For me to go totally ultralight, I’d have to stumble into some money. Cost is the big thing for me. Second is durability. I’ve had my Osprey pack since 2003 and it still does a great job. I just can’t see an ultralight pack having that kind of longevity while costing the same. Lastly, it’s silly, but I’m sentimental about my gear. It’s been with me thru some of the coolest times in my life. Seeing my pack reminds me of the years I spent taking groups to CO and the summits we made and the few we missed. When I see it, I see people’s faces and that’s a big part of it for me.

I'm 50 and traditional. Most of my gear is vintage from the 1930's-1970's. I tried ultralight backpacking once, in the 1990's, and was miserable. I have nerve damage from RSD. Cold and dampness effect my mobility the most. Carrying the extra weight to be warm, dry, and comfortable is the only way I can still enjoy the outdoors. Otherwise, I would be on my hands and knees in agony. I was stuck in a wheelchair for years and was very fortunate to regain the mobility I have. I'm just grateful to be able to walk on my own two feet again. I do get ridiculed and lectured by other hikers when they see me with my stuffed Jansport D5. They can laugh all they want, my gear will outlive them. So what if other can go faster and further, I'll get there eventually.

Also there is something in between going ultralight vs traditional. Some items in my backpack are definitely considered as ultralight, like my down bag or my Big Agnes tent, while others are more traditional. For instance I like to take proper cooking gear with me so I can make roast potatoes on the trail instead of only being able to boil water for expensive premade trekking meals. The return I get from that is huge to me, while others prefer to get their calories as quick and easy as possible.

I am in that group of getting a little older 55+ and dealing with knee and other pains. After a string of miserable trip failures and minor trail injuries caused by tripping and exhaustion I realized that if I didn't go ultralight there was no way I could continue backpacking safely. So now its ultralight only and believe me its getting expensive. In order to help reduce the cost I watch a ton of gear reviews to make the best decision the first time; try different pack combos; do a lot of overnights to test comfort, etc. But if my pack weighs more than 20lbs all in; food & water, trekking poles included I am miserable and tend to get hurt more. So I am cutting ounces and cutting into my savings so I can continue outdoors for another 20 years. I also take care of my gear to make it last and that is where a lot of people waste money. Ultralight gear cant be tossed in a closet or forgotten to keep its in working condition. Anyway excellent video and as always love your openers.

90% or more of the hikers with stress problems (joints etc.) l met on trail got those problems from doing TOO MANY MILES on too many consecutive days, not from carrying too much weight which is almost always essentially self-correcting.

I loved backpacking when I was young, but stopped in my early 20's. Back then my pack weighed 50 pounds for a 10 day trip. I took my family tent trailer camping for years. Now I am 69 and not in great shape, but my wife and I go hiking frequently. Recently I have been yearning to backpack again, and have begun buying a bit of gear, like a MSR Pocket Rocket II, without a plan. This is the first time I have heard of ultralight gear, and I am gonna check it out big time!

For me UL gear is about my knee's and ankles. It's surprising the difference 8 pounds on your back makes. It's alot cheaper than a knee replacement!

I think the ultralight ideology is good to understand, even if you don't fully embrace it. Getting lighter in certain areas allows you to "spend that weight elsewhere", so to speak. I have a Zpacks Arc Haul ultra, katabatic gear quilt, and the lightest clothing and kitchenware I can find that will meet the minimum requirements. Yet I also bring a 3lb megamat lite 30" wide pad, and a legit pillow (a thin 14x20 toddler pillow with a sea to summit air seat, both inside a soft toddler pillowcase rigged with cords to attach to pad). They'd laugh me out of the backpackinglight forums with my 4lb pad+pillow. But man do I sleep like a baby out there, while still maintaining a sub-15lb base weight. Its all about finding what things are important to you.

I’m more traditional but have some ultralight stuff. I agree with monetary damage sustained by going from a recent backpacker to considering ultralight. I totaled up what it would cost me and it’s about 1200$ to go ultralight. Add to that the about 1000$ my current setup costs and it’s a big leap mentally to justify that. Great list of pros and cons.

Man I feel that I’m pretty traditional but slowly transitioning towards Ultralight. I’ll eventually land at a sweet spot somewhere in the middle. Great video!

