Definitely one of the more sensible lists of ultralighting advice I've seen, every point worthy of consideration even though they won't suit everybody.
Everyone starts to heavy. What worked for me .....Go on a trip. when you get back make three piles of gear. 1. what you used all the time. 2. what was used now and then. 3. what was not used. before the next trip leave pile 3 at home. Do the same when you get back from another trip. Now when you can ( might take years ) switch the everyday used items for lighter weight ones but just as good. Camping gear is always evolving into lighter and better items. I started with an external framed pack (1970's ) that weighed almost as much , empty , as the pack I use today , ready & packed ( non consumables ) for a trip . Then use the principal of take what I need , not the what. It worked for me.
Yes! That is excellent advice, especially for people who don't know where to start when it comes to shaving weight, doing that an having a list of your gear individually weighed is a great start to getting lighter. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, this sounds like a great way to leave a bunch of emergency necessities at home and die out in the field. First aid kit? Didn't use that. Satellite messenger? pff, who needs to be able to signal for help, that's a hundred grams you don't have to carry! I'm all for shedding genuinely excess weight, but 'I didn't use it THIS trip' is not genuinely excess.
Hey, some of the tips are great! 👍 However, I have a different perspective on the clothing advice. I always manage to find a bit of water on the trail to wash my hiking socks and underwear, as well as to clean myself. I can't stand being dirty and sticky unnecessarily, especially for several days in a row. Once you wash your clothes, there’s a good chance they won't dry before bedtime, so you'll need some spare clothes. Of course, you can get by with just what you wear, plus some warm clothes and rain gear, but what if you get soaked in the rain and have to go to bed? And what if your sleeping bag isn't warm enough to sleep without clothes? It's not unusual for the temperature to drop significantly, especially in the Alps. Hiking is not the same as racing. In a race, you have support and you're moving much faster. So, the tip about clothes is more suitable for short-distance, fast-paced hiking rather than long hikes. Additionally, the advice about the sleeping pad is more relevant when you're in your 20s; as you get older, you may want a more comfortable night’s sleep. Anyway, these are just my thoughts, and this is what works for me.
@andreya6577 hey! Thanks for your input. I totally understand not wanting to be dirty and sticky all the time. I will always take the opportunity to wash myself and clothes if possible. You bring up an interesting point about clothes not drying in time. I would normally just wear my insulating layers to bed if that was the case. I have done longer trips without spare clothes, it has never been a problem for me but it may not be for everyone. Fair enough! I might change my mind about my mat as I get older haha, campsite selection also plays a big part in this. Thank you for sharing! Cheers.
great tips i liked that most of them are cheap not just go spend $$ on ultra light gear good talk at the start about weight too i recently went thru my gear and decided id prefer to get fitter/stronger rather than lighten the pack. id be interested in seeing a video on your cold soak meals
@@blairskevington6631 thank you! Ultralight gear is great, and investing in it can obviously save you a tonne of weight but it does have its pros and cons. It's amazing how much weight you can save without having to buy expensive gear. Glad you liked it Blair! Weight isn't everything, having fun is! I'm wanting to try out more cold soaking meals first, but I would love to make a video on it someday. Cheers
Well done! Keep in mind that the equipment you're presenting, is fine for summer trips in the Southern Alps, but not so much for chilly places like Britain or Scandinavia.
Thanks! Yeah it will vary a bit depending where you are. I'd like the opportunity to test things out more in different environments. Hopefully one-day. Cheers
Love your videos (especially the UTMB one). Do you ever make any of your gear (tarp/quilt etc)? I used to think weighing stuff was silly, until I realized how much my things weighed when all together.
@@mr.leachreadsastory5676 thank you very much! The ultralight tarp I use I made myself, it has served me well so far! Yeah it's crazy how much it can all add up to! Cheers
Some great tips and definitely packing for the conditions will help keep it to the minimum. In my younger days I went with no sleeping pad at all to save weight and bulk. Now in my 40's I really value the comfort of a lightweight pad! And slightly controversial - try leaving the heavy phone & charger bank at home. I swear by my GPS watch when every ounce counts
@@jconcah thank you! Yes I'm sure my preferences for what I carry will change as I get older haha! An interesting point, I haven't really used the map function on my gps watch too much, only for a few runs. Maybe I'll have to give it a proper go some time! Cheers
Fav tip is planning the water refill spots, even comfort hikers can benefit from that! Also I love using a tent that uses my hiking poles, that would be the next biggest weight saver. And weighing things because if one pair of socks is lighter than another then… why not?
Thanks for the useful tips. Except, I found it troublesome to stuff my sleeping bag into my pack without a stuff sack. Wishing you good fortune and happy trails!
Well-presented thoughtful options with enough explanation to make sense but not so much that it seemed like a sales pitch. What was that grey pack in the video?
