So many tips in there that's really easy to over-look. I did my first ever long distance hike last week with a camp in the middle and went over every item, by the end had shed 1kg+ by swapping to lighter items or just not taking things. Changing from the bergen to a 45l rucksack probably saved a lot too :)
Hi Craig, Lol! Your list is too funny! Usually I don't take much of anything short of my knife, some paracord, water and a fire steel. Those fit quite handily in my pockets. If I am going out with my wife I tend to take more junk (like a picnic blanket and tarp) and food and my hammock. That day pack weighs a ton but is built like a tank and I have beat it to death over the years but it just keeps slogging along. I stopped backpacking many years ago but back in the day I remember drilling holes in my toothbrush handles and doing all kind of extreme things to my gear to minimize weight. Great topic and great video as always! Take care my friend and all the best from California 💛
I've taken the lessons I learned from minimalist and barefoot running and applied them to hiking. I agree with you that for most people under most conditions lighter footwear is perfectly adequate.
Hi Ken Schafer and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment - it's really appreciated. Thanks also for sharing your own insights based upon your running experience and qualifications. 👍
Another great vid. I always over pack. Too many years of lugging the world around and taking spares of spares. Being told its better to look at it than look for it.
@@TheBushcraftPadawan yea. Mainly by upgrading and doing what you suggested with the list. I actually dont minf carrying a bit of weight if it means a few comforts
Thanks for watching and commenting it's really appreciated. I still use a lot of issued gear when in the woods, but must admit to taking a closer look at the weight of anything when I'm heading up into the hills 😉 It would be great if you'd consider hitting that subscribe button if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future 👍
I came across your channel by accident and have since watched quite a few of your videos. I have to say, without any exaggeration, your channel is by far, head and shoulders above the average channel of this type. I can’t believe you don’t have more subscribers and views, the information contained in them is spot on, your nav series was excellent and I would recommend them to anyone regardless of proficiency. Personally, I appreciate your humble approach; you clearly have military experience, you’ve done a formal qualification with the ML, you have undergone training on courses run by experts in their field and you bring this experience, skill and knowledge to bear in your videos. It frustrates me that there are other channels that have a huge following and a lot of them just spout rubbish or trot out the same old marketing lines and pass it off as their “experienced” opinion. Some, unbelievably, have only just started hillwalking and yet put out videos offering their advice as a self proclaimed expert. I hope your channel goes from strength to strength and you enjoy the success you deserve.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and positive review of my channel, it's really appreciated. I agree with your observation around the growth of other channels compared to my own and at times it gets me quite frustrated, I guess the only thing I can do is to keep plugging away with my own videos in the hope that one of them really 'takes off'. Thanks again for your kind words.
@@TheBushcraftPadawan you’re very welcome and I hope you do keep ‘soldiering on’ with the channel. Coco Chanel once said: “fashion fades, only style remains the same” so I can only hope that the current glut of dross the YT algorithm “recommends” to me is just a fashion that fades quickly so that those channels with true style, like yours, will come to the fore. There are so many copycat, derivative, trite channels it’s almost comical. One guy goes out in ridiculous weather conditions knowing full well there are amber/red weather warnings, where there is a clear risk to the individual and more importantly to those who might have to rescue them, then another one does it, risking it all seemingly for views, likes and comments. Or one gets a very expensive brand of tent and they all get one, or they try tarps, or “stealth” camping or do “van life” and they all follow suit and pontificate on the virtues as though they’ve been doing it all their lives when it’s clearly not the case. It’s just so refreshing to find someone that actually knows what they’re talking about and has the unmistakeable ring of truth about them. I may not agree entirely with everything you say but I can see that it is based on fact or personal knowledge and authentic experience (authentic being the key word) that goes beyond the superficial and any differences of opinion we might have is down to individual interpretation, different experiences or just simply personal preference. I look forward to seeing your silver play button soon!
