Id like to add 2 things that have helped me personally. 1: I interpret the old adage of "2 is one and one is none" to be better used if you have items that can be used as a "multi-tool" of sorts. Instead of bringing 2 of the exact same item. Make sure that if one of your items goes down then you can "get by" with using a different item in a pinch. 2: Lose body weight. If you are carrying 20-50 pounds of extra body weight that is translated directly to your feet and lower body with each step. I spent hours and hours researching ultralight gear and spending hundreds of dollars replacing gear with ultralight versions just to shave 2-4 oz but I was 60lbs over weight. Once I got on my weight loss journey I saw how much more quickly and easily you can shave "weight". Because at the end of the day the goal is to carry less weight so you're not as tired. A lot of people forget that they can shave weight this way. And also get into better shape and stronger in the process. So it's a win win. I mean in the beginning I was losing 2-3 lbs a week...when I was trying to spend 300$ to shave 2oz haha
Best tip I can give for the UL stuff. If it's camp related, who cares if it's not camo or tactical looking. My red MSR 3 person tent that weighs less than 4 lbs was laughed at because it wasn't camo, but once they picked it up, they stopped laughing.
5 years into back pack hunting. True backcountry wilderness hunts. My pack has gotten lighter every year. During that time, I have added a pillow. Proper sleep is worth it. Sleep system, tested tried and true system is worth it. Also loose some body fat going into the hunting season. I'm in shape all year, legit in shape, but I can still shave off 3-5 pounds by the end of August/September. Usually not that hard because I'm ramping up cardio for 2-3 months before the season. 3k calories is my food range for the day. I will burn food when I tag out on day 2.... doesn't happen often, but it lightens the load and makes more space. People take too much Glass with them. I only take my 10's. No tripod, no spotter, - depending on the hunt. Most hunts 10's only. People also take too much clothes. I use a large zip lock and a tiny vile of soap. I'll wash my socks, underwear, shirt on day 3-4-5 when the hunt allows. Good Video Josh! Let's do some spring bear hunting this year.
Would add if any way possible find if there is water in your area. Possibly worth being in a slightly different spot so you don’t have to pack in 5 days worth of water. Quick way to make a light weight pack very heavy. 😊
The hardest thing for me to learn was just because I have room left in my bag doesn't mean I need to fill it. Those thoughts still haunt me every time I pack
Go on some summer trips to dial in your gear and get used to it so you can focus on hunting during the hunt. And look at gear from regular backpacking companies or garage grown gear, not just hunting brands.
Keep the food simple too. I never change, its always a len&larry protein cookie for breakfast, half a summersausage a day, and 1 freeze dried meal per day. Thats it, everyday. It can be repetative but its the perfect amount of calories for me.
I like these quick tip videos that you do. Short, digestible but full of information. Kind of like calorie dense backpacking food. I need to definitely do an inventory of my gear and make a spreadsheet. Kind of like you and John Barklow from Sitka do. Same thing with figuring out the amount of calories that I need each day and have just enough per day. I also only have a Coleman’s tent and 0 degree bag. Which wasn’t that packable.
I do the spreadsheet trick too. It’s amazing how ounces makes pounds. Little tricks like repackage your freeze dry meals can take weight off quick. The only thing I would recommend is not to reduce “life saving” gear because of lack of use. I am bringing a tourniquet on every hunt, even though God-willing I’ll never have to use it. It is important to truly recognize what is life saving though and not a comfort item. The other pieces of advice I have is recognize multiple use items and diminishing returns. Some items (like multi tools) replace the need I have for a camp knife and provide more uses. As for diminishing returns, it’s often not practice for a new hunter to pay 3-5x the price of an item for a small percentage reduction in weight. That money could instead be used to get multiple smaller items that ultimately result in the same reductions. I had a friend that paid ~$800 more for a hunting rifle to save about 20ounces less. (Gotta love Canada’s criminal prices). For $800, he could have bought a 32oz lighter tent, a 4oz lighter stove, plus still have cash left over. He could have gotten even more if he was willing to look at used items.
Definitely start by weighing everything!!! Also- search for used and look for reviews from non-sponsored people. Maybe a certain type of tent isn’t what you are looking for but a lot of people sing its praises because they are sponsored. And then- used gear. I bought a used ultralight cot. Tried it a few times while truck camping and although I liked it I never took it backpacking. I ultimately bought a premium sleeping pad. And sold the cot for what I paid for it.