Just tonight I watched a video about using a compression sack instead of a Nylofume bag for packing a quilt. I ran an experiment, as suggested in the video, and found that my quilt, when in the Nylofume bag, occupied the entire bottom quarter of my backpack, even when I pushed down on the quilt as much as I could. Then I tried the compression sack. Now the quilt took less than half the vertical space and about two-thirds of the horizontal space--a big savings of space. The weight penalty was minor: 1.0 ounce for the Nylofume bag, 2.6 ounces for the compression sack, or 1.6 ounces difference. But now I had about two-thirds of the previously occupied room free, and I could stuff other items there. It's true that a compression sack leaves a few awkward voids, but the Nylofume bag allows for even more voids, but they're tiny as they're spread throughout the quilt. I had been using the Nylofume bag because, by general consensus, it seemed to be the lightweight thing to do, but now it appears that the savings of 1.6 ounces actually works against efficient use of my backpack. Another point: I can position the compression sack against my back, keeping the weight near me; that can't be done with the Nylofume bag.
@@karlkeating2803 you make some very good points! Thank you. I have run into similar conclusions aswell. For my fastpacking bag, I find my sleeping bag actually fits better in a compression dry bag. Technically it would be lighter without but space is a premium for me at 22litres so I use it! I do both, depending on the bag I'll stuff my sleeping bag in the bottom of the pack liner or use a compression sack. It depends. But yeah, the general consensus is that using just a pack liner is better as it saves weight and uses the space more efficiently. While I agree on the weight savings I'm not always convinced it uses the space efficiently. Thank you for taking the time to comment! I enjoyed reading it! Cheers
Great tips! Pretty much nailed the whole UL loadout. Its worth mentioning the big 4: tent, mat, bag, backpack. This is where 50%+ of your weight will be so focus on gettinf these down. - if you are tall you just have to live with heavier kit - good for you sleeping on a teeny mat. Its a talent. But unrealistic for most. - tarps are great for warm weather. Stormy weather - not so good (uk, scandi, alps). - no clothes to sleep in great but quilts are a faff to clean. Just embrace stink.
@@huwkealy9074 thank you! I didn't mention the big 4 as I wanted these tips to be relatively cost effective. But if you want to save a big portion of weight, investing in those items is the way to go! Yes, I have always thought that being tall sucks for outdoor gear, everything is heavier. The foam mat definitely isn't for everyone but for some it works. I've tarp camped in some bad weather before, obviously a tent provides more protection being fully enclosed but if you set up a tarp correctly it can do pretty well. I use a silk liner to keep my bag clean, still alot lighter than a set of sleeping clothes. Thanks for the input! Conversations like these are always great. Cheers
@@BackcountryKiwi Using a liner should have been one of the tips. It's a really good point. I hadn't considered the weight of a liner vs the weight of extra clothes, and it can add a few degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag thereby extending the temperature range it can be used in, for very little cost.
Personally, I feel the cold out there so if I'm dragging an extra bit of clothing or a warmer jacket, that's ok. But I never, ever, go into the bush without my favourite ceramic mug straight from the kitchen. Tea just doesn't taste the same in anything else. Thanks for sharing your tips BK.
@@CitizenJane- absolutely! Everybody feels the cold differently. There is no point in saving weight if you don't have adequate warmth. Pack for the seasons! A ceramic mug is brave haha. But fair enough, we all have items that are very personal to us. I bet that cup of tea tastes great out in the bush! Cheers!
Some pretty helpful advice there as every pound/kg saved is 2 klms further you travel easier. Some of the new light weight quilts are better than a sleeping bag. Keep on hiking mate keep up the vlogs. Bushyboy Oz.
@@ewengillies9826 thanks mate! Yeah I haven't dived into quilts yet, I really like the confines of a sleeping bag haha. I'll probably try one someday. Cheers
It takes the same amount of energy to lift 1kg by 1000m as it does to lift 1000kg by 1m - so I get the attraction of going ultralight, but so many of these tips make me wince because I'd rather try and lose 5kg off my belly than carry 5kg less 'luxury' or safety gear! To each their own though, you've just got to do whatever makes you happy at the end of the day. Cheers.
Thanks for the comment! Absolutely just do what works for you, what's works for me isn't going to work for everyone else. It's funny you should mention losing some weight, I'm actually working on a video about that topic. Cheers!
The tips you gave are for UL backpackers. You should at least have a tent to protect against bugs, heavy rain, and storms. A good sleeping bag and mat are essential to avoid catching a cold. You can set up a good 3-season Big 4 gears (backpack, tent, mat, sleeping bag) and still weigh less than 2 kg.
I've forgotten my spoon plenty of times. There are always other things I can use. I've used sticks and tent pegs in the past. Depends on the type of water bottle but not all that I use have a screw off lid. It could be handy but if I loose it it's not the end of the world. Cheers
Great video but I wouldn't recommend going with out a map and compass your phone could break. You can always print off a smaller map of the area you are going to save on a bulky full size map also could print it on waterproof paper
@@tiger2too18 yes each to their own! I do both actually. My sleeping bag is always dry even if it's just a pack liner. But I do also use a waterproof compression bag sleeping bag.