Really good points Craig, I use a DPM long back bergen with the rocket pockets also the bouncing bomb and bivi bag and an inflating mat, the rest of my gear is minimalist and lightweight, thus far I can do about ten miles a day on the flat without undue effort and that is fine for what I need, as I get older I may need to take a few of your suggestions, my best tip is set off with six beers drink two per night and your load will lighten day by day
Hi seanthomasdowd and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback as well as sharing an insight into your own setup - cheers! 👍
I can share my experience with footwear. If you have them bring your orthotics as some hiking boots/shoes have incredibly thick insoles. I've also found that some of the trail runners don't have great traction. Most hiking footwear is waterproof to a degree but check reviews. Some are only waterproof for short periods of time while others don't breath at all. I generally go with traditional ankle supportive boots. I find them superior to the shoes if you find yourself in rocky terrain.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting Ian, much appreciated. I must admit to ditching the concept of waterproof boots years ago as they all had a common flaw....... the hole at the top where your foot goes in 😉. I found that once they were wet/damp on the inside that it took far longer for them to dry out than non waterproofed membrane boots, so I now just use Goretex socks over my dry sock/powdered feet in an evening as I find that pretty much dries them out.
Thanks for the tips, I always take way too much kit incase of weather change, accident etc so will bear these tips in mind when next packing for a hike.
You're very welcome and thank you for watching and commenting, it's really appreciated 👍. If you enjoyed the video and like the look of my channel it would be great if you'd consider hitting that subscribe button 🙂 Stay safe!
I wish I came across this video two months ago! I finally feel like I have my sleep system dialed in which was tough considering my summer lows are 20-25C but my winter lows can be 0-(-20)C in my area and I am a cold sleeper. New tent and bag(lanshan 2 pro, Aegismax Summit 1) are half as bulky as old gear which meant I could go from a 70L pack to a 40L pack saving an additional 2.5lbs(1.2kg?). Still working on my extra clothing as that is a tough trade off between weight and safety where I like to hike especially during our shoulder seasons which seem to be 6mo out of the year here.
I'm really glad that you found the video useful and I'm sorry that you didn't come across it sooner. Thanks for sharing your own insights into your weight saving approach. Please consider subscribing to the channel if you'd like to see more in the future 👍
Good video presentation as usual. I wondered if you were going to get to the engine which moves even the lightest kit. I’ve got a few friends who’ve started hiking with me simply to improve health and reduce body mass. It was eye opening for one that the extra body weight amounted to nearly twice his base pack weight. As he lost body weight he became more capable and is now helping others.
Hi Views and Reviews and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! It's great to hear the story of your friend and how his increase it fitness/loss of weight is having such a positive impact.
Another great video, i complete agree with you and I've been getting lightweight kit over the past year or so and have really seen a difference. I would also say if u go out and practice and gain more skills, i tend to take less kit and rely more on the best lightweight kit I've got, my brain. Using my knowledge to help me. Also i liked the bit a out the inflatable doll in the note pad LOL, Keep up the good work and stay safe. 👍 hope your knee is better so you can get out more
Hi Big eddie Russell and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! 👍
I did this two trips back and was horrified how much stuff I took but never used! All the 'just in case' stuff which on an overnighter I didn't need and didn't use.
What happened to the adage... "carry as much as you can, as fast as you can, as far as you can and come back again." Seriously... Some questions to ask before you go. "Where am I going? What will I be doing? What do I need for THIS trip? How well do you know the track." If it is a an even(ish) well maintained track then you probably don't need boots. If it likely to be very muddy boots are a hindrance. (Tasmanian bush walkers would wear Dunlop Volleys.) How far is it? Is it worth carrying extra gear or do you just go back to the car? What are you doing? For example, I like to make a fancy(ish) hot lunch so I will carry a heavier load as the weight is worth it. It is flat easy track track. I wouldn't do it on a hard walk. What is the worst thing that can happen? Can carrying gear cope with that? What are the odds of it happening? For example, I walk daily in a wetland. During the drought I saw 8 snakes over 3-4 months. Now the drought has broken I see at least 1-2 a week and have stepped over at least 6. It is worth the extra weight of wearing gaiters and strong shoes. The odds are too great. The walk is easy enough to do in thongs/flip flops. (not wise in Australia, but you get the idea) I wear boots at present as there is water over the track that is too deep for shoes. Once it is too deep for boots I wear old shoes as they dry quicker and I don't care about damaging them. Body weight is an excellent point. I don't use a backpack I use a H-Harness web belt. I have lost 8kg over the last three years. Thus, what I now carry on my waist I used to carry on my waist (and other body parts).
