Why I Quit Ultralight Backpacking 

For those of you that tried to click on the Outdoor Vitals link in the description earlier and were sent to a casino site… Not sure why that was but I fixed the link and it’s working now! Thanks for taking a gamble LOL.. get it? Gamble?… Casino?? Never mind… 😂😂😂

Honestly the easiest thing i did to help with my backpacking/camping weight was drop 40 pounds of fat.

100% agree on the chair. People will tell you your dumb for having it then 10-15 miles later I have to tell those same people to get out of my chair every time i get up to do something.

RU-vid backpacking is about buying stuff.

Just use what you have and hit the trail. I use stuff I purchase decades ago mixed with modern lighter stuff. All good.

This is so refreshing to hear. I car camped a lot as a kid and day hiked often in college but I'm just getting into overnight backpacking. I'm of the buy once, cry once school and when researching equipment I constantly felt like I was being funneled into the ultralight category and I found myself stressing so much over base weight before even spending a night outdoors. Watching your videos really helped me step back and take a hard look at what kind of hiking I would be doing and what I would want with me to enjoy my time out there. Thank you!

IMO, Thru hiking has turned an escape from the rat race (hiking, enjoying nature relaxation) into another rat race . Let's see how many miles we can hike and how fast we can get this done so we can brag about it when we get back home.

upvote for metric units

I remember once hiking in Finland's Lapland, bumped into ultralight backpacker's camp in the middle of a heavy rain. He was inside his "tent", which covered his upper torso and his legs were outside in the rain. I was carrying my full LK35 and wearing a heavy rain jacket and felt comfortable hiking in the rain. But damn, that soaked, shivering guy peeking out of his "shelter".... What a miserable sight.

Spot on. Weight obsession also gets stupidly expensive for less and less gain. Be comfortable, enjoy.

From what I’ve seen on the trail, most folks could benefit more from making themselves lighter than worrying about ounces in their pack.

I can’t go ultralight because I need to take a handgun, a bong, batteries, extra water, extra snacks, a larger towel, a warmer sleeping bag...

Be careful, Dan! You're sounding real logical and sensible about this whole hiking/camping thing ;) Great video! I love your pragmatic approach to this, it's missing from a lot of others.

You said a lot of things I have thought while watching You Tube videos. You have balance.....a rare quality in today’s absolute society!

This is what everyone needs to watch if they are getting into backpacking! Good work my man! Keep it up!

Hey man, glad to see this revelation. I started BPing and general camping on my own in the 90's. Back then there wasnt social media, youtube, reddit, peer pressure like there is now. You tried items you found at outdoor shops and learned what worked though campfire suggestion and trial and error. First of all your prime purpose was having fun in the outdoors. Seems like you are using the advanced materials and concepts of our time to focus back on enjoying being outdoors.

Such good points, as always. I know a lot of folks may smirk at this...but it never even occured to me to weigh my gear/pack until I started to seriously consider a thru hike. And i learned a lot that way 😆 I've missed a few videos...very cool that UGQ sent you a quilt!! Thanks for another well done, well thought out video. Your channel just keeps getting better!

Great video! Agreed 100% on this topic. Carry what you can carry for the distance and your desired comfort level no matter what anyone else says.

You nailed it, brother! I do it the same way. At 52, comfort and good sleep mean a lot more than they did at 20. Hiking in a light pack just to have a shit trip just isn't worth it. I always say, bring what you want, and train for what you want to bring!

Very high quality video... and I love the speed at which you present things. Shot and quick to the point with no rambling. Love it!

Thanks Dan for the informative content. The main reason I watch your channel is to pull ideas from you that apply to me camping with my street Harleys. Comfort, weight, and functionality are important for camping on long haul tours. Thanks again and keep up the great information! 🇺🇸

I totally agree with you. For me backpacking has to be comfortable and pleasant, not a torture. Everyone has his own vision on what's backpacking. I really like your vision and how you talk about it.

I need a cane to walk I still carry over 40 pounds I’m in my 60s and I remember in the military are used to carry over 100 pounds I feel like I’m ultralight backpacking

Good video with good advice. I did a 5 day hike in the Grand Canyon with a buddy and we talked about luxury gear we wouldn't want to give up. The chair is one of them. It just makes enjoying the spot so much more enjoyable. I agree with you, it's about balance. A little bit extra weight for the things you consider important is worth it. For me it is the chair, for others it may be the phone, camera, sleeping pad or whatever.

