Former US Army Spec ops...110lb with plates grenades mines and rifle 2x side arms night vision radio and all other gear, You can see why I have a problem with people weighing ounces on a scale prior to going out....I used to train in the summer for elk hunting season in the hills with a 50lb pack lots off guys who hunt sheep do as well. and Im only 5"8
Heaviest was around 70 lbs while weighing around 140. This was in the late-90s with Boy Scouts. Most of the weight was due to needing to carry gear that others in our group were unable to. 55 lbs was a fairly normal backpacking weight back then though.
60+lbs in a 75 litre Northface pack in 2011 on my first ever 100 mile backpacking trip on the West Highland Way in Scotland. I had never hiked more than a few day hikes and was quite ignorant to the pain the weight would cause. I learned oh so much after that trip.
30 years ago, all my hiking trips started out at about 50 lb. By the end of the hike, after eating down my 10 lb of food, I finished at 38-40 lb. One difference between your 55 lb. pack and my 50 lb pack is that your's has just about all the lightweight gear available to man plus.....table, chair toys, etc. We did not pack that stuff in back in the day. Great hike, enjoyed the beautiful vistas and terrain.
Yeah, as a kid in scouts we would use the old external frame packs and carry between 40-60 lbs but now as an adult it’s all about being in the low 20’s or less, lol.
Back in the old days it was almost impossible to stay under 30 lb for any trip longer than 3 days if you wanted to have any chance of survival 🙂 Sometimes I think it has become too easy nowadays.
@@wr1120 ah yes, back in my day we used messenger pigeons to communicate over long distances. now there are cell phones for that, sometimes i think it has become too easy nowadays. edit: yes this is in fact how dumb your statement sounds
Comfortable pack weight depends on your weight and level of fitness. I was homeless for 2.5 years, I weighed about 75kg and my backpack was around 20kg. I carried it everywhere, it was never out of my sight. After the first 3-6 months I hardly felt it.
Out on the trails, I regularly see people with heavy packs, and they seem to be enjoying it as much as I am, just at a slower pace. So I think it's partly a personality thing. I like light because I like to move quickly and go farther, others are happy taking it slower.
That is the biggest thing, you just have to set a slower pace when you carry more. With the right pack you hardly feel the weight as long as you go the right pace for the terrain and elevation. You just have to accept that if you are carrying a heavy pack you are not going to cover the same ground as you can wit ha light pack. I went on a trip with I think it was 7 other guys, the trek we were doing was a 2 week trek with a re-supply post part-way. We went with a load for the first part before the re-supply (which was about 60% of the trek) of about 1/3 body weight which at the time for me was 60lbs. This was pretty heavy but a lot of it was food so after 3 days it got fairly comfortable at about 40lbs or so. The other 40% was only about 45lbs to start so after carrying 60 over the hardest part of the trek it wasn't too bad. I had a good time but frankly I don't care much for long-distance backpacking anymore. I much prefer day or two treks, especially is shitty weather.
What do they say? Hike your own hike? 😁 I lean the same as you. I tend to naturally walk fast and don't want a lot of stuff. Haven't thru hiked ever but I'm gathering stuff to try soon and I'm on track for a base under 10#
I am pretty much ok with 17-22kg backpack and 15-20km per day in difficult terain. I like to look around, making stops, sitting on the grass appreciate panorama views and not worry about time and food. In not going it for physical performance. I like adventure and exploration.
In my army days my heaviest pack was about 90lb, filled with all our normal gear (including the ridiculous shelter half, great idea CPT Peterson) and the M60 spare barrel bag & tripod. But it wasn’t only 90lb, it was 90lb in a large ALICE. For military use it made sense not to have your pack interfere with your helmet, but that thing stuck out so far behind you that you had to bend forward 45° at the waist to keep your weight over your hips.
We used our poncho, very versatile piece, and it's liner (woobie) would very often served for primary sleeping insulation, instead of carrying that stupid WWII sleeping bag. No one carried the shelter half unless in basic training or AIT. They even stopped issuing it late 90s. The poncho and woobie is all you need through a wide range of temp and conditions. Not sure what they are using nowadays. @@ericsagong5644
At 75 years old, I'm still carrying 25 kg on a regular basis. Have been tramping (hiking) for over 50+ year, as a guide and bushcraft instructor. (so far this year I have don 40 tramps (hikes). In recent times I've carried 27kgs. It is what I call 'conditioning', no more no less. I don't recommend that a 75-year-old person should carry that kind of weight if they haven't been doing it all their live. ATB Cheers from the mountains of NZ ☺☺
I met legends like yourself occasionally in the Mountains of NZ whilst on mountaineering trips and tramps with 25 to 30kg packs for big multi day trips 20 years ago before the lightweight gear came out. I've only managed to drop pack weight by about 6kg though since then on the same sort of trips lol. Do you carry an old style wooden ice axe?
@@TwilightCinemaNZ 20 years ago, we may have met. I have a modern iceaxe. 😀 Tramped in lace up gum boots for 24 years. Have the modern touch now. Lowe boots. Up to 46 tramps now, should finish the year on at least 60. ATB. From the mountains of NZ.
@@tararuaman People were pretty scarce on the routes that I took in the South Island but maybe. Mountaineering was in a bit of a slump about then. Not sure about now though. I was always in awe (and envy) of the old school mountaineers I occasionally bumped into, probably in their mid 70s, who were sprightly as hell, whilst I was hobbling around with shattered thighs and double plastic boots (for conditioning lol) whilst wielding these magnificent long handled wooden ice axes, probably of the Hillary era vintage.
I’m 65 and have been solo long distance hiking for 2 decades now. I usually explore wildernesses one at a time. I’m limited only by my food. I know I’m probably not going to visit again so I try to explore for at least 10 days. At 2 lbs a day for food that’s 20 pounds right there. I bring a comfortable pack and a lot of gear. I never can seem to start a trip with less than 55 pounds. It’s always difficult getting started but after a few days I can get into the groove. I weigh 145 pounds. My pack can reach 70 pounds if I’m in a dry environment.
Nice and nostalgic. Thanks! Used to always train with such a load when I was just a punk in my 50’s/60’s. Don’t think I’ve ever carried more than 35 lbs on any multi day trip so, yeah the training weight was good. Now, in my 70’s, and given technological advances, glad to say that 25lbs is good for 4-5 days 😊
At age 53 I’m 1500 miles into the pct class 2021-22-23 with a base weight of start 37, low of 28 and current 33 pounds. It sucked for first few weeks at 8 miles a day at these weights. Every week was better than the one before and daily miles and speed of recovery improved. Currently doing 18-20 mile days and love the camp chair I added least month and bear can since Campo. No regrets with my choices and open to adding more weight even though I’ve had back problems from manual labor since my 30’s.
I really like this. As someone who is unfit and recently tried hiking with a similar weight (due mainly to financial limitations), I can so relate to the steep incline being tough. The pack felt great when it was on my hips and barely noticeable on flat ground. Climbing 150m in elevation over a kilometre took me an hour and wiped me out. It was a real eye-opener on how much conditioning work I need to do to transition from day walks and car camping into backpacking.
I’m 61 years old, been backpacking nearly my entire life. I don’t do big mileage but 55 pounds is nothing. Less weight in summer but in winter, 55+ no problem.
I am one of those people who carry 50-60lbs on a backpacking trip. On my last 5 day trip through Mount Assiniboine I had exactly 60lbs on my Osprey Farpoint pack. I do enjoy my comfort stuff and beers.
Wow! This is FASCINATING to me. For decades as a Firefighter, donning my basic PPE (before picking up any tools/ladders/hose added 67 pounds to my body. But, to be fair, that was typically for only 30-90 minutes at a time.
I have loved your videos for a while now. Another great one. You are almost single handedly inspiring me to get into Hiking and Camping because I am also based out of Calgary. With the great explanations, excellent location shots, and no fluff videos, you have my favorite Hiking videos on YT. Thanks a lot for doing these Videos, so that people like me can begin their hiking adventures with confidence in their gear choices, and their starting knowledge. I hope to begin next weekend!
@@Mike___Kilo Did Philmont when I was 14 years old. I'm now 54 from what I remember we did have some very heavy packs. The problem with youth is it's waisted on the young. Lol cheers
@@chrismoore600 We probably averaged around 40-45 pounds depending upon how much food and water we were packing and what PhilGear we were carrying. Despite my best intentions, I also overpack a bit. Of course Philmont is very different from solo through hiking.
We went to Philmont in the early 1970s great memories! As a former Ranger, we carried 70-80 pound rucks and at almost 70 years old, arthritis is kicking my ass! I still enjoy the outdoors, just can't carry heavy packs...
@@Stoney_AKA_James I'm with you on the heavy packs and arthritis. 4 years in the 82 airborne and 30 years Fayetteville firefighter will do some damage. Cheers
Personally, Ive been to the rabbit hole of UL. Today I am pretty moderate. I do allow myself to carry a few luxuries (extra socks for sleep and for the next day after rain, a chair, coffee making kit). I believe the best way to know what you value is try out. Go UL and see what you miss, go UH and see what you enjoy to find where it is best for you. Great video!