You're very welcome, thanks for taking time out of your weekend to watch and comment it's really appreciated 👍. If you're not yet a subscriber it would be great if you'd consider hitting that subscribe button 😀
+ Hi and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
+limchoonteck1 Hi limchoonteck1 and many thanks for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to share the video if you think that others in your network might benefit, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
+Tenno Warframe Hi Tenno Warframe and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
Hi Michel, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for the feedback. The shoes that I'm wearing in this video are Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator, I hope that helps?
Until 50 I used issue gear mainly. I do still do 15 to 20km in a day even if its a dayhike. I got a berghaus 45lt pack much lighter. Issue bottles..sometimes. But Ive traded off to Nalgene and a titanium pot. Sleeping bag, I have a bouncing bomb. But recently lashed out for a down bag. As warm half the size and under a kilo. I kept a lit of issue gear, bought some more. Stick to what you know. Issue gear is issued because its tough and the cheapest bid wins. Depends what your doing. Lighter can be just as good just take care of it and dont treat it like issue gear and it lasts. As for boots...screw weight. If your on a flat all bar paved track sure wear anything if you want. But boots, Im not willing to compromise on ankle support regardless of the weight. Its the difference between being able to move or be crippled. No way am I ever having a rescue party ferry me out on a stretcher for a sprained ankle. Boots can prevent it. And if you sprain it, you can rest overnight strap it up and get out next day with good boots.
Hi Ozdave McGee and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! 👍
Hi Southern Ape and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
Hi pal, Another great video. I really try to keep my weight down, even buying titanium pots and wood burning stove. but the weight on me is without doubt a factor, which is much harder to address. of late I have started to think do I even need a cooker, if possible I can make fire to sterilise water, I also have a Grayl Geopress which takes out everything bad in water, food i can just take nuts,cheese,cured sausage stuff I don't need to cook and try and supplement from the land.
Hi eastsaxon67 and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment - it's really appreciated. It was also good to hear your thought process about your cooking setup etc, that would certainly help to reduce weight as long as, I guess, you're able to get the same calorific intake you need.
I'm working on getting my pack weight down stopped taking a chair table 20 knifes kitchen sink ect but still need to get it down more but if only walking a short distance then its not a problem and sometimes it nice to get out and be comfortable atvb Jimmy 😎😎
Hey Jimmy, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, it's really appreciated 👍. What more do you think you could do to trim that content down further?
@@TheBushcraftPadawan well last time I was out I took camera kit first aid kit torches and £10 worth of stuff from the pound shop that was the lightest I've ever been but 😎😎
Thanks for the feedback. I *think* TH-cam have recently automatically rolled out 'mid roll ads' to all videos over 9 minutes, I wonder if that's why you're seeing so many ads?