I am somewhat of a hybrid backpacker. In my younger years I knew nothing of ultralight equipment. I don’t even think there was such a thing back then. Am I aging myself? Yes I’m 64 and will be starting my AT thru hike February 26 2022. I know some of the ultralight stuff has been around for a while but I kinda ignored most of it. Now I’ve realized I can lighten things up some so I starting trying new stuff. I have some ultralight equipment but when it comes to comfort my old tendencies show. I won’t go into details but my pack base weight is about 27lbs. Heavy compared to most, but much lighter than what I used to carry. I really enjoy your videos. They are so well done and I always get something that sticks in my mind from every one of them. Keep them coming! Thanks!

Really good video! Your backpacking history seems similar to mine. I appreciate your sharing. I started backpacking in Boy Scouts in 1967 when I was 11. Over that time my gear and technique have evolved. My big three in 1973 was a huge canvas Boy Scout backpack, a cotton sleeping bag and a plastic tarp - we didn't use tents (Estimated weight 20 lbs). In the late '70s I got into backpacking more seriously. My 1978 gear was a Kelty D4/Mountaineer frame pack (3.56lbs), Northface Bigfoot fiber fill sleeping back (3.75lbs) and Jansport Mountain Dome tent (10lbs) - Total 17.31lbs. In the '90s I moved to Utah and started hiking the Rockies and got new gear. Kelty Arapaho backpack (5.5lbs), REI Half Dome 2 Tent (5.12lbs) and Mountain Hardware Tallac down sleeping bag (2.13lbs) - Total 12.40lbs. About 5 years ago I started watching and reading more about ultralight gear so I upgraded again but really didn't spend that much money for the weight I lost. I now use an Osprey Exos 58 (2.07lbs), Aegismax down bag (1.22lbs) and a Marmot EOS 1P tent (2.07lbs) - Total 5.36lbs. If the weather is good I'll go minimalist on the tent and get it down to about 1lb.. My base weight these days is usually between 12 and 15 lbs. Purchasing quality gear is a good investment. I still have all my gear from the '70s and it is all in good shape and usable. I even still have my mess kit from Boy Scouts. The canvas pack literally rotted away over time. I'm thinking of starting a outdoor KZfaq channel myself to share and am planning on doing the PCT when I retire - if my body holds up. I'll be 70 by then.

I tend to use traditional big 3, where I prioritize durability. But for smaller stuff I really enjoy the more minimalist mindset of ultralight and want to experiment a little more with different gear options

EXCELLENT observations about UL backpacking! And not the regular things one typically hears about, but rather the pragmatics for all ranges of ability and age. Subscribed! I'm a former mountain wilderness backpacker with deep roots in Search and Rescue... which means I've seen and done lots that most never do, and nearly all with 45-50lb pack weights. That was then. Well, I'm a lot older now -- pushing 70 -- and lots has changed with me physically and healthwise. The rigors of a heavy pack at high altitude on steep terrain now push me way over my limits. So I've been *evolving* from traditional backpacking to ultralight (or a hybrid thereof). You perfectly described the UL gear obsession involving endless research, spending, experimenting and, yes, risk taking. Launching out on a multiday backpack trip into the deep wilderness, at my age, and SOLO, has obvious risks. But going UL reduces a lot of the risk right off the top -- a light pack makes for a safer and more comfortable hike, as you point out. So, setup that gear weight spreadsheet and ounce scale, and get with it. Compromises I make: I determined that I simply must have comfortable sleep which means bringing a lightweight air mattre$$ and blanket or sleeping bag and/or bivy. Shelter can be light and minimal, even cowboy camping without or with minimal shelter is fine and, frankly, desireable when conditions allow. I'm even dispensing, at times, with a formal backpack (I have many, including a UL) and making do with a blanket wrap backpack. Why not? Makes sense and instantly takes 2-4 lbs off your back. UL does not have to be expensive, entirely. There are clever ways to go 'light' and keep it affordable. And you know what's funny? All of this mirrors life as an aging senior discovers -- less is more. Say it with me: LESS IS MORE. AND BETTER. Thanks for the great narrative. I think I might share this video with some of my friends that wonder why I spend so much time poring over my mountains of gear and going out on insane solo adventures. It is life.