Whilst I accept much of this is down to preference, there are a few which seem increasingly common which I find somewhat concerning - a set of spare clothes is in my view essential, not for comfort, but safety. When you’re drenched and absolutely freezing, you need to be able to get into your sleeping bag in warm dry kit. You can’t get into it in wet kit, and in many conditions even with a good sleeping bag, those extra layers can be what prevent hypothermia. Simple wet/dry drills. Same goes for the stove - if someone is coming down with cold injury, besides getting them in warm dry kit, the other thing to do is get them a hot drink, as this will raise the core temp. So many cases of cold injury could be prevented if these two were followed. Finally the first aid kit - even if you are hitting SOS, you still need to wait for them to get you. A first aid kit doesn’t have to be incredibly comprehensive or extensive, but just a few extra things like some butterfly stitches, some wound dressings, alcohol wipes and maybe even a tourniquet could be the difference between saving or losing a limb, or worse
Hi there! You do make some good points, these are just my opinions and what works for me. In regards to no spare clothes I still have all my insulating layers which are nice and dry in my pack. I can easily get out of my wet hiking clothes, into those and in my sleeping bag. You make a good point with the stove and in colder conditions I will most likely bring one. Like I said, pack for the seasons :). And with the first aid kit, a torniquet would be useful if I know how to use one, I don't have any recent or in depth first aid training (something I plan to fix in the future). But yeah this is what works for me, I appreciate your input! Cheers
@@BackcountryKiwi ah ok fair enough, I hadn’t taken the insulating layers into consideration. Fair point re the stove too, I had forgotten this video was predominantly about 3 season conditions. Great video either way and thanks for the reply!
@@randomuser1911 thank you for the conversation! It's great to chat about it and everyone will have different opinions. Thank you for sharing yours! Cheers
Lol. I'm a cold, active, side sleeper. A cut-in-half CCF is so far out of the question it's not even funny. It actually breaks my brain that anyone ever gets any sleep on one of those at all.
@@antistaticandi haha that's fair enough! Yeah it seemed a little crazy to me at first, I though people were insane. But then I became a bit addicted to saving weight so I thought I would try it. I actually sleep really well on it! Cheers
My shoes stay soaked and won't dry out anyway. It's a bit pointless to put dry socks in wet shoes. In New Zealand your feet are pretty much guaranteed to get wet with the amount of river crossings we have. Cheers
Disclaimer at the beginning was the best. Everyone has their own idea of a great adventure. For me it’s moving a little slower (I’m 66 years old) and being a little bit more comfortable at night and getting a good nights sleep. I don’t mind carrying the extra weight of my hammock knowing I will wake up well rested and ready to hit the trail the next day.
Thank you! I wanted to add that disclaimer as not everyone will hike like I do. Hike your own hike, we all go out in the mountains for different reasons. Thanks for watching!
It's all good advice as long as you realise the potential dangers and accept the risk involved. Otherwise you should stay on well established paths and not stray away from help and cellphone coverage.
Yup! These tips work for me and might not be for everyone. I've used these tips for my pack set up for a while now, not just on established trails. Cheers
@11:50 Can you get moon cheese here in NZ?? Coming from the US, it holds a special place in my heart haha. Great list, well done compiling all these. Love the clips you have in the background, you can tell these are all learned through experience, rather than parroting other lists online.
@@cameronfedde1545 I'm not sure if you can find it in NZ. This one was from a friend who brought it over from Canada! Thank you! It's been a long time of trying things out to get my kit where it is. Happy to share! Cheers
? Sorry what do you mean, I had a few tips on carrying water in there! Plan where there are water supplies along your route and carry accordingly, don't carry heavy water bottles and use your water filter pouch to carry extra water. Cheers!
Good idea but sometimes I might need to leave my shelter in the rain and then I don't want to pull my groundsheet out from my sleep system. Thanks for your input! Cheers
We also did it in the German Army. 100m from truck to camp. Then we told everyone that we had been hiking like that for days. You've only been lied to if you believe these fairy tales.
Tent stakes are safe to leave at home. In the woods you make it from bushes with a knife (swiss knife sucks btw - I own much better fruit knife same weight). In mountains you use cord loops and big rocks to fix tent. 150g saved easy. Why UL guys never do this?
Thanks for the tips. I've done both of these things but I still prefer to bring tent stakes as it is way quicker than making my own when I get to camp. Cheers
You trip on a rock up a mountain in fog. You smash your phone. Its unlikely that your map or compass is now useless, but you didnt bring it because you saved the 300 grams it cost you in weight. Thats a quater of a poo for reference
You raise a good point. Alot of people who go out in the backcountry don't know how to navigate with a map and compass. Also a compass can be smashed and broken, and a map can blow away or get wet. I'm looking at this from a standpoint of saving weight, while it's great to have back ups, if I can get by with less then I will. Thanks for you input! Cheers
Another (more expensive) option is getting a GPS watch. The lowest end ones will let you load in your routes even if they don't have a map. And any of them will have a "go back to the start point" option.
Sure if you’re going reindeer hunting in December in Sarek you should bring a map. I do however find myself following a pretty well defined track from hut to hut most of the time and have never actually looked at the paper maps that I brought. Don’t pack your fears.
Yes that's a good point especially if you are a cold sleeper or in really cold conditions. My kit for winter looks different to my 3 season kit. Cheers!
Interesting point but I'm not quite sure if it would make much of a difference. I still have to bend over to get a stuff sack out of my pack. Personally it's never been an issue for me. If my pack is packed correctly it's fine. Cheers
That's what I thought when I first employed this strategy. But I always wear a cap which helps to keep the sun off my face. My legs don't burn easily and are normally so covered in dirt and sweat it creates a nice barrier haha. I haven't used this system in a desert environment so I can't speak to that, I'd probably pack a small bit of sunscreen for an environment like that. Pack for the seasons/environment! I appreciate your input. Cheers!