Here is a very long quote from 1906 for those of you who like to read. Showing nothing has changed in over 100 years... From Camp and Trail by Stewart Edward White 1906. It is a fascinating read and free on Kindle and probably other such places. "How to Determine Essentials. How to determine that? I have elsewhere indicated a practical expedient, which will however, bear repetition here. When you have reached home after your trip, turn your duffle bag upside down on the floor. Separate the contents into three piles. Let pile No. 1 include those articles you have used every day-or nearly that often; let pile No. 2 comprise those you have used but once; and pile No. 3 those you have not used at all. Now, no matter how your heart may yearn over the Patent Dingbat in No. 3, shut your eyes and resolutely discard the two latter piles. Naturally, if you are strong-minded, pile No. 1 will be a synonym for your equipment. As a matter of fact you will probably not be as strong-minded as that. You will argue to yourself somewhat in this fashion: "Yes, that is all very well; but it was only a matter of sheer chance that the Patent Dingbat is not in pile No. 1. To be sure, I did not use it on this particular trip; but in other conditions I might need it every day." The Philosophy of Duffle So you take it, and keep on taking it, and once in a great while you use it. Then some day you wake up to two more bits of camp philosophy which you formulate to yourself about as follows: An article must pay in convenience or comfort for the trouble of its transportation; and Substitution, even imperfect, is better than the carrying of special conveniences. Then he hurls said Patent Dingbat into the nearest pool. Patent Dingbats That hits directly at the weak point of the sporting catalogues. Every once in a while an enthusiast writes me of some new and handy kink he is ready to swear by. It is indeed handy; and if one could pluck it from the nearest bush when occasion for its use arose, it would be a joy and a delight. But carrying it four hundred miles to that occasion for its use is a very different matter. The sporting catalogues are full of very handy kinks. They are good to fool with and think about, and plan over in the off season; but when you pack your duffle bag you'd better put them on a shelf. Occasionally, but mighty seldom, you will find that something you need very much has gone into pile No. 3. Make a note of it. But do not be too hasty to write it down as part of your permanent equipment. You Must Not Mind Getting Wet Sometimes The first summer I spent in the Sierras I discovered that small noon showers needed neither tent nor slicker. So next year I left them home, and was, off and on, plenty wet and cold. Immediately I jumped to the conclusion that I had made a mistake. It has not rained since. So I decided that sporadic heavy rains do not justify the transportation of two cumbersome articles. Now when it rains in daytime I don't mind getting a little wet-for it is soon over; and at night an adequate shelter can be built of the tarpaulin and a saddle blanket. In other words the waterproofs could not pay, in the course of say three-days' rain in a summer, for the trouble of their transportation during four months. As I have said, the average man, with the best intentions, will not go too light, and so I have laid especial emphasis on the necessity of discarding the unessential." White, Stewart Edward. Camp and Trail (pp. 17-19). Kindle Edition. (1911)
Hi Bloke in a Blue Hat and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to share the video if you think that others in your network might benefit, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
What tips do you have for lowering people's kit weight?
Get a servant, a lackey, someone who has no other purpose, such as someone from the RAF regiment.
That'll do it!!!
@@GreytOutdoorsMedic 🤣🤣🤣
So many tips in there that's really easy to over-look. I did my first ever long distance hike last week with a camp in the middle and went over every item, by the end had shed 1kg+ by swapping to lighter items or just not taking things. Changing from the bergen to a 45l rucksack probably saved a lot too :)
I'm so glad to hear that you found the video useful. Thank you for sharing your own experience in terms of reducing the weight of your kit.
Hi Craig,
Lol! Your list is too funny!
Usually I don't take much of anything short of my knife, some paracord, water and a fire steel. Those fit quite handily in my pockets. If I am going out with my wife I tend to take more junk (like a picnic blanket and tarp) and food and my hammock. That day pack weighs a ton but is built like a tank and I have beat it to death over the years but it just keeps slogging along.
I stopped backpacking many years ago but back in the day I remember drilling holes in my toothbrush handles and doing all kind of extreme things to my gear to minimize weight.
Great topic and great video as always! Take care my friend and all the best from California 💛
"drilling holes in my toothbrush handles" 😂😂😂😂😂 Thanks for putting a smile on my face on a Monday morning.
Without a doubt, one of the best channels on TH-cam. 👍🇬🇧
That's very kind of you to say, thank you.
Now we just need to convince everybody that isn't yet a subscriber 😉
I've taken the lessons I learned from minimalist and barefoot running and applied them to hiking. I agree with you that for most people under most conditions lighter footwear is perfectly adequate.