I am a new backpacker but a longer term hiker and camper. I have preferred in the past to do circular hikes from a Basecamp. This is because I've never been hugely strong (I'm quite slight) and hence I have been worried about not being able to walk far enough or carry everything. For me, the concept of ultralight is liberating! I can put together a pack I can carry, and I can go out and do the multi day hikes that I've always longed for. I don't feel scared of it anymore. I've got my first multi-day hike planned for the beginning of next month. I don't need to rely on another person to split tent weight. Since I've always relied on cheap, kind of shit kit (and I've always known that) my first serious kit purchases (sleeping bag and pad) do not feel like a waste to me. I'm going for a Rab down filled sleeping bag, should be very nice indeed.

While I've been camping more times than I can count, I've only been back packing once when I was 18 almost 11 years ago. Being 5'3" and female, I'm concerned about both mountain lions and human predators. Between the limitations of time, money, and moving around so much, I haven't done this thing that I know I'd love. Watching this channel, I'm gaining ideas of how to finally get out to live this dream.

For me the best type of backpacking is one I made up called eggshell backpacking. I find a pack that's super durable made for a crazy load and therefor has an insanely overcompensating frame system like the 6500 or SATL from Mystery Ranch (the shell). Then I fill those bags meant for 75lb-125lb loads with under 30lbs of light/ultralight gear (the gooey egg insides) and it feels like your carrying a cloud. Yet your gear is crazy protected in a military pack like that since its more fragile ultralight gear. It's a great combo, the added mlok for tons of potential growth is also awesome.

im a light packer, i took two weeks in the wilderness of washington state and learn alot, i took gear in didn't use at all, i completely transform m pack base on those two weeks in the woods andi love the outcomes, plus i bought much better hiking boots that have made a huge difference.

I think this was a very even-keeled and realistic take on the two. As someone who does Ultralight 3 seasons a year, most of what you described is accurate to me. Winter is a different beast thiugh and I take more to be more comfortable in harsher conditions with safety as my primary concern.

Lol loved that cold open into the intro.

Thanks, Steven for giving a voice to us middle of the road backpackers! I just started backpacking again after car injuries and surgeries kept me from doing it for 25 years. I have to say that the UL hikers have innovated so much of this recreation, that I am again able to backpack again at 68. I wouldn't call myself an Ultralighter by any means but I do buy quality UL gear. I love my Gregory Deva 70 pack, my NEMO Dragonfly Bikepack 2P tent and Moutain Hardwear Trango II for Winter weather backpacking. I upgraded most of my equipment but still carry 20-25 lbs in my pack. I still love a hot meal and will never cold soak anything! I love my Snow Peak Bi-Pod mini stove with handy butane mix canisters! What a joy to use on the uneven mountain terrain. My sleeping bag is heavy at a bit over 3 lbs. but it a Feathered Friends 20 degree Penguin semi-rectangular down bag with overfill. Some things you just can't cut corners on as most young people will find if they ever get to my age and are still backpacking. Happy trails to you!

I think, given my nearly 50 years of backpacking experience, we're at a point where there's a very fine line between traditional and ultra-light. In a comment to a video about ultra-light gear not being expensive, and traditional gear not being light or cheaper, I was prompted to go on a virtual shopping trip where I gathered together via the REI Outlet a list of comparable gear to that of the video creator with some traditional spins - a sleeping bag, a tent (*and a traditional weight tarp, too) - that, if I remember correctly, came in around 13 pounds and about $350 and change. I find that comfortable middle ground to live on. I still carry a fair bit of weight, partly out of cheapness, partly out of comfort (*I still use a first generation 3/4 length Therm-a-Rest, with a chair kit, that's worth its weight in gold to me, because it serves double duty so well), or when day hiking or for shorter backpacking trips I often have camera gear I'm at like 21 pounds, base weight, and I live like a king out there - and that's probably about half of what I carried in weight 20 years ago. ;) And we still haven't accounted for the 40 pounds more I weigh now... but I digress...

Love the intro! And the entire video was fantastic. I'm probably a little too cheap to ever be a true UL backpacker. But I like to slowly upgrade to ligher gear as I go, especially as my trips get longer and farther. I'd say the weight savings makes an exponential difference the more miles you're covering. By day 5 and mile 50, if I've saved a few pounds in my pack then that is a massive difference!