A lot of good points in there Dan. Really it comes down to what works for you. I’ll have to look into that pad for when I go tent camping with the kids

Thanks for the video. I live in scotland where the weather can be extremely adverse. Using the lightweight kit encouraged in countless lightweight backpacking videos might result in a person becoming a casualty if they were to encounter the unexpected. All in favour of minimising weight, but not at the cost of safety. I also enjoy some modest camping comfort. I’ve earned it after experiencing true discomfort after spending many years in the Army.

Loved this. I have one of those seats.😬 I totally agree. If you are not comfortable then the fun level goes down. Thanks for confirming my thoughts.

Great video! Absolutely agree. I use the Klymit wide for the times I have to go to ground. I choose a 12’ tarp for a hammock because I like the extra protection. There’s good weight and bad weight and that differs from person to person.

I love UGQ! I think their stuff is great; it's so well made and they're wonderful to deal with! Glad you gave them a shout out.

My problem is the name brand pride. Like you aren’t a “true” backpacker unless you have archteryx, North Face, Patagonia, MSR, etc. Nothing wrong with budget gear!

Great video! Most of us are not thru-hikers. I do try to be mindful of weights but a little extra on the weekend adventure is just fine.

Great video and great tips for me ... a weekend backpacker with chronic pain and some disabilities. Thanks!

Just stumbled across your channel, you just got a sub!! Exactly the kind of review I needed... you set me straight on the sleep pad and the quilt...I was contemplating a revelation, you have steered me towards the UGQ. I mostly car camp... but keep a sleep system, stove and food in my car in case I'm ever stranded. Thank you for this review

Great info Dan! Gear is highly personal and is nice to have many variations to personalize a setup for the type of trip you are going on.

It's a cliche but, hike your hike. Sometimes you want to conquer a new place and do a lot of hiking. Sometimes you want to have a great camp experience and only do a couple miles somewhere near home. Spend big on the core items and it will keep your base weight low enough to bring whatever you want. A few extra grams, oz, lbs don't mean as much if you're a weekend warrior like most of us. Bring what's good for you and your plan.

Wow, I feel like this video was made for me. I love going backpacking and many times have to do it alone because none of my friends do it, and this leads me to "over pack" everything which increases weight. But, sometimes the weight is pointless if it doesn't work or complete the intended function. Thank you sir.

Mate, this is the most honest video I’ve seen..I do really backpack the very same way and I met a lot of people doing this and we always agree that backpacking is a very personal experience and everyone does it is a different way. I also got obsessed at the very beginning reviewing thousands of videos and websites 🤣 Thanks for sharing 👍

Thank you for this. My 12 year old is getting into camping with Trail Life and I don't know what he really needs and doesn't. Thank you for the help.

For years I had a 45 pound pack on a Universal tall frame. It included a Tahiti K79 inflatable kayak and a down quilt. Also was a 4 ounce rip-stop nylon tarp. With my fly rod, some jerky, pepperoni, dried onion foil, and 6 packs of top ramon, instant oatmeal and rice, beans, krusteze, canned milk, raisins, boullion and honey. Sometimes we used instant eggs with Dak canned bacon. There was usually three of us so we had on hatchet, one camera, one first aid kit, one propane burner, one aluminum grill and a two quart metal pot with lid. We typically hiked in and floated out on rivers. We planned 4 days but were good for 6. The inflatable kayak is a great bed but you need a tarp over it or you will end up in a puddle about 4 in the morning. We all had a plastic jug of snake bite medicine and instant coffee and tang. A metal cup hanging on the side of your pack is handy for drinking the spring water or heating tea on the campfire. Iguana

Great video Dan, love the topic and content! Looking forward to your review of the Bandit.

Awesome video!! Everyone who is starting out should watch this video. I agree 100%!! Keep up the great videos! No one cares what you carry. I try to never compare my pack with others! Yes I love my chair! Comfort is the number one thing to focus on when out on the trail.

