This has to be one of the most complete discussion of why light weight that I've seen. Driving decisions around your list of musts, along with consideration of weather and terrain is genius. Too many just consider gear weight only, and don't factor in the weather they may experience, their own experience hiking/camping, and personal health/conditioning issues. They then compound their problems by starting out on the trail without ever having used their equipment. Thanks for helping to educate the masses
Your name perfectly states my monetary challenges. I hope to at least section hike someday. I buy what I can afford and use it. I installed a sink for my tent, and had my trekking poles donated by a neighbor after he saw me hiking with a broom handle. I sold someones log splitter for them and they gave me a backpack for it. The rest of my gear is inexpensive because I dont use credit cards and refuse to go into debt. So my experience has been "go hike and the gear will come" . Plenty of people apparently have old gear laying around in storage.
This video brings up a philosophical question. Do you hike to cover a maximum distance in a day, or do you hike to get a maximum enjoyment out of each mile? Overall, ultralight is probably the best choice for the former. For the latter, a few more pounds of gear to extend your activity range may be a good idea. You must have gritted your teeth on some discarded items. Have you gotten out the electric drill and hacksaw to lighten the items you need yet? A few holes here, a shortened piece there, will all pare down the last few pounds. I have used a poncho/tarp combo, and never carried a tent. I don't think you will miss it too much. With experience I have slowed down, in hiking, in cruising, and even in walking down the street. The passing years have encouraged this change, but I have tended more toward "poking around" on the trail even when I was younger. Like you, I compromise with an injury. I carry a unique, heavy frame pack that distributes the weight in a specific way. Without it I could not go at all. Thanks for another great video. Each must choose his own gear, but your selections are pretty close to defining the term, "ultralight".
Your philosophical question is a good one that everyone should give some thought to. In my own case, there is zero chance I will be flying fast down the trail. I needed these changes just so I can get over the hills at all - hope it works. I have cut pieces from my fanny pack and like I said, even removed some from the Gatewood Cape. I respect your gear choices - I know they are based on your own experience. As I have said, the challenge is finding what works for us as individuals. Many highly accomplished hikers have gear lists more spartan than mine. And thanks again for being a viewer!
I see ultralight as a philosophy where you bring what you need to keep comfortable. For example if I am hiking solo all day, I will bring minimal warm clothing, as I am going to be either moving or in my sleeping bag, while I will bring a nice down jacket when I am hiking with a group.
I agree with your premise. We all fall into the basic two categories, i am in the mindset of enjoying the scenery... I have the time and can enjoy a few amenities. Thanks for the great video.
ttmartin: Your assumption that older equals slower is a false one. My experience is that while at the beginning of a hike younger hikers assure me that they will "go slow" for my benefit, as the day progresses, they often point out to me that "it isn't a race" and I don't need to make so much speed. LOL. I would also point out that while I was ultralight as far back as the 1970s, with no tent, and drilled out, lightened up everything, with maturity I bring along gear that allows me to enjoy the environment more, like a camera, logbook, and various edible treats. But I still don't use a tent or hammock. I also tend to avoid frequent restocking stops. The differences are usually of point of view, whether you are testing yourself or are maximizing your pleasure, or even what outdoor pleasures you prefer.
At near 60 I've been slowly trading old favorite equipment items for lighter stuff. Some of my choices involve simply deciding against items that I can do without. Slowly getting super light items as I could afford it. At 9 1/2 lbs base, my hiking days feel better. These vaguerisms need be endured with fortitude. ATB Greg
flatbrokeoutside thanks for your video! I applaud you sir as one of the handicapped that won't give up! I can't do theAT but want to bike the Great Allegheny Bike Passage. Never give in or up my brother! !!
I pray you continue to heal the next few months. I am sure your are looking forward to returning to what you enjoy doing on the AT so much. Thanks for posting.