When you learn 55 is extreme lol! I pack on average 55-60 on average. Then again I know I carry heavy! I bring beer and all! Good to see you all having a blast on the trip even with nature tossing you all some curve balls!
The most I've ever carried was 40 pounds (I'm usually in the 18-25lb range all loaded up). It's crazy how fast your body starts to adapt and you don't notice the weight as much as you think you would.
Thanks for doing this experiment. I generally carry about 30 to 35 pounds with me. It's nice having that thick sleeping bag and durable 2-person tent ⛺️ with extra space for my pack I almost feel like you're looked down on by other hikers if your loadout is over 20 pounds. Seriously, everyone's needs are different.
Sure, but look at who is looking down on you. A naturalist isn't going to judge you. It's mostly the kids that aren't out there for nature, they just want to put in miles, and really, they might as well be doing laps on a track.
I haven't made it through the whole video yet but, big props to you for doing a 3 night trip with all that gear! Most other TH-camrs who would try this experiment on at most do 1 nighter!
Have to agree. At least he did some decent miles and a challenging route and was pretty balanced in his assessment at the end. As we used to say back in the day, any fool can be uncomfortable, meaning those that chose not to carry the kit that makes life on the trail a bit more bearable, chose to rough it.
ok, so it's been a few years and I had to look this up to check. In the British Army one of the annual fitness tests involved carrying 25kg, and covering 8 miles in less than 2 hrs. During my training, we did 2 back to back on successive days, immediately followed by other physical tests, such as the assault course, in full kit, after having just done the 8 miler. Simple maths will show that 4 mph is faster than you can walk, to cover the 8 miles in less than 2hrs, and so you would interval speed marching, with running, so when considering hiking weight, and what we patrolled with, you can add another chunk of weight on top of the 25kg. I don't know what the total weight was, we never weighed it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was getting towards 40kg, and this was standard officer training. I remember our final exercise at the end of a year's training, that we couldn't physically stand straight with our bergans on, and would be half hunched over when stood still. Also, that we couldn't put our bergans on ourselves and would help each other to get them on, usually two people holding it whilst you got into the straps. Then add on a 5-6 kg weapon, ammo, radio, belt kit, and the rest. My philosophy when it comes to hiking and weight, and reacting to the whole ultralight 'fad' (more money than sense), is an unrealistic expectation that hiking shouldn't be arduous and that you shouldn't have to train for it, just hop off your sofa when the desire arises, which is nonsense. Any activity, other than simple walking, is going to take more effort, more strength, more endurance, and conditioning. Put the weight on, get used to it, and don't ever cut corners when it comes to back up kit and safety gear. Additionally, robust kit that will last, tends to be heavier too, but it also means it is more reliable. Choosing gear based primarily on weight, is such a bad idea. Also having minimal gear is also not a good idea. I shake my head when I hear people say they don't take a cooker to save weight 'I'm going to cold soak', have fun not ever having a hot meal to warm you up if you take a spill into a stream or get caught in the cold rain; or they'll take the bare minimum of rations, so absolutely no contingency if a trip goes pear shaped, or takes longer than expected, or you need to help someone in an emergency. Fail to prepare means preparing to fail. Take heart in the fact that your core will get stronger, meaning less chance of injury and you'll feel so much better for having done something actually physical unlike the ultralite to55ers. Btw, 11 years military service and also an expedition leader for the last 25 plus years.
And the UL cult says anyone who’s not UL is “packing their fears.” Nope, I have no fears because I pack for the conditions, not to meet some arbitrary weight. And I guarantee 99% of them would never notice the weight if someone stuck an extra liter of water in their pack. In the mid-late 80s, US Army XVIII Airborne Corps soldiers, regardless of MOS (I was tracked artillery) had to do a 12 mile road march w/50lb (IIRC) packs, full web gear, and rifle in a maximum of 3 hours every quarter. The fastest I remember doing it was about 2.5 hours, and we ran most of the way (we did it as a section.)
@@philsmith2444 good to hear I'm not the only one with common sense. Guess some of that might have to do with military training and working with hardy equipment. Might not be the best, might not be the lightest, but the vast majority of the time you could rely on it. That's why the sleeping bag weighed about 2-3 kg, and the ruck empty weighed about the same, and the list goes on and on. I have to restrain myself when I see these so called YT experts talk about their 15lb pack weight, with dehydrated meals (we only used them in arctic conditions where water is literally everywhere) rather than meals ready to eat so even if you are low on water you don't have to chose between drinking or eating. Good to see these guys getting out and about, rather than the rest of the x box generation, but yeah, not a fan of the ultralight movement. And don't even get me started on trail runners instead of boots lol.
@@SeanHendyI have plenty of lightweight gear, but it’s not my main gear selection criterion. My May-Sept big 3 weigh around 2kg with a -3C sleeping bag (if I leave the mesh insert for the tent at home), less with a 7C sleeping bag - good to around 2-3C with my hooded down jacket, merino baselayers, and emergency bivy as a vapor barrier liner, all of which are in my pack regardless of temp. My typical May-Sept day hiking pack weighs about 8.5kg (I have a tarp, pad, and sleeping bag, along with stove and a day’s worth of food in my pack every single time I head out.) Even in summer it’s not too uncommon for temps to drop into the low single digits C in the mountains of NW Maine, if I die on a mountain it’s not going to be from exposure! In winter the load is about 12-13kg, with 2P4S tent, -18C bag, Xtherm, Marmot Greenland down parka, and Western Mountaineering down pants in the pack. Insulated boots if the temp is much below -10C or so, and either wearing or carrying 10x36 (2.5kg) or 12x42 (3.3kg) snowshoes if there’s enough snow to need them (obviously not part of the 12-13kg.)
In my 30’s gear was not so light. We used to carry 25kgs on our 5 day hikes. The first day typically required climbing up 1200m to get onto an escarpment. By Day 5 you’d eaten the food toughened up and you didn’t feel it anymore. I am very happy with the lighter gear, now my pack is down to 18kgs. No table or chair though Keep up the good work, love these videos, especially since I have been in some of the areas you go to.
One of my fav vids you've done! Enjoyed the length. It was fun seeing you doing this, as your usually carrying a light pack. Glad you made it out safe without injury! Cheers!
Last summer weighed my pack on Muir Trail Ranch and was 65 lbs. I regularly carry 50-60 lbs, as I'm turning 40 I bought lightweight gear and took off 10-14 lbs (6lbs 1st aid kid for global rescue coverage with iPhone 14, lighter sleeping pad, quilt instead of sleeping bag, loghter pack, misc extra stuff out that I haven't used.)
I've done multiple kilometer+ portages over sketchy terrain with my 35lb pack, 10lb food barrel, and 50lb canoe on head, while carrying a paddle. I thought this was normal? Lol. Great vid.
Hell yeah brother! Welcome to the military! All you're missing is another 100 pounds of ammo, weapon, and protective gear! Reminds me of the stairway to heaven.
if you are always used to go backpacking with super light gear I think its just usual you are going to have a harder time with a heavy pack. I have been travelling over 7 years now and my pack is always around 25kg. in my experience it takes around 2 weeks to get used to the weight so I would say if you are physically fit and you don't have a lot of money for super light gear , don't worry to much about a heavy backpack. *Please be careful if you are an unexperienced hiker since it is more difficult and you can get injured more easily* It might be hard at the start but its totally worth it for the comfort ! I am sure you can do it !
In the past on multi day trips and packing heavy. I would carry a small packable bag. "Canvas messenger bag" That way for quick junts from camp or just off the trial. I could load basics into the small one and leave the big one and most weight behind. Thank you for the video!!!
I hiked the PCT in the eighties with a kelty frame pack about that weight but you are missing the heavy boots. It's a great time for a hiker,smart phones and the gear now have made it almost too easy the CDT used to take a giant pile of maps and many wrong turns plus no Uber rides
There are definitely reasons the UL trend is so popular for thru hikers even beyond the newer technology. Like you said, the smart phones and Ubers. Watching thru Hikers on the Appalachian trail they have an incredible support system along the way. They don’t have to worry about carrying extra clothes to be sure they stay dry and prevent hypothermia, they can easily get off trail to a hostel with a washer and dryer. They don’t have to go more than a few days without picking up their resupplies so food weights are down. There are water sources all along the way. There are gear shops all along the way. There are shuttles available. And then there’s all the TH-cam content creators who make it a competition to have their base weight the lowest so people feel pressured not to be seen carrying an extra pair of socks. UL is what the “cool kids” are doing so now we have people looking down on a pack of 25- 30 pounds. I find it interesting from a cultural perspective.