Fair point. But I like my phone for it's camera and I do use it for my mapping functionality. Are we all a bit too attached to them? Probably haha. Cheers
Yeah I like my Toothbrush with a longer handle as I find it more useful but I don't need the straps to be as long as they are. But a fair point. I don't want to be pulling my Shoe laces out every time to set up my shelter. I still need to wear my shoes. My set up is about balancing efficiency and weight.
No I don't. I am quite comfortable with this set up. I don't use this Loadout all the time, only when I want to go fast and light. I do still like an inflatable mat and a tent, just got certain trips. Cheers
@@hrabianero not necessarily. Ultralight gear doesn't need to cost a fortune and can cost the same or sometimes less than regular hiking equipment. Yes it can cost more but most of my tips here are quite cheap or free. Cheers
yeah. you have some points but others will get injured or worse. but hey 3 decades of hiking teaches me nothing i guess... oh and i wonder which one is your car, i totally would not target it knowing theres wallet keys of some kind of goody in there. don't ever give the advise to leave your wallet and keys in your car, as it won't just be your car raided if they figure out where you live.
An interesting way to jump into a conversation, already on the defence. I have never said you knew nothing. These are just tips that work for me and I thought I would share. You have some valid points as well. As far as the keys and wallet go, just bring the cards you need, you don't need your whole heavy wallet. I get by every day with just my EFTPOS card and driver's licence. The spare keys aren't much help if no one knows what they are for or where your house is. What are the tips that would get me injured or worse?
@daviddrzewicki1254 sorry but where do I recommend spending thousands of dollars? Most of these tips are free or cheap. The most expensive tip would be to try a tarp instead of a tent but that doesn't even have to be expensive and is generally alot cheaper than a tent! Cheers
![ค้างคืนโรงเก็บกระสวยอวกาศร้างกลางทะเลทราย [Around The World Ep. 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E5bWZQhABJE/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for watching! I hope you found this video useful.
What was your favorite tip? Let me know!
Cheers!
I think you win the ultralight competition, especially because you're not a dick about it. Helpful, yet cool!
Haha thanks so much! Just out here sharing what works for me. Hike your own hike and have fun!
Cheers
Definitely one of the more sensible lists of ultralighting advice I've seen, every point worthy of consideration even though they won't suit everybody.
Thank you! Absolutely not for everybody but hopefully they can provide some ideas for people.
Cheers
Yes, came to write the same. Actually good and useful tips. I‘m not ultralight yet, but much lighter than before 😅
@@kaspersergej thanks you! Happy hiking
Everyone starts to heavy. What worked for me .....Go on a trip. when you get back make three piles of gear. 1. what you used all the time. 2. what was used now and then. 3. what was not used. before the next trip leave pile 3 at home. Do the same when you get back from another trip. Now when you can ( might take years ) switch the everyday used items for lighter weight ones but just as good. Camping gear is always evolving into lighter and better items. I started with an external framed pack (1970's ) that weighed almost as much , empty , as the pack I use today , ready & packed ( non consumables ) for a trip . Then use the principal of take what I need , not the what. It worked for me.
Yes! That is excellent advice, especially for people who don't know where to start when it comes to shaving weight, doing that an having a list of your gear individually weighed is a great start to getting lighter.
Thanks for sharing!
I never used med kit, good advice, now i have half a kilo less in backpack!
Yeah, this sounds like a great way to leave a bunch of emergency necessities at home and die out in the field. First aid kit? Didn't use that. Satellite messenger? pff, who needs to be able to signal for help, that's a hundred grams you don't have to carry! I'm all for shedding genuinely excess weight, but 'I didn't use it THIS trip' is not genuinely excess.
@@Xennlander absolutely. There are some items that you should not remove even if you never use them. First aid and plb being 2 of them.
Even I'm 58, I'm just beginning to hike. I find your 3 piles method very clever, I'm gonna use it, thank you! 😊
Good job! Practical basic advice to save weight without gimmicks or expense.
Thank you!!! I use all of these tips, not for everyone but they work for me!
Always great info mate, im down to 6 kg on my pack. But with sum of these tips I mite geta bit more off. Hope the holidays going good 👍
Thanks heaps mate! 6kg is a great base weight! Don't get rid of items if it is going to make your trips worse. Carry what you enjoy!
Cheers
thanks,i thought this was very informative but with a do whats good for you tone, defininetly a few points i'll take on board : )
Thank you so much! That's exactly how I wanted it to come across. Glad you found some things useful.
Cheers!
Hey, some of the tips are great! 👍 However, I have a different perspective on the clothing advice. I always manage to find a bit of water on the trail to wash my hiking socks and underwear, as well as to clean myself. I can't stand being dirty and sticky unnecessarily, especially for several days in a row.
Once you wash your clothes, there’s a good chance they won't dry before bedtime, so you'll need some spare clothes. Of course, you can get by with just what you wear, plus some warm clothes and rain gear, but what if you get soaked in the rain and have to go to bed? And what if your sleeping bag isn't warm enough to sleep without clothes? It's not unusual for the temperature to drop significantly, especially in the Alps.