Hello Mr. Flatbrokeoutside. I've been watching your videos for a long time. I love them. Being a spaniard, i have to say that i find your accent very sweet and endearing :). I also find your advice very down to earth; you talk about situations rather than just gear in the void. I know you've had some health issues lately, and i really wish the best for you. I tend to hike in europe, but if i ever go to the us paths, i really hope i meet you there. Fuerza! as we say... best wishes
You discuss a few of people's motivations for going to the extreme trouble of hiking the AT in some of your videos, which I watch or listen to over and over because they are so interesting, entertaining, and your unique voice. But you never tell us what your specific ones are. Is it unconscious "I don't really know" ones, "probably such and such" ones, "to prove to myself I can do it ones," and the list goes on. People sometimes say "for the adventure," but that is a pretty broad brush that is made up of specifics. It has to be more than just flipping a coin to do something. You are such an interesting person who uses his head and thinks things through to successful results. In any case, I think you will succeed just fine. Best wishes.
Thank you for your kind remarks. I would say all motivations are valid if they lead us to enjoy the outdoors in ethical and responsible ways. I made my first section hike on the AT out of curiosity. Which is another way of saying that my first experience there was so rewarding, I was compelled to return again and again. It is an environment that tested me every day and I liked it. Your good wishes are much appreciated, and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Thanks for this video. I will be 66 when hiking from Harpers Ferry to MA this summer. My recent hikes have led me also, like you, to worry. I have trained all this last year hiking almost everyday in rain, snow, wind, mud and flooded trails in local woods on uneven rocky rooty and steep trails to give me a chance for success. Ive reduced my gear to 6 pounds. Its going to be Spartan or nothing, but this is likely my last chance to get on the AT.
Love all your videos. I also got hit by a car and due to my physical disability, need a lighter load. Last year on the PCT, I cowboy camped in the Sierras to save weight in addition to weighing everything I brought with me. I also ordered a new Ultimate Directions 45 liter hydration pack to help me cut down on weight on my PCT thru-hike. We do what we can in order to be able to do what we love to do.
I always liked watching your videos because they are as entertaining as they are informative. I too was in an accident back in 2004 and just started hiking again last year. This year I'll be doing a large section of the NCT that will probably take around three weeks to complete. My first re-supply will not come until mile 86, so I am going to start out pretty heavy. If all goes well then this should give me a good idea of what I will need to accomplish to complete the AT next year. Back 30 years ago I hiked all throughout the Appalachian mountains for many weeks at a time and could overcome almost anything including one time when I ran out of food and survived on crayfish and creek minnows for a week. Now things are different and I fear that the smallest misfortune could send me home early. I think the main difference between then and now is my whole attitude. Today I am very satisfied if I can hike ten miles in a day because I have learned to enjoy all of the things that I overlooked when I was younger trying to make quick miles. I consider it a success if I can hike six hours without taking Ibuprofen......Lol!
When you are ready to go again, look into The Florida Trail. It runs the length of the state. The highest "mountain" in Florida is 345 feet, so you won't climb too much, and a lot of trails are hard sand, which is easier on the joints than rock. Hiking Florida is best in winter, when the AT is covered in snow.
Thanks for sharing That is a lot of information (I shall try the equation of difficulty on our walks) and I am sure it will influence a lot of people's plans to the good. I carry far too much weight during my twice weekly hillwalks here in Scotland. Often I have two(sometimes three!) of certain items such as gloves and hats partly for me and partly with the view that one of the group may have come without. Our conditions can be grim and require a replacement pair of gloves part way through the day if the rain is bad. An extra fleece is an 'essential' though in the last two years I have never had to use it (or the spare woolly hat!). May your health and enjoyment of the outdoors just get better and better! Best wishes from Scotland! :)
In the western US, many day hikers go into the mountains carrying very little - sometimes they get into bad trouble because weather can turn very nasty very quickly in some of those areas. Depending on the terrain and elevation, some western day hikers will carry a shelter and sleeping bag in case they are forced to spend the night when weather really gets bad - and I don't blame them one bit. I can see from your videos that the landscapes are beautiful but the weather certainly can be a factor. I commend you for being prepared! Thanks for the good wishes and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Great video as always. I've been working the weight problem over the last 6 years or so. For me the scale and a spreadsheet were key. Iv'e gone from 46 lbs. to 13 lbs for 3-season hiking - skin out weight. Changed my hiking world.