@@lucybarrington4634 Even with the new gear you still have to hike twenty miles a day and completion rates are worse than years ago.There is a youtuber that says the PCT is no longer a thru hike because of global warming and he failed twice but children complete thru hikes every year I was passed by an eleven year old girl on the PCT.Makes me wonder how many would complete a thru hike without all the gear and on the PCT they have water caches about every ten miles now .
When you travel with friends, you can share some of those glamor items-especially those yummy treats. Sure having comfort items are worth it, because they enhance your experience-just share some stuff, lighten some items and enjoy. Find the balance. Oh, and I’ve seen several channel folks who leave the packs behind to summit-so good choice there
I've end2ended four trails, and my pack averaged 50- 60 for up to ten days. On the Long Trail I started out with about 70 lbs. But was able to send 15 lbs. Back home. What a difference. I had an external frame pack.
The heaviest pack was 98lbs, 7 years ago, including food for 2 weeks and about 6 liters of water due to drought. My goal for packweight including everything is 55lbs for a 2 week wintertrip.
I had a 47.5lb pack w/ your recommended AMG 75. It was for a group winter camping setup with shovels for shelter building and shared meals. My back mostly was the same weight on the walk out w/ the wag bags and water in the leftover cooked food.
I just undertook a 60km high alt trek with 1000mtr+ climbs on a technically advanced trail with sub zero (-4oC) weather hauling a 23kg (51lb) pack. The pack weight was unintentional but not really noticeable once I had the content distribution and strap setup tweaked . . . and that needs adjustment as the day progresses as packs do settle in. Biggest contribution to the day - trekking poles ! Biggest challenge - if you miss-place your footing, that weight can really pull you over quickly. I had several falls due to this. Lesson - carry less weight, build core strength and practice before hand 😮
Hi Justin. This was a very intresting video. Personally I think the weight of a pack is not that important for some people. What is important is to pack the right items needed for the intended trip. Not more or less. Before ultralight gear existed people were going backpacking with car camping stuff. Even to this day there are some people who still do that. Maybe because of financial reasons or who knows. The price of ultralight gear is so expensive that the average backpacker can't ever afford it. There are also mountaineers or guides who carry very heavy packs because they have lots of extra gear that they have to bring along. Of course, mountaineering gear has also got much lighter, expecially if we compare the weight of an old school heavy duty steel mountaineering ice axe versus one made of ultralight aluminum. But I also agree that ideally an ultralight packed backpack is the way to go if possible. Like without a question.
Back in my 30's, in the 70's, my brother and I went on a mountain hike to Mt. San Gorgonial in California in the winter, and in a couple of feet of snow. We had to hike about two miles through a river bed containing lots of boulders underfoot, wearing old school snow shoes just to get to the trailhead. Neither one of 7s had ever worn snow shoes before, and both of us were carrying packs that weighed about eighty pounds. We got snowed in all day, and most of the ten miles we covered was uphill. We fell many times and would either have help getting up, or take off our packs, then pick them up and put them on a rock, or sit them on the mountainside high enough to and lean back against the mountainside against the pack to get them back on and then be able to stand up again. Made it to our intended campsite freezing to death. We set up our tent quickly and started a fire, then ate a large hot meal and divedbinside our tent and sleeping bag. In the morning my brother who had diabetes had redlines going up his legs, so we ate breakfast and hiked back down the mountain and to our car still carrying about eighty pound packs. Our backs and legs didn't bother us, just the cold. I'm pretty out of shape today, but with the improved packs today and hiking poles I would expect that I would still carry at least a fifty pound pack to feel prepared for what I consider a safe hike in the wilderness.
I like to carry my 3 person 7 lb tent. It made for bikepacking so the poles are easy to store. For me its more about being comfortable and having fun then just putting summits under my belt.
I use to carry heavy backpack. The point of carrying a heavy pack is usually not to change clothes everyday or to have a can on the trail, nor to bring a chair or a table but to use gears that keep us alive when we would struggle with hypothermia and sleep deprivation with the gears you had. Or basically to carry more food for a longer trip in autonomy. Both often come together. Reason why if it worth it or not is out of point, the question is does your trip requires it. Once we do or wish to do the kind of trip that requires it then it makes sense to carry such backpack on smaller trip for training purposes. And that's how one can eventually see on trails people with excessively heavy pack for what they seem to be doing.
Good job!! What a fun experiment. I don’t think I could ever handle that much weight, but I’m glad to see someone that can. I’m so sick of the ultralight videos showing up in my feed. My base weight is just under 22 lbs. - I’d like to see some experiences in the lightweight range.
Back in the day 50 pound packs were common. My Dana Design pack weighed over 8 pounds empty. I don’t miss any of that heavy crap one bit. My base weight is now 8 pounds. As far as people from the USA not used to rain they are obviously not from from the East Coast. I have backpacked about a month this summer and it’s rained almost every day. One day I was forced off the trial because Vermont received 10 inches in one day and much of the state flooded. I would love to see you bring that kit to the Whites of NH. The Whites only go straight up and down. Those trials look very smooth. That’s why no one and I mean no one has a chair on the east coast.
Great test, and proof that a good backpack can be worth an extra pound or two for a better suspension. Yes, 35-40 lbs would be more reasonable. But you were making a point, and you did it well. With a good pack you can carry snow shoes/skis, inflatable kayaks, or climbing gear to expand the adventure.
I just went through all my gear putting together a 14month gear shakedown video... last trip, 2 nights in the Badland, i had 42lbs base weight, then added 10L water n 7lbs food! only 3 trips (5 nights) but another 10-14 night testing gear 😂 figured training was important, never been backpacking, first trip was solo winter backpacking on Shoeshoes pushed 17miles in 2 days!... Porcupine Mt wilderness Michigan, was dead for a week after 😂
So right that added weight is hard on the joints in addition to the cardiovascular strain. I go ultralight (plus chair zero) for my knees and feet, hopefully to add more years to my outdoor adventures. ❤
I like hiking with my Salomon Super 9 Guide mountain guide boots for those heavy loads, that I bought in 1996 and still as good as the day I bought them. They have great ankle support and internal lacing system, especially traversing angled trails in high elevations. Great boot for ice work in crampons, especially front pointing ice climbing. For light hiking I like the Salomon Quest mid. My favourite heavy pack is the North Face Inversion. For lighter hikes and ice climbing I like the Arcteyx Bora 40. The old adage is : a pound on your feet is like five on your back. then again, I like the original MSR XGK stove and still a proud user of the 9 lb North Face VE24. My sleeping bag is North Face Dark Star, with a Therm-a-rest neo Air R5.7 pad. I guess I am giving away my age. I bought the VE24 in 1976 at 16 years old. I replace my Joe Brown helmet for a MSR Half Dome.
Ha! That’s the lightest pack I ever carry! When I’m canoe tripping in Canada, it’s over 100! I’m still using my 1996 Dana Designs Terraplane X - 5,500 cu in.
Awesome video Justin. You are fit and can handle that weight. I bet less experienced hikers are less fit so more prone to injury. 35 lb for my 130 lb weight is still too much. I’m trying to get my gear down to 25-30 lbs. great tips and views of that trail!
I started my outdoor career as a kayaker, where weight really doesn‘t matter. brought chairs, tables and fresh food (vegetables, eggs) for 10 days. switched to hiking and tried to keep the comfort and started out with 20kg. It was crystal clear after the first 10 days that I needed to lighten up a lot. I had to take several hour-long breaks every day. every stop I asked myself if I should really take off the pack because getting it back on was a nightmare. I couldn‘t feel my big toes for weeks afterwards and could not lift my right arm for half a year. so yeah, I‘d rather have a shorter pad and no chair, but being able to move comfortably all day.
I use to do 2wk trips in hunting season, gear plus 2wks of food, my average weight over 15yrs was 50-55kg, plus rifle, plus water carried. It absolutely sucked walking 2 days to get to base camp, but it was so worth it to get to base camp, and have those "goodies". Definitely risky if you went of track, a knee injury, 2 face plants, and nightmare inducing cramps on 2 trips definitely reinforcing the "I must be mad" feeling. The only thing crazier was the walk outs, one once including pack gear, 30ltrs of meat, and 2 red stag heads (estimated 65-70kg pack), thank God for tramping tracks!
My first trip I didn’t know what to expect and packed 63 lbs, extra clothes, too much food, and extra bs that really wasn’t necessary, backpacking is such a big contrast from overlanding, I pack coolers, and tables, and all this stuff cuz well, it fits. We did a prett big elevation day with the big pack and I’m pretty fit, but wow was I poooooped
When I need to carry more weight I prefer an external frame pack. I know they don't have too many available these days but for heavy weight it feels more stable.
Absolutely! Hauling wooden permit boxes with 1,000 backcountry permits even 5 miles up a trail is much easier with a freighter frame, the bully/heavy stuff needs that rigidity.