I had this exact problem. I thought I knew what I was doing, bought all my gear. Ended up being really heavy, after about 3 miles I was exhausted from carrying what felt like 50lbs. Not to mention I had a cheap Chinese made "Hiking Bag". I like that I found your channel, there are tons of great tips, thank you! I'm currently converting to ultralight. And yeah it isn't cheap, but SUPER worth it. Much better experience. However, I will add, I would say I'm more of a traditional backpacker. But as light as possible.😂

You were ‘quoting’ older backpacker, at 67 I am qualified to answer Regular gear is ultralight by comparison to gear 45 years ago Comfort at camp to be able to be rested for the next days moves into necessity, so you need to pay the weight penalty Faster and longer hiking has lost the attraction so ultralight is less of a need

I really enjoy your videos, Steven. I am new to backpacking at 50. I have been in the fortunate position of being able to borrow a lot of gear for my first few trips. I really have only bought my own sleep system and Helinox and some of the small items. I went for the Nemo Quasar 3D pad - beastly heavy after trying lighter options. For me it's worth it. For the first time ever I got good sleep camping. I'll just have to go really light on everything else. That Catch-22 of weight vs comfort is tough and very real.

Briljant video! All dilemma’s clearly adressed. I have moved up in age and also in buying lighter gear. Great combination😊

I’m glad I’m getting these perspectives now. So far, my only hiking gear is my gym gear. Backpacking and camping is something I’m just now getting into.

Great video and explanations. I am more of a traditionalist because my gear is triple duty...work, hunting and backpacking. I have lightweight stuff (stove, quilt, sleeping pad etc) but some of this won't cut it at -5F / -20C so I mix it up.

I stopped trying to fit a label - like Ultralite, etc. Started out with a 35 lb pack. Then tried as little as 14 lbs. Today, my base pack is about 18-22 lbs(not including water and maybe 3 days of food), depending on where I'm going, what I'll be doing and for how long. You can pack light without buying expensive gear just to save a few ounces. Just learn what gear you can do without and leave it at home.

When I started hiking in the 80’s, in my early 20’s, there was nothing but traditional. I transitioned to ultralight in 2010 after a hip surgery made me more conscious of joints. I haven’t looked back. I would rather be more comfortable and fast on trail which is where more of your time is usually spent. I’ve worked on also being comfy at camp. Depending on the season my base weight is 11 to 13 lbs. This weight I can see backpacking the rest of my life.

I love ultralight camping. But for me it's almost as much fun learning what I can do without, as it is getting lighter, more efficient, and (sometimes) better gear. In my younger years I was constantly taking things I didn't need (like a folding tripod chair, for instance). Now I simply bring a small folding closed-cell sitpad that I can use either as a pillow or to sit on. Or perhaps I'll just bring a good folding saw instead of a hatchet, or a light wool blanket instead of a sleeping bag that will likely be too hot anyway. I starting bringing a hammock and tarp instead of a tent long ago. But it all depends on where I'm camping, if I'm backpacking or, as you say, car-camping, etc. The really cool thing is that there are so many options, and different ways and places to camp. It never gets boring...

I just came upon this video and it is very well done. You hit on the “most important” aspect when it come time to decide what your gear is going to look like. That is “What’s important to You” for example, I initially tried those blow up pillows. They just suck! I had a hard time sleeping with them. I switched over to the thermarest compression pillow. Yes is a little heavier, bulkier when packed but it’s as close to a real pillow as I have at home. I sleep much better and that is important to me. So I’d say my gear, like many others, is a hybrid of UL and Reg. Good stuff!

You nailed it with the statement, “ the pro and con of is you have less stuff “. Excellent job giving an overview of ultra light versus traditional backpacking. Of all the videos I have watched yours is the most succinct.

You put out probably the best vid's on hiking on the net. Thank you.

Great video!! Thank you so much!

You are extremely creative and knowledgable. Subbed.

You're making a lot of especially-good videos these last several months. My opinion is that I buy ultralight gear (DCF, XPAC, carbon, etc.), but I still take along luxury gear with me like a book, a Luci light, a Trail Designs Ti-Tri Sidewinder stove kit, a Chair Zero and so forth.