Hiking is not the same as racing. In a race, you have support and you're moving much faster. So, the tip about clothes is more suitable for short-distance, fast-paced hiking rather than long hikes. Additionally, the advice about the sleeping pad is more relevant when you're in your 20s; as you get older, you may want a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Anyway, these are just my thoughts, and this is what works for me.
@andreya6577 hey! Thanks for your input. I totally understand not wanting to be dirty and sticky all the time. I will always take the opportunity to wash myself and clothes if possible.
You bring up an interesting point about clothes not drying in time. I would normally just wear my insulating layers to bed if that was the case. I have done longer trips without spare clothes, it has never been a problem for me but it may not be for everyone.
Fair enough! I might change my mind about my mat as I get older haha, campsite selection also plays a big part in this.
Thank you for sharing!
Cheers.
great tips i liked that most of them are cheap not just go spend $$ on ultra light gear good talk at the start about weight too i recently went thru my gear and decided id prefer to get fitter/stronger rather than lighten the pack. id be interested in seeing a video on your cold soak meals
@@blairskevington6631 thank you! Ultralight gear is great, and investing in it can obviously save you a tonne of weight but it does have its pros and cons. It's amazing how much weight you can save without having to buy expensive gear.
Glad you liked it Blair! Weight isn't everything, having fun is!
I'm wanting to try out more cold soaking meals first, but I would love to make a video on it someday.
Cheers
Great material - pure knowledge!
@@axcx5951 thank you!!!
Really enjoyed this, nothing wrong with being a bit grubby. Its what we did as kids all day!
Yup to right! I can be clean when I get home from a trip haha. I don't really care how I smell when I'm out adventuring, I'm having fun!
Cheers
Well done! Keep in mind that the equipment you're presenting, is fine for summer trips in the Southern Alps, but not so much for chilly places like Britain or Scandinavia.
Thanks! Yeah it will vary a bit depending where you are. I'd like the opportunity to test things out more in different environments. Hopefully one-day.
Cheers
Great stuff bro. Good to see some cheeky TA shots 😂
Thanks bro! Haha thought you'd appreciate those!
Good times!
Thanks for your advice.
Thank you for watching and your comment!
Cheers
Love your videos (especially the UTMB one). Do you ever make any of your gear (tarp/quilt etc)? I used to think weighing stuff was silly, until I realized how much my things weighed when all together.
@@mr.leachreadsastory5676 thank you very much!
The ultralight tarp I use I made myself, it has served me well so far!
Yeah it's crazy how much it can all add up to!
Cheers
Really good video! Good job🎉
@@thaisehinger6202 thank you so much! 🥰
Great tips! 🎉
Thanks heaps!!!
Some great tips and definitely packing for the conditions will help keep it to the minimum. In my younger days I went with no sleeping pad at all to save weight and bulk. Now in my 40's I really value the comfort of a lightweight pad!
And slightly controversial - try leaving the heavy phone & charger bank at home. I swear by my GPS watch when every ounce counts
@@jconcah thank you! Yes I'm sure my preferences for what I carry will change as I get older haha!
An interesting point, I haven't really used the map function on my gps watch too much, only for a few runs.
Maybe I'll have to give it a proper go some time!
Cheers
If you leave your phone at home, then you would need a headlamp and an Inreach
Excellent suggestions...
Thank you!
@@BackcountryKiwi And big thanks for all you are sharing... 😀
Fav tip is planning the water refill spots, even comfort hikers can benefit from that! Also I love using a tent that uses my hiking poles, that would be the next biggest weight saver. And weighing things because if one pair of socks is lighter than another then… why not?
Absolutely! Thanks for the comment and I'm glad you found things useful!
Cheers
Thanks for the useful tips. Except, I found it troublesome to stuff my sleeping bag into my pack without a stuff sack. Wishing you good fortune and happy trails!
Thanks Pete! Fair enough man. No for everyone and I still put my sleeping bag in a compression sack aswell depending on the pack I'm using!
Cheers!
Well-presented thoughtful options with enough explanation to make sense but not so much that it seemed like a sales pitch. What was that grey pack in the video?
Thanks! That's a really nice comment 🙂
I'm not trying to sell anything, just sharing my opinion and thoughts.
It is a Macpac hesper 40l.
Cheers!
Awesome video Zeb! Great discussion.😎🤘👏👏👏👏👏👏
@@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897 thank you Jason!
Cheers mate
Just tonight I watched a video about using a compression sack instead of a Nylofume bag for packing a quilt. I ran an experiment, as suggested in the video, and found that my quilt, when in the Nylofume bag, occupied the entire bottom quarter of my backpack, even when I pushed down on the quilt as much as I could. Then I tried the compression sack. Now the quilt took less than half the vertical space and about two-thirds of the horizontal space--a big savings of space. The weight penalty was minor: 1.0 ounce for the Nylofume bag, 2.6 ounces for the compression sack, or 1.6 ounces difference. But now I had about two-thirds of the previously occupied room free, and I could stuff other items there. It's true that a compression sack leaves a few awkward voids, but the Nylofume bag allows for even more voids, but they're tiny as they're spread throughout the quilt. I had been using the Nylofume bag because, by general consensus, it seemed to be the lightweight thing to do, but now it appears that the savings of 1.6 ounces actually works against efficient use of my backpack. Another point: I can position the compression sack against my back, keeping the weight near me; that can't be done with the Nylofume bag.
