40 pounds average total pack weight - 2021 Appalachian Trail from Maryland to Katahdin, Maine - Gregory Paragon 58 pack, X-Mid 1P tent, Paria air mattress and BA Anvil sleeping bag 30F (I slept cold) - Shoulder straps on the Gregory broke on me in New Hampshire then I picked up an Osprey Aether 65 - All medium budget stuff - Did several shake down hikes 4 months prior - I'm 70 years young.
Congratulations on your hike. That is a crazy heavy pack. Your bad ass. I am in my 60s and I know I could not carry a pack that heavy any longer. Take care
This is probably better than most advice out there. My baseweight is 10-11 lbs but I weighed 195 my last trip and it was tough! So I told my buddy we aren’t doing Maroon Bells this year unless I weigh in at at LEAST 175 when I hit the trail. 12 lbs down, 16 more to go 🙏🏼. EDIT: 7.1 more to goooo
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Great video. I'm a older verticality challenged female and have been backpacking from the 1970. I've learned what works for one person may not work for others. I have a high outdoors skill level and am very mechanically inclined. Being older I seldom carry more than 20 pounds. I don't have an ultra light backpack, but the one I have fits me perfectly and is well balanced. My shelter of choice is a bivy bag and a Six Moon Design Gatewood Cape. My best weight saving tip is, just bring less gear. You will be surprised how little you actually need. My other suggestion is save more money before your trip because it is nice to be able to splurge on a room or meal in a town or replace a piece of gear. I love all your tips, when I started backpacking gear was way heavier, and we all started with car camping gear because it was what we had. Safe travels.
Yep grew up with canvas cloth aluminum external frame backpack with leather heavy boots and all cotton clothing “you think things are heavy wait till cotton clothing gets wet” then brass SVEA stoves with petrol or gasoline. Meals were sparse and lacking in options or choice so you supplemented with can goods or store items. Tents were beyond heavy and big poles. Few down bags were available so synthetic bulky bags were it. All that added up to a heavy large size load.
Solid video! The one tip/ hack/ piece of advice I never see on CZcams, FB or any social media that I give as advice to anyone buying gear is that you can buy something that is: 1. Durable 2. Light weight 3. Cheap Pick two of the above as you can’t get all 3 and depending on where you’re going and when the answer could be prioritising any two of theses
On my first overnighter all my gear was either used or from walmart, my pack weighed 37lbs, but I had the time of my life and became addicted to backpacking. You can still have a heavy pack and have fun. The expensive stuff is not required to enjoy yourself.
There was a thru hiker named Walmart with all his gear from there....but walmart fear is getting better and better. Also there was a guy named denim, and doesn't take much to guess his pants
Best video period. In Special Forces I carried a 75 to 85 lb. pack. I was a commo guy on the team and it was easier to just suck it up and carry the complete radio instead of getting the battery from one guy, the antenna from another, then put it together and make combo break it all down and get back to moving out. Just easier to carry it all together. I thought I was something. I was around 190 pounds and worked out all the time. Then a NSA guy was attached to us and his pack was 100 to 110. He had toothbrush, underwear and a couple of socks, the rest were several radios. He weighed about 150 and was thin. He never said a word about his pack. It would have never been found out except we were loading all the rucks to take them out to the airfield and when I went to hoist his up to the truck it didn't move. I told the guy on the truck to watch out this one is heavy, and he didn't think it would be an issue. It yanked his arm and a smile came to his face. As my team Sgt would say, as they issued us another special piece of gear, We go marching over mountains carrying 300 pounds of light weight S%$t. If we didn't train constantly, we could never do the mission.
Another one of the easiest ways to save weight is WATER MANAGMENT. If you are on a trail with abundant and regular water sources, you can plan your water refills and stop at a source, filter and camel up there, and get away with carrying a liter less on the trail. Each Liter of water weighs 2.2 lbs. Obviously, always err on the side of safety but if you are on a trail with documented locations of water it works great!
Huge problem that I see out on trail by newer backpackers or folks who don't backpack very often is not eating enough. I've seen it time and time again where someone eats like a bird and then hits a wall after 5miles and complains the rest of the day about being tired. Well yeah you're tired, you've only eaten one pack a ramen, a Snickers and a pop tart in the last 24hrs, of course you're going to be tired. When I remind them to eat, I get the ol "well I am just not hungry" 😂 Wrong mindset buddy. Eating while backpacking isn't a thing you do for pleasure. Eating while backpacking is an absolute necessity. I get it, sometimes you aren't hungry. Eat anyway. Force yourself to eat. Your body needs the fuel, and other people don't want to listen to you complain that you're "tired"
🙋🏻♀️You talking about me. 🤦🏻♀️ I know it's an issue. It's something one has to learn to stop and eat. I get really hungry winter camping but eat less during summer..
Good stuff! I researched for almost two YEARS as I slowly bought my camping/hiking kit. I only walk for a week at a time, so carrying 30# doesn't matter to me to go light. I appreciate you and people like you who keep us informed for the trail. Peace, Health, and Happiness!
My 1st trip as an adult I took a external frame pack, sleeping bag, same tent that he showed, a gallon metal and plastic cloth covered canteen and 2 MRE from the surplus store. Also had a metal flashlight that used 2 D batteries. 2 night trip. Hiked the grand canyon and slept in the bottom 2nd night. I was ready for food when I got home, but I was hooked. Camped out all the time as a kid, no tent or backpack, just a blanket from home. I thought this 1st backpacking trip was pure luxury. If myself back then could see the luxury now...but I never packed that light since then.
Love it, great tips. I completely agree that fitness is one of the most important parts of backpacking. I also love that you pointed out to just use your gear and replace gear. I try to make it affordable for people. And that brings me back to fitness, it lowers the barrier to entry. You can spend $100 for a 1.5lbs item vs $300 for a 15oz item because you are strong. I feel that fitness makes you more prepared. Not only are you more durable and less susceptible to injury. You do not have to skimp on safety items that you or someone else on the trail may need. Great video.
There’s an ultralight body glide, in camo, on Amazon. If that doesn’t say Brice Newbold on it by next year then they’re failing. Also, I was one of the commenters that was acquiring gear but simultaneously I was doing yoga, walking and hiking in training for my trip. Now I’m two weeks away from my first multi day trip and definitely wished I did even more training but I’m ready enough. See y’all on trail!!
Great video. I started out with military surplus gear 20 years ago. It was cheap and heavy, but lasted. I have moved to mostly ultralight/ lightweight gear now. I slowly spent money over a few years to get to ultralight/ lightweight status. I enjoy my hikes way better now and can do a lot longer hikes than I could before. Staying in shape is absolutely the key to hiking enjoyment, too. I walk 2 miles everyday in my neighborhood. It is basically one giant hill with 200 feet of elevation gain/loss over one mile. I wear a 15 lb work out pack on my walks to keep in shape. This has really made the difference for me.
In the early 80's my Coleman peak 1 Feather 400 stove was one of the lightest options. I just weighed it and is just short of 1.5 pounds. My rule was to trim my full load weight down to no more than 45lb. My loaded pack now is 25-30 pounds but I had just as much fun then as I do now. I agree with your comments about acquiring gear as an evolving process.
Instead of holding and carrying 3 liters of water bring it down to 1.5 and just keep filling up. Greatest tip I ever heard. I used to lug around 4 liters of water out of fear
I don't usually comment of videos, but I like what you're saying here Bryce. It's taken me 20 years or so of experience to get my current gear together. I'm still using the canvas rucksack because I like the reliability. My bag is heavier than a lot of the "go fast and light" people I see when I'm out walking, but I watch them when they stop and all their gossamer gear just doesn't seem to make for a lot of fun out there. I'm sure slower than they are, but I'm in no rush. Personally, I don't see the point in finishing a hike super fast. If I wanna go quick, I'll take a bus. I'm out walking in the bush because I like being in the bush ("bush" being an Australian term for what you call, "back country"). Don't get me wrong... I like light gear. I'm getting older and light gear is great, but you're right on the money when you say if you want to reduce your base weight, reduce a bit of your personal lard before you start spending the big bucks to reduce the weight of your rucksack. And it's easier and cheaper to lose weight INSIDE your belt than it is to lose it OUTSIDE your belt. So I'll continue to be a bit heavier. I'll need to take more food because it takes me longer to get between supply stops, and I'll take some more comfort items because it's more fun out there if you are actually enjoying it instead of just enduring it. Oh, and I don't like walking more than about 5-6 hours a day. I like a bit of hanging out time. Some people may get out there for the challenge, but I think it makes more sense to get out there for the fun.
