap pack or pocket on the other side? Specific make and model of both. Great video! Thanks!
Doug, apologies for the late reply. HyperLite Mountain Gear Shoulder Pocket snp.link/f68413b8snp.link/f68413b8 and Mountain Laurel Designs Shoulder Pockets mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/shoulder-strap-pouches/. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co Thanks Alan, and thanks for the great videos. I'm just starting out (began winter hiking - spikes to trail crampons to snowshoes - early December) so the tips and advice I get from TH-cam videos is *gold*. Your video on heat management and layering is super. Most winter hiking beginners, understandably, over dress. Typical scenario: hike up to a peak, sweat out on the way up, freeze butt off atop breezy summit while trying to eat lunch and enjoy view.
Thanks for the informative video Alan. :)
Stay safe dude
Colin
Thanks, you too!
I pack my bag pretty close to this. I think the thing I need to pay more attention to is rain protection.
Yeah, packs can get very wet inside of its raining all day.
But from an efficiency point, isn’t that what the external front pocket is for? You mention that half-way through the video. And while all your gear may be in waterproof bags, you potentially still have them on wet dirt/mud which then you could transfer into the shelter. For most it’s probably more efficient to have the tent on-top. But we each do what works for us.
KB not sure what pocket you are talking about "half-way through the video." And yes, the tent is on the inside for typical drier Western US climate. In Patagonia we'd have the tent near the top, or better yet a pyramid tent style shelter that is in the bucket pocket on the back of the pack ready for immediate deployment. Also nice to put the entire wet pyramid there when packing up in the morning. Best, -alan
Thank you for sharing this informative video. This is a great service. I try to keep my water close. What water bottle sleeve are you using on your pack?
Thomas, they are Mountain Laurel Designs Bottle pockets. They can be attached to most packs. mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/shoulder-strap-pouches/ Best, -alan
I love how you toss the compression sacks for your sleeping pad and tent, Im going to start doing that, and in fact Im going to split the two person tent with my girlfriend. she can carry the stakes and tent and ill carry the cover and poles. or something like that.
Good idea. And just in case you haven't watched it yet, Adventure Alan has a video where he and his wife talk about how to pack for a 2-person trip with splitting the load and deciding who will carry what.
You mention a compact camera - but what abt when you carry a bigger camera (e.g. Sony 6300+SEL18-135)? where do you put it when it's raining and how do you protect it from the elements?
Robert, see our BEST CAMERA FOR HIKING OR BACKPACKING 2020 www.adventurealan.com/serious-lightweight-backpacking-cameras/ But in short, a Peak Designs Capture Clip and a shower cap when raining. Hope this helps, -alan
Tent at the backpack's bottom looks very strange for me. At the end of the day, when you need to set up your tent - you need to unpack whole your pack and place all your stuff somewhere. And when it rains - all your stuff will be placed out of backpack and became wet while you setting up your tent.
Good question Vitaliy. A couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. Best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co Thanks, Alan.
I have another one question. I read in your blog, that you carry your camera on peak design clip. But on setup, shown in this video, both backpack's shoulder straps are occupied by pouches for water bottle and smartphone. Do you change you camera-carry strategy ?
You're a genius! I've been putting my food bag on the bottom in the sleeping bag compartment for easy accessibility... No more!
Glad I could help! Warmest, -alan
Hey Alan,
On HMG Bags, what is your preference now the Junction, Southwest, or Windrider?
Curious to see which one is your first choice. As the difference is much in the outside back pocket material and the weight is 1-3 oz difference.
Maybe he’s changed his opinion, but he is showing the Junction in this video. I love that configuration because the side pockets are made of solid material while the center pocket on the back is open netting to let items dry out. That would definitely be my recommendation too!
Matthew, if on good trail without too much scrambling or bushwhacking then the Junction is a great choice. OTOH, if you are going to bash the pack around, e.g. in the canyons of Southern Utah or climbing in Patagonia then the Southwest would be my pack of choice.
you unload the whole pack outside to get to the tent then load it all back inside the tent....? Sounds like multiple nightmare scenarios are possible....
With the amount of excess rolldown from top seen in this video, wouldn't a 2400 be enough?
actually that's the beauty of the 3400. it's only 2 oz more than the 2400 but far more flexible for larger loads. use it all the time when guiding to grab gear from a struggling client. or have used it for climbing and/or international travel when you either have climbing gear or a ton of food to hump. best, -alan
@@adventure_alan_co I just got my 3400 Junction and love the flexibility as well. I could probably switch to a smaller pack, but the HMG 3400 Junction IMHO is the one pack to rule them all. Very versatile.
Also what size HMG pod are you using? Thank you Alan, I too have a 3400 Junction and really like it.
It's a size small pod. Warmest, -alan
Wafting Transient, as a point of reference in addition to the video... I purchased a large and it fits my 20F quilt as well as long johns and socks for sleeping in. I could almost fit a light weight, long sleeve T-shirt for sleeping but I was worried it would split the pod seam or zipper. yeah, a set of sleeping clothes is extra weight, but I like to sleep in clean clothing.
One thing I disagree with putting the tent in the bottom is a bad idea ( get to camp it pouring down rain ) now u have to pull everything out to get to you’re tent now all you’re gear is wet. I use a mountain Laurel Designs Duomid I keep the inner at the bottom above my quilt and beside my pad but keep the tarp at the top of my pack.
Also when I use a bear canister I do that different as well I keep the food inside and carry the empty canister on top of the pack under the v strap then when I’m at camp after I cook I put it all in the canister
Mischief, a couple of things. First, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. Second, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents like the Duomid really shine as they can live in the bucket pocket in the back. Second, I don't like to take the food out of my bear canister as I don't want the food scent on everything in the pack. If you put your food in a aLOKSAK scent blocking bag that would work tho. Also, with the canister above the V strap I would be concerned about two things. 1) It not being secure enough and falling off and 2) and clearance under low objects like branches, . Best, -alan
Adventure Alan thanks for the reply and that all makes sense we all have our own ways of doing things but great video n well explained
What is your longest hike and how can I read about it? Thank you.
Probably the best place to look is my Trip Guides www.adventurealan.com/trip-guides/. Best, -alan
How do you like using the pillow stuff sack as your pillow? Do you think it is more comfortable than the blow up pillows like the sea to summit aeros?
Joe, I really like the nappy side against my face. And I like the fact that only an ounce and does double duty as a stuff sack for my down jacket. Best, -alan
Have you ever had leaks in your air pad since it has no protection in that pack?
Here's our video on how to pack your pack which will also answer your Q about packing your air pad in a pack to prevent leaks: th-cam.com/video/SGtSWbo_sfo/w-d-xo.html. Best, -alan
Alan, dude. You gotta pick a camera to look at. You look like a tweaker looking back and forth. Kinda distracting from content. So either decide to look at 1 cam for 90 sec and then switch, or only look at one camera the whole time, but still switch to other cam but have you still looking at first for a diff perspective. Cheers,
Ps. Tent at very bottom...? Hmm what if its pouring rain and you need to setup tent quickly. Then everything else gets wet when you take it out to get to tent...
jjeep, a couple of things. First, it's an efficiency thing. If the probability of rain is low why would you want the least used item in the top of your pack mucking up the works and taking up premium accessible storage space (ditto for putting it in exterior pockets)? That sacrificing a lot of efficiency during the day for a what if situation that is not going to happen. Second, almost everything is in a WP stuff sack so it can handle a few min of rain before the tent body is up. Been there and done that many times in wet climates like Patagonia. But, if the forecast is for a high chance of rain then we'd likely move the tent higher up in the pack. In fact if it's really wet, I just stuff the shelter on the outside of my pack. This is where Pyramid Tents really shine. Best, -alan
What size roll top HMG bag for sleeping bag?
Wafting, depends on the size of your sleeping bag and how much you are comfortable compressing your down. For me I don't like to to super-compress it. I don'[t like compressing my down of the reasons for going to the 3400 pack vs. the 2400. As to stuff sack size, I use a medium for something like a +30 quilt. And a like large for our 2--person quilt, or a very warm winter quilt. But again too many preferences and variables for a definitive answer. Best, -alan