Hi Ken Schafer and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment - it's really appreciated.
Thanks also for sharing your own insights based upon your running experience and qualifications. 👍
Another great vid. I always over pack. Too many years of lugging the world around and taking spares of spares. Being told its better to look at it than look for it.
Hey Dave, thanks for dropping by and commenting it's really appreciated.
Have you managed to trim any of that kit down over the years? 😉
@@TheBushcraftPadawan yea. Mainly by upgrading and doing what you suggested with the list. I actually dont minf carrying a bit of weight if it means a few comforts
I still use my gear from service days. Can't beat it tbh.
Thanks for watching and commenting it's really appreciated.
I still use a lot of issued gear when in the woods, but must admit to taking a closer look at the weight of anything when I'm heading up into the hills 😉
It would be great if you'd consider hitting that subscribe button if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future 👍
I've got civy stuff that is lighter and maybe better in some respects but I'm familiar with the army stuff, I trust it and it brings back memories.
You didn't use the blow up doll???? Liar! Hahaha. Good video, thank you! Some great tips and advice here!
😂Sssshhhhh😂
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for dropping by, watching and commenting it's really appreciated 👍
Spot the ol career soldier with pens sniper taped to his RITR notepad ;)
LOL - well spotted Michael 👀👍 Hope you enjoyed the video.
I came across your channel by accident and have since watched quite a few of your videos. I have to say, without any exaggeration, your channel is by far, head and shoulders above the average channel of this type. I can’t believe you don’t have more subscribers and views, the information contained in them is spot on, your nav series was excellent and I would recommend them to anyone regardless of proficiency. Personally, I appreciate your humble approach; you clearly have military experience, you’ve done a formal qualification with the ML, you have undergone training on courses run by experts in their field and you bring this experience, skill and knowledge to bear in your videos. It frustrates me that there are other channels that have a huge following and a lot of them just spout rubbish or trot out the same old marketing lines and pass it off as their “experienced” opinion. Some, unbelievably, have only just started hillwalking and yet put out videos offering their advice as a self proclaimed expert. I hope your channel goes from strength to strength and you enjoy the success you deserve.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and positive review of my channel, it's really appreciated.
I agree with your observation around the growth of other channels compared to my own and at times it gets me quite frustrated, I guess the only thing I can do is to keep plugging away with my own videos in the hope that one of them really 'takes off'.
Thanks again for your kind words.
@@TheBushcraftPadawan you’re very welcome and I hope you do keep ‘soldiering on’ with the channel. Coco Chanel once said: “fashion fades, only style remains the same” so I can only hope that the current glut of dross the YT algorithm “recommends” to me is just a fashion that fades quickly so that those channels with true style, like yours, will come to the fore. There are so many copycat, derivative, trite channels it’s almost comical. One guy goes out in ridiculous weather conditions knowing full well there are amber/red weather warnings, where there is a clear risk to the individual and more importantly to those who might have to rescue them, then another one does it, risking it all seemingly for views, likes and comments. Or one gets a very expensive brand of tent and they all get one, or they try tarps, or “stealth” camping or do “van life” and they all follow suit and pontificate on the virtues as though they’ve been doing it all their lives when it’s clearly not the case. It’s just so refreshing to find someone that actually knows what they’re talking about and has the unmistakeable ring of truth about them. I may not agree entirely with everything you say but I can see that it is based on fact or personal knowledge and authentic experience (authentic being the key word) that goes beyond the superficial and any differences of opinion we might have is down to individual interpretation, different experiences or just simply personal preference. I look forward to seeing your silver play button soon!
I could not agree more about personal weight.
Certainly the trickiest to do anything about!
thanks for the lose weight tip. so much cheaper and healthier spending a thousand or more on gear.
I guess it can be the hardest to implement of all of the tips!?