So true! I went backpacking in Idaho at high elevation at 225 lbs. I was in pretty good shape, but still carrying extra lbs. I was gassed and struggling. I knew after that trip I had to drop some weight. And 40 lbs later and lighter, hiking and backpacking is so much more enjoyable.
35 lbs for 5 days…. I now feel really badass… with 80 lbs all-in for 14 days… with an average of 15 miles a day… we where cursing ourselves that we where so weak… Maybe it’s just us or if it’s a European thing, but for longer trips the forementioned weight is high but not uncommon. I’m trying to get the total weight to 50lbs for those 14 days and call myself a happy man when I do so.
Great tips Bryce… your video has spurred me to get back into shape … Thanksgiving weight, Christmas weight and the Covid blues have not been kind to me 🤨 😂 anyhoo …. Thought I would drop another tip in the bucket…. As a new hiker / backpacker keep your first trips down to ‘something manageable’ ! You see experienced backpackers doing 15 to 20 miles a day and thru hikers even more. This is hard and if you attempted to do 15 miles on your first trip you would have a miserable time. As a first timer keep it down to say 3 miles in and out maybe 8 miles if you are in decent shape…. The point is to enjoy the outdoors experience, the camaraderie of friends or maybe the quiet solitude and the memories those make … believe me your legs will still know you’ve done something without feeling like someone put them through a meat grinder for the rest of the week… ATB Dave Mc …
The fitness tip is so important. I think this needs to be stressed way, way more by everyone. So many people get right up off the couch after not exercising for 6 months and hope to have a good time hiking up a mountain. You just... wont. In the end, living fit, eating well, staying active, is going to make you live a better, happier, and more fulfilled life, and this extends from hiking to traveling to simply getting up for work. Being in good health makes that easier. I know there are some people with health concerns, but for the purposes of 90% of people, it's simply will power, and the drive to live a better life. My 3 day pack is in around 30 lb as well and I'm a 6' 175lb man. I am also an avid runner, currently training for an ultra marathon and hiking every week. I can fly up a mountain with my 30 lb pack, and I legitimately don't even feel it anymore. I can add 10 lb easily, and it would have (near) zero impact on my performance, because I do this constantly. I enjoy and love my hikes, I love summiting, I love travel, I love life, and that is because I put in the work to do it. It takes time, that's important to note, but once you get a strong baseline, and maintain it. Life will be better, and no you don't need to spend that extra $300 on an ultralight tent. But hey, if you do, and this is what you love, I think you'll love it, but in reality, baseweight is (near) meaningless.
This is why I'm sticking to flat terrain & short distances for the time being; I'm a nutjob who decided to take up hiking simultaneously to trying to rehab from being a wheelchair user for 8 years, because it gives me something to enjoy & keep me motivated to stick out continuous progress with my other exercises, even though it's a gruelling journey. I'm finding there's nothing quite like the afternoon sun through dappled tree-shade to remind me of the reason I'm putting my poor body through this shit.
I feel like the return on investment should be broached more often. You’re right, there are a lot of folks who come out on their first trip with the full dyneema and down kit. But if they only use it for one weekend trip ever, each of those nights effectively costed the same as staying in Vegas. Conversely, if you buy good gear and it doesn’t work out. You can always resell the equipment. Much harder to resell the cheap Amazon stuff. I’ve also noticed more CZcamsrs making videos which are 100% paid ads for equipment. It’s unfortunate that the new viewers trust is being violated in that way. You keep it real Bryce. Glad to see your videos.
So true!! You are exactly right... The good stuff holds value! I follow a few gear channels that don't accept gear for review, and often rip some of the tested gear "a new one" Luke with The Outdoor Gear Review is one of those non biased channels.
About getting into shape…. I’m using backpacking as means to get into shape. Starting slow and with short day trip. In terms of gear I did a ton of research and bought the best bang for the buck items, based on reviews and comments on different shopping sites.
Solid advice all around. Reminds me an article I read about how to figure your watts output while bike riding (it's a serious nerd/gear/data junkie thing) and it went in to an ELABORATE method of calculations. So buying titanium water bottle screws saves "x" number of grams, therefore boosting your output by some "y" number of watts. The article concluded by saying you could gain the same output advantage by losing 5 pounds off your fat ass and saving the money on the titanium! LOL
Actually, the #1 problem with pack weight is food. People spend thousands to reduce 3oz but then fill it with heavy food (and tech). Yes, weight training should always be a part of your preparation.
I will counter your food (which is so true) with clothing. Food you might eat....maybe...but your sleep cloths, extra cloths, what if cloths, this just makes me feel better clothing....good lord. Drag around a closet to come off the trail smelling and looking just like me. Filthy, but I'm happy and your crushed. Don't get me started on wet wipes...cheers.
True, but food is a variable-weight item. One backpacking setup doesn't change a whole lot if you're going overnight or for a week, but your food does. You can also go heavier (cough cough, fresh bacon, cough) or lighter (precooked bacon) with food. Like canned soup versus dried.
I started weighing my food that I did not eat after each trip and reduced the food intake. I also try and eat high calorie to weight food. I tended to take excessive food and had for years.
@@mtadams2009 that's a good idea, but I think an argument can be made for taking at least some extra food. There's always the possibility that bad weather or an injury will delay you, or that you miscalculate how hungry you'll be. Granted, you can take that to an extreme, but having an extra meal or two worth of food I don't think is going overboard. I'm not an ultralighter though.
Use what you have and change slowly…this is awesome. I was thinking about doing a video with all my ancient old school gear just to show how functional old suck gear can be and to not be afraid of it. Ooo, mango chunks…I love mango!
I think it's not only about being in shape - even if you wouldn't make any sports, you would get used to weight on your shoulders, tolerate many hours of hikes, etc. It is somewhat similar to driving - at first it's rather stressful to drive even 100-150 km, then you can drive 1000 km and even enjoy it. My first backpacking trip I had 13.5 kg backpack and I was feeling rather miserable while it was only around 14 km, half of which was by the road. Now I can relatively easily handle up to 10 hours of off-trail hike with 18-20 kg backpack. Am I doing any sports? No, I'm not (I should though). I think I've just got used to the weight of the backpack, to the way body moves with the backpack. And I've kind of trained my will.
9:40 your nitrile gloves are a perfect example of backpacking kit that isn’t for everyone. I’m from the Pacific Northwest and I am under no illusions that my Gortex or whatever is going to keep me dry when it’s really raining and I’m out in it. So I just make sure that the cloths that I’m wearing will keep me warm _when_ I get wet. Also, I’ve never worried about whether my hands were wet or not accept in the snow (where Gortex shines).
Awesome video, totally agree .... For me no matter how much I hit the gym (I do regularly) Nothing I do prepares my legs for the trail. The only way to get trail legs is to be on the trail. I did buy a lot of ultra light gear. But my thought process is .. If my pack weighs less maybe my non developed trail legs won't be totally wrecked on a section hike. I live in the mountains, there isn't any section of the AT that doesn't involve thousands of ft of elevation where I live. I'm not an ultra light backpacker by any means, but I do have some ultralight gear to minimize the pain😂 love your real world/ common sense perspective. Well done!
Great points, I found that trail running has been the key point of me enjoying hiking. With that said trail running turned into hmmm 1/2 marathon trail run ok, now 50k trail run but hey it all works towards getting in shape and enjoying hiking as well. Have a great weekend everyone…
I use fingerless gloves they work great with cameras, and have folding part over fingers I love them, if they get a bit wet I place them in a quilt and they dry out during night. For wet camp work I just remove them .. bare hands dry heat up faster especially near fire. Happy hiking.
Another very important advice I recomend: Take into consideration WHERE YOU ARE. What's hot for an American may be a breeze for someone in the tropics or Australia, what's average for a Norwegian may be freezing for you. Many of the pieces of gear you see people talk about in YT videos are for a target demographic you're not a part of. Humidity, temperature, season of the year, elevation. All of those are very important to consider when choosing what gear to buy.