Has anyone thru-hiked the AT recently using the same gear the old timers like Grandma Gatewood used? She carried an army blanket, a raincoat, a shower curtain and wore Keds sneakers. Her diet consisted mostly of vienna sausages. I think the next trend in backpacking will go from ultra-light to minimalist. Years ago Backpacker Magazine had a contest. It was to thru-hike the AT with the least amount of gear. The prize was a complete backpacking ensemble. The winner did it with only a blanket and a big bag of GORP. I guess what all this means is that no matter how light your pack is there is always someone on the trail with less.
I have not yet read the book about her, and I wonder what her outfit weighed. I have a vintage military surplus 100% wool blanket and have camped with it. It weighs six pounds! Among high-mileage hikers on youtube, John Zahorian and Jupiter Hikes are among the vangard of minimalism and they have gear list videos. All my lightweight stuff gets tested close to home before I take it to the AT. I recommend that plan to others. And thanks again for watching!
Good luck to you as you get back on the trail! Useful video. Your base weight is less than mine. You've inspired me to take (yet another) close look at my gear ...
Another great video in your series. Such a treasure chest of good info and thoughts that you've provided to your fellow hikers. I recognize that gear list from your 14-year-old days -- just like mine back then, and the packs were not exactly comfortable by today's standards even with minimal weight. My first frame pack for going to Philmont didn't even have padded shoulder straps. Best wishes for continued healing and recovery, and for great success with your ultra-light kit.
I also had no padded straps at Philmont. If that list was replaced by stuff with modern materials, it might have weighed 8 pounds! Thanks for the good wishes and thanks again for being a great viewer!
BTW, I still have my first knapsack from Scouts, the Haversack canvas ruck that I got when I transitioned into Boy Scouts from Cubs. In darn good shape for more than 50 years old and surviving as a book bag during college in the '70s.
Great info and inspiring story to see your determination to return to the trail. I am so glad your surguries are over. Give yourself plenty of time to regain your strength. I am heading out May 1 on a LASH. I think my base weight (12) will shrink as the weather warms and I rediscover what I don't need. THe lightest item of gear is the one you leave at home. Happy hiking!
My pack weight has dropped drastically over the years. Back in the day I would carry everything but the kitchen sink, hell we even carried ice for our drinks at night, Jack and Coke of course. A knee injury nine years ago and just plane getting older has changed what I carry big time. Should have gone UL years ago, it makes hiking jusy so much more enjoyable. I do most of my backpacking in the Whites so I am always grinding up or down all day. Much like you light gear is really not a choice. My plan is to go 100 percent cuban fiber over the next two years, more than likely Zpack. Great video. Take care
Thanks for sharing your experience! Constant climbing and descending thousands and thousands of feet is an education not everyone gets to experience. Thanks a million for being a viewer!
Good luck, buddy! "Be stubborn"- I like that. My non backpacking friends find it incomprehensible that I backpack (and mostly) solo, too. We're a different lot, I guess. But I've never been part of a greater outdoor community.
Age , Health and health related problems dictate lighter packs from the ones of our youth. I have been working at lowering my pack weight for years. Then a heart problem and bypass surgery caused me to go lighter which was a real benefit. Depending on the weather my pack weight varies from 8 to 10 pounds. A lighter pack equals more enjoyment without sacrificing any comforts. Today the choice on lighter gear is available to anyone and a web search makes it easy to find. A smaller ( Lighter ) pack helps in the decision since you can not fill it up like you would do with a larger pack. A large pack has a lot of space and its human nature to fill it with something. The one benefit I have that you don't is almost flat walking. The Florida Trail does have some up and downs but for the most part it is flat.
I have watched every video you've produced. Glad to see you out "there" recently. Just moved to Maine from the mid-west. My goal is a southern-thru. You've been inspirational and informative....and look forward to maybe meeting you on the trail someday. Best regards!