I JUST handed in a piece to my editor about not caring about ultra light. LOVE THIS

I too am a NEMO Tensor user. Love mine. It’s so comfortable, and it doesn’t have as much of that crunchy thermarest sound when you move around. Another great video, Dan!

Subbed. I love Darwin, especially watching the thru hike vids. I got my pack weight low and feeling good about it.. but I’m not going to be able to do more than 2-3 days. Glad to see someone producing content for those with jobs/family

I really enjoyed your take on the topic. I’ll probably never will be a lightweight hiker & I too am perfectly alright with that! I’m just happy to get into the woods...doesn’t happen as often as I’d prefer.

Thanks again Dan. I’ll give you a little back story. I’m 51 years old. I currently weigh 270 (6’1 tall). Over the past 15 months I’ve dropped 80 pounds and shooting for a hundred. My only exercise has been walking and I’ve been eating healthier. A buddy of mine introduced me to backpacking verbally a few months ago. Since then I’ve been gearing up thanks to you and some of your constituents. I tried to consider weight as much as could for my budget. After purchasing everything I thought I needed I weighed in at an impressive 56lbs. 2 Nalgene bottles included. I knew I was heavy, but I figured I was used to packing that weight around anyway and I ( stubborn Portagee ) wanted to take all my goods with me and try em out. Well I got that opportunity a couple of weeks ago. I live in N.Cal near the Trinity Alps. We embarked on a two night trip to Tangle Blue Lake. We had a late start on Friday. We hit the trailhead at 5:40 pm. Made a rookie navigational error and ended up climbing a lung busting trail for about a half mile before we realized our mistake. I should add that we’re hitting patchy snow. Elevation was 4400 at start with 5800 at lake. We ended up stopping for the night short of the lake due to snow,light,and just not knowing how much farther to get there. Plus admittedly I was pretty wiped out. As it turned out we couldn’t make the lake due to snow, but managed to have a great time anyway! So I learned a lot, both from that experience and your video as well. I’ve managed to knock 15 lbs out, so that should help some. I was warned to be conscious of your weight and now I get it. Packing that weight around on your body is one thing and packing it on your back is an entirely different case! I scouted a little section of the PCT today in Castle Craggs State Park. We’re going to hit it on June 8 for the weekend. Can’t wait! Keep em coming! 👍🏼

Dan is the only man that can make a video like this and not rustle the UL community's feathers. I'm a huge fan of comfort over ultra light, Kudos Dan Becker, you did it again 🍻

Great to see you outside with a different visual backdrop Dan. Much more refreshing and engaging to watch - and it matches the good content and message. Well done. Keep varying it up to avoid viewer fatigue. Blue Boy

Hello Dan the Man, thank you for sharing another fine video. I really enjoyed it. I agree with you, in the back country it's all about comfort. A good night's sleep translates to more energy the next day, more energy to do all the fun things. Be safe, take care and have fun. 🤗

I also use a Ridgerunner but I did get CF spreader bars and a Cuban rain fly. Save some weight where I can but still be comfortable. And yes, I always bring a chair. This is a topic more people should be talking about. Thanks.

Appreciate your honesty man! I've been through similar over the years with my gear but i'm also primarily a weekend camping and backpacker with lots of day hikes in between. My uncle was in the military and got me into gear at a young age. Im 39 yrs old now and have tried and owned soo many packs and pieces of gear over the years its laughable lol but these days i have my gear dialed in how i like it! Its not all ultralight and its not all heavy. My gear is a mixture of military surplus, ems, walmart, ebay and so on lol.. Camelbak trizip is my day/overnight and edc pack! Love it! It has mystery ranch companies designed futura harness and it snugs the human body better than any pack ive owned or tried period. I'm a tent guy 100%. One man tents are my go to. My favorite tent weighs a bit more than most people carry! But its good for 4 seasons and its the most durable,waterproof and easiest tent setup i have ever owned. The ORC-ICS one man tent in ACU camo. ICS (Improved Combat Shelter). 5lbs but packs fairly small and i Love it!! Recommend it to anyone! Laugh all you want it will outlast most one man tents on the market and its 100% waterproof!! Thermarest military prolite 3 sleeping pad coyote brown/foliage. Awesome sleeping pad in my opinion! 1 lb. 8 oz and i put it in a 2 in 1 thermarest stuff sack/pillow. Sleeping bag mountainhardwear lamina z-flame 22 degree bag 2lb. 8 oz. warm and comfortable. Recently switched to the USMC 3 season sleep system sleeping bag regular size. Coyote brown, center zip 2lbs. Stove msr pocket rocket 2 mini stove kit. Works great! Used to use my jetboil zip but i can do more with the rocket like cook trout in a pan and such. Sea to summit and sealline stuff sacks,towels and so on!! Use what lasts and works for you!! Even if it takes years to get your gear dialed in to what you like!! Stay safe and hike on! Subscibed!

