More and more I become aware of the resources we have in video sharing sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. I recently found this free recording of a lightweight gear shakedown that would be valuable to a 25+ pound packer (base weight) that wants to lighten their load.
Information in the recording (which is broken into four parts) comes through two individuals:
TheOldGuy (a YouTube name) has hiked into Neels Gap, GA, on the Appalachian Trail and is trying to lighten his load by getting a gear shake-down. He decides to take a video recording of the shake-down. For most of the recording, he is behind the camera asking questions.
Ryan Davis has completed thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail and is using his experience to sort through TheOldGuy’s pack and suggest lighter weight options item-by-item. He is employed by Mountain Crossings - an outfitter in Neels Gap, GA, that is right on the AT and is the first outfitter a northbound thru-hiker encounters after 30 trail miles. The workers at the outfitter see hundreds of northbound thru-hikers each spring and are known in the trail community for their experience in shaking down packs.
Both parties in the recording provide genuine insights. To those that are new to long-distance backpacking, Ryan will provide a great deal of gear information and TheOldGuy will provide comfort and confidence. My further critique is posted below the videos. Enjoy:
***Total viewing time – 21 minutes 44 seconds***
I agree with a great deal of Ryan’s advising. Three things I would like to add:
- When discussing the alcohol stove, Ryan mentions that the product HEET (alcohol stove fuel) is available at automotive stores. I’ve also been able to find HEET in most convenience stores.
- I would ditch the poop trowel and suggest the use of a foot or stick.
- I disagree with carrying 100% store-bought freeze-dried meals such as Mountain House Brand on a long-distance backpacking trip. Purchasing these meals and putting them in maildrops costs extra money and weight. The trash is heavy. To see backpacking food resources I like, click here.
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I’ve now set-up a YouTube Channel to share my recordings and link to others’ recordings that I find valuable as a long-distance backpacker. Here’s the link.
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Did this blog post help you in any way? What did you think about the recommended gear in the video? Was TheOldGuy’s gear similar to your gear in any way? Please leave comments below.
Have a good day,
Squirrel Meat
In the UK some of us have ditched the trowel and have made a tent stake trowel fashioned out of a MSR blizzard stake. See my blog for the idea.
I agree about the Mountain House food, by a dehydrator and make your own!
November 17th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I 3rd ditching the trowel–sticks, rocks, heel of shoe seem to always work.
Besides the points about the freeze dried weight savings, I found that the benefits of stopping in random stores for food variety far out weighs any dehydrated worries.
I also had rain jacket issues. I couldn’t catch the specific Mt Hardware jacket he mentioned, but I’m always looking for a new one.
Things like stoves, sleeping setups, etc can be very personal. What works well for 1 hiker may be horrible for another but they are good things to consider.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
May 29th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I served in the Army for 4 years and was quickly burnt out on MRE’s. I am an outdoorsman and love to camp and hike. I’ve tried tons of different MRE’s and none compare to the Camping Food & Backpacking Food at Backpacker’s Pantry. Their food is amazing and lightweight. I’ve tried the mountain house stuff and it didn’t quite cut it for me.
June 24th, 2010 at 11:24 am
Repackage dried meals in ziplock bags. Anyone try Mary Jane’s Farm? The Chilimac rocks!
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/categories/food-pantry.asp
July 9th, 2010 at 10:01 pm