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I have hemophilia and rheumatoid arthritis. So my joints are pretty hurt. but after a lot of exercise I decided to go on hiking. I have 4 more months left to train to get to winter ready for my first trip. I am very happy to see stories of people who live situations similar to mine with which we share the idea of traveling and continue traveling the world. I need to refrigerate medication. Do you have any economic idea to keep the medication cold for 1 week? I know that the first 3 days will hold the gel that you place. But I'm 4 more days cold. Thank you very much for sharing your experience and I hope to continue watching your videos with new trips!To continue traveling!
I have looked around online and asked a nurse and didn't learn anything that I'm sure you don't know already. I drew a blank on keeping something cold for a week without electricity in any weather other than dead of winter. I would suggest that if you want to hike on the AT in warmer weather, buy David Miller's trail guide on Amazon. It lists all the stores, hostels, motels etc. along the trail. You could pick a route where these places are two or three days apart. You could phone them in advance to see if they can provide you with ice -- which I assume you need. Good luck and thanks for being a viewer!
Great video I continue to try to lighten my load as I get older. I am currently planning a section in PA from north of Harrisburg to Palmerton. Water is always my problem.
Me, too. And last year the drought was nasty on the southern half of the trail. Ron's AT Shuttle in Ga. reported on Facebook April 1 some AT stretches have dry springs. That worries me ... Only thing to prevent a drought is lots of rain. Good luck on your hike and thanks a million for watching!
Glad you liked it -- if you haven't seen it, I did a video on how this gear did when I returned to the AT -- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nsZYIsl6l8w.html -- And thanks for watching!
Well said! Age (and sometimes other circumstances) make a big difference in how we view/cope with challenges. Simply have to accept facts of life and make necessary accommodations to deal with them. Wishing you much success as you return to the hills that you love to travel.
Great video! When you realized that you were going to have to replace your pyramid tent and the other shelter, did you consider at all doing the actual poncho tarp thing like you show in your "sleeping in the rain" video before settling on the Gatewood cape?
I did consider it. I decided the poncho would make a better poncho than shelter, and the Gatewood would definitely be a better shelter. I also found the Gatewood was a perfectly fine poncho when I used it in the rain on the AT. You can find my post-section hike review of this gear list here, if you haven't seen it -- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nsZYIsl6l8w.html -- I go into detail about how I modified the daylights out of the Gatewood. And thanks for being a viewer!
Using the website to evaluate gear was an eye opener. Thanks. Since I plan to backpack at some point with a group that camps with more luxuries, I need to come up with a system that while weighs less but doesn't look too Spartan. Maybe a cute tarp tent and lots of chocolate? Won't do if they will start feeling sorry for meNot sure the shelter system that you picked would work in the monsoon rains that we have had here recently, esp. if these rains coincided with Fall weather. Think I'd be nervous.
Wouldn't blame you for being nervous - I always thought gear selection is a hassle and a guess that I would like my choices. My plan for the cape as a shelter in the rain is just tie the hood in a knot - that oughta do it! And thanks again for watching!
Thanks for your video. It gives me encouragement at nearly 70 and having had a serious spinal op after a fall. I intend camp the Pennine way in the uk with a pack skimmed town to 14lb
Glad you are still planning on getting back out there. Thank you for the mini book review it sounds good. I'm not sure if you've heard of ray jardine? He has a website www.rayjardine.com he sells kits for making backpacks that come in around 9oz kits are include everything but thread I think at 83 dollars kind of expensive but personally ive been seriously considering getting one. Ray himself has used the pack to hike the AT. Thanks Flatbroke glad to see you are getting better.
Shaffer's book is great. I highly recommend it. I read Ray Jardine's book not long after it was published and I thought it was great. When the former GoLite company started, they sold a version of the same pack that can be made from the Jardine kit. GoLite called it the Breeze - good for a 20-pound load. The GoLite Day I show in this video is a slightly smaller version of the Breeze. GoLite called such products Ray Way and after a while stopped selling Jardine-inspired products. I think Jardine's kit is a cool idea - maybe I should consider one, too. And thanks for watching!