I’m just starting to get into back packing, have done stationary camps before and hike anywhere between 2-12 miles every week, but when it came to backpacking gear I had no idea where to begin. Thank you for posting a reasonable gear review!! Not over packed, yet comfortable for a 2-3 day trip. Liked and subscribed! I plan to start sectioning the AT this fall, once I have a few more short trips under my belt and feel confident.

Can’t wait to get on this level of gear reviews, first I need to get some gear, great reviews man!

Well said sir, everything in moderation. I feel that some people get so obsessed with UL that they forget that they are out to enjoy themselves, a few 'luxury' items can make a big difference.

Hey Dan, all your reasons make perfect sense. But in my situation I have to go ultralight... because I shouldn't backpack any other way. I'm 25yo (and hence fully grown) and weigh about 48 kg or 105lbs. I've been pretty stable & comfortable at this weight for the past 8 years. To prevent long-term joint damage, I have to carry max 20% of my body weight o(without food and water), which means I have no choice but to carry less than 10kg. Sometimes, it's not ego or gear fetish but just body diversity. I'm always jealous when bigger hikers like you can get away with cheaper gear ;) Each to her own and wish you sunshine on your trails!

What a fantastic video. Thank you for being honest and a realist.

I spent the last 5 nights on the 25” wide Nemo Tensor insulated pad on a kayak camping trip. I totally agree with your review. It provides incredible quality of sleep!!! Couldn’t be happier

Here's what I see going on. Hiking has become a gym workout followed by socializing at shelters and campsites. The lightweight fast and furious hiking style is aggressively pushed by sales teams on social media.

I am an ultralight backpacker. I soak my food, count every ounce, etc. But, doing it does not make me better person or even a better backpacker. It is simply what I do so I can climb the mountains I want to climb with the physical limits I have and enjoy doing so. If I go canoeing much of my gear is different because the canoe can carry more wight. It is about finding a good balance between weight and comfort. Along with what you can afford. It is good to know about some of the ultralight techniques or options but use the equipment that works best for you.

New to your channel, really enjoying the content. I’m more of an adventure cyclist, but so much of your philosophy is really transferable. Great stuff, thanks

Hey Dan, thanks for telling it how it is! I’m planning on a trip as soon as I get back from my deployment and I have been watching tons of videos ( I’m new to backpacking/trekking/etc.). You made one thing really clear here comfort>weight. Besides I don’t mind all the weight.

Amen brother, I teach a bike packing 101 class every year and everyone always looks shocked when I talk about luxury items. I don't leave home without my thermarest chair. Even though I own a lighter pad I take my thermarest because it works with my chair. Also as a birder I usually have binoculars.

Once again well done Dan! Your and my philosophy matches 100%! I keep weight in mind but it's not the most important focus to me. Keep up the good work!

-My wife and I are new to hiking. Just now gathering gear. Your vids have been such a big help. Our intention is overnight hikes maybe two to three day max. We work and don't have that much time. The AT and C and O canal trails are right in our back yard. We can't wait to get started.

Nice piece of work Dan, it's always a struggle when people are telling you-you need this or you need that when it's all about what's right for each individual person. Great vid. Subscribed...

Something I've never understood about ultralight backpackers is why they don't sit at camp in the morning till they poop. Worried so much about an ounce but they just ate a ramen bomb the night before turd probably weighs a pound. You ain't UL till you poop ppl.

Weekend backpacker here too. Pro Tip: Carry 8 to 10 beers in cans instead of bottles to save weight. Pack it out.

This is why you're my favorite trekker/camper youtube guy, because I am a weekend bushcrafter, and comfort and quality matter more than weight.