The problem with going out with random old/heavy stuff that makes it miserable is that it may completely discourage some people who would otherwise enjoy it with proper gear. Also I wouldn't look at how often would you use it but much more on how would you use it. For some people may be absolutely worth it to buy an ultralught tent for 600 bucks even they plan to backpack only 2 or 3 times a year... because of the weight, size... and it will very likely last for dozens of years if properly treated and stored. Also I don't necessarily agree with the process of continually buying newer and better gear because when you calculate it at the end, you'll waste a ton more money this way. In my opinion, the best way, if possible/available, is to go and rent or borrow some gear, try it, find what you like or dislike about it and then after trying different types of gear, go and buy the specific piece that has all the features you liked on previous "test gear".
Bryce, Love the vid’ couldn’t agree more. You change gear many times over the years kind of an evolution of finding what ya really like/need. But had I not watched tons of videos & read everything that was out there of gear I could’ve saved tons of money early on. But I couldn’t agree more….. GET IN SHAPE & STAY IN SHAPE !!!!!
This is the first video of yours that I have checked out. This is my first year hiking, and I have gone 37 times, since I've started. Great video Dude, I am blessed to see this! Have a great day, thank you so much. With love, and respect. Wes Sept
This is excellent advice and you are right. I have never heard anyone say "just get in better shape." Im a 5'10 175lb male and I'm in excellent shape. I workout 6 says a week and hike on the regular. I also live at 10k feet elevation. Carrying a 40lb pack on even ground is a breeze for me. With elevation gain, no so much, but it is definitely easier what my legs are in better shape and I've been putting in more miles leading up to it.
Awesome video bro... I learned these exact lessons myself... I didn't even have a proper camping/hiking backpack my first trip out and we just made multiple trips back to the car(probably 2.5 miles one way) to get all our gear and food in. After that, I researched which gear was best to switch out first so that I wasn't hiking back and forth. 12 years later, I have a nearly perfect setup that works for me(low weight, yet durable), and I can even bring some extra amenities without bogging me down.
This is probably one of the most realistic and useful tips I have heard on a backpacking channel in a while, thank you! Get what you got to get to get out there. Focus on your trip instead of keeping up with the Joneses!
True soul, I've been wild camping, hiking and I've also been homeless you need to know what's out there and sometimes some things are new are not good. Great video
hi buddy, get into a decent fitness level. great advice!!!! I'm 1.77 tall/ 76kg weight. you are soo right. some of the YTers just aren't and complaint about "heavy" gear. a backpack in cold(er) conditions could go up to 15-18kg weight wise. this should be okay in the wilderness, if you want to avoid yourself of freeze, wet, hunger and danger... cool video mate 👍
Good video. I’m 58 and my 1st backpack trip with my son was 5 years ago. I bought a couple of cheap items on Amazon (pack, pad, stove kit) and used what I had. Yes, it’s now $3k later because I love it, but it’s been a slow change out/up process. On my first trip it was unusually hot, we parked on the highway, put on our packs and off we went. As I trudged, I thought about how hot and steep it was and how heavy my pack was and how worn out I was….at some point we made it to the trailhead to begin. :)
Yes Bryce swapping gear out slowly piece by piece figuring out what you do need and figuring out what you can do without is probably the hardest challenge of them all don't forget I also pack in my stuff not just backpacking gear I also pack extra or sometimes extra clothing for my biking tools I try to keep things in the light side and my fishing fishing rod tackle it is a very large menagerie of odds and ends that I put together and swap out constantly for whatever trip I am planning to do which at the moment nothing because I'm too busy at work
@@ryanellerbrock Right on the handlebars Unless I'm in the woods then they are pointed backwards behind me Kind of awkward to explain or show since it's been I've been a long time I have both open face and baitcasters When I go fishing and camping I use my open face it's a tad easier on the handlebars and me put them in
Thank you sir! Man I was going down the wrong "path" no punt intended. And a little slap in the face by your video and I'm back on track. I wanted to feel comfortable out there trying to make it super ultra light and I'm always wanting the best gear and now my trip is almost here and I don't even have my pack together yet. Holy cow! I need to just relax and go out there and have fun. Thanks again!
Can agree with tip one as someone who has put a *lot* of weight on over the last two years for some strange reason *cough*; last few trips out I've felt it, and imo the difference between a 10kg pack weight and a 5kg pack weight is utterly pointless if you're carrying 10kg of extra weight round your gut.
I like your style... everyone killing me on CZcams by saying I have too much weight for my thru hike attempt of AT... and I'm at 20lbs without food and water. They have some good suggestions that I've taken tho. Great video!
I'd say if someone wants a fancy tent but there pockets aren't deep enough they should look into older flashy tents mines an old Vango force ten mk1 fw (probably 30+ years old) it's not the lightest at 1.8kg but it didn't cost the earth and it should stand up to more than I plan on putting it through but it's a big step up from my tarp which I used to use
I played lacrosse in high school and we would raid the school nurses office for medical gloves to wear under our padded gloves whenever it would rain or snow. One of the most game changing things I’ve ever learned.
I agree I thought that a Morsel spoon was amazing and after about 6 months of use the tip started peeling and flakeing off looks like a leper . for the price I could of bought a Titanium Long spoon With polished bowl . it would last forever and reach the bottom of this mountain house bags and I don't have to.worry about it melting as I use it in a hot pot of water of breaking in half like many other plastic silverware does .
I got a reg. Size sleeping bag, said up to 5ft 9, I am 4ft 10.5 woman, I swear when I pulled it out it could easily fit a 6 ft 4, 250 lb man. I brought out my sewing machine and am in the process of shortening it down. I should have got a large child's sleeping bag, also I cut down width and length a sleeping foam pad. My pack is 20lb with food and water, but it still feels to heavy over a legnth of time. I need to get it down, or lift weights, but I am 40.
The best way to save weight is to not bring as much stuff. Reducing redundancies and also not bring stuff you won’t use will save the most weight. Look for items that can serve two or more functions. Then do more with less stuff!
Already made the mistake of stocking up on gear. I have 3 backpacks, 3 tents, 2 hammocks, 2 tarps, 3 sleeping pads and 2 sleeping bags. Haven't even used 1/3rd of it yet. Waiting on Spring is starting to sound like a bad excuse.
Don't forget to take out one of your tarps cold camping sometimes can be exhilarating if well prepared and I'm pretty sure with what you have you are more than well prepared go have fun dude
Don’t know if this is a “hack” but it’s a way I’ve increased the warmth of my sleeping bag. Down booties and down hood, both of which I got from Montbell (several other companies make these). I have a hoodless sleeping bag but the hood is also great for someone with a quilt. You always here getting a bag liner.
I have been backpacking since the 70s and I have carried some heavy packs over the years. For me those days are over. I have made the conversation to light gear and I don’t miss my old heavy gear one bit. I think I spent more money not making the Zpacks plunge sooner. I now have two extra packs and two tents I may never use again. I think for the money my Granite Gear L38 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent were a great value. The pack was about 138.00 and the tent on sale was 300.00 both are very light. I also lost 20 pounds myself and train two to three hours a day. I just retired and am doing the Long Trail in September. You are correct noting will help you more than being fit. My tent, sleeping system and pack my pack are under five pounds. My old pack from the 90s weighed over eight. My pack from 2013 was 4.5 and my new one is 22oz. I don’t miss the weight. Most of my backpacking takes place in the White Mountains of NH. The truth is there is a lot of great gear that is not that expensive. I started out with complete garbage and I still had a great time. I went super light because of back and knee issues nothing more.
Dude I spent tons of money on ultralight gear and my base weight is still 22 pounds and I need extra water and extra food because I'm 6 foot 8. 22 pounds is like the lightest you can get too if you are super tall and heavy 150kg. Great video cheers
The best purchases I’ve made were tent and backpack. I lost eight pounds and it dramatically changed how I hike. The cost was more than I wanted to spend but how it made my backpacking easier and more pleasurable was worth it. The rest of what I have is cheap as I can find. Because it works. My sleeping bag is a cats meow from 1996. I never get cold.