These videos are invaluable. Thanks for the tips! Would love to hear some examples of items you’ve gotten rid of through the spreadsheet method! Feel like that could really get some guys minds started in the right direction on what we can live without.
Food, sleep system and shelter are big ticket items. For me adding up calories and stripping packaging and going with food in a big daily ziplock saves a bit and trash to pack out. Only eating 1 freeze dried meal a day, find the highest calorie lightest weight food was helpful. Sleeping pad/bag are expensive to get ultralight but worth it. Switching to a floorless tent, then to just a tarp saved a ton.( seasonally adjusted)
Like it all except #2, never share gear imo. Like in your example my Be Free water filter is less than half the weight of what you suggested but then you each have one if separated.
What’s up bro. Did I see you stuffing your sleeping bag into your pack at the end of the video? Do you not pack it into the little bag that it comes with so as to save space?
That is correct. I haven't used stuff sacks for bags in a while. It actually conforms great to the shape of the inside of the backpack like this. I stuff gear down far and on all sides of it too.
Better still, go commando and bring no underwear! LOL Hey Josh...that looks like you're using the new Argali sleeping bag.....interested in what you think of it, especially vs high end quilts....since I'm in the market this year for a new sleep system. Thanks!
@@andrzejtaramina2709 Now, you're catching on! Haha. Yes, i really like the bag. Extremely efficient warmth to weight ratio. They advertise Honest Temp Ratings and the bags are rated for comfort, not survival like most bags are. Very happy.
Tortured English, dude! Should have said "5 ways to get lighter", but I guess you needed the overused and silly "ultralight" term in there for clickbait. LOL
Well, the overall goal is to get ultralight, and these are ways to go in that direction. Plus, folks don't search for "get lighter." So, it was an SEO move too.
Id like to add 2 things that have helped me personally.
1: I interpret the old adage of "2 is one and one is none" to be better used if you have items that can be used as a "multi-tool" of sorts. Instead of bringing 2 of the exact same item. Make sure that if one of your items goes down then you can "get by" with using a different item in a pinch.
2: Lose body weight. If you are carrying 20-50 pounds of extra body weight that is translated directly to your feet and lower body with each step. I spent hours and hours researching ultralight gear and spending hundreds of dollars replacing gear with ultralight versions just to shave 2-4 oz but I was 60lbs over weight. Once I got on my weight loss journey I saw how much more quickly and easily you can shave "weight". Because at the end of the day the goal is to carry less weight so you're not as tired. A lot of people forget that they can shave weight this way. And also get into better shape and stronger in the process. So it's a win win. I mean in the beginning I was losing 2-3 lbs a week...when I was trying to spend 300$ to shave 2oz haha
@@nikolasshay3294 Very good insight here. And all losing weight costs is effort. 👊🏼
Best tip I can give for the UL stuff. If it's camp related, who cares if it's not camo or tactical looking. My red MSR 3 person tent that weighs less than 4 lbs was laughed at because it wasn't camo, but once they picked it up, they stopped laughing.
Great advice!
5 years into back pack hunting. True backcountry wilderness hunts. My pack has gotten lighter every year. During that time, I have added a pillow. Proper sleep is worth it. Sleep system, tested tried and true system is worth it.
Also loose some body fat going into the hunting season. I'm in shape all year, legit in shape, but I can still shave off 3-5 pounds by the end of August/September. Usually not that hard because I'm ramping up cardio for 2-3 months before the season.
3k calories is my food range for the day. I will burn food when I tag out on day 2.... doesn't happen often, but it lightens the load and makes more space.
People take too much Glass with them. I only take my 10's. No tripod, no spotter, - depending on the hunt. Most hunts 10's only.
People also take too much clothes. I use a large zip lock and a tiny vile of soap. I'll wash my socks, underwear, shirt on day 3-4-5 when the hunt allows.
Good Video Josh! Let's do some spring bear hunting this year.
Would add if any way possible find if there is water in your area. Possibly worth being in a slightly different spot so you don’t have to pack in 5 days worth of water. Quick way to make a light weight pack very heavy. 😊
You know that was something I thought of after posting this, haha. Great tip!
The hardest thing for me to learn was just because I have room left in my bag doesn't mean I need to fill it. Those thoughts still haunt me every time I pack
I totally get that. Thanks for sharing. It's a mental game!
Go on some summer trips to dial in your gear and get used to it so you can focus on hunting during the hunt. And look at gear from regular backpacking companies or garage grown gear, not just hunting brands.