Great job on the experiment. I have bad knees and i am quite happy i got into the hobby now, that a lot of cheap lightweight equipment is available and there are people sharing the knowledge on the internet. Today, it's still routine fpr German backpackers to leave with 15kg (lbs) for trips in the Alps where you sleep in huts and don't need to bring a shelter and sleep system or food. Or people bring 20kg for trips where you bring a tent, etc. To me, that's madness now.
My first trip was 15 miles with 63 ish lbs, don't know the exact weight. My second trip a year or so later was about 43. This year I should be about 30-35. All in with water and food. It's been soo nice to drop the weight. and I'm really digging all my new lighter gear. I hope it all lasts a long time.
If you've never tried a Mystery Ranch, you have to. Nothing carries weight as well as a Mystery Ranch. They really expand your capabilities. Personally, I don't do more than 25lbs (30lbs with ultra luxuries), but I've had 50lbs in my MR and it feels closer to the 30's on my back.
I couldn’t agree more! As a Marine our packs are often 90+ lbs (weapons, ammo, cleaning kits, radios, armor, etc…) and the Mystery Ranch pack carry’s it like a BOSS.
My seventh decade hiking partner, ruined her knees when her petite frame, carried those very normal 40-50 pound pack loads in the 1970-1980s with her work as Forest Service wildlife biologist. Fast forward to this decade, I do pack a mini tarp when I expect rain/snow for cook and drier rest spot.
Beautiful views! Love all your vids Justin, you do a great job. Positive energy, useful information for viewers, and our province’s scenery can’t be beat!
Ive been cycle touring for years, and want to get back into backpack. Just bought the osprey aether 65l, and most of my bicycle touring gear is already backpacking gear. My tent is the only thing that is a bit big for backpacking. It’s a 7 pound Big Agnes bikepacking tent. Good thing about bicycle touring is that most the gear you buy is ment for back packing!
My first trip 10 years ago or so, 5 days, 75 lbs. I had a steel poop shovel. A whole selection of seasonings. More food than I could eat in 8 days, plus snacks. A steel canteen. An 8 lb cheap tent. And…five days of clothes.
My average is 46lbs and it gets old but Im solo and do 3 to 5 day and carry the necessites for a comfortable camp and all my hunting gear as well. Being hypo glycemic I have to have food that is good, no garbage so thats usually 5 to 10 lbs depending on length of trip. I carry 1 change of clothes, 2 pr socks 2 pr unders, a puffer and a UA hoodie. I always carry a tarp as well just so I have a canopy for shade and rain. I use my tarptent, jetboil, micro lantern, 2 cans of fuel, kelty bag, nemo sleep pad, nemo pillow and misc camp stuff chair etc. The rest is gear I use while away from camp which is usually all day and I place it in a day pack for hunting. Id love to pack under 40 because after 3 to 5 miles a day Im about spent and getting older (over 5 decades) it dont get any easier each year that goes by.
50 on flat ground is not a big deal. It’s the climbs that suck the life out. Back in my military days I carried way more. I thought it was cool to be able to hump a heavy load. Then I discovered light weight hiking. So much easier.
I carried 50 lbs in the Sangre De Cristes at 15 yo. The same weight, different gear the year before in the Appalachians including 16 meals that we never ate. My friend George carried 150 on D Day aged 17, counting his 2 chutes, weapons, basic gear, beacon transmitters and batteries. He weighed about a Buck Seventy then
I'm 6 ft and 160lbs. 2 years ago I was at 69lbs starting pack weight for a 10 day hike, and it was brutal. Last year I was 65 lbs for a 10 day hike, still brutal. This year (August) I was 47lbs at the start for an 8 day hike. By the end I was down to 39lbs pack weight, which felt much better (minimum daily milage 5, maximum daily milage was 11). I carried too much water for all those trips. I think I can drop another 6 lbs starting weight by being more judicious about water in the water bladder and eliminating a few items. Also thinking about a Durston tent, which would take off another 4lbs from my son (a cross country runner), who could then carry 4lbs of my load😀! Yes indeed, I'm dreaming of a 10 day hike with sub-40lbs pack weight at the start.
You've got the right attitude about this... The only reason these ultralight wankers can go ultralight is because they're on hikes with a river crossing every 10 miles and a gas station every 40 miles to stock up their food and other crap... I've NEVER seen an ultralighter on the hikes I go on through the desert in Iran, Jordan, Australia and Central Asia. Ultralighters are what we Aussies call 'fair weather hikers' who can never be too far from civilisation, lest they run out of food and water in their tiny little 40L Dyneema bags...
It's fine as long as you build up your strength in your muscles and joints first. I ruptured the cartilage in my knee on a long hike with a 20+kg bag over a 2 day hike in the mountains of Scotland. Its still not right 4 years later. Take your time to work your way up to that weight or you could cause some serious injury to yourself. I'm better now and recently did a 4 day trip with roughly the same weight, if not more and was fine afterwards.
Those views are crazy my man!! You're very fortunate to have such amazing vistas over there. Hope you get to enjoy all of this for a long time to come! Keep up the great work 👍
This is pretty common for people who don't have a lot of money for light weight gear. Especially when we all start out. I suggest a "budget backpacking trip" video... set an overall budget, say under $750 or something. Maybe a walmart kit, or something more attainable to many when starting out.
Gear can be expensive, but I have a kit that is good to just below freezing that weighs 10lbs and is under $1000. Bump that to 12lbs and I could probably hit $750
just did 9 days in the backcountry in the San Juan mountains of SW Colorado...pack was at 60lbs with my heavy ass rifle strapped to it. Wasn't too bad after all was done
What's the heaviest pack you've carried?
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
REI Helix Sleeping Pad: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad
Exped MegaPillow: geni.us/ExpedPillow
Kelty Glendale Pack: geni.us/Glendale85
EE Apex Quilt: geni.us/revelationapex
Hammock Gear Tarp: geni.us/HG-SilpolyTarp
X-Mid Pro 2: geni.us/XmidPro2
Axe Throwing Game: geni.us/AxeThrowing
🍪 COOK AND WATER 💧
Windburner Stove: geni.us/Windburner
Platypus Quickdraw Filter: geni.us/PlatyQuickDraw
Toaks Long Spoon: geni.us/ToaksTiSpoon
Russbe Bags: geni.us/RussbeBags
Hilltop Packs Bag: geni.us/HilltopPacks
👕 CAMP CLOTHING 👖
Decathlon MT500 Down Jacket: geni.us/MT500DownJacket
Decathlon Fleece Sweater: geni.us/MH120Fleece
Decathlon Fleece Pants: geni.us/DecFleecePants
OR Merino Top: geni.us/OnsetTop
OR Merino Bottom: geni.us/OnsetBottom
Fleece Socks: geni.us/PolarFeet
MEC Booties: geni.us/CampBooties
Merino Toque: geni.us/Minus33Hat
Merino Buff: geni.us/MT500MerinoBuff
🚶HIKING CLOTHING 🚶
Hoka Speedgoat 5s: geni.us/Speedgoat5
OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: geni.us/AstromanHoodie
MEC Mica Pants: geni.us/MECMicaPants
XOSKINS Toe Socks: geni.us/XOSKINS-SOCKS
OV Tushar Rain Jacket: geni.us/OV-Tushar
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Enduro 2 Watch: geni.us/Enduro-2
NU25 Headlamp: geni.us/NU25UL
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Soap Bottle: geni.us/SoapBottle
CuloClean Bidet: geni.us/CuloClean
45 kg, lightest is 28 kg 😂🎣🐾🏕️
Former US Army Spec ops...110lb with plates grenades mines and rifle 2x side arms night vision radio and all other gear, You can see why I have a problem with people weighing ounces on a scale prior to going out....I used to train in the summer for elk hunting season in the hills with a 50lb pack lots off guys who hunt sheep do as well. and Im only 5"8
35 lb was my heaviest on the PCT and I felt like dying. I did a 5000 ft climb that day in the brutal desert heat.
Heaviest was around 70 lbs while weighing around 140. This was in the late-90s with Boy Scouts. Most of the weight was due to needing to carry gear that others in our group were unable to. 55 lbs was a fairly normal backpacking weight back then though.
60+lbs in a 75 litre Northface pack in 2011 on my first ever 100 mile backpacking trip on the West Highland Way in Scotland. I had never hiked more than a few day hikes and was quite ignorant to the pain the weight would cause. I learned oh so much after that trip.
30 years ago, all my hiking trips started out at about 50 lb. By the end of the hike, after eating down my 10 lb of food, I finished at 38-40 lb. One difference between your 55 lb. pack and my 50 lb pack is that your's has just about all the lightweight gear available to man plus.....table, chair toys, etc. We did not pack that stuff in back in the day. Great hike, enjoyed the beautiful vistas and terrain.
Yeah, as a kid in scouts we would use the old external frame packs and carry between 40-60 lbs but now as an adult it’s all about being in the low 20’s or less, lol.
Back in the old days it was almost impossible to stay under 30 lb for any trip longer than 3 days if you wanted to have any chance of survival 🙂 Sometimes I think it has become too easy nowadays.