I have an old envelope-shape bag that was like AU$50 originally IIRC, a bantamweight Horizon Hound down blanket, & a cheap fleece liner off Amazon. On cold nights, I use the blanket as a mid-liner around the fleece, & sleep snug as a bug. And all for less than half the cost of a reasonable down mummy bag, which would Hella set off my claustrophobia, anyway. (That said, I don't ever camp below 0C, which is important. If I regularly camped in sub-zero, I imagine my priorities would be different.) And my pack is a cheap 80L imitation tac-pack from eBay (I value all the webbing & pockets higher than a lighter load I can't afford without lots of saving, delaying my getting out there, anyway). I'm trying to save up for a UL tent, tho, since my tent is def my heaviest item currently & trimming down by like a kg would make all the difference to me. I agree with you, customising & prioritising is more important than dropping a shah's ransom on the fanciest gear -especially when affording prestige brands shouldn't be a barrier to entry.
Good advice, Brice! All the best stuff won't make the trip enjoyable if you don't know how to use it. In fact, it can add to the other frustrations that you take with you and pick up along the way. I have a figurative "ton" of ultralight gear that I no longer use on longer hikes. Many miles and experiences have allowed me to "dial in" my gear, but it all started by learning from more experienced hikers and testing in the back yard. I started off 40 years ago hiking with a friend or two. After I got hooked on hiking, I hiked by myself out of necessity, and found that I generally prefer it, but I know what I'm up against and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. You are awesome, but... I'm allergic to mango, and I love the taste. 😔 👍✌👊
Anyone who wants a heavy pack , I applaud them. Myself I will stick with my Ultralight pack and keep the base weigh around 7 to 8 pounds , almost doubling with consumables. It feels a lot better when arriving at camp then any heavy pack has ever felt in my last 65 years of being out there. Loosing body weight is the same as loosing some pack weight , either weight loss is weight loss. I started in the middle 50's with my dad's army sleeping bag. A two person ( really a 1 & 1/2 person ) canvas pup tent and a pot from mom's kitchen. Boots , blue jeans and flannel shirts. Canned goods and everything in a old , heavy , external pack. It was local over night or several night camping trips. The gear of today , UN-heard , and not even thought of in the wildest dreams back then.
Thanks Bryce, great advice, I watch lots of videos but for some reason I can't go super light for example I bought a self inflating mattress with foam in it and I know it weighs more but it quieter to sleep on so your not waking up everyone with the sound of a chip packet every time you move. and the sound of a chip packet makes me hungry...... so win win😎🍻 Rustie.
Good video Bryce. This the first time I've heard anyone with a hiking channel talk about hitting the gym. More time in the gym = better time on the trail. Cardio is great but you must lift and never, ever skip leg day. Never underestimate the quality gear you can get from Walmart. I've had my $.93 red silicone collapsible cup for years and it fits perfectly over the lid of my cook pot. A good place for hiking clothing, too.
Check out the channel "Chase Mountains". Its focused on hiking and climbing fitness and has a lot of good stuff on how to train your body and improve health.
Hey Bryce, great job on the video. I think this is the first time I heard someone recommend getting in better shape prior to backpacking. Most of us can stand to lose 5 pounds and if you do it by increasing your fitness you win with weight loss and better strength and endurance.
Chase Mountains emphasises it quite a bit, tho he admittedly focuses more on lower-body stuff (leg stretches, calf & ankle strengthening exercises) than general weight loss or CV fitness. He's great, I highly recommend.
WORKOUT is the best tip yes ! I am always on shape working out weight lifting and bla bla bla , but enduring 15-20 miles per day on a 3-5 days hike carrying 25-35lbs of gear is really intensive if you do not have the right training, specially for legs. What I start doing lately that IMPROVED in a matter of days my hiking ability to carry more weight is to use my backpack and go up and down the stairs of my building. I live in a 15 floor residence, and I do daily 3 ups / 3 down, which means I go up 45 floors and down 45 floors, and once a week I do a 100 floors up and 100 floors down that lasts 1:30 hours, carrying a 30lb backpack. My hikes previous 35 mile hike was painful but doable, after my 1 month stair training the same hike was a breeze ~ barely felt tired.
Right on! Best tip I've ever heard !! None of the "out door expert" channels even mention "Get in shape !" If you are in good shape you can go with 80 pound pack! All day long! Bring beer for christ sakes. :))
The problem is most don’t really know how something will work till they use it. My first pack was an old external frame that was heavy. I used it awhile till I could find something used in good shape. My stove was a Coleman single burner. I eventually found lighter gear used for not too much money but it took awhile to find and figure out. I bought my kids 20 degree down bags-one was new with tags for less than one cost new. Use what you have till you can get better. Do something with what you have.
6 years is not much experience. I have been backpacking for 41 years. I can see very little on CZcams is useful, but a lot I agree with. Been there, done that. The biggest purchase regret was the sawyer squeeze because it was so popular on CZcams. I hate the mesh bag with all the crap in it. I hated squeezing.. so I use a couple of Katadyn products depending on water availability and if I take my wife. I have rescued ultralight hikers who lost broke did not have needed gear. Agree get your stuff one piece at a time. I cowboy slept on my first trip going up My Whitney If you backpack in the Northern Rockies don’t follow a CZcamsr spending time in the Appalachians or Sierras. I go many places where I see no one once I am out a full days hike. Mistakes magnify when you are alone.
Great tips... so many CZcams hikes are "Gear Experts" but rarely hike. Backpacking gear is a work in progress. The more you hike the more you will evolve and figure out what you need or want. It is inevitable. if you continue to hike/backpack, that your gear tastes and needs will evolve. I am not going to give you my hiking/backpacking hacks or tips... I'll use those in my own videos thank you! :) Hey, if you ever get out to Washington State give us a shout and we can pound some dirt.
Sometimes I'll bring some latex/nitrite gloves with me. They are waterproof and trap the heat from your hands when used as a liner inside other gloves. (They are also great as a barrier if you are fishing between your hands and the water.) The downside is that they don't breathe and my hands will get sweaty wet from being inside them.
40 pounds average total pack weight - 2021 Appalachian Trail from Maryland to Katahdin, Maine - Gregory Paragon 58 pack, X-Mid 1P tent, Paria air mattress and BA Anvil sleeping bag 30F (I slept cold) - Shoulder straps on the Gregory broke on me in New Hampshire then I picked up an Osprey Aether 65 - All medium budget stuff - Did several shake down hikes 4 months prior - I'm 70 years young.
Very nice! Congratulations! That is amazing.
love the x-mid! impressive trip you had!
Congratulations on your hike. That is a crazy heavy pack. Your bad ass. I am in my 60s and I know I could not carry a pack that heavy any longer. Take care
Wow, you're carrying 40lbs total pack weight? And, you're 70 years old? You're a freaking stud, you're awesome.
The best part of a 40lb pack is how light it makes a 20-30lb pack feel! Good for training...
This is probably better than most advice out there. My baseweight is 10-11 lbs but I weighed 195 my last trip and it was tough! So I told my buddy we aren’t doing Maroon Bells this year unless I weigh in at at LEAST 175 when I hit the trail. 12 lbs down, 16 more to go 🙏🏼.
EDIT: 7.1 more to goooo
Nice job dropping some weight! You'll get there. Maroon bells looks so amazing! I'm jealous
somethings wrong with your math
@@taterhater7419 I started at 204 Jan 1st
@@BryceNewbold I did order tarptent almost 3months ago paid for it and now it is stuck in spanish customs since 1 month oh and it went back to the states before that already once i am a Targeted Individual and love Anal Sex can you give advice for 29 Foxy
@@taterhater7419 I think it’s why he said “at least.”
He didn’t say how much he wants to drop total.
So I’d say it’s more a reading thing with you.
Great video. I'm a older verticality challenged female and have been backpacking from the 1970. I've learned what works for one person may not work for others. I have a high outdoors skill level and am very mechanically inclined. Being older I seldom carry more than 20 pounds. I don't have an ultra light backpack, but the one I have fits me perfectly and is well balanced. My shelter of choice is a bivy bag and a Six Moon Design Gatewood Cape. My best weight saving tip is, just bring less gear. You will be surprised how little you actually need. My other suggestion is save more money before your trip because it is nice to be able to splurge on a room or meal in a town or replace a piece of gear. I love all your tips, when I started backpacking gear was way heavier, and we all started with car camping gear because it was what we had. Safe travels.