@@karlkeating2803 you make some very good points! Thank you.
I have run into similar conclusions aswell. For my fastpacking bag, I find my sleeping bag actually fits better in a compression dry bag. Technically it would be lighter without but space is a premium for me at 22litres so I use it!
I do both, depending on the bag I'll stuff my sleeping bag in the bottom of the pack liner or use a compression sack. It depends. But yeah, the general consensus is that using just a pack liner is better as it saves weight and uses the space more efficiently. While I agree on the weight savings I'm not always convinced it uses the space efficiently.
Thank you for taking the time to comment! I enjoyed reading it!
Cheers
Interesting watch, making changes all adds up. The downside to summer would be sunscreen, think I’ll look into a sun top this year - cheers!
@@tleej26 thank you TJ!!! Every little bit adds up. Yeah I love my sun hoodie!
Cheers
Great tips! Pretty much nailed the whole UL loadout.
Its worth mentioning the big 4: tent, mat, bag, backpack. This is where 50%+ of your weight will be so focus on gettinf these down.
- if you are tall you just have to live with heavier kit
- good for you sleeping on a teeny mat. Its a talent. But unrealistic for most.
- tarps are great for warm weather. Stormy weather - not so good (uk, scandi, alps).
- no clothes to sleep in great but quilts are a faff to clean. Just embrace stink.
@@huwkealy9074 thank you!
I didn't mention the big 4 as I wanted these tips to be relatively cost effective. But if you want to save a big portion of weight, investing in those items is the way to go!
Yes, I have always thought that being tall sucks for outdoor gear, everything is heavier.
The foam mat definitely isn't for everyone but for some it works.
I've tarp camped in some bad weather before, obviously a tent provides more protection being fully enclosed but if you set up a tarp correctly it can do pretty well.
I use a silk liner to keep my bag clean, still alot lighter than a set of sleeping clothes.
Thanks for the input! Conversations like these are always great.
Cheers
@@BackcountryKiwi Using a liner should have been one of the tips. It's a really good point. I hadn't considered the weight of a liner vs the weight of extra clothes, and it can add a few degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag thereby extending the temperature range it can be used in, for very little cost.
@@Gneiss365 yeah. I love my liner! I prefer it over dedicated sleeping clothes.
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Personally, I feel the cold out there so if I'm dragging an extra bit of clothing or a warmer jacket, that's ok. But I never, ever, go into the bush without my favourite ceramic mug straight from the kitchen. Tea just doesn't taste the same in anything else. Thanks for sharing your tips BK.
@@CitizenJane- absolutely! Everybody feels the cold differently. There is no point in saving weight if you don't have adequate warmth. Pack for the seasons! A ceramic mug is brave haha. But fair enough, we all have items that are very personal to us. I bet that cup of tea tastes great out in the bush!
Cheers!
Some pretty helpful advice there as every pound/kg saved is 2 klms further you travel easier. Some of the new light weight quilts are better than a sleeping bag. Keep on hiking mate keep up the vlogs. Bushyboy Oz.
@@ewengillies9826 thanks mate!
Yeah I haven't dived into quilts yet, I really like the confines of a sleeping bag haha. I'll probably try one someday.
Cheers
It takes the same amount of energy to lift 1kg by 1000m as it does to lift 1000kg by 1m - so I get the attraction of going ultralight, but so many of these tips make me wince because I'd rather try and lose 5kg off my belly than carry 5kg less 'luxury' or safety gear!
To each their own though, you've just got to do whatever makes you happy at the end of the day.
Cheers.
Thanks for the comment! Absolutely just do what works for you, what's works for me isn't going to work for everyone else.
It's funny you should mention losing some weight, I'm actually working on a video about that topic.
Cheers!
The tips you gave are for UL backpackers.
You should at least have a tent to protect against bugs, heavy rain, and storms. A good sleeping bag and mat are essential to avoid catching a cold. You can set up a good 3-season Big 4 gears (backpack, tent, mat, sleeping bag) and still weigh less than 2 kg.
@@zhaoyunzulong The tips don't just have to apply to UL. Yes some of them are a bit more extreme and they may not be for everyone.
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A spare sppon good idea and spare cap for water bottle
I've forgotten my spoon plenty of times. There are always other things I can use. I've used sticks and tent pegs in the past. Depends on the type of water bottle but not all that I use have a screw off lid. It could be handy but if I loose it it's not the end of the world.
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Great video but I wouldn't recommend going with out a map and compass your phone could break. You can always print off a smaller map of the area you are going to save on a bulky full size map also could print it on waterproof paper
Fair enough. Thanks for your comment.
Cheers
Great tips
@@ABCABC-fn4fg I appreciate it! Thanks!
Waterproof stuff sacks can be used around key items such a sleeping bag that could keep you warm in survival conditions. Each to their own.
@@tiger2too18 yes each to their own! I do both actually. My sleeping bag is always dry even if it's just a pack liner. But I do also use a waterproof compression bag sleeping bag.