@@wr1120 ah yes, back in my day we used messenger pigeons to communicate over long distances. now there are cell phones for that, sometimes i think it has become too easy nowadays.
edit: yes this is in fact how dumb your statement sounds
@idhatemet00 I think it's relevant that what is a big enough deal for this guy to make a video about, was just what we used to call camping.
@@ernststravoblofeld and the backpackers and mountaineers before you had it even harder, so relative to them, you had it "easy". What's your point?
Comfortable pack weight depends on your weight and level of fitness. I was homeless for 2.5 years, I weighed about 75kg and my backpack was around 20kg. I carried it everywhere, it was never out of my sight. After the first 3-6 months I hardly felt it.
Out on the trails, I regularly see people with heavy packs, and they seem to be enjoying it as much as I am, just at a slower pace. So I think it's partly a personality thing. I like light because I like to move quickly and go farther, others are happy taking it slower.
That is the biggest thing, you just have to set a slower pace when you carry more. With the right pack you hardly feel the weight as long as you go the right pace for the terrain and elevation. You just have to accept that if you are carrying a heavy pack you are not going to cover the same ground as you can wit ha light pack.
I went on a trip with I think it was 7 other guys, the trek we were doing was a 2 week trek with a re-supply post part-way. We went with a load for the first part before the re-supply (which was about 60% of the trek) of about 1/3 body weight which at the time for me was 60lbs. This was pretty heavy but a lot of it was food so after 3 days it got fairly comfortable at about 40lbs or so. The other 40% was only about 45lbs to start so after carrying 60 over the hardest part of the trek it wasn't too bad.
I had a good time but frankly I don't care much for long-distance backpacking anymore. I much prefer day or two treks, especially is shitty weather.
What do they say? Hike your own hike? 😁
I lean the same as you. I tend to naturally walk fast and don't want a lot of stuff. Haven't thru hiked ever but I'm gathering stuff to try soon and I'm on track for a base under 10#
I am pretty much ok with 17-22kg backpack and 15-20km per day in difficult terain. I like to look around, making stops, sitting on the grass appreciate panorama views and not worry about time and food. In not going it for physical performance. I like adventure and exploration.
In my army days my heaviest pack was about 90lb, filled with all our normal gear (including the ridiculous shelter half, great idea CPT Peterson) and the M60 spare barrel bag & tripod. But it wasn’t only 90lb, it was 90lb in a large ALICE. For military use it made sense not to have your pack interfere with your helmet, but that thing stuck out so far behind you that you had to bend forward 45° at the waist to keep your weight over your hips.
The good old Green Tick !
@@mdog1615 How was that for your back and knees? Curious if it had any long term affects?
Just wondering, and please forgive my ignorance, if you weren't carrying a shelter half, what would you have slept in?
We have determined that your knee injuries are not service related and therefore you do not qualify for benefits, of course
We used our poncho, very versatile piece, and it's liner (woobie) would very often served for primary sleeping insulation, instead of carrying that stupid WWII sleeping bag. No one carried the shelter half unless in basic training or AIT. They even stopped issuing it late 90s. The poncho and woobie is all you need through a wide range of temp and conditions. Not sure what they are using nowadays. @@ericsagong5644
At 75 years old, I'm still carrying 25 kg on a regular basis. Have been tramping (hiking) for over 50+ year, as a guide and bushcraft instructor. (so far this year I have don 40 tramps (hikes). In recent times I've carried 27kgs. It is what I call 'conditioning', no more no less. I don't recommend that a 75-year-old person should carry that kind of weight if they haven't been doing it all their live. ATB Cheers from the mountains of NZ ☺☺
Wow, I hope I can do half that when I am 75.
That's truly amazing mate
I met legends like yourself occasionally in the Mountains of NZ whilst on mountaineering trips and tramps with 25 to 30kg packs for big multi day trips 20 years ago before the lightweight gear came out. I've only managed to drop pack weight by about 6kg though since then on the same sort of trips lol.
Do you carry an old style wooden ice axe?
@@TwilightCinemaNZ 20 years ago, we may have met. I have a modern iceaxe. 😀 Tramped in lace up gum boots for 24 years. Have the modern touch now. Lowe boots. Up to 46 tramps now, should finish the year on at least 60. ATB. From the mountains of NZ.
@@tararuaman People were pretty scarce on the routes that I took in the South Island but maybe. Mountaineering was in a bit of a slump about then. Not sure about now though.
I was always in awe (and envy) of the old school mountaineers I occasionally bumped into, probably in their mid 70s, who were sprightly as hell, whilst I was hobbling around with shattered thighs and double plastic boots (for conditioning lol) whilst wielding these magnificent long handled wooden ice axes, probably of the Hillary era vintage.
I’m 65 and have been solo long distance hiking for 2 decades now. I usually explore wildernesses one at a time. I’m limited only by my food. I know I’m probably not going to visit again so I try to explore for at least 10 days. At 2 lbs a day for food that’s 20 pounds right there. I bring a comfortable pack and a lot of gear. I never can seem to start a trip with less than 55 pounds. It’s always difficult getting started but after a few days I can get into the groove.
I weigh 145 pounds. My pack can reach 70 pounds if I’m in a dry environment.
Get your food weight down to 1.3 pounds per day:
th-cam.com/video/gbmQRmuv88c/w-d-xo.html&pp=iAQB
What boots do you use?
Nice and nostalgic. Thanks! Used to always train with such a load when I was just a punk in my 50’s/60’s. Don’t think I’ve ever carried more than 35 lbs on any multi day trip so, yeah the training weight was good. Now, in my 70’s, and given technological advances, glad to say that 25lbs is good for 4-5 days 😊
At age 53 I’m 1500 miles into the pct class 2021-22-23 with a base weight of start 37, low of 28 and current 33 pounds. It sucked for first few weeks at 8 miles a day at these weights. Every week was better than the one before and daily miles and speed of recovery improved. Currently doing 18-20 mile days and love the camp chair I added least month and bear can since Campo. No regrets with my choices and open to adding more weight even though I’ve had back problems from manual labor since my 30’s.
I really like this. As someone who is unfit and recently tried hiking with a similar weight (due mainly to financial limitations), I can so relate to the steep incline being tough. The pack felt great when it was on my hips and barely noticeable on flat ground. Climbing 150m in elevation over a kilometre took me an hour and wiped me out. It was a real eye-opener on how much conditioning work I need to do to transition from day walks and car camping into backpacking.
One thing I like about learning about lightweight gear is that it allows me more room for luxury items such as a chair!
I’m 61 years old, been backpacking nearly my entire life. I don’t do big mileage but 55 pounds is nothing. Less weight in summer but in winter, 55+ no problem.
I am one of those people who carry 50-60lbs on a backpacking trip. On my last 5 day trip through Mount Assiniboine I had exactly 60lbs on my Osprey Farpoint pack. I do enjoy my comfort stuff and beers.
I do this nearly every time I go out for a trip like this. It can be brutal but at camp it's bliss.
Wow! This is FASCINATING to me. For decades as a Firefighter, donning my basic PPE (before picking up any tools/ladders/hose added 67 pounds to my body. But, to be fair, that was typically for only 30-90 minutes at a time.
I have loved your videos for a while now. Another great one. You are almost single handedly inspiring me to get into Hiking and Camping because I am also based out of Calgary. With the great explanations, excellent location shots, and no fluff videos, you have my favorite Hiking videos on YT.
Thanks a lot for doing these Videos, so that people like me can begin their hiking adventures with confidence in their gear choices, and their starting knowledge.
I hope to begin next weekend!
Your in Calgary and not taking advantage of the mountains yet?!?! Get out there bro!!
I haven't carried 50 pounds sense my military days. Outstanding job.
Just this past July, we left Philmont base camp carrying 55 pounds. Personal gear, "PhilGear", food, water.
@@Mike___Kilo Did Philmont when I was 14 years old. I'm now 54 from what I remember we did have some very heavy packs. The problem with youth is it's waisted on the young. Lol cheers
@@chrismoore600 We probably averaged around 40-45 pounds depending upon how much food and water we were packing and what PhilGear we were carrying.
Despite my best intentions, I also overpack a bit.
Of course Philmont is very different from solo through hiking.
We went to Philmont in the early 1970s great memories!
As a former Ranger, we carried 70-80 pound rucks and at almost 70 years old, arthritis is kicking my ass!
I still enjoy the outdoors, just can't carry heavy packs...
@@Stoney_AKA_James I'm with you on the heavy packs and arthritis. 4 years in the 82 airborne and 30 years Fayetteville firefighter will do some damage. Cheers
Personally, Ive been to the rabbit hole of UL. Today I am pretty moderate. I do allow myself to carry a few luxuries (extra socks for sleep and for the next day after rain, a chair, coffee making kit). I believe the best way to know what you value is try out. Go UL and see what you miss, go UH and see what you enjoy to find where it is best for you. Great video!