Yep grew up with canvas cloth aluminum external frame backpack with leather heavy boots and all cotton clothing “you think things are heavy wait till cotton clothing gets wet” then brass SVEA stoves with petrol or gasoline. Meals were sparse and lacking in options or choice so you supplemented with can goods or store items. Tents were beyond heavy and big poles. Few down bags were available so synthetic bulky bags were it. All that added up to a heavy large size load.
Solid video! The one tip/ hack/ piece of advice I never see on CZcams, FB or any social media that I give as advice to anyone buying gear is that you can buy something that is:
1. Durable
2. Light weight
3. Cheap
Pick two of the above as you can’t get all 3 and depending on where you’re going and when the answer could be prioritising any two of theses
On my first overnighter all my gear was either used or from walmart, my pack weighed 37lbs, but I had the time of my life and became addicted to backpacking. You can still have a heavy pack and have fun. The expensive stuff is not required to enjoy yourself.
There was a thru hiker named Walmart with all his gear from there....but walmart fear is getting better and better. Also there was a guy named denim, and doesn't take much to guess his pants
Best video period. In Special Forces I carried a 75 to 85 lb. pack. I was a commo guy on the team and it was easier to just suck it up and carry the complete radio instead of getting the battery from one guy, the antenna from another, then put it together and make combo break it all down and get back to moving out. Just easier to carry it all together. I thought I was something. I was around 190 pounds and worked out all the time. Then a NSA guy was attached to us and his pack was 100 to 110. He had toothbrush, underwear and a couple of socks, the rest were several radios. He weighed about 150 and was thin. He never said a word about his pack. It would have never been found out except we were loading all the rucks to take them out to the airfield and when I went to hoist his up to the truck it didn't move. I told the guy on the truck to watch out this one is heavy, and he didn't think it would be an issue. It yanked his arm and a smile came to his face. As my team Sgt would say, as they issued us another special piece of gear, We go marching over mountains carrying 300 pounds of light weight S%$t. If we didn't train constantly, we could never do the mission.
Best video on backpacking I've seen on here.
Stop trying to save 3oz and get in the weight room! Good stuff man!
“Old Man and the AT” shares your philosophy about pack weight and fitness. Makes sense.
Another one of the easiest ways to save weight is WATER MANAGMENT. If you are on a trail with abundant and regular water sources, you can plan your water refills and stop at a source, filter and camel up there, and get away with carrying a liter less on the trail. Each Liter of water weighs 2.2 lbs. Obviously, always err on the side of safety but if you are on a trail with documented locations of water it works great!
Huge problem that I see out on trail by newer backpackers or folks who don't backpack very often is not eating enough.
I've seen it time and time again where someone eats like a bird and then hits a wall after 5miles and complains the rest of the day about being tired.
Well yeah you're tired, you've only eaten one pack a ramen, a Snickers and a pop tart in the last 24hrs, of course you're going to be tired.
When I remind them to eat, I get the ol "well I am just not hungry"
😂 Wrong mindset buddy. Eating while backpacking isn't a thing you do for pleasure. Eating while backpacking is an absolute necessity.
I get it, sometimes you aren't hungry. Eat anyway. Force yourself to eat. Your body needs the fuel, and other people don't want to listen to you complain that you're "tired"
I totally agree! Thanks!
Also water and electrolytes!
🙋🏻♀️You talking about me. 🤦🏻♀️ I know it's an issue. It's something one has to learn to stop and eat. I get really hungry winter camping but eat less during summer..
Good stuff! I researched for almost two YEARS as I slowly bought my camping/hiking kit. I only walk for a week at a time, so carrying 30# doesn't matter to me to go light. I appreciate you and people like you who keep us informed for the trail. Peace, Health, and Happiness!
My 1st trip as an adult I took a external frame pack, sleeping bag, same tent that he showed, a gallon metal and plastic cloth covered canteen and 2 MRE from the surplus store. Also had a metal flashlight that used 2 D batteries. 2 night trip. Hiked the grand canyon and slept in the bottom 2nd night. I was ready for food when I got home, but I was hooked. Camped out all the time as a kid, no tent or backpack, just a blanket from home. I thought this 1st backpacking trip was pure luxury. If myself back then could see the luxury now...but I never packed that light since then.
Love it, great tips. I completely agree that fitness is one of the most important parts of backpacking. I also love that you pointed out to just use your gear and replace gear. I try to make it affordable for people. And that brings me back to fitness, it lowers the barrier to entry. You can spend $100 for a 1.5lbs item vs $300 for a 15oz item because you are strong. I feel that fitness makes you more prepared. Not only are you more durable and less susceptible to injury. You do not have to skimp on safety items that you or someone else on the trail may need. Great video.
There’s an ultralight body glide, in camo, on Amazon. If that doesn’t say Brice Newbold on it by next year then they’re failing.
Also, I was one of the commenters that was acquiring gear but simultaneously I was doing yoga, walking and hiking in training for my trip. Now I’m two weeks away from my first multi day trip and definitely wished I did even more training but I’m ready enough. See y’all on trail!!
Great video. I started out with military surplus gear 20 years ago. It was cheap and heavy, but lasted. I have moved to mostly ultralight/ lightweight gear now. I slowly spent money over a few years to get to ultralight/ lightweight status. I enjoy my hikes way better now and can do a lot longer hikes than I could before. Staying in shape is absolutely the key to hiking enjoyment, too. I walk 2 miles everyday in my neighborhood. It is basically one giant hill with 200 feet of elevation gain/loss over one mile. I wear a 15 lb work out pack on my walks to keep in shape. This has really made the difference for me.
In the early 80's my Coleman peak 1 Feather 400 stove was one of the lightest options. I just weighed it and is just short of 1.5 pounds. My rule was to trim my full load weight down to no more than 45lb. My loaded pack now is 25-30 pounds but I had just as much fun then as I do now. I agree with your comments about acquiring gear as an evolving process.
Alice pack and Coleman multi fuel. Been there!
I still use my Coleman peak1 😁
Instead of holding and carrying 3 liters of water bring it down to 1.5 and just keep filling up. Greatest tip I ever heard. I used to lug around 4 liters of water out of fear
I don't usually comment of videos, but I like what you're saying here Bryce. It's taken me 20 years or so of experience to get my current gear together. I'm still using the canvas rucksack because I like the reliability. My bag is heavier than a lot of the "go fast and light" people I see when I'm out walking, but I watch them when they stop and all their gossamer gear just doesn't seem to make for a lot of fun out there. I'm sure slower than they are, but I'm in no rush. Personally, I don't see the point in finishing a hike super fast. If I wanna go quick, I'll take a bus. I'm out walking in the bush because I like being in the bush ("bush" being an Australian term for what you call, "back country").
Don't get me wrong... I like light gear. I'm getting older and light gear is great, but you're right on the money when you say if you want to reduce your base weight, reduce a bit of your personal lard before you start spending the big bucks to reduce the weight of your rucksack. And it's easier and cheaper to lose weight INSIDE your belt than it is to lose it OUTSIDE your belt.
So I'll continue to be a bit heavier. I'll need to take more food because it takes me longer to get between supply stops, and I'll take some more comfort items because it's more fun out there if you are actually enjoying it instead of just enduring it. Oh, and I don't like walking more than about 5-6 hours a day. I like a bit of hanging out time.
Some people may get out there for the challenge, but I think it makes more sense to get out there for the fun.
Bushwalking is one of life's greatest free pleasures. Why _wouldn't_ you take your time? 🇦🇺
I bought a pair of rubber dish washing gloves in a size bigger than I normally use and cover my wool gloves that way.
It WORKS!
Best winter - Try Skurka Showa 281 gloves. Dixie used Used ZPacks Brushtail Possum Gloves under. Then over mitts as required.
So true! I went backpacking in Idaho at high elevation at 225 lbs. I was in pretty good shape, but still carrying extra lbs. I was gassed and struggling. I knew after that trip I had to drop some weight. And 40 lbs later and lighter, hiking and backpacking is so much more enjoyable.
35 lbs for 5 days…. I now feel really badass… with 80 lbs all-in for 14 days… with an average of 15 miles a day… we where cursing ourselves that we where so weak…
Maybe it’s just us or if it’s a European thing, but for longer trips the forementioned weight is high but not uncommon. I’m trying to get the total weight to 50lbs for those 14 days and call myself a happy man when I do so.