Really good points Craig, I use a DPM long back bergen with the rocket pockets also the bouncing bomb and bivi bag and an inflating mat, the rest of my gear is minimalist and lightweight, thus far I can do about ten miles a day on the flat without undue effort and that is fine for what I need, as I get older I may need to take a few of your suggestions, my best tip is set off with six beers drink two per night and your load will lighten day by day
Hi seanthomasdowd and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback as well as sharing an insight into your own setup - cheers! 👍
As someone who was on ce 164kg and is now at 140kg and dropping... you feel the difference when you're not carrying those extra kilos around as fat.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Love your username btw! 🤣👍
I can share my experience with footwear. If you have them bring your orthotics as some hiking boots/shoes have incredibly thick insoles. I've also found that some of the trail runners don't have great traction. Most hiking footwear is waterproof to a degree but check reviews. Some are only waterproof for short periods of time while others don't breath at all. I generally go with traditional ankle supportive boots. I find them superior to the shoes if you find yourself in rocky terrain.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting Ian, much appreciated. I must admit to ditching the concept of waterproof boots years ago as they all had a common flaw....... the hole at the top where your foot goes in 😉.
I found that once they were wet/damp on the inside that it took far longer for them to dry out than non waterproofed membrane boots, so I now just use Goretex socks over my dry sock/powdered feet in an evening as I find that pretty much dries them out.
Thanks for the tips, I always take way too much kit incase of weather change, accident etc so will bear these tips in mind when next packing for a hike.
You're very welcome and thank you for watching and commenting, it's really appreciated 👍.
If you enjoyed the video and like the look of my channel it would be great if you'd consider hitting that subscribe button 🙂
Stay safe!
@@TheBushcraftPadawan You're welcome, yeah I have already subscribed... would love one back if you would like to subscribe to mine. Thanks
I wish I came across this video two months ago! I finally feel like I have my sleep system dialed in which was tough considering my summer lows are 20-25C but my winter lows can be 0-(-20)C in my area and I am a cold sleeper. New tent and bag(lanshan 2 pro, Aegismax Summit 1) are half as bulky as old gear which meant I could go from a 70L pack to a 40L pack saving an additional 2.5lbs(1.2kg?). Still working on my extra clothing as that is a tough trade off between weight and safety where I like to hike especially during our shoulder seasons which seem to be 6mo out of the year here.
I'm really glad that you found the video useful and I'm sorry that you didn't come across it sooner.
Thanks for sharing your own insights into your weight saving approach.
Please consider subscribing to the channel if you'd like to see more in the future 👍
Good video presentation as usual. I wondered if you were going to get to the engine which moves even the lightest kit. I’ve got a few friends who’ve started hiking with me simply to improve health and reduce body mass. It was eye opening for one that the extra body weight amounted to nearly twice his base pack weight. As he lost body weight he became more capable and is now helping others.
Hi Views and Reviews and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers!
It's great to hear the story of your friend and how his increase it fitness/loss of weight is having such a positive impact.
Another great video, i complete agree with you and I've been getting lightweight kit over the past year or so and have really seen a difference. I would also say if u go out and practice and gain more skills, i tend to take less kit and rely more on the best lightweight kit I've got, my brain. Using my knowledge to help me. Also i liked the bit a out the inflatable doll in the note pad LOL, Keep up the good work and stay safe. 👍 hope your knee is better so you can get out more
Hi Big eddie Russell and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! 👍
I did this two trips back and was horrified how much stuff I took but never used! All the 'just in case' stuff which on an overnighter I didn't need and didn't use.
that is one happy dog mouching in the background!
Yeah, I often forget she's there until I do the editing and see her photobombing in the background🎥🐕
Hi Craig! Interesting tips and thoughts. I have to think about tip No. 1. :-) ATB and stay safe, André
Hi Andre, I hope you're weekend is going well. Let me know how you get on with Tip #1. Stay safe 👍
What happened to the adage... "carry as much as you can, as fast as you can, as far as you can and come back again."
Seriously...
Some questions to ask before you go. "Where am I going? What will I be doing? What do I need for THIS trip? How well do you know the track."