When you learn 55 is extreme lol! I pack on average 55-60 on average. Then again I know I carry heavy! I bring beer and all! Good to see you all having a blast on the trip even with nature tossing you all some curve balls!
The most I've ever carried was 40 pounds (I'm usually in the 18-25lb range all loaded up). It's crazy how fast your body starts to adapt and you don't notice the weight as much as you think you would.
I’m loving everyone roasting this guy. 50lbs is lightweight baby!
Thanks for doing this experiment. I generally carry about 30 to 35 pounds with me. It's nice having that thick sleeping bag and durable 2-person tent ⛺️ with extra space for my pack
I almost feel like you're looked down on by other hikers if your loadout is over 20 pounds. Seriously, everyone's needs are different.
Sure, but look at who is looking down on you. A naturalist isn't going to judge you. It's mostly the kids that aren't out there for nature, they just want to put in miles, and really, they might as well be doing laps on a track.
I haven't made it through the whole video yet but, big props to you for doing a 3 night trip with all that gear! Most other TH-camrs who would try this experiment on at most do 1 nighter!
Have to agree. At least he did some decent miles and a challenging route and was pretty balanced in his assessment at the end.
As we used to say back in the day, any fool can be uncomfortable, meaning those that chose not to carry the kit that makes life on the trail a bit more bearable, chose to rough it.
It's fascinating that even when weight is no concern at all, you would still take the xmid pro. It's literally about 2% of your pack weight...
I never realized that this landscape existed in Canada. Wow that is gorgeous.
The last trip I went on my pack was right at 55 lbs. I was carrying gear for myself, my son and my girlfriend though.
ok, so it's been a few years and I had to look this up to check. In the British Army one of the annual fitness tests involved carrying 25kg, and covering 8 miles in less than 2 hrs.
During my training, we did 2 back to back on successive days, immediately followed by other physical tests, such as the assault course, in full kit, after having just done the 8 miler.
Simple maths will show that 4 mph is faster than you can walk, to cover the 8 miles in less than 2hrs, and so you would interval speed marching, with running, so when considering hiking weight, and what we patrolled with, you can add another chunk of weight on top of the 25kg. I don't know what the total weight was, we never weighed it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was getting towards 40kg, and this was standard officer training.
I remember our final exercise at the end of a year's training, that we couldn't physically stand straight with our bergans on, and would be half hunched over when stood still. Also, that we couldn't put our bergans on ourselves and would help each other to get them on, usually two people holding it whilst you got into the straps. Then add on a 5-6 kg weapon, ammo, radio, belt kit, and the rest.
My philosophy when it comes to hiking and weight, and reacting to the whole ultralight 'fad' (more money than sense), is an unrealistic expectation that hiking shouldn't be arduous and that you shouldn't have to train for it, just hop off your sofa when the desire arises, which is nonsense.
Any activity, other than simple walking, is going to take more effort, more strength, more endurance, and conditioning. Put the weight on, get used to it, and don't ever cut corners when it comes to back up kit and safety gear.
Additionally, robust kit that will last, tends to be heavier too, but it also means it is more reliable. Choosing gear based primarily on weight, is such a bad idea. Also having minimal gear is also not a good idea.
I shake my head when I hear people say they don't take a cooker to save weight 'I'm going to cold soak', have fun not ever having a hot meal to warm you up if you take a spill into a stream or get caught in the cold rain; or they'll take the bare minimum of rations, so absolutely no contingency if a trip goes pear shaped, or takes longer than expected, or you need to help someone in an emergency. Fail to prepare means preparing to fail.
Take heart in the fact that your core will get stronger, meaning less chance of injury and you'll feel so much better for having done something actually physical unlike the ultralite to55ers.
Btw, 11 years military service and also an expedition leader for the last 25 plus years.
And the UL cult says anyone who’s not UL is “packing their fears.” Nope, I have no fears because I pack for the conditions, not to meet some arbitrary weight. And I guarantee 99% of them would never notice the weight if someone stuck an extra liter of water in their pack.
In the mid-late 80s, US Army XVIII Airborne Corps soldiers, regardless of MOS (I was tracked artillery) had to do a 12 mile road march w/50lb (IIRC) packs, full web gear, and rifle in a maximum of 3 hours every quarter. The fastest I remember doing it was about 2.5 hours, and we ran most of the way (we did it as a section.)
@@philsmith2444 good to hear I'm not the only one with common sense. Guess some of that might have to do with military training and working with hardy equipment. Might not be the best, might not be the lightest, but the vast majority of the time you could rely on it.
That's why the sleeping bag weighed about 2-3 kg, and the ruck empty weighed about the same, and the list goes on and on.
I have to restrain myself when I see these so called YT experts talk about their 15lb pack weight, with dehydrated meals (we only used them in arctic conditions where water is literally everywhere) rather than meals ready to eat so even if you are low on water you don't have to chose between drinking or eating.
Good to see these guys getting out and about, rather than the rest of the x box generation, but yeah, not a fan of the ultralight movement. And don't even get me started on trail runners instead of boots lol.
@@SeanHendyI have plenty of lightweight gear, but it’s not my main gear selection criterion. My May-Sept big 3 weigh around 2kg with a -3C sleeping bag (if I leave the mesh insert for the tent at home), less with a 7C sleeping bag - good to around 2-3C with my hooded down jacket, merino baselayers, and emergency bivy as a vapor barrier liner, all of which are in my pack regardless of temp. My typical May-Sept day hiking pack weighs about 8.5kg (I have a tarp, pad, and sleeping bag, along with stove and a day’s worth of food in my pack every single time I head out.) Even in summer it’s not too uncommon for temps to drop into the low single digits C in the mountains of NW Maine, if I die on a mountain it’s not going to be from exposure!
In winter the load is about 12-13kg, with 2P4S tent, -18C bag, Xtherm, Marmot Greenland down parka, and Western Mountaineering down pants in the pack. Insulated boots if the temp is much below -10C or so, and either wearing or carrying 10x36 (2.5kg) or 12x42 (3.3kg) snowshoes if there’s enough snow to need them (obviously not part of the 12-13kg.)
In my 30’s gear was not so light. We used to carry 25kgs on our 5 day hikes. The first day typically required climbing up 1200m to get onto an escarpment. By Day 5 you’d eaten the food toughened up and you didn’t feel it anymore.
I am very happy with the lighter gear, now my pack is down to 18kgs. No table or chair though
Keep up the good work, love these videos, especially since I have been in some of the areas you go to.
One of my fav vids you've done! Enjoyed the length. It was fun seeing you doing this, as your usually carrying a light pack. Glad you made it out safe without injury! Cheers!
Last summer weighed my pack on Muir Trail Ranch and was 65 lbs. I regularly carry 50-60 lbs, as I'm turning 40 I bought lightweight gear and took off 10-14 lbs (6lbs 1st aid kid for global rescue coverage with iPhone 14, lighter sleeping pad, quilt instead of sleeping bag, loghter pack, misc extra stuff out that I haven't used.)
That "for Frodo" caught me so off guard 😂😂😂
I've done multiple kilometer+ portages over sketchy terrain with my 35lb pack, 10lb food barrel, and 50lb canoe on head, while carrying a paddle. I thought this was normal? Lol. Great vid.
Hell yeah brother! Welcome to the military! All you're missing is another 100 pounds of ammo, weapon, and protective gear! Reminds me of the stairway to heaven.
The scenery in this video is breathtaking. Love it.
if you are always used to go backpacking with super light gear I think its just usual you are going to have a harder time with a heavy pack. I have been travelling over 7 years now and my pack is always around 25kg. in my experience it takes around 2 weeks to get used to the weight so I would say if you are physically fit and you don't have a lot of money for super light gear , don't worry to much about a heavy backpack. *Please be careful if you are an unexperienced hiker since it is more difficult and you can get injured more easily* It might be hard at the start but its totally worth it for the comfort ! I am sure you can do it !
A 50lb pack after 6 weeks will feel like a 20lb pack, while a 20lb pack will feel like a 50lb pack if you rarely hike.
In the past on multi day trips and packing heavy. I would carry a small packable bag. "Canvas messenger bag" That way for quick junts from camp or just off the trial.
I could load basics into the small one and leave the big one and most weight behind.
Thank you for the video!!!
I hiked the PCT in the eighties with a kelty frame pack about that weight but you are missing the heavy boots.
It's a great time for a hiker,smart phones and the gear now have made it almost too easy the CDT used to take a giant pile of maps and many wrong turns plus no Uber rides
There are definitely reasons the UL trend is so popular for thru hikers even beyond the newer technology. Like you said, the smart phones and Ubers.