Great tips Bryce… your video has spurred me to get back into shape … Thanksgiving weight, Christmas weight and the Covid blues have not been kind to me 🤨 😂 anyhoo …. Thought I would drop another tip in the bucket…. As a new hiker / backpacker keep your first trips down to ‘something manageable’ ! You see experienced backpackers doing 15 to 20 miles a day and thru hikers even more. This is hard and if you attempted to do 15 miles on your first trip you would have a miserable time. As a first timer keep it down to say 3 miles in and out maybe 8 miles if you are in decent shape…. The point is to enjoy the outdoors experience, the camaraderie of friends or maybe the quiet solitude and the memories those make … believe me your legs will still know you’ve done something without feeling like someone put them through a meat grinder for the rest of the week… ATB Dave Mc …
The fitness tip is so important. I think this needs to be stressed way, way more by everyone. So many people get right up off the couch after not exercising for 6 months and hope to have a good time hiking up a mountain. You just... wont.
In the end, living fit, eating well, staying active, is going to make you live a better, happier, and more fulfilled life, and this extends from hiking to traveling to simply getting up for work. Being in good health makes that easier. I know there are some people with health concerns, but for the purposes of 90% of people, it's simply will power, and the drive to live a better life.
My 3 day pack is in around 30 lb as well and I'm a 6' 175lb man. I am also an avid runner, currently training for an ultra marathon and hiking every week.
I can fly up a mountain with my 30 lb pack, and I legitimately don't even feel it anymore. I can add 10 lb easily, and it would have (near) zero impact on my performance, because I do this constantly. I enjoy and love my hikes, I love summiting, I love travel, I love life, and that is because I put in the work to do it. It takes time, that's important to note, but once you get a strong baseline, and maintain it. Life will be better, and no you don't need to spend that extra $300 on an ultralight tent. But hey, if you do, and this is what you love, I think you'll love it, but in reality, baseweight is (near) meaningless.
This is why I'm sticking to flat terrain & short distances for the time being; I'm a nutjob who decided to take up hiking simultaneously to trying to rehab from being a wheelchair user for 8 years, because it gives me something to enjoy & keep me motivated to stick out continuous progress with my other exercises, even though it's a gruelling journey.
I'm finding there's nothing quite like the afternoon sun through dappled tree-shade to remind me of the reason I'm putting my poor body through this shit.
Outstanding! I'm always happy to see outdoorsmen drinking besides just me 🤣
Oh always. Haha
I feel like the return on investment should be broached more often. You’re right, there are a lot of folks who come out on their first trip with the full dyneema and down kit. But if they only use it for one weekend trip ever, each of those nights effectively costed the same as staying in Vegas.
Conversely, if you buy good gear and it doesn’t work out. You can always resell the equipment. Much harder to resell the cheap Amazon stuff.
I’ve also noticed more CZcamsrs making videos which are 100% paid ads for equipment. It’s unfortunate that the new viewers trust is being violated in that way.
You keep it real Bryce. Glad to see your videos.
So true!! You are exactly right... The good stuff holds value! I follow a few gear channels that don't accept gear for review, and often rip some of the tested gear "a new one" Luke with The Outdoor Gear Review is one of those non biased channels.
About getting into shape…. I’m using backpacking as means to get into shape. Starting slow and with short day trip. In terms of gear I did a ton of research and bought the best bang for the buck items, based on reviews and comments on different shopping sites.
Solid advice all around. Reminds me an article I read about how to figure your watts output while bike riding (it's a serious nerd/gear/data junkie thing) and it went in to an ELABORATE method of calculations. So buying titanium water bottle screws saves "x" number of grams, therefore boosting your output by some "y" number of watts. The article concluded by saying you could gain the same output advantage by losing 5 pounds off your fat ass and saving the money on the titanium! LOL
Tip: For altitude sickness take Cordyceps. Climbers have figured this out and it is amazing!!
No nonsense talking good effort bren new subscriber from UK
Actually, the #1 problem with pack weight is food. People spend thousands to reduce 3oz but then fill it with heavy food (and tech). Yes, weight training should always be a part of your preparation.
That is so true! I might mention that in the next one of these I do! Don't worry I'll give ya credit! 😄
I will counter your food (which is so true) with clothing. Food you might eat....maybe...but your sleep cloths, extra cloths, what if cloths, this just makes me feel better clothing....good lord. Drag around a closet to come off the trail smelling and looking just like me. Filthy, but I'm happy and your crushed. Don't get me started on wet wipes...cheers.
True, but food is a variable-weight item. One backpacking setup doesn't change a whole lot if you're going overnight or for a week, but your food does. You can also go heavier (cough cough, fresh bacon, cough) or lighter (precooked bacon) with food. Like canned soup versus dried.
I started weighing my food that I did not eat after each trip and reduced the food intake. I also try and eat high calorie to weight food. I tended to take excessive food and had for years.
@@mtadams2009 that's a good idea, but I think an argument can be made for taking at least some extra food. There's always the possibility that bad weather or an injury will delay you, or that you miscalculate how hungry you'll be. Granted, you can take that to an extreme, but having an extra meal or two worth of food I don't think is going overboard. I'm not an ultralighter though.
Use what you have and change slowly…this is awesome. I was thinking about doing a video with all my ancient old school gear just to show how functional old suck gear can be and to not be afraid of it. Ooo, mango chunks…I love mango!
Haha! Yes I actually still have most of my old gear. I've always wanted to do the same. Maybe someday!
A lot of people, me included, would very much enjoy seeing old school vs new equipment comparisons.
Hello Bryce Newbold! Thank you for showing me a nice video! I really enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing! Have a nice day!
Thank you!
I think it's not only about being in shape - even if you wouldn't make any sports, you would get used to weight on your shoulders, tolerate many hours of hikes, etc. It is somewhat similar to driving - at first it's rather stressful to drive even 100-150 km, then you can drive 1000 km and even enjoy it.
My first backpacking trip I had 13.5 kg backpack and I was feeling rather miserable while it was only around 14 km, half of which was by the road. Now I can relatively easily handle up to 10 hours of off-trail hike with 18-20 kg backpack. Am I doing any sports? No, I'm not (I should though). I think I've just got used to the weight of the backpack, to the way body moves with the backpack. And I've kind of trained my will.
earner urself a sub man loved the quote "all ur gear is gonna suck the first trip no matter what, evaluate what sucks the most and change that first"
Awesome thanks man!
Excellent video! I agree.....JUST GET IN SHAPE! oh, I smashed that bell and pummeled the subscribe button.
This was so real and practical. Thank you!
Welcome!
9:40 your nitrile gloves are a perfect example of backpacking kit that isn’t for everyone. I’m from the Pacific Northwest and I am under no illusions that my Gortex or whatever is going to keep me dry when it’s really raining and I’m out in it. So I just make sure that the cloths that I’m wearing will keep me warm _when_ I get wet. Also, I’ve never worried about whether my hands were wet or not accept in the snow (where Gortex shines).
Awesome video, totally agree .... For me no matter how much I hit the gym (I do regularly) Nothing I do prepares my legs for the trail. The only way to get trail legs is to be on the trail. I did buy a lot of ultra light gear. But my thought process is .. If my pack weighs less maybe my non developed trail legs won't be totally wrecked on a section hike. I live in the mountains, there isn't any section of the AT that doesn't involve thousands of ft of elevation where I live. I'm not an ultra light backpacker by any means, but I do have some ultralight gear to minimize the pain😂 love your real world/ common sense perspective. Well done!
Great points, I found that trail running has been the key point of me enjoying hiking. With that said trail running turned into hmmm 1/2 marathon trail run ok, now 50k trail run but hey it all works towards getting in shape and enjoying hiking as well. Have a great weekend everyone…
As a longtime backpacker, this is some of the best advice I've seen, thank you! And I saw it on CZcams!
Haha! Ironic huh
I use fingerless gloves they work great with cameras, and have folding part over fingers I love them, if they get a bit wet I place them in a quilt and they dry out during night. For wet camp work I just remove them .. bare hands dry heat up faster especially near fire. Happy hiking.
my hiking buddy’s favorite hack: doesn’t carry enough water because he knows I usually carry 2 liters and he can mooch off me.
I’ve been using nitrile under my Motorcycle gloves for years. Seemed like a good addition to my backpacking kit.
Thank you for your honesty
Lol, great video! Totally agree! I save mega bucks watching clearance sales, garage sales too!