My take on this is that, like most things, it depends. I have done ultralight on long distance footpaths in the UK although back then ultralight was anything under 20lbs as clothing was wool and canvas and stoves where steel and brass. Basically carried a sleeping bag, bivvi sac, decent knife and a cook pot. Slept under a hedge and cooked on an open fire. My next trip I would also class as at least light, ie carrying minimal gear with no luxuries but I will be towing sledge and expect it to weigh 25-30lb. It will be 3 -4 days in the wilderness solo camping in temp around -20c and the possibility of high winds camping above 2000m. My 'ultra light' tent weighs close to 10lbs when you include the snow stakes, will stand 100mph winds or being completely buried in snow but that's much better than the alternative which is around 15lbs. For this sort of trip 'minimal gear' means what do I need to survive in the event of a major issue like a broken ski, an injury or bad weather that pins me in the tent for a couple of days when rescue times are measured in days not hours. So yes it depends VERY much on what you are doing and where you are going. For me it is about what I need to stay safe rather than comfort.

That opening scene. 🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣😂😂 I just blew snot bubbles, laughing at that

Great video! I am only 16 but pretty traditional. I don't bring much stuff, only a poncho for a tent etc. but the stuff I bring is durable, some from my fathers youth. A lot of it is military surplus so it is extremely durable, but it is just heavy. I love it though as it is extremely reliable and solid and is gonna last for another couple decades...

This video really helped me decide which tent to purchase. I guess the end question for me was...Am I more of a Hiker or a Camper? For me, I'm going to hike a few miles, build a tiny home in the mountains, then explore the canyon around my new home. Therefore, I want the shelter to be more comfortable. Since I won't be carrying it a long distance, I can afford the weight. Thanks for helping with my decision (and my budget, whew).

I never went camping or anything close to it, I been doing alot of research and I think ultra light Backpacking is for me. I'm glad I did my research and saw videos like yours. Thank you for your honesty. Keep up the great videos 👍

Great video - Thanks for sharing!

Having spent the past few months watching videos, making notes, plotting and purchasing equipment for an emergency pack, I definitely ended up on the traditional side of the house. Part of that is medical equipment (sleep apnea sucks), and having an off grid solution for it is not lightweight, but doable. Still ended up with some ultralight equipment though, and quite a bit of quality traditional stuff sourced from Varustelka to round what was needed.

New subscriber here. We all like our independence. When group dynamics involve high trust and organization, one other take on optimizing gear weight for comfort and performance is to minimize duplication of shared gear i.e. cooking stove, 1 larger tent instead of 2 smaller ones, etc. Most of my backcountry travel involves canoe camping rather than pure hiking, but minimizing excess weight should be a priority for anyone testing physical boundaries or with ambitious distance goals.

That intro nailed it! And I'm right there with you - I tow the line lol

Great video. I went UL simply because I wanted a lighter pack so I can hike longer with less strain on my body. The comfort I give up at camp I make up for when I’m more comfortable on trail.

Why didn't I discover this channel sooner?! I love your humor and wise words you're providing. New subscriber today! I just started backpacking and hiking again two years ago after a 20 year hiatus. Not being a spring chicken means I have old injuries to consider and not to mention I've let my fitness level slack a bit. Buying ultralight gear has allowed me to hike and camp with more comfort and comforts without carrying a 50 lb pack. Do I bring extra yummy snacks and food on occasion? Heck yes! Do I bring my knitting or a book with me so I am enjoying a little down time? Yes! Since my necessary gear is significantly lighter, I am not as worried about being overladen and miserable. I knew going into this hobby again I wouldn't quit after two hikes so it was worth it to 'buy once, cry once'. I did my research and bought a ZPack Duplex, an EE synthetic quilt, and when I knew what I wanted in my new pack, I got a DCF LiteAF 46L bag. After my first summit with that bag I wanted to kiss it! It was hella expensive but so comfortable and very lightweight. I'm not a UL backpacker by any means but well made UL gear is a game changer!

Totally a traditional backpacker, but transitioning a lot of gear to ultra lite. Just want to lighten up the pack but still have some creature comforts 😊

Thank you for the excellent video! Trying to find the golden balance.