I like you man. You dont BS, thanks for the information on the quilts. My base is usual 28lbs, as ex-military it doesn't bother me too much. I love the gear just like you have stated before. Very addictive!! Take care.

I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to weight when backpacking. I just use the same stuff I used when i was in the infantry. Its all pretty light to me because its the same basic packing list minus ammo / night vision / communication equipment

Thank you. I started backpacking in the ‘60s when I was in Boy Scouts, and I’ve never had time to do more than a 2 week trip. Your the first guy I’ve seen do a channel for those that love the outdoors without making us fell like light weights for not taking a 6 month walk every year. I still like a lot of the other channels for all the stuff I’ve learned from them, but it was really nice to hear something a little different for a change.

It's really nice to see you trilling this path. It's not easy to be ultralight in my country, and most of your thougths here are my way to go here. Thanks for sharing amazing content. I really want a video about backpacking with kids.

Totally agree with your point. the real matter for every individual is to identify their true needs before making any purchase order.

Sometimes I think those who worship at the altar of ultralight do so because they want to bring 5 pounds of camera equipment. This is another great video that is so reasonable, Dan!

Great vid - represents 90% of backpackers.

Great video! I totally agree as someone who is a “reasonably lightweight backpacker” but certainly not an ultralight backpacker. It’s all about compromises between comfort and weight. Weight can’t be the end all/be all. For me it’s my camera equipment. I enjoy taking a certain amount camera gear with me on my hikes. It prevents me from ever going fully ultralight, but the gear enhances my experience out there so much that I would never consider going without it!

Great video Dan, I agree with you as to am a weekender. I carry a little extra so I can enjoy my camping experience, that's why I go outdoors. Cheers!

3:35 - I am with you Dan. In my opinion it doesn't matter either if you are a through hiker, carrying a little bit more weight that equals sustained and better sleep everyday is a no brainer! What one person likes may not work the same for someone else. It is a great resource to be able to see what other people use to hike with and to be able to learn from other people that hike with less gear but in the end everyone needs to just hike their own hike and learn what works best for them. Sleep and hygiene are two things, imo, that a lot of people overlook out in the wilderness.

I would love to see a comparison of the gear I used to carry in the 90's! There were no such things as "ultralight" - easily 40-50lbs in summer - winter was worse lol

This is exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for! I'm just getting into overnight hiking. I'll only be doing weekend trips with maybe a kid or two for the foreseeable future. Like you, I have a lot of other responsibilities that require my time and money. I'm not looking for the super expensive ultralight gear; it has to be a balance of cost, weight, and functionality. I appreciate the candor.

Love it, totally agree! The point is to have fun and enjoy the outdoors with the luxury's we love and desire to that make the outdoors a great experience for us!

I travel with 197 Porters, so the weight has never bothered me. The only problem I have is when they don’t heat my water, in the cast iron bathtub, to it’s proper temperature. 😉

I have found if you want your pack to feel lighter, become stronger.

You are my kind of hiker sir! Consider me subscribed. Like you, I have too many obligations in life to dedicate week or month long excursions. Keep up the good work.

Lol I bought the Nemo pad bc I watched your video on it, Dan. I’m glad I did. Love that thing!