Barrow gear from a friend before you buy!
Great video! My favorite of your observations ……get in shape before you go.
Thank you
Another very important advice I recomend: Take into consideration WHERE YOU ARE. What's hot for an American may be a breeze for someone in the tropics or Australia, what's average for a Norwegian may be freezing for you.
Many of the pieces of gear you see people talk about in YT videos are for a target demographic you're not a part of.
Humidity, temperature, season of the year, elevation. All of those are very important to consider when choosing what gear to buy.
The problem with going out with random old/heavy stuff that makes it miserable is that it may completely discourage some people who would otherwise enjoy it with proper gear.
Also I wouldn't look at how often would you use it but much more on how would you use it. For some people may be absolutely worth it to buy an ultralught tent for 600 bucks even they plan to backpack only 2 or 3 times a year... because of the weight, size... and it will very likely last for dozens of years if properly treated and stored.
Also I don't necessarily agree with the process of continually buying newer and better gear because when you calculate it at the end, you'll waste a ton more money this way. In my opinion, the best way, if possible/available, is to go and rent or borrow some gear, try it, find what you like or dislike about it and then after trying different types of gear, go and buy the specific piece that has all the features you liked on previous "test gear".
Military Surplus is the best, great prices, heavy duty. The best seal line dry bags, and sleep system.
Bryce,
Love the vid’ couldn’t agree more. You change gear many times over the years kind of an evolution of finding what ya really like/need. But had I not watched tons of videos & read everything that was out there of gear I could’ve saved tons of money early on. But I couldn’t agree more….. GET IN SHAPE & STAY IN SHAPE !!!!!
Yes sir!
This is the first video of yours that I have checked out. This is my first year hiking, and I have gone 37 times, since I've started. Great video Dude, I am blessed to see this! Have a great day, thank you so much. With love, and respect. Wes Sept
I really appreciate how you know not everybody has money like that . great content thanks
This man speaks the truth.
you got my subb....thanks for being a straight talkin humorous, to the point guy...cheers ..
Thanks! 👍👍
This is excellent advice and you are right. I have never heard anyone say "just get in better shape." Im a 5'10 175lb male and I'm in excellent shape. I workout 6 says a week and hike on the regular. I also live at 10k feet elevation. Carrying a 40lb pack on even ground is a breeze for me. With elevation gain, no so much, but it is definitely easier what my legs are in better shape and I've been putting in more miles leading up to it.
Love this! So true and so prefect! Life long camper and been backpacking for 4 years and this is the best advice I've heard. (:
Awesome video bro... I learned these exact lessons myself... I didn't even have a proper camping/hiking backpack my first trip out and we just made multiple trips back to the car(probably 2.5 miles one way) to get all our gear and food in. After that, I researched which gear was best to switch out first so that I wasn't hiking back and forth. 12 years later, I have a nearly perfect setup that works for me(low weight, yet durable), and I can even bring some extra amenities without bogging me down.
Realest intro to backpacking/backcountry camping vid on youtube! Props to you!! Hopefully lots of newbies get to see this vid before the others
Thanks!
This is probably one of the most realistic and useful tips I have heard on a backpacking channel in a while, thank you! Get what you got to get to get out there. Focus on your trip instead of keeping up with the Joneses!
Thank you!
True soul, I've been wild camping, hiking and I've also been homeless you need to know what's out there and sometimes some things are new are not good. Great video
hi buddy, get into a decent fitness level. great advice!!!! I'm 1.77 tall/ 76kg weight. you are soo right. some of the YTers just aren't and complaint about "heavy" gear. a backpack in cold(er) conditions could go up to 15-18kg weight wise. this should be okay in the wilderness, if you want to avoid yourself of freeze, wet, hunger and danger... cool video mate 👍
Good video. I’m 58 and my 1st backpack trip with my son was 5 years ago. I bought a couple of cheap items on Amazon (pack, pad, stove kit) and used what I had. Yes, it’s now $3k later because I love it, but it’s been a slow change out/up process. On my first trip it was unusually hot, we parked on the highway, put on our packs and off we went. As I trudged, I thought about how hot and steep it was and how heavy my pack was and how worn out I was….at some point we made it to the trailhead to begin. :)
Thank you for keeping it real
Yes Bryce swapping gear out slowly piece by piece figuring out what you do need and figuring out what you can do without is probably the hardest challenge of them all don't forget I also pack in my stuff not just backpacking gear I also pack extra or sometimes extra clothing for my biking tools I try to keep things in the light side and my fishing fishing rod tackle it is a very large menagerie of odds and ends that I put together and swap out constantly for whatever trip I am planning to do which at the moment nothing because I'm too busy at work
Yes sir yes sir!
How do you carry out your fishing rod? I have a 2 piece 6'
@@ryanellerbrock
Right on the handlebars
Unless I'm in the woods then they are pointed backwards behind me
Kind of awkward to explain or show since it's been I've been a long time
I have both open face and baitcasters
When I go fishing and camping I use my open face it's a tad easier on the handlebars and me put them in
Thank you sir! Man I was going down the wrong "path" no punt intended. And a little slap in the face by your video and I'm back on track. I wanted to feel comfortable out there trying to make it super ultra light and I'm always wanting the best gear and now my trip is almost here and I don't even have my pack together yet. Holy cow! I need to just relax and go out there and have fun. Thanks again!
Can agree with tip one as someone who has put a *lot* of weight on over the last two years for some strange reason *cough*; last few trips out I've felt it, and imo the difference between a 10kg pack weight and a 5kg pack weight is utterly pointless if you're carrying 10kg of extra weight round your gut.
Totally. 👍
I learned backpacking tips on CZcams about backpacking tips I WONT learn on CZcams. Exciting.
The glove thing is a great idea
I like your style... everyone killing me on CZcams by saying I have too much weight for my thru hike attempt of AT... and I'm at 20lbs without food and water. They have some good suggestions that I've taken tho. Great video!
I'd say if someone wants a fancy tent but there pockets aren't deep enough they should look into older flashy tents mines an old Vango force ten mk1 fw (probably 30+ years old) it's not the lightest at 1.8kg but it didn't cost the earth and it should stand up to more than I plan on putting it through but it's a big step up from my tarp which I used to use
I played lacrosse in high school and we would raid the school nurses office for medical gloves to wear under our padded gloves whenever it would rain or snow. One of the most game changing things I’ve ever learned.
I also took jeans on my first trip... And a glass bottle of milk
No worries Bryce if they're buying before then they're going back to the store after guaranteed😀
I agree I thought that a Morsel spoon was amazing and after about 6 months of use the tip started peeling and flakeing off looks like a leper . for the price I could of bought a Titanium Long spoon With polished bowl . it would last forever and reach the bottom of this mountain house bags and I don't have to.worry about it melting as I use it in a hot pot of water of breaking in half like many other plastic silverware does .
I got a reg. Size sleeping bag, said up to 5ft 9, I am 4ft 10.5 woman, I swear when I pulled it out it could easily fit a 6 ft 4, 250 lb man. I brought out my sewing machine and am in the process of shortening it down. I should have got a large child's sleeping bag, also I cut down width and length a sleeping foam pad. My pack is 20lb with food and water, but it still feels to heavy over a legnth of time. I need to get it down, or lift weights, but I am 40.
The best way to save weight is to not bring as much stuff. Reducing redundancies and also not bring stuff you won’t use will save the most weight. Look for items that can serve two or more functions. Then do more with less stuff!
Already made the mistake of stocking up on gear. I have 3 backpacks, 3 tents, 2 hammocks, 2 tarps, 3 sleeping pads and 2 sleeping bags. Haven't even used 1/3rd of it yet.
Waiting on Spring is starting to sound like a bad excuse.
Haha!. Double up those pads and sleeping bags and head out in the snow! 😄👍
Don't forget to take out one of your tarps cold camping sometimes can be exhilarating if well prepared and I'm pretty sure with what you have you are more than well prepared go have fun dude
Don’t know if this is a “hack” but it’s a way I’ve increased the warmth of my sleeping bag. Down booties and down hood, both of which I got from Montbell (several other companies make these). I have a hoodless sleeping bag but the hood is also great for someone with a quilt. You always here getting a bag liner.