What you said is so spot on I go jeep camping with friends and we make the camp spot a 5 stars hotel but when I go alone for a night I'll take a bivy and some really minimalist stuff and for me I very much enjoy both

Thanks for the video. I am in the 65+ group and am mixing ultralight (tent, pack, cook kit, sleep system) with a couple of heavier items (larger knife and saw). My goal is to keep total weight at or below 20lbs including food for 3 - 4 day trip. I am looking for a reasonable balance of comfort items vs lightweight to improve my efficiency and enjoyment while travelling. My original impetuous to go light was to be able to single carry a canoe and gear across long portages. A few years ago I carried a 55-60 lb pack on a 3 day canoe trip and did not enjoy that at all. I shifted my approach and backpacked the next year with a 22 lb load and was significantly happier. Going lighter has really made my trips more enjoyable. It really is an individual's choice of what works for them, but trimming down the weight can improve your experience. Just do a lot of research before you buy.

Good video! Another benefit of UL gear that you could have mentioned is often space savings. I have a fair amount of UL gear, but not a lot of super UL gear. I too like some durability and comfort. My pack is huge, but I find controlling how much is in it is where I get versatility in light vs heavy. I’ve spent a lot of money on my gear, but it would probably be excessive if I went to invest to go fully UL.

That's a great video and made me realise how I like my heavy duty gear and I wouldn't trade it for a smaller one

Thanks!

In the UK I'm ultralight-ish in the summer (nicer weather/distance hikes) and traditional in the winter (harsher weather/shorter hikes). I'm, as you said, somewhere in between. Nice video!

I like your attitude and just the way you talk to us. I think I’ll subscribe.

I believe the best for most is in the middle, as it often is, watching ultralight content made me reconsider some of the gear i carry. Some things seem a bit silly, i won't spend 300€ on a tent, i have a 40€ Quechua tent i bought 12 years ago and it's doing just fine, i get it up and down in 5 minutes. I wont clip my ustensils and toothbrush in half either. It did make me drop duplicates and make efforts on some materials (glass tuperware, heavy water bottles and such, and my pack went from 21 to 16kg.

Just got started in backpacking this past summer, and I came at it the same way you said in the beginning. Most of my comfort items such as my quilt is heavier but I keep it light with everything else. Definitely excited for winter to fly by so I can get back out there. Great video btw got yourself another subscriber just for the Cheech and Chong reference.😂

Nice overview and subscribed! I started out backpacking in the late 80s with no idea of gear and in those pre-Internet days researching gear meant talking to other back packers and seeing what equipment was available locally in South Africa. My first hike was purgatory. I started out with a total pack weight of 25kg (55 pounds) which included food but not water. The trail included huts so my pack didn’t even include a tent. Absolute madness. I ended up ditching most of my food (many tins believe it or not) on the third day and managed to make it to the end of the trail with a lot of blisters. I basically took too much stuff and the gear was too heavy. I‘ve not done much hiking since then other than a trek around Annapurna (using a porter to carry my stuff). I have, however, done a fair amount of day hiking and have enjoyed the freedom of carrying little. My target now is the Camino de Santiago so no tent or sleeping mat required and very little food. I am targeting a base weight of 5 - 6kg or less which is perfectly feasible and there are not many comfort sacrifices that I have had to make. Every item one takes needs to have a purpose and to be carefully thought through. Cost and durability is less important to me than comfort and weight at this stage in my life. It’s either the ultralight Route for me and/or car camping. Traditional backpacking holds no appeal.

Thank you for your excellent videos. I am 67 yo and “switching over” to ultralight. Spendy? Yeah, but my old bones like carrying less weight.

Iam only into light camping and hiking, still getting some weight off really helps. I go the middle path, cut some weight but within a budget . Experience and you tube reviews helps. I try to take note what i bought along and didnt use or use often and what maybe lacking.

I guess myself and my partner are somewhere in the middle. Light(ish) tent (here in the UK it will always test your tent, even in the middle of what many call summer 😂). We cook on a fire and recently upgraded our cooking set up for lighter and more compact gear. We tend to backpack and hop on the train when needed, so tend to stay on sites where we can set up camp, then explore. Weight is a factor but balanced with some comforts - a few years ago we got stainless steel cafetiers...for fresh coffee and loose tea...heavy and bulky...yes, but worth the extra weight 🌟

We, hubby 73 and me 66 have joined outdoor vitals for the 100 mile backpacking challenge. We are trying to stay 16 to 20 base weight then perishable items...we have "older " backpacks that weigh more...but find very comfortable...but still trying to use lighter gear...wish us luck😊

Right on point!!!! I do it all as well but the lightweight is what I concentrate on the most. I can go under 10lbs in the summer, but because of that I will have a lower weight all the time. Well except in the middle of winter when I hike in a short distance and take cast iron and extra tarps and my 10plus pound MSS sleep system. Then its like 60lbs.