Watching thru Hikers on the Appalachian trail they have an incredible support system along the way. They don’t have to worry about carrying extra clothes to be sure they stay dry and prevent hypothermia, they can easily get off trail to a hostel with a washer and dryer. They don’t have to go more than a few days without picking up their resupplies so food weights are down. There are water sources all along the way. There are gear shops all along the way. There are shuttles available. And then there’s all the TH-cam content creators who make it a competition to have their base weight the lowest so people feel pressured not to be seen carrying an extra pair of socks. UL is what the “cool kids” are doing so now we have people looking down on a pack of 25- 30 pounds.
I find it interesting from a cultural perspective.
@@lucybarrington4634 Even with the new gear you still have to hike twenty miles a day and completion rates are worse than years ago.There is a youtuber that says the PCT is no longer a thru hike because of global warming and he failed twice but children complete thru hikes every year I was passed by an eleven year old girl on the PCT.Makes me wonder how many would complete a thru hike without all the gear and on the PCT they have water caches about every ten miles now .
Ooh! I'm loving the VR 3D maps!
People talk alot about weight but the real issue is vert. 55 isn't that heavy on the flats but once you hit the incline it's a whole new kinda pain.
When you travel with friends, you can share some of those glamor items-especially those yummy treats. Sure having comfort items are worth it, because they enhance your experience-just share some stuff, lighten some items and enjoy. Find the balance. Oh, and I’ve seen several channel folks who leave the packs behind to summit-so good choice there
I really respect Justin for testing a spectrum of gear and conditions. I hope his body can keep up with the abuse 😅
What outstanding scenery! I really love that area, a personal favourite for backpacking destinations :D
I've end2ended four trails, and my pack averaged 50- 60 for up to ten days. On the Long Trail I started out with about 70 lbs. But was able to send 15 lbs. Back home. What a difference.
I had an external frame pack.
The heaviest pack was 98lbs, 7 years ago, including food for 2 weeks and about 6 liters of water due to drought. My goal for packweight including everything is 55lbs for a 2 week wintertrip.
I'm genuinely impressed you managed to get your pack that heavy with almost all ultralight equipment. That's insane
It kind of showed me how quickly things add up.
I see people debating whether to carry an extra pair of socks.
I had a 47.5lb pack w/ your recommended AMG 75. It was for a group winter camping setup with shovels for shelter building and shared meals. My back mostly was the same weight on the walk out w/ the wag bags and water in the leftover cooked food.
I just undertook a 60km high alt trek with 1000mtr+ climbs on a technically advanced trail with sub zero (-4oC) weather hauling a 23kg (51lb) pack. The pack weight was unintentional but not really noticeable once I had the content distribution and strap setup tweaked . . . and that needs adjustment as the day progresses as packs do settle in. Biggest contribution to the day - trekking poles ! Biggest challenge - if you miss-place your footing, that weight can really pull you over quickly. I had several falls due to this. Lesson - carry less weight, build core strength and practice before hand 😮
Hi Justin. This was a very intresting video. Personally I think the weight of a pack is not that important for some people. What is important is to pack the right items needed for the intended trip. Not more or less. Before ultralight gear existed people were going backpacking with car camping stuff. Even to this day there are some people who still do that. Maybe because of financial reasons or who knows. The price of ultralight gear is so expensive that the average backpacker can't ever afford it. There are also mountaineers or guides who carry very heavy packs because they have lots of extra gear that they have to bring along. Of course, mountaineering gear has also got much lighter, expecially if we compare the weight of an old school heavy duty steel mountaineering ice axe versus one made of ultralight aluminum. But I also agree that ideally an ultralight packed backpack is the way to go if possible. Like without a question.
The problem IMO is the proliferation of UL cultists on TH-cam, pushing their
Idk even with cheap gear i can get my baseweight down to about 17-20 lbs for a weekend trip
Back in my 30's, in the 70's, my brother and I went on a mountain hike to Mt. San Gorgonial in California in the winter, and in a couple of feet of snow.
We had to hike about two miles through a river bed containing lots of boulders underfoot, wearing old school snow shoes just to get to the trailhead.
Neither one of 7s had ever worn snow shoes before, and both of us were carrying packs that weighed about eighty pounds.
We got snowed in all day, and most of the ten miles we covered was uphill.
We fell many times and would either have help getting up, or take off our packs, then pick them up and put them on a rock, or sit them on the mountainside high enough to and lean back against the mountainside against the pack to get them back on and then be able to stand up again.
Made it to our intended campsite freezing to death.
We set up our tent quickly and started a fire, then ate a large hot meal and divedbinside our tent and sleeping bag.
In the morning my brother who had diabetes had redlines going up his legs, so we ate breakfast and hiked back down the mountain and to our car still carrying about eighty pound packs.
Our backs and legs didn't bother us, just the cold.
I'm pretty out of shape today, but with the improved packs today and hiking poles I would expect that I would still carry at least a fifty pound pack to feel prepared for what I consider a safe hike in the wilderness.
I like to carry my 3 person 7 lb tent. It made for bikepacking so the poles are easy to store. For me its more about being comfortable and having fun then just putting summits under my belt.
Another great video! I’ve been a fan for a while.
It was fun to see how all you guys got so excited about the cute little bunny. 😂
magnificent scenery!
I use to carry heavy backpack. The point of carrying a heavy pack is usually not to change clothes everyday or to have a can on the trail, nor to bring a chair or a table but to use gears that keep us alive when we would struggle with hypothermia and sleep deprivation with the gears you had. Or basically to carry more food for a longer trip in autonomy. Both often come together. Reason why if it worth it or not is out of point, the question is does your trip requires it. Once we do or wish to do the kind of trip that requires it then it makes sense to carry such backpack on smaller trip for training purposes. And that's how one can eventually see on trails people with excessively heavy pack for what they seem to be doing.
Totally normal/average load 40 years ago. No Internet, no drama, no B/S. About what I normally carried as a #125 Scout.
Good job!! What a fun experiment. I don’t think I could ever handle that much weight, but I’m glad to see someone that can. I’m so sick of the ultralight videos showing up in my feed. My base weight is just under 22 lbs. - I’d like to see some experiences in the lightweight range.
Back in the day 50 pound packs were common. My Dana Design pack weighed over 8 pounds empty. I don’t miss any of that heavy crap one bit. My base weight is now 8 pounds. As far as people from the USA not used to rain they are obviously not from from the East Coast. I have backpacked about a month this summer and it’s rained almost every day. One day I was forced off the trial because Vermont received 10 inches in one day and much of the state flooded. I would love to see you bring that kit to the Whites of NH. The Whites only go straight up and down. Those trials look very smooth. That’s why no one and I mean no one has a chair on the east coast.
Back in the 70s and 80s, heavy packs were the norm, at least for me. Still, I loved backpacking, and I miss it.
Great test, and proof that a good backpack can be worth an extra pound or two for a better suspension.
Yes, 35-40 lbs would be more reasonable. But you were making a point, and you did it well.
With a good pack you can carry snow shoes/skis, inflatable kayaks, or climbing gear to expand the adventure.
Going to Canada is on my bucket list! I live in Florida, born and raised, and I’ve always wished I lived in cooler weather! Lol!
I just went through all my gear putting together a 14month gear shakedown video... last trip, 2 nights in the Badland, i had 42lbs base weight, then added 10L water n 7lbs food! only 3 trips (5 nights) but another 10-14 night testing gear 😂 figured training was important, never been backpacking, first trip was solo winter backpacking on Shoeshoes pushed 17miles in 2 days!... Porcupine Mt wilderness Michigan, was dead for a week after 😂
Always be sure to carry plenty of ultraprocessed no nutrient junk food and corn when hiking steeps with a heavy load.😮
So right that added weight is hard on the joints in addition to the cardiovascular strain. I go ultralight (plus chair zero) for my knees and feet, hopefully to add more years to my outdoor adventures. ❤
I like hiking with my Salomon Super 9 Guide mountain guide boots for those heavy loads, that I bought in 1996 and still as good as the day I bought them. They have great ankle support and internal lacing system, especially traversing angled trails in high elevations. Great boot for ice work in crampons, especially front pointing ice climbing. For light hiking I like the Salomon Quest mid. My favourite heavy pack is the North Face Inversion. For lighter hikes and ice climbing I like the Arcteyx Bora 40. The old adage is : a pound on your feet is like five on your back. then again, I like the original MSR XGK stove and still a proud user of the 9 lb North Face VE24. My sleeping bag is North Face Dark Star, with a Therm-a-rest neo Air R5.7 pad. I guess I am giving away my age. I bought the VE24 in 1976 at 16 years old. I replace my Joe Brown helmet for a MSR Half Dome.
Ha! That’s the lightest pack I ever carry! When I’m canoe tripping in Canada, it’s over 100! I’m still using my 1996 Dana Designs Terraplane X - 5,500 cu in.
Awesome video Justin. You are fit and can handle that weight. I bet less experienced hikers are less fit so more prone to injury. 35 lb for my 130 lb weight is still too much. I’m trying to get my gear down to 25-30 lbs. great tips and views of that trail!