If it is a an even(ish) well maintained track then you probably don't need boots. If it likely to be very muddy boots are a hindrance. (Tasmanian bush walkers would wear Dunlop Volleys.)
How far is it? Is it worth carrying extra gear or do you just go back to the car?
What are you doing? For example, I like to make a fancy(ish) hot lunch so I will carry a heavier load as the weight is worth it. It is flat easy track track. I wouldn't do it on a hard walk.
What is the worst thing that can happen? Can carrying gear cope with that? What are the odds of it happening?
For example, I walk daily in a wetland. During the drought I saw 8 snakes over 3-4 months. Now the drought has broken I see at least 1-2 a week and have stepped over at least 6. It is worth the extra weight of wearing gaiters and strong shoes. The odds are too great. The walk is easy enough to do in thongs/flip flops. (not wise in Australia, but you get the idea)
I wear boots at present as there is water over the track that is too deep for shoes.
Once it is too deep for boots I wear old shoes as they dry quicker and I don't care about damaging them.
Body weight is an excellent point. I don't use a backpack I use a H-Harness web belt.
I have lost 8kg over the last three years. Thus, what I now carry on my waist I used to carry on my waist (and other body parts).
Wise words buddy and thank you for taking the time to share them.
Congratulations too on the weight loss, I hope you're feeling all the better for it?
great tips, especially about footwear, given me lots to think about ! Thanks
You're very welcome, thanks for taking time out of your weekend to watch and comment it's really appreciated 👍.
If you're not yet a subscriber it would be great if you'd consider hitting that subscribe button 😀
I’m already carrying an extra 40 lbs of “kit” around by waist!
@@Em_Dee_Aitch 😂
A blow up doll is an essential piece of morale, therefore defiantly essential kit.
And of course it doubles as a replacement sleeping mat should your primary one get a puncture!
Great video thank you for making it. Appreciate you giving us your insight and sharing your knowledge. May God Belss
+ Hi and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers!
Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
Cool! Good work! Enlightening! Subscribed! 👍🏼
+limchoonteck1 Hi limchoonteck1 and many thanks for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to share the video if you think that others in your network might benefit, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
Cool and useful tips.
+Tenno Warframe Hi Tenno Warframe and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
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Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍
Hi ! Thanks for this video ! Quick one, what are the shoes you worn on it ?
Hi Michel, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for the feedback. The shoes that I'm wearing in this video are Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator, I hope that helps?
Until 50 I used issue gear mainly. I do still do 15 to 20km in a day even if its a dayhike.
I got a berghaus 45lt pack much lighter.
Issue bottles..sometimes.
But Ive traded off to Nalgene and a titanium pot.
Sleeping bag, I have a bouncing bomb. But recently lashed out for a down bag. As warm half the size and under a kilo.
I kept a lit of issue gear, bought some more. Stick to what you know.
Issue gear is issued because its tough and the cheapest bid wins. Depends what your doing. Lighter can be just as good just take care of it and dont treat it like issue gear and it lasts.
As for boots...screw weight. If your on a flat all bar paved track sure wear anything if you want. But boots, Im not willing to compromise on ankle support regardless of the weight. Its the difference between being able to move or be crippled. No way am I ever having a rescue party ferry me out on a stretcher for a sprained ankle. Boots can prevent it. And if you sprain it, you can rest overnight strap it up and get out next day with good boots.
Hi Ozdave McGee and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
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Good one Craig. What site do you use for British surplus ?
Hi Edmond, thanks for the feedback. I don't use any site as I'm an ex-soldier so a lot of the kit came with me when I left 😉
Great thought process
Hi Southern Ape and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
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Hi pal, Another great video. I really try to keep my weight down, even buying titanium pots and wood burning stove. but the weight on me is without doubt a factor, which is much harder to address. of late I have started to think do I even need a cooker, if possible I can make fire to sterilise water, I also have a Grayl Geopress which takes out everything bad in water, food i can just take nuts,cheese,cured sausage stuff I don't need to cook and try and supplement from the land.