Excellent video. I guess I’m more of a traditionalist. While UL sounds appealing (I’ll soon be 70), comfort in camp trumps UL for me. My base weight is 25-27 lbs. I carry a 2 man tent with rain fly. I figure I spend 35-40% of my time in the tent, so I like a little extra room for my gear and I’ve heard that condensation and tricky setup are major problems for UL tents. I carry an old Thermarest pad and a sleeve that turns it into a comfy chair that I can use in my tent at night for comfy reading - a little heavy, but worth every ounce to me. Sure, I’d like to carry 10-15 fewer pounds of gear, but I’m not obsessed with big miles or big climbs, so I just put up with somewhat more weight so I can comfortably enjoy the evenings, nights, and mornings in camp. Hike your own hike. Happy trails, everyone!

Good video. Agree with every point you make. After quite a bit of hiking/backpacking (and rucking in the military) long ago (like, in the era of external frame packs), I'm coming back into it now, over age 50, as a beginner...but with a priori knowledge. Your early point about cost is valid--so, I'm being deliberate in the beginning/not in the mood to purchase "okay" gear that I will quickly want to replace. I'm also small/short, so I know WELL how much of a difference weight makes...and as I peruse and purchase gear, I've dealt with exactly the tradeoffs you mention. Comfort definitely matters MORE when you're older too--sleeping on the ground just isn't the same now. My general tenet is "go as light as is possible; spend a bit more, but don't break the bank; break form for something like the air mattress, because that will be the difference between heaven and hell."

I love the puzzle piece concept when it comes to backpacking. What's everyone's non negotiable items? I always take a harmonica and a deck of cards.

Love the introduction! 😂

I just had lower back injury that needed surgery, I’m in my mid-30s. I was starting to put together a gear list for getting into backpacking. I realise now that when I’m done with physio, ultralight or a mix with ultralight elements is going to be my only viable option for getting into this hobby. As you mentioned, slightly higher cost from the get-go is much easier to handle than costly upgrades.

I have subscribed to your channel also, some great videos from earlier that I have found very truthful and helpful, I will continue on with your vids.

Just found your channel and I'm on probably my fourth or fifth one now haha. Really enjoy your content, makes me wanna get out in the woods soon! Subscribed!

Great video topic! I'd say I'm like you, I dabble with certain pieces of gear. A lot of times it's hard to make the cost of dcf worth most people's budgets but that's the step up you need to make to have the lightest gear in regards to most of the big 4. Other than that I look at backpacking trips as a balance, I don't take a bunch of luxuries to bog me down in weight, I'll look forward to car camping trips for those luxuries. However, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort when on the trail.

great tips! 👍🏼

Well said

Steve thanks for reminding me about the movie “Twins”, you’re really showing our age. I’m not quite ultralight yet but my current base weight is 11.68 lbs.

Great intro

Very well said, what a dilemma we find ourselves in when we have to decide what is in the pack and what is out of the pack. I spend most of the time before a hike doing exactly the same exercise every time, DOOOOOOOH.

When it came time for me to go pass day hikes it really was a no brainer. I had a double leg fracture in my 20’s and weight concern was already on my radar. I also don’t like to buy something twice. Lots of research led me to Ultralight gear with good reviews. Then I just waited for the best time to buy. Boxing Day, Black Friday etc… Base weight is usually around 13-14 lbs Great video 👍 subbed

Great video I travel ultra light

All good advice. I'm older and dab a bit into the ultralight which can make my hikes easier. However, the biggest weight loss that I made which made a huge difference was to loose body weight. Mt. Whitney was a lot easier on later attempts after losing 10 pounds from my backpack AND losing 20 pounds off of my body.