Whilst I accept much of this is down to preference, there are a few which seem increasingly common which I find somewhat concerning - a set of spare clothes is in my view essential, not for comfort, but safety. When you’re drenched and absolutely freezing, you need to be able to get into your sleeping bag in warm dry kit. You can’t get into it in wet kit, and in many conditions even with a good sleeping bag, those extra layers can be what prevent hypothermia. Simple wet/dry drills. Same goes for the stove - if someone is coming down with cold injury, besides getting them in warm dry kit, the other thing to do is get them a hot drink, as this will raise the core temp. So many cases of cold injury could be prevented if these two were followed. Finally the first aid kit - even if you are hitting SOS, you still need to wait for them to get you. A first aid kit doesn’t have to be incredibly comprehensive or extensive, but just a few extra things like some butterfly stitches, some wound dressings, alcohol wipes and maybe even a tourniquet could be the difference between saving or losing a limb, or worse
Hi there!
You do make some good points, these are just my opinions and what works for me.
In regards to no spare clothes I still have all my insulating layers which are nice and dry in my pack. I can easily get out of my wet hiking clothes, into those and in my sleeping bag.
You make a good point with the stove and in colder conditions I will most likely bring one. Like I said, pack for the seasons :).
And with the first aid kit, a torniquet would be useful if I know how to use one, I don't have any recent or in depth first aid training (something I plan to fix in the future). But yeah this is what works for me, I appreciate your input!
Cheers
@@BackcountryKiwi ah ok fair enough, I hadn’t taken the insulating layers into consideration. Fair point re the stove too, I had forgotten this video was predominantly about 3 season conditions. Great video either way and thanks for the reply!
@@randomuser1911 thank you for the conversation! It's great to chat about it and everyone will have different opinions. Thank you for sharing yours!
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A lighterpack list would be very helpful.
I'll have to get on it and share one.
Cheers!
Good stuff!
@@joshscott9905 glad you think so! Thanks heaps!
Lol. I'm a cold, active, side sleeper. A cut-in-half CCF is so far out of the question it's not even funny. It actually breaks my brain that anyone ever gets any sleep on one of those at all.
@@antistaticandi haha that's fair enough! Yeah it seemed a little crazy to me at first, I though people were insane. But then I became a bit addicted to saving weight so I thought I would try it. I actually sleep really well on it!
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dude i always carry my naturehike r8.8 with me, this thing is 10cm thick 😂
@@benedikthassel that'd be comfy for sure!
Dry feet are critical. Walking through wet brush will soak your feet. Bring 2 to 3 pair of spare socks.
My shoes stay soaked and won't dry out anyway. It's a bit pointless to put dry socks in wet shoes. In New Zealand your feet are pretty much guaranteed to get wet with the amount of river crossings we have.
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Really good tips, except that half foam. No way, Jose! 😂
@@roryb5512 haha thank you Rory. Definitely not for everyone but it works for me!
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Disclaimer at the beginning was the best. Everyone has their own idea of a great adventure. For me it’s moving a little slower (I’m 66 years old) and being a little bit more comfortable at night and getting a good nights sleep. I don’t mind carrying the extra weight of my hammock knowing I will wake up well rested and ready to hit the trail the next day.
Thank you! I wanted to add that disclaimer as not everyone will hike like I do.
Hike your own hike, we all go out in the mountains for different reasons.
Thanks for watching!
Bought a jar of peanut butter today to try cold soaking haha
@@red2seata nice! You may live it or hate it but give it a go!
Have fun.
It's all good advice as long as you realise the potential dangers and accept the risk involved.
Otherwise you should stay on well established paths and not stray away from help and cellphone coverage.
Yup! These tips work for me and might not be for everyone. I've used these tips for my pack set up for a while now, not just on established trails.
Cheers
@11:50 Can you get moon cheese here in NZ?? Coming from the US, it holds a special place in my heart haha.
Great list, well done compiling all these. Love the clips you have in the background, you can tell these are all learned through experience, rather than parroting other lists online.
@@cameronfedde1545 I'm not sure if you can find it in NZ. This one was from a friend who brought it over from Canada!
Thank you! It's been a long time of trying things out to get my kit where it is. Happy to share!
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Did I miss or I didn't see how you do with the water?
? Sorry what do you mean, I had a few tips on carrying water in there! Plan where there are water supplies along your route and carry accordingly, don't carry heavy water bottles and use your water filter pouch to carry extra water.
Cheers!
Use a rainponcho as a ground cloth. No extra ground cloth needed.
Good idea but sometimes I might need to leave my shelter in the rain and then I don't want to pull my groundsheet out from my sleep system.
Thanks for your input!
Cheers
We walked with 50kg backpacks for days carrying with us all our equipment in the service, Swedish marines
That's a heavy load! The military definitely doesn't have an ultralight mindset haha. Thank you for your service!
We also did it in the German Army. 100m from truck to camp. Then we told everyone that we had been hiking like that for days. You've only been lied to if you believe these fairy tales.
Tent stakes are safe to leave at home. In the woods you make it from bushes with a knife (swiss knife sucks btw - I own much better fruit knife same weight). In mountains you use cord loops and big rocks to fix tent. 150g saved easy. Why UL guys never do this?
Thanks for the tips. I've done both of these things but I still prefer to bring tent stakes as it is way quicker than making my own when I get to camp.
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So no beers for the hut then? 😂
Haha not for these trips!