Good video on a good topic, Dan. I am definitely lightening my gear this year, but I agree it can go too far. Two years ago I upgraded to a pretty light Big Agnes pad and bag combo. But I blew it (pun intended) on the width, chasing low weight. I got a 20" pad. With my BA bag that has a sleeve for the pad, I find my arms fall off the sides of the bag, which tightens the bag over my chest, making it hard to breath and impossible to be comfortable. I simply cannot sleep. So now I am getting a 25" pad and my tiny wife can have the 20" BA combo. A couple of things about UL packers is I see they carry inadequate first aid kits, no knife, and only one light (a headlamp). Injuries happen, stuff needs to be cut, and lights break or die. So I carry a reasonable first aid kid, the excellent Light My Fire knife/ferro rod combo, and a Luci light to go with my 360 lumen, $3 LED headlamp. Likewise, I bought a Sawyer Mini because there were rave reviews at the time, highlighting its low weight. But the flow is awful. It takes me about 20 minutes to squeeze two liters through it. So I replaced it with the Sawyer Squeeze, nevermind the greater bulk and weight. Who wants to struggle with a filter for 20 minutes to start or end their day's hike? And I plan to get a 2L CNOC dirty water bag for ease, functionality and covenience, despite the extra weight. I seriously considered a Zpacks Duplex to replace my heavy-but-nice Nemo Losi 3. But as light as it is, I kept hearing about people having single wall tents rain on them in muggy, torential rain storms, even the well-designed Duplex. The Tarp Tent Double Rainbow 2 was on my list, and it does have a semi inner roof accessory to catch drips. But I ultimately got the 3F UL Lanshan 2 and its winter inner. It's light. It's two-walled. It's versatile. And it's affordable, so I spent the extra money I saved on the Zpacks Arc Haul pack instead. Besides all that, I use heavy-ish merino wool for sleepware, because it is soooooo much more comfortable and warmer than synthetics, and I bring a book to read at night or when I take a zero on a day of heavy rain. After spending a full day in a pup tent on the Pemi Loop during a monsoon rain day, I went crazy from boredom. Never again. Lastly, yes, I own several cannister stoves, including the titanium BRS. But my go-to stove kit is the supreme Trail Designs Ti-Tri Caldera stove system. Shielded Isbit and alcohol configurations - check. But it is the gassifying wood stove configuration that it features that does it for me. Trust me, you can sit around one of these all day under a tarp drawing warmth from it in crummy, cold weather while only needing to fuel it with small sticks, twigs and pine cones. You cannot do that with a cannister stove. It takes up a little more space, because I chose one for a larger titanium pot, but it is worth it. I will never run out of fuel. And because I also winter camp, it has the potential to be a lifesaver in a hypothermic crisis.

I started backpacking in the 80s then joined the army in the 90s what I learned is I would rather carry a bit of weight and be comfortable. I always thought ultra light backpacking was a fad. It’s easier to get used to weight then be miserable at night. I also like hiking to a camp and staying a few days then hike back. I don’t get a race to complete something just because. But to each there own. You gotta do what makes you happy don’t worry about what others think.

I'm with you on this. I don't go anywhere without the Helinox . Such a luxury in camp to have a seat you can lean back in after a long day.

Great video and love your perspective.

Comfy conquers all, just think about early thru hikers with frame backs fully stacked, wearing Danner original hiking boots.

I never worry about the weight. I simply take what I think I'll need.

I like the content of this video... and the honesty of it

You are the most honest and credible backpacking resource on the net. LOVE your videos. Gram Weenies have their place but represent only a relatively small percentage of the actual backpacking community. GW Example - What you didn't buy the $600 tent! Thanks

"The sleep I need to hike the next day" That statement is exactly why I will never bitch about the weight of my Ridgerunner/Tarp/UQ/TQ.

I carry great food and warm and soft sleeping gear . and kona coffee . and them small bottles of whiskey . good times .

Man I was hoping to see some b-roll of the mesh house! Great video Dan dividing the difference between ultralight and weekend Backpackers. A little bit of comfort is important!

I'm not a through hiker, nor am I a section hiker. Leaving on a three-week AT hike tomorrow but that is a special treat. Point is, this video makes mucho sense in general and specifically for me. Thanks!

I think some folks are referring to a couple RU-vidrs I follow when they are talking about the ultralight fixation some have. To be fair they all understand weight vs comfortability. Most who talk about Ultralight are trying to finish fast. Even the UL folks have "Luxuries" but they are 2 different games Basic Thru Hiking and Ultralight Hiking.

I went overboard on trying to to go too light on the sleeping pad - I bought some 6 ounce pads that were sort of honey-combed shaped - the idea was the air pockets were supposed to provide insulation. It actually was comfortable as long as I laid on my back. Unfortunately (as far as my using the pad), I sleep on my side, stomach, back, all sorts of positions. So I realized I had gone too far - and added back a heavier pad AND a pillow, for the same reason you gave: better sleep (you're stronger during the day if you sleep better at night.)

I like your mentality. I've gone the MYOG route to save money, use the materials I like/trust and make stuff that fits my needs. That is the most important thing about hiking - you are supposed to enjoy it! So take the stuff that will help meet that goal.