@@trbackpacks Solid info 💪🏼
Keep the food simple too. I never change, its always a len&larry protein cookie for breakfast, half a summersausage a day, and 1 freeze dried meal per day. Thats it, everyday. It can be repetative but its the perfect amount of calories for me.
When ya know ya know!
Great tips! We backpack hunt and my wife laughed at 1 pair if underwear for a week.😂
🤣🤣 Thanks man
I like these quick tip videos that you do. Short, digestible but full of information. Kind of like calorie dense backpacking food.
I need to definitely do an inventory of my gear and make a spreadsheet. Kind of like you and John Barklow from Sitka do. Same thing with figuring out the amount of calories that I need each day and have just enough per day.
I also only have a Coleman’s tent and 0 degree bag. Which wasn’t that packable.
Thanks! I like making them. The spreadsheet thing will for sure get you on the right track.
@ you are welcome and 100% it will do that.
I do the spreadsheet trick too. It’s amazing how ounces makes pounds. Little tricks like repackage your freeze dry meals can take weight off quick. The only thing I would recommend is not to reduce “life saving” gear because of lack of use. I am bringing a tourniquet on every hunt, even though God-willing I’ll never have to use it. It is important to truly recognize what is life saving though and not a comfort item.
The other pieces of advice I have is recognize multiple use items and diminishing returns. Some items (like multi tools) replace the need I have for a camp knife and provide more uses.
As for diminishing returns, it’s often not practice for a new hunter to pay 3-5x the price of an item for a small percentage reduction in weight. That money could instead be used to get multiple smaller items that ultimately result in the same reductions. I had a friend that paid ~$800 more for a hunting rifle to save about 20ounces less. (Gotta love Canada’s criminal prices). For $800, he could have bought a 32oz lighter tent, a 4oz lighter stove, plus still have cash left over. He could have gotten even more if he was willing to look at used items.
100% man. My first aid has a tourniquet in it as well. Great points.
Be careful with that tourniquet. Nearly everyone uses them incorrectly nearly every time
Definitely start by weighing everything!!! Also- search for used and look for reviews from non-sponsored people. Maybe a certain type of tent isn’t what you are looking for but a lot of people sing its praises because they are sponsored. And then- used gear. I bought a used ultralight cot. Tried it a few times while truck camping and although I liked it I never took it backpacking. I ultimately bought a premium sleeping pad. And sold the cot for what I paid for it.
Man, the cots are nice, but just not worth it on the backpacking trips.
@ weight was 2lb 12 oz. Not horrible. I kept thinking of circumstances I would want it but ultimately it never made sense!
These videos are invaluable. Thanks for the tips! Would love to hear some examples of items you’ve gotten rid of through the spreadsheet method! Feel like that could really get some guys minds started in the right direction on what we can live without.
Great words of advice
Ive been on a mission to create a lighter weight backpack...Saved over 2lbs just on a new tent. well worth it.
Bingo. Great to hear and good luck out there.
Food, sleep system and shelter are big ticket items. For me adding up calories and stripping packaging and going with food in a big daily ziplock saves a bit and trash to pack out. Only eating 1 freeze dried meal a day, find the highest calorie lightest weight food was helpful. Sleeping pad/bag are expensive to get ultralight but worth it. Switching to a floorless tent, then to just a tarp saved a ton.( seasonally adjusted)
Like it all except #2, never share gear imo. Like in your example my Be Free water filter is less than half the weight of what you suggested but then you each have one if separated.
What’s up bro. Did I see you stuffing your sleeping bag into your pack at the end of the video? Do you not pack it into the little bag that it comes with so as to save space?
That is correct. I haven't used stuff sacks for bags in a while. It actually conforms great to the shape of the inside of the backpack like this. I stuff gear down far and on all sides of it too.
September mountain hunt, what’s your pack weight going in, plus weapon?
Better still, go commando and bring no underwear! LOL Hey Josh...that looks like you're using the new Argali sleeping bag.....interested in what you think of it, especially vs high end quilts....since I'm in the market this year for a new sleep system. Thanks!
@@andrzejtaramina2709 Now, you're catching on! Haha. Yes, i really like the bag. Extremely efficient warmth to weight ratio. They advertise Honest Temp Ratings and the bags are rated for comfort, not survival like most bags are. Very happy.
Tortured English, dude! Should have said "5 ways to get lighter", but I guess you needed the overused and silly "ultralight" term in there for clickbait. LOL
Well, the overall goal is to get ultralight, and these are ways to go in that direction. Plus, folks don't search for "get lighter." So, it was an SEO move too.