Hi eastsaxon67 and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment - it's really appreciated.
It was also good to hear your thought process about your cooking setup etc, that would certainly help to reduce weight as long as, I guess, you're able to get the same calorific intake you need.
I'm working on getting my pack weight down stopped taking a chair table 20 knifes kitchen sink ect but still need to get it down more but if only walking a short distance then its not a problem and sometimes it nice to get out and be comfortable atvb Jimmy 😎😎
Hey Jimmy, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, it's really appreciated 👍.
What more do you think you could do to trim that content down further?
@@TheBushcraftPadawan well last time I was out I took camera kit first aid kit torches and £10 worth of stuff from the pound shop that was the lightest I've ever been but 😎😎
Great presentation but way too many adds got board and switched off
Thanks for the feedback. I *think* TH-cam have recently automatically rolled out 'mid roll ads' to all videos over 9 minutes, I wonder if that's why you're seeing so many ads?
Here is a very long quote from 1906 for those of you who like to read.
Showing nothing has changed in over 100 years...
From Camp and Trail by Stewart Edward White 1906. It is a fascinating read and free on Kindle and probably other such places.
"How to Determine Essentials. How to determine that?
I have elsewhere indicated a practical expedient, which will however, bear repetition here. When you have reached home after your trip, turn your duffle bag upside down on the floor. Separate the contents into three piles. Let pile No. 1 include those articles you have used every day-or nearly that often; let pile No. 2 comprise those you have used but once; and pile No. 3 those you have not used at all. Now, no matter how your heart may yearn over the Patent Dingbat in No. 3, shut your eyes and resolutely discard the two latter piles.
Naturally, if you are strong-minded, pile No. 1 will be a synonym for your equipment. As a matter of fact you will probably not be as strong-minded as that. You will argue to yourself somewhat in this fashion: "Yes, that is all very well; but it was only a matter of sheer chance that the Patent Dingbat is not in pile No. 1. To be sure, I did not use it on this particular trip; but in other conditions I might need it every day."
The Philosophy of Duffle
So you take it, and keep on taking it, and once in a great while you use it. Then some day you wake up to two more bits of camp philosophy which you formulate to yourself about as follows: An article must pay in convenience or comfort for the trouble of its transportation; and Substitution, even imperfect, is better than the carrying of special conveniences. Then he hurls said Patent Dingbat into the nearest pool.
Patent Dingbats
That hits directly at the weak point of the sporting catalogues. Every once in a while an enthusiast writes me of some new and handy kink he is ready to swear by. It is indeed handy; and if one could pluck it from the nearest bush when occasion for its use arose, it would be a joy and a delight. But carrying it four hundred miles to that occasion for its use is a very different matter. The sporting catalogues are full of very handy kinks. They are good to fool with and think about, and plan over in the off season; but when you pack your duffle bag you'd better put them on a shelf. Occasionally, but mighty seldom, you will find that something you need very much has gone into pile No. 3. Make a note of it. But do not be too hasty to write it down as part of your permanent equipment.
You Must Not Mind Getting Wet Sometimes
The first summer I spent in the Sierras I discovered that small noon showers needed neither tent nor slicker. So next year I left them home, and was, off and on, plenty wet and cold. Immediately I jumped to the conclusion that I had made a mistake. It has not rained since. So I decided that sporadic heavy rains do not justify the transportation of two cumbersome articles. Now when it rains in daytime I don't mind getting a little wet-for it is soon over; and at night an adequate shelter can be built of the tarpaulin and a saddle blanket. In other words the waterproofs could not pay, in the course of say three-days' rain in a summer, for the trouble of their transportation during four months. As I have said, the average man, with the best intentions, will not go too light, and so I have laid especial emphasis on the necessity of discarding the unessential."
White, Stewart Edward. Camp and Trail (pp. 17-19). Kindle Edition. (1911)
Hi Bloke in a Blue Hat and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated.
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