I had, and devoured "The Man Who Walked Through Time" back in my rock climbing days in the seventies. I never did much over-night hiking, but went on a two day trip in the Grand Canyon with my climbing partner. The most amazing small world event occurred when, on the Tonto Plateau, we met Harvey Butchart, Fletcher's source for his route information. Mr. Butchart was out that day to climb one of the 83 summits he eventually conquered within the canyon. Of course there are probably thousands of people who can say they've had a chance meeting with him in the Canyon, as he spend more than a thousand days there over the years.
How can you sleep with that thin CCF mat? I survived 2 weeks doing the JMT, but I would have been much happier with the Static V inflatable pad I have now. Even when I go with a summer time pack with a base weight of 10 lbs, I still include my inflatable pad. Good luck. I plan on lightening my load over the coming years as equipment wears out. A good way to lighten your weight is to pack for the conditions.
It helps if I pick a flat tent site instead of lumpy ground. Unless it's raining hard, I toss the pad on the ground and try out a spot before pitching the tent. Once I get really tired not much can keep me awake. Also, I tested the pad close to home before any long trips. Keep hikin' and thanks for watching!
I'm so glad you got to get back out on the trail! I just rewatched this video and was wondering if you found a fanny pack solution. I got this and it's probably my favorite piece of gear. www.zpacks.com/accessories/backpack_lid.shtml
I recently made that AT section hike -- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-e3wBpahXMW4.html -- and I modified a cheap shoulder bag thing I got at Walmart into a belt bag. It was quite the failure because it bounced around too much as I walked. I ended up carrying it in the pack. I will do a followup to this video, telling how this gear list performed on the hike. I'll include details on the fanny pack fiasco in that vid. Thanks for the tip on the zpacks item and thanks for watching!
My knees were uninjured. The problem was my hip. I had trauma-induced arthritis in the joint. This is not at all common - which helps explain why it took nearly two years to get an accurate diagnosis. Did you have surgery after your injury? I would always advocate asking our doctor what they think about our condition and capability. The surgeon who worked on me has said, 'Go back to the AT, sure. No problem.' Best of luck and thanks for watching.
Physically good, but I've been so busy lately I have a video that should have been done two months ago and till I aint finished it. :( And thanks for watching!
i understand why some people ultralight hike. i myself would not i think it is dangerous but having said that the one thing i would never do is go stoveless i beilieve it plays with hikers heads not to have a hot meal thats why a lot of hikers cant finish. enjoy all your videos.
I agree that we are inviting trouble if we fail to take gear we really need for the conditions. As I emphasize in this video, my new list omits nothing I really need. I have never advocated leaving behind anything needed to deal with bad weather or hard terrain. Watch my 'Homemade tent' video for examples of some of the nasty conditions I have been out in - I have learned it is a mistake to assume the weather, terrain and conditions will be ideal all the time. Plenty of times they will not be. Especially on the AT. In recent years the ATC says the completion rate for NB thrus has not exceeded 30 percent - plenty of that 70 percent who drop out cook their meals. (I also cook, btw) As I write it's hard to imagine anything that could get the completion rate up to even 50 percent. If the AT was a really easy place, I would see little point in doing this kind of video. Anybody doing easy things doesn't need to hear me say anything at all. And thanks for being a viewer.
I like ultra gear minus the backpacks. Most ultra like backpacks I have tried on dont give me the back support that I need. Maybe its me? haha Anyone else have this issue?
Excellent informative video. You're right - summer 'weight' is the key . A start in Feb on the AT with 8 oz base is a recipe for disaster. For a early Apr to Early May hike my baseweight is currently 20 lbs. w/ food 5d , fuel, water = about 30lb. I had cervical spine 1-6 fused 16 months ago . Did a AT section hike last spring 190 miles , it went OK but only did about 11 miles avg / day . This spring , doing a 300 mi AT section . - I am nervous rather scared as well . I guess a good start will be to shed packed clothes - and then ditch the gravity water filter system . A good site for pinching ounces is "Hikinglight.com" - UTube " Onlythe Lightest" Lots (100's) of great tips . Thank you again Flatbroke . Always greedy for more of your hiking wisdom .