Bit of both. All depends on the what, when, where, and how. “Let the mission drive the gear,” as the mil peps say. I find that the more I practice, the less stuff I need to be comfortable. I use a lightweight hammock, tarp, and reflective sleeping pad. 👍🏼 Good to go.

You just said it perfectly man👍

Awesome Video! Thank you =)

Perhaps the most nuanced opinion I've seen so far. Thanks for this! I sometimes have the feeling that the ultralight fans do it with a religious zeal that puts me off a bit as a newcomer.

Great intro haha! Like they say, Light, Cheap, Durable....pick two. :)

Really for the reason you mentioned I’m edging toward areas of ultralight due to age and with age comes more money to spend on gear hand in hand really

great video hope to see this channel blow up with success

As long as you are having fun while being comfortable. I fall somewhere in between traditional and ul. I try to keep things light on a budget whilst not making myself feel miserable. I made my own kettle with pan as a lid (all stainless, might use titanium next time) and yes i am a welder fabricator. What i really hate when people almost start a fight in the woods about grams vs comfort. Just enjoy the scenary and smells around you!

I’m fairly traditional cuz I’m a weekend warrior. But I’ve started the conversion to lighter down insulations to lighten the load.

For me it’s always been about simplifying and optimizing my gear. My packs have low base weights, but only because that’s what works, not what’s light. It boils down to situations like making the choice of, “do I bring shelter or not on this hike?” If the choice is between an 8 oz bivvy and a 12 oz poncho tarp or nothing vs a 3lb tent or nothing, it’s a lot easier to bring the light stuff, thereby increasing comfort and security. For me it’s a balance between light, inexpensive, and features. If I simply must have something in an item, I’ll aim to purchase what better suites my perceived needs. For me this really ends up as light weight trad backpack that carries loads well, a bear canister, a “heavy”versatile cookset minimalist shelter, and lightweight sleep system (long time thin non ridged foam pad hold out here). Seeing as I’m usually carrying a minimum of three liters of water and a bear canister, full load outs for 3 days usually is at the limit of what most UL bags can carry comfortably so that’s why i opt for the heavier bags (2.5 to 3 lbs) but I eschew extra features like unnecessary zippers or overly heavy duty construction. A hot cup of coffee WITH breakfast is a pleasure, and becomes very important as temps drop, thus the mug + pot + nesting bowl+ spork+ scraper kit. Or if no cooking, mug + kettle + spork kit.

I’m somewhere in between. UL gear mixed in. -But very interested in transitioning. When I’m with my husband and son, we tend to go bigger. I’m especially into camping gear from Japan and Korea right now. High function, beautifully designed, and in a nice space between backpacking and the whole hog Coleman setup at a family campground. -And there’s not a thing wrong with that, either.

I can relate to the challenge of ultralight. To be safe enough and comfortable enough with the lightest, most minimal set up has got me sewing a tiny tarp and leaving the cook kit behind.

New subscriber, checking out some of your older videos. I don't necessarily want lightweight stuff, but I want stuff that packs easier and smaller - but I also want durable. If it's not durable, it should be inexpensive to replace. (example: steel grill trays, ~$2 at a department store, fits inside a 2 gal ziplock bag, can be used a couple of times over hot coals to cook a meal, almost flat and fits easily in a backpack)

I’m 100% into ultralight backpacking when I’m able to find what I need used at a great price!

For myself, I am taking best of this two worlds. As light as possible(ultralight mentality) but also as comfi as possible. Over the years i found the mixture that works for me. Take less is more helped there too. Loaded pack is about 15-20 kg included eat and drink (beer cans) for up to 3 weeks.

I'm just coming back to backpacking after having grown out of and gotten rid of the gear I'd used in my teens. With a lot more life experience and a few more accumulated injuries along the way, I have a great, great interest in lightening the pack considerably. For myself, I am interested in the challenge of that bleeding edge of ultralighting: fastpacking. Combines my renewed fitness interests with my knew knowledge of lightweight backpacking gear. For my family, I have to balance what I want with what keeps my family comfortable, safe, and interested in outdoors shenanigans.

Wild idea.. a balance of the two. Cut weight but factor comfort.

I've got a daypack that I've been using for mountain climbing since 2001 😂. I have a huge backpack I ought in 2007. Both bags have been used a lot and they're still being used now. I used the large one in my trip to Bangkok last month. The fabric is tough.