Cheers
😀
Thanks!
tbh this sounds like the first few minutes of a landSAR video.
Haha I think that's a compliment?
Thanks!
You trip on a rock up a mountain in fog. You smash your phone. Its unlikely that your map or compass is now useless, but you didnt bring it because you saved the 300 grams it cost you in weight. Thats a quater of a poo for reference
You raise a good point. Alot of people who go out in the backcountry don't know how to navigate with a map and compass.
Also a compass can be smashed and broken, and a map can blow away or get wet. I'm looking at this from a standpoint of saving weight, while it's great to have back ups, if I can get by with less then I will.
Thanks for you input!
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300 grams is way overkill. A plastic orienteering compass is less than 50 grams. And take just the map sections you need.
Another (more expensive) option is getting a GPS watch. The lowest end ones will let you load in your routes even if they don't have a map. And any of them will have a "go back to the start point" option.
Sure if you’re going reindeer hunting in December in Sarek you should bring a map. I do however find myself following a pretty well defined track from hut to hut most of the time and have never actually looked at the paper maps that I brought.
Don’t pack your fears.
@@xureality thanks for weighing in! You make some great points.
Cheers!
Filling a nalgene with hot water at nights a great way to "almost" justify the weight claiming it's part of your sleep system
i prefer stainless steel radiator bottle as i drink the water the next day, and no tubes, never , na ah. just my preference for my me self, though.
Yes that's a good point especially if you are a cold sleeper or in really cold conditions. My kit for winter looks different to my 3 season kit.
Cheers!
Fair enough, as long as it works for you!
Cheers
Not using stuff sacks, means you have to bend over into your pack, for the smallest item. Can be strenuous and bad for your back..
Interesting point but I'm not quite sure if it would make much of a difference. I still have to bend over to get a stuff sack out of my pack. Personally it's never been an issue for me. If my pack is packed correctly it's fine.
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@@BackcountryKiwi Wait until you get older ;-)
Ultralight gives up waaaay too much in the hygiene and comfort departments. F No.
Each to there own. Totally fair enough, but for me I still find it enjoyable.
Cheers!
Looking over at 18kg thru hiking pack: er... yeah, some of these aren't going to help 😅
Haha what's in your pack! 18kg is a fair bit but as long as you are happy to carry it.
Cheers!
I brush my teeth with a small amount of baking soda.
@@kevinkrause744 Ah yes that's a good idea too! Thank you
7:50 but you'll still need sunscreen for your legs... and face
That's what I thought when I first employed this strategy. But I always wear a cap which helps to keep the sun off my face. My legs don't burn easily and are normally so covered in dirt and sweat it creates a nice barrier haha.
I haven't used this system in a desert environment so I can't speak to that, I'd probably pack a small bit of sunscreen for an environment like that. Pack for the seasons/environment!
I appreciate your input.
Cheers!
some advice would be practical, some were not
@@小文王-f6h each to there own. I use all these tips and for specific trips they work well for me.
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Phones are heavy and unreliable. Leave the phone and charging cables at home. Bring the map and compass for weight saving and safety.
Oh heavens no, that's my camera, bedtime book, etc ( and entire world in there, when it's connected).
Fair point. But I like my phone for it's camera and I do use it for my mapping functionality. Are we all a bit too attached to them? Probably haha.
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so you cut your straps but dont cut your toothbrush or using toothpaste powder? funny. replace your guideline with your laces hah
Yeah I like my Toothbrush with a longer handle as I find it more useful but I don't need the straps to be as long as they are. But a fair point. I don't want to be pulling my Shoe laces out every time to set up my shelter. I still need to wear my shoes. My set up is about balancing efficiency and weight.
dude hates comfort
No I don't. I am quite comfortable with this set up. I don't use this Loadout all the time, only when I want to go fast and light. I do still like an inflatable mat and a tent, just got certain trips.
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Tip no 1 and only for ultra light: have to much money.
@@hrabianero not necessarily. Ultralight gear doesn't need to cost a fortune and can cost the same or sometimes less than regular hiking equipment. Yes it can cost more but most of my tips here are quite cheap or free.
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yeah. you have some points but others will get injured or worse. but hey 3 decades of hiking teaches me nothing i guess... oh and i wonder which one is your car, i totally would not target it knowing theres wallet keys of some kind of goody in there. don't ever give the advise to leave your wallet and keys in your car, as it won't just be your car raided if they figure out where you live.
An interesting way to jump into a conversation, already on the defence. I have never said you knew nothing. These are just tips that work for me and I thought I would share.
You have some valid points as well. As far as the keys and wallet go, just bring the cards you need, you don't need your whole heavy wallet. I get by every day with just my EFTPOS card and driver's licence. The spare keys aren't much help if no one knows what they are for or where your house is.
What are the tips that would get me injured or worse?
thanks for not making a video where the solution to lightening my load is spending thousands of dollars!
@daviddrzewicki1254 sorry but where do I recommend spending thousands of dollars? Most of these tips are free or cheap. The most expensive tip would be to try a tarp instead of a tent but that doesn't even have to be expensive and is generally alot cheaper than a tent!
Cheers
@@BackcountryKiwi haha missed a "not" in there. edited
@@daviddrzewicki1254 oh no! Sorry haha I took it completely the other way.
Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!