To replace your beloved 10 oz. fanny pack, consider this. zpacks.com/accessories.shtml Belt Pouch .75oz at $25. They have something bigger at 2.9 oz for $45. (I don't own anything from them yet and don't know anybody there)
The short answer is 'fine,' but ..... My challenge is to be honest without being misleading. The problem is I modified its use pretty heavily - my experience may not match that of others using it as its sold. I would not encourage anyone else to modify the cape - It would sound like I am guaranteeing others would be happy if they did, and I can't guarantee that. Based on all I see, 99 percent of backpackers who plan to cover hundreds of miles don't modify any gear - It's their decision and I respect it.
I too am aging with health issues and acquired a Gatewood cape. As a shelter I love it. As rain gear I'm not yet convinced. To lose a couple of ounces I can only imagine that your hood got modified and possibly the pocket went away. I've no intention of modifying mine, but opted for the Dechutes plus to make room for a seven y.o. grandson. I found the serenity net just too confining. LOVE your videos.... telling it like it is. Keep up the good work and "happy trails".
unless it kills you! And let not forget, Nietzsche suffered a collapse and a complete loss of his mental faculties and had to be taken care of by his mother and sister.
Some folks report channels they had subbed disappearing from their subscription list. Since youtube does practically everything with its computers, apparently it was some kind of glitch. Glad you're still with me and thanks for watching!
I do. With Aqua Mira, which I consider a consumable. But - Ron's AT Shuttle in Ga. reported on Facebook April 1 some AT stretches have dry springs. This is pretty disheartening news for this time of year - especially considering drought was a problem last year mid to late summer, especially on the southern half of the trail. It makes me wonder if this is going to be another drought year. So, I also might take a Sawyer filter with me. The idea is I would use the filter to drink a liter or so right now at every water source I find, and use Aqua Mira to treat what I carry. I also might eat close to a water source, because I personally dont want to eat very much if I am low on water later on. If I am low on water, preparing a meal might use up all the water I have left. Time will tell ... And thanks a million for watching!
I would summarize the message this way - if we hope to lighten our load while maintaining all the capability of a heavy load (and I maintain my new list does this, with all the capability of my heavier base weights), then every little detail is VITAL. Understanding every intricacy of the backpacking environment's challenges is VITAL. And I found working my way through all those details to be an annoying pain in the neck. The targeted payoff is moving through the trail's challenges with less effort. It is true that when I carried 35 pounds I survived. But I don't want to merely 'survive' in that environment, I want to thrive. If it needs to be said directly, the simple option of deciding some pieces of gear are 'not needed,' is one I will NOT take because I KNOW what I need (because of past experience) and I will NOT leave it behind. I emphasize, yet again, the distinguishing factor is the need for mobility. If we move less than 10 miles a day, if we are out for a weekend, if we spend 12 or more hours a day in camp, our choices are easier. Because our days are easier.
MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT HIKING THE AT WAS A 150 LBS PACK AND NO IDEA WHAT I WAS IN FOR LOL THEN I HIKED BACK TO DALTON Ga. AND GOT ANOTHER JOB I TURNED BACK AT UNI-CO GAP LOL WERE THE TRAIL LEVELS OFF FOR 20 MILES LOL
flatbrokeoutside ok I've been camping before if I can find wild mint it makes good deodorant and great tea Soto's pine needles pine needle tea and wild mint put both of them together and oh yes I haven't been camping in a very long time but yes you can keep clean on the trail if the water is warm enough you can jump in a small stream a river that's not moving very fast I prefer a small Creek but that's what I would do and if you can find clay it's good for your skin you may look like a monster the Creature from the Black Lagoon but it keeps your skin soft and believe it or not clay. Is good for people that suffer from eczema when someone says go soak your head in the mud you can do it literally