Riding a bike would help a lot , doing stairs , swimming
I have been backpacking since the 70s and I have carried some heavy packs over the years. For me those days are over. I have made the conversation to light gear and I don’t miss my old heavy gear one bit. I think I spent more money not making the Zpacks plunge sooner. I now have two extra packs and two tents I may never use again. I think for the money my Granite Gear L38 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent were a great value. The pack was about 138.00 and the tent on sale was 300.00 both are very light. I also lost 20 pounds myself and train two to three hours a day. I just retired and am doing the Long Trail in September. You are correct noting will help you more than being fit. My tent, sleeping system and pack my pack are under five pounds. My old pack from the 90s weighed over eight. My pack from 2013 was 4.5 and my new one is 22oz. I don’t miss the weight. Most of my backpacking takes place in the White Mountains of NH. The truth is there is a lot of great gear that is not that expensive. I started out with complete garbage and I still had a great time. I went super light because of back and knee issues nothing more.
Dude I spent tons of money on ultralight gear and my base weight is still 22 pounds and I need extra water and extra food because I'm 6 foot 8. 22 pounds is like the lightest you can get too if you are super tall and heavy 150kg. Great video cheers
Bloody brilliant video and true to the core!! Well done.
Thank you
I wear those double layered gloves every day, every season. They will take the bite of thorns as they tear but spare your skin.
The best purchases I’ve made were tent and backpack. I lost eight pounds and it dramatically changed how I hike.
The cost was more than I wanted to spend but how it made my backpacking easier and more pleasurable was worth it.
The rest of what I have is cheap as I can find. Because it works. My sleeping bag is a cats meow from 1996. I never get cold.
I have an old envelope-shape bag that was like AU$50 originally IIRC, a bantamweight Horizon Hound down blanket, & a cheap fleece liner off Amazon. On cold nights, I use the blanket as a mid-liner around the fleece, & sleep snug as a bug. And all for less than half the cost of a reasonable down mummy bag, which would Hella set off my claustrophobia, anyway.
(That said, I don't ever camp below 0C, which is important. If I regularly camped in sub-zero, I imagine my priorities would be different.)
And my pack is a cheap 80L imitation tac-pack from eBay (I value all the webbing & pockets higher than a lighter load I can't afford without lots of saving, delaying my getting out there, anyway).
I'm trying to save up for a UL tent, tho, since my tent is def my heaviest item currently & trimming down by like a kg would make all the difference to me.
I agree with you, customising & prioritising is more important than dropping a shah's ransom on the fanciest gear -especially when affording prestige brands shouldn't be a barrier to entry.
I have arthritis in my right shoulder so if i do start hiking I will need light weight gear but light gear is great for emergency preparedness
Change out your Psychotronic Harassement Operateurs you will be better overnight
Good advice, Brice! All the best stuff won't make the trip enjoyable if you don't know how to use it. In fact, it can add to the other frustrations that you take with you and pick up along the way. I have a figurative "ton" of ultralight gear that I no longer use on longer hikes. Many miles and experiences have allowed me to "dial in" my gear, but it all started by learning from more experienced hikers and testing in the back yard. I started off 40 years ago hiking with a friend or two. After I got hooked on hiking, I hiked by myself out of necessity, and found that I generally prefer it, but I know what I'm up against and prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
You are awesome, but...
I'm allergic to mango, and I love the taste. 😔
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Thank you for reality hiking info!!! I need to hear it !!
Any time!
Anyone who wants a heavy pack , I applaud them. Myself I will stick with my Ultralight pack and keep the base weigh around 7 to 8 pounds , almost doubling with consumables. It feels a lot better when arriving at camp then any heavy pack has ever felt in my last 65 years of being out there. Loosing body weight is the same as loosing some pack weight , either weight loss is weight loss. I started in the middle 50's with my dad's army sleeping bag. A two person ( really a 1 & 1/2 person ) canvas pup tent and a pot from mom's kitchen. Boots , blue jeans and flannel shirts. Canned goods and everything in a old , heavy , external pack. It was local over night or several night camping trips. The gear of today , UN-heard , and not even thought of in the wildest dreams back then.
Thanks Bryce, great advice, I watch lots of videos but for some reason I can't go super light for example I bought a self inflating mattress with foam in it and I know it weighs more but it quieter to sleep on so your not waking up everyone with the sound of a chip packet every time you move. and the sound of a chip packet makes me hungry...... so win win😎🍻 Rustie.
Good video Bryce. This the first time I've heard anyone with a hiking channel talk about hitting the gym. More time in the gym = better time on the trail. Cardio is great but you must lift and never, ever skip leg day.
Never underestimate the quality gear you can get from Walmart. I've had my $.93 red silicone collapsible cup for years and it fits perfectly over the lid of my cook pot. A good place for hiking clothing, too.
Thanks Greg! I totally agree. Some smaller cheap gear will last forever!
Don't forget about places like Ross, the Maxx, or Marshalls for cheap gear
Check out the channel "Chase Mountains". Its focused on hiking and climbing fitness and has a lot of good stuff on how to train your body and improve health.
Hey Bryce, great job on the video. I think this is the first time I heard someone recommend getting in better shape prior to backpacking. Most of us can stand to lose 5 pounds and if you do it by increasing your fitness you win with weight loss and better strength and endurance.
Chase Mountains emphasises it quite a bit, tho he admittedly focuses more on lower-body stuff (leg stretches, calf & ankle strengthening exercises) than general weight loss or CV fitness.
He's great, I highly recommend.
WORKOUT is the best tip yes ! I am always on shape working out weight lifting and bla bla bla , but enduring 15-20 miles per day on a 3-5 days hike carrying 25-35lbs of gear is really intensive if you do not have the right training, specially for legs. What I start doing lately that IMPROVED in a matter of days my hiking ability to carry more weight is to use my backpack and go up and down the stairs of my building. I live in a 15 floor residence, and I do daily 3 ups / 3 down, which means I go up 45 floors and down 45 floors, and once a week I do a 100 floors up and 100 floors down that lasts 1:30 hours, carrying a 30lb backpack. My hikes previous 35 mile hike was painful but doable, after my 1 month stair training the same hike was a breeze ~ barely felt tired.
Right on! Best tip I've ever heard !! None of the "out door expert" channels even mention "Get in shape !" If you are in good shape you can go with 80 pound pack! All day long! Bring beer for christ sakes. :))
The problem is most don’t really know how something will work till they use it. My first pack was an old external frame that was heavy. I used it awhile till I could find something used in good shape. My stove was a Coleman single burner. I eventually found lighter gear used for not too much money but it took awhile to find and figure out. I bought my kids 20 degree down bags-one was new with tags for less than one cost new. Use what you have till you can get better. Do something with what you have.
6 years is not much experience. I have been backpacking for 41 years. I can see very little on CZcams is useful, but a lot I agree with. Been there, done that.
The biggest purchase regret was the sawyer squeeze because it was so popular on CZcams. I hate the mesh bag with all the crap in it. I hated squeezing.. so I use a couple of Katadyn products depending on water availability and if I take my wife.
I have rescued ultralight hikers who lost broke did not have needed gear.
Agree get your stuff one piece at a time. I cowboy slept on my first trip going up My Whitney
If you backpack in the Northern Rockies don’t follow a CZcamsr spending time in the Appalachians or Sierras. I go many places where I see no one once I am out a full days hike. Mistakes magnify when you are alone.
Great tips... so many CZcams hikes are "Gear Experts" but rarely hike. Backpacking gear is a work in progress. The more you hike the more you will evolve and figure out what you need or want. It is inevitable. if you continue to hike/backpack, that your gear tastes and needs will evolve.
I am not going to give you my hiking/backpacking hacks or tips... I'll use those in my own videos thank you! :) Hey, if you ever get out to Washington State give us a shout and we can pound some dirt.
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And extra plus for no music, when you talked!
Haha! Thanks
I got a tip for ya - don't bring an axe, bring a folding saw. Less weight and you won't hurt yourself (as much).
Sometimes I'll bring some latex/nitrite gloves with me. They are waterproof and trap the heat from your hands when used as a liner inside other gloves. (They are also great as a barrier if you are fishing between your hands and the water.) The downside is that they don't breathe and my hands will get sweaty wet from being inside them.
I agree very sweaty!. I like them even if it's warmer out. They actually hold in alot of heat if it's not too chilly