Lightweight Hiking Gear Overview - Hiking in Norwegian Fjords

[onenewmurderer]

Now I have not personally put those specs to the test, but i had 2 friends who took a pocketrocket and cooked 3 meals a day for both of them(cooking seperately on the same canister) and they did i believe a week on the AT with just one canister for both of them. Hope that helps you out! so those ones that arent completely full are good for overnighters and such.

[CrawlingRoad]

@onenewmurderer I will use the canisters down as low as I feel comfortable with. Then I will retire them to my kitchen where I use the stove to heat up water, etc. when I need it. That way I can use up the fuel and not feel like I'm wasting anything.

[onenewmurderer]

Hey Craig, I dont know if anyone else has commented about this, but a little tip that may help you out with that stove. I have a MSR pocketrocket, and my fuel canister(the small jetboil fuel canister) can cook 2-3 meals a day for 2 people for about 5-6 days.

[CrawlingRoad]

@onenewmurderer I like the stove. That big canister will easily last me 2 weeks with that stove. The smaller one is probably good for 5-7 day trips. But I've switched back to my Trangia/Clikstand for now. I like the simplicity and easy of fuel management.

[ChrisJI89]

I have to say, I disagree with you on the jacket front. Maybe the breathable jackets you tried were crap, but get a good one and it will be worth it. You should try a jacket made with eVent fabric, it's highly breathable and very waterproof. I own the Montane halo stretch myself and it's probably the best waterproof I've ever had. I used to own a cheapo non breathable jacket too, but this is a vast improvement.

Once you start sweating, your insulation will get wet and that's not good...

[CrawlingRoad]

@ChrisJI89 eVent is on the list, but I have been so discouraged through the years I remain skeptical. Out in my area it gets so wet that the out layers of all jackets can become soaked. Plus the outside temp is much lower than inside the jacket. That will cause almost all breathable fabrics to stop breathing or concentrate condensation. So if I know it's going to be really wet, like days and days wet, I'd still want the non-breathable.

[ChrisJI89]

@CrawlingRoad I live in the UK, and I'm often out on Dartmoor in Devon, which is exactly the climate you described. It's usually absolutely soaking wet, with cold temps. Despite this, my eVent jacket has been brilliant. I really would urge you to give it another go. Breathable fabrics have moved on a lot recently, you may be surprised.

[CrawlingRoad]

@ChrisJI89 That's a glowing endorsement, Chris. We don't have that brand you mention in the US, but do have others that use eVent. I will check it out and report back in the future.

[CrawlingRoad]

@ChrisJI89 and thanks for your comment. If I get an eVent jacket and give it a good solid multi-day rain forest test I will post a review.

[Hiluxtaco]

This video is fantastic! :-)

[deanznz]

Another great video.... and an idea to get rid of used toilet paper if there is no fire ban, try setting it on fire.

[backpackinonline]

I especially like your explanation of map and compass.

In my opinion, the GPS should be an "extra".

[mizrachi1000]

Another great video, but are you using the Akto or Soulo? Had me sold on the Soulo.

[CrawlingRoad]

@mizrachi1000 I take the Soulo when I'm going into definite snow country (winter camping). It is 1.5 lbs heavier than the Akto, but stronger if I'm expecting snowfall. The Akto is my three season tent of choice due to the lower weight. However I wouldn't complain if all I had was a Soulo and would happily use it all year round with the weight penalty in mind. The Akto also works in all seasons, but maybe not as well if you are expecting a lot of snow.

[onenewmurderer]

@CrawlingRoad yeap! i carry my Soulo no matter what! I know it can handle everything the outdoors can throw at it. I was in 40-50 mile an hour wind gusts about a week ago and my tent brushed that off like it was nothing. Matter of fact i didnt even realize the wind was that strong until i got out of the tent. Now that they have released a mesh inner for the soulo(in May) it can help cut some weight for summer camping. (just use the mesh instead of the tent).

[CrawlingRoad]

@onenewmurderer A good shelter can save your a@@ in bad weather. Honestly I'll cut weight in other areas, but I don't mess around carrying a minimalist shelter. I tried them and find I just don't like cutting things that close if the weather doesn't cooperate.

[kinskibrain]

You don't bring a Swiss army knife or Leatherman?

[CrawlingRoad]

@kinskibrain Yes I carry a Swiss Army Knife as well (often a Swiss Army Farmer or sometimes one with saw, scissors and pliers like the Atlas, Outrider or Hercules which are all heavier). But I forgot to include it in this review. I like having a backup knife and multitool with me.

[kinskibrain]

Great video. I've always been torn on saving weight on packs.

I move a lot in thick brush and I would be worried about the silnylon like material in Granite Gear pack getting torn.

My latest pack was 2 kg, still relatively lightweight but with no zippers or features, just really heavy duty. I found 60 L is too little for me though. I need about 80 - 100 L to do a two week hike alone with camera and fishing gear.

[CrawlingRoad]

@kinskibrain The silnylon in this pack is durable and ripstop. Areas prone to abrasion are covered in cordura nylon. There are people that thru-hike the Appalachian and other trails with these packs and they hold up well (but not much bushwhacking). Packs from ULA Equipment are made with spectra fiber reinforced sail cloth. They are extremely strong and light. I'll use a 65L pack for winter trip which is from Osprey. It is more durable but heavier. Bringing fishing gear sounds fun.

[markshmily]

Great stuff...

I looked up the tent up carry.. and wow... expensive... sure worth the money..but yikes. I am planning on getting an REI tent.

Great gear.. thanks for sharing

[CrawlingRoad]

@markshmily They are expensive, but they have a lifetime warranty and will not get you wet and cold in bad weather. Nothing is worse than a wet tent and getting your gear all wet in the process. REI has good tents. They have some 3.5 season shelters which look interesting. I've also had good luck with Big Agnus tents (Seedhouse SL2). Their ultralight tents though are too wimpy and likely to tear in bad weather. I'd avoid them.

[SlinkingTiger]

I always learn so much from watching your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[CrawlingRoad]

@SlinkingTiger Thanks for the note. I enjoy sharing what I've learned. Hopefully it will help you enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.

[hecktor15]

I would love to see a review on the platypus gravity water filter. I was ready to get a katadyn mini filter after your review of that but I am curious about the gravity feed. It would be nice to see a compare and contrast. A review on the compass would be great too. Nice vid! Gorgeous country.

[CrawlingRoad]

@hecktor15 I will be reviewing the Platypus gravity filter for certain. My short answer is as much as I like the Katadyn, the platypus is a much better system. I highly recommend it. For the same weight you get eight liters of water carrying capacity as well. Plus it's a lot less work to use over a pump.

[CrawlingRoad]

@hecktor15 I just posted my Gravityworks filter review. Check my channel.

[oldhairpin]

Seen it! lol I was hoping this was your next vid; popcorn at the ready Craig ;-)

Take care, Ben

[rowdybeaver33]

Outstanding! Well thought out and presented. You certainly seem to know what you're doing even though I don't agree with 100% of it. We'll 98%. Have a good day man.

Keith

[CrawlingRoad]

@rowdybeaver33 Thanks for the comment. Don't be bashful though and let me know your ideas so we can all learn new things.