I started my outdoor career as a kayaker, where weight really doesn‘t matter. brought chairs, tables and fresh food (vegetables, eggs) for 10 days. switched to hiking and tried to keep the comfort and started out with 20kg. It was crystal clear after the first 10 days that I needed to lighten up a lot. I had to take several hour-long breaks every day. every stop I asked myself if I should really take off the pack because getting it back on was a nightmare. I couldn‘t feel my big toes for weeks afterwards and could not lift my right arm for half a year. so yeah, I‘d rather have a shorter pad and no chair, but being able to move comfortably all day.
I use to do 2wk trips in hunting season, gear plus 2wks of food, my average weight over 15yrs was 50-55kg, plus rifle, plus water carried. It absolutely sucked walking 2 days to get to base camp, but it was so worth it to get to base camp, and have those "goodies". Definitely risky if you went of track, a knee injury, 2 face plants, and nightmare inducing cramps on 2 trips definitely reinforcing the "I must be mad" feeling. The only thing crazier was the walk outs, one once including pack gear, 30ltrs of meat, and 2 red stag heads (estimated 65-70kg pack), thank God for tramping tracks!
My first trip I didn’t know what to expect and packed 63 lbs, extra clothes, too much food, and extra bs that really wasn’t necessary, backpacking is such a big contrast from overlanding, I pack coolers, and tables, and all this stuff cuz well, it fits. We did a prett big elevation day with the big pack and I’m pretty fit, but wow was I poooooped
2008/2009 Philmont treks were 85-miles over 5-6 days with 50+ lb packs. Not complaining...that's just how it was...and we liked it!😂😂😂
When I need to carry more weight I prefer an external frame pack. I know they don't have too many available these days but for heavy weight it feels more stable.
Absolutely! Hauling wooden permit boxes with 1,000 backcountry permits even 5 miles up a trail is much easier with a freighter frame, the bully/heavy stuff needs that rigidity.
Yall have any tips on budget sided heavy packs for larger frames. Carrying 48 or so pounds in an old National Guard bag isn't great lol!
If I was going to bring a beer that far it definitely would not have been a Coors light. Probably a nice craft IPA or a Stout 😊.
Great job on the experiment. I have bad knees and i am quite happy i got into the hobby now, that a lot of cheap lightweight equipment is available and there are people sharing the knowledge on the internet. Today, it's still routine fpr German backpackers to leave with 15kg (lbs) for trips in the Alps where you sleep in huts and don't need to bring a shelter and sleep system or food. Or people bring 20kg for trips where you bring a tent, etc.
To me, that's madness now.
i think with most things balance is the spice of life. Really beautiful scenery Canada definitely on the bucket list
80lbs pack is kinda normal for me with all the extra stuff for the dogs. I’m also 260 6’4 so everything I own is just bigger and takes more space
My first trip was 15 miles with 63 ish lbs, don't know the exact weight. My second trip a year or so later was about 43. This year I should be about 30-35. All in with water and food. It's been soo nice to drop the weight. and I'm really digging all my new lighter gear. I hope it all lasts a long time.
50 pounds. We dragged it several miles up some very steep elevation. Was completely worn out after the trip. Totally worth it
If you've never tried a Mystery Ranch, you have to. Nothing carries weight as well as a Mystery Ranch. They really expand your capabilities. Personally, I don't do more than 25lbs (30lbs with ultra luxuries), but I've had 50lbs in my MR and it feels closer to the 30's on my back.
I couldn’t agree more! As a Marine our packs are often 90+ lbs (weapons, ammo, cleaning kits, radios, armor, etc…) and the Mystery Ranch pack carry’s it like a BOSS.
Not saying I enjoy carrying that by any means. It’s always miserable. But without a good pack it would be inconceivable.
My seventh decade hiking partner, ruined her knees when her petite frame, carried those very normal 40-50 pound pack loads in the 1970-1980s with her work as Forest Service wildlife biologist. Fast forward to this decade, I do pack a mini tarp when I expect rain/snow for cook and drier rest spot.
Beautiful views! Love all your vids Justin, you do a great job. Positive energy, useful information for viewers, and our province’s scenery can’t be beat!
Ive been cycle touring for years, and want to get back into backpack. Just bought the osprey aether 65l, and most of my bicycle touring gear is already backpacking gear. My tent is the only thing that is a bit big for backpacking. It’s a 7 pound Big Agnes bikepacking tent. Good thing about bicycle touring is that most the gear you buy is ment for back packing!
My guy really carried a coors light through the mountains for three days.
Can't say he doesn't know what he likes.
Welcome to multi day mountaineering and winter alpine guiding lol.
You sound as stuffed as i do when carrying that weight!
My first trip 10 years ago or so, 5 days, 75 lbs. I had a steel poop shovel. A whole selection of seasonings. More food than I could eat in 8 days, plus snacks. A steel canteen. An 8 lb cheap tent. And…five days of clothes.
My average is 46lbs and it gets old but Im solo and do 3 to 5 day and carry the necessites for a comfortable camp and all my hunting gear as well. Being hypo glycemic I have to have food that is good, no garbage so thats usually 5 to 10 lbs depending on length of trip. I carry 1 change of clothes, 2 pr socks 2 pr unders, a puffer and a UA hoodie. I always carry a tarp as well just so I have a canopy for shade and rain. I use my tarptent, jetboil, micro lantern, 2 cans of fuel, kelty bag, nemo sleep pad, nemo pillow and misc camp stuff chair etc. The rest is gear I use while away from camp which is usually all day and I place it in a day pack for hunting. Id love to pack under 40 because after 3 to 5 miles a day Im about spent and getting older (over 5 decades) it dont get any easier each year that goes by.
50 on flat ground is not a big deal. It’s the climbs that suck the life out. Back in my military days I carried way more. I thought it was cool to be able to hump a heavy load. Then I discovered light weight hiking. So much easier.
I carried 50 lbs in the Sangre De Cristes at 15 yo. The same weight, different gear the year before in the Appalachians including 16 meals that we never ate. My friend George carried 150 on D Day aged 17, counting his 2 chutes, weapons, basic gear, beacon transmitters and batteries. He weighed about a Buck Seventy then
Man this is motivating me to drop all the weight I'm carrying up front 😂
Wow that view is breathtaking. Absolutely amazing
Awesome trip!
I'm 6 ft and 160lbs. 2 years ago I was at 69lbs starting pack weight for a 10 day hike, and it was brutal. Last year I was 65 lbs for a 10 day hike, still brutal. This year (August) I was 47lbs at the start for an 8 day hike. By the end I was down to 39lbs pack weight, which felt much better (minimum daily milage 5, maximum daily milage was 11). I carried too much water for all those trips. I think I can drop another 6 lbs starting weight by being more judicious about water in the water bladder and eliminating a few items. Also thinking about a Durston tent, which would take off another 4lbs from my son (a cross country runner), who could then carry 4lbs of my load😀! Yes indeed, I'm dreaming of a 10 day hike with sub-40lbs pack weight at the start.
You've got the right attitude about this... The only reason these ultralight wankers can go ultralight is because they're on hikes with a river crossing every 10 miles and a gas station every 40 miles to stock up their food and other crap... I've NEVER seen an ultralighter on the hikes I go on through the desert in Iran, Jordan, Australia and Central Asia. Ultralighters are what we Aussies call 'fair weather hikers' who can never be too far from civilisation, lest they run out of food and water in their tiny little 40L Dyneema bags...
It's fine as long as you build up your strength in your muscles and joints first. I ruptured the cartilage in my knee on a long hike with a 20+kg bag over a 2 day hike in the mountains of Scotland. Its still not right 4 years later. Take your time to work your way up to that weight or you could cause some serious injury to yourself. I'm better now and recently did a 4 day trip with roughly the same weight, if not more and was fine afterwards.
A beer is NEVER unnecessary!
Some 18 yo marine with 120 on his back rn after a night of drinking : hold my beer
Beautiful scenary ... Thank you for sharing yur adventure with us ...
Those views are crazy my man!! You're very fortunate to have such amazing vistas over there. Hope you get to enjoy all of this for a long time to come! Keep up the great work 👍
This is pretty common for people who don't have a lot of money for light weight gear. Especially when we all start out. I suggest a "budget backpacking trip" video... set an overall budget, say under $750 or something. Maybe a walmart kit, or something more attainable to many when starting out.
Gear can be expensive, but I have a kit that is good to just below freezing that weighs 10lbs and is under $1000. Bump that to 12lbs and I could probably hit $750
I’ve packed in 50lbs a lot of trips. Sucks, but when it’s freezing cold, having extra comforts is worth it. Hike in sucks, though, for sure!
That person with the unopened bag of lays was playing a dangerous game! My luck the bag would pop and I’ll lose half the chips!
Hey! What pole are you using? I like the handle style, would like to get one
just did 9 days in the backcountry in the San Juan mountains of SW Colorado...pack was at 60lbs with my heavy ass rifle strapped to it. Wasn